Inish Mor , Aran Islands
Some Monastic Settlements
Teampall Bhreacain
St. Enda set up a centre on the island in 490 A.D. where various Irish monks studied. The
area is remote from the mainland. A decidedly rocky limestone-based
landscape, virtually devoid of soil, 4 or 5 small monastery cells
were set up on the leeward side of the largest island in the group
called Inish Mor (big island).
Location :11 miles
from Rossaveal ferry port or 26 miles from Galway City itself. The
ferry takes about one hour from Rossaveal and when you land
on Inish Mor your choice of transport is walking, cycling or jaunty
car. Being only 8 miles long and 2 miles in width its relatively easy
to get around the island. Teampall Bhreacain (above) lies about 6 miles W
of Cill Ronain, the port town, on the high main road.
Features :
These were more likely boundary cross-inscribed slabs marking out the corners
of a monastery land limits.The second slab from the left has the words
VII ROMANI (7 romans). The one to the right of that commemorates
the apostle Thomas. The church is approx.12th century and has the
remains of a cashel wall surrounding it. At the east gable wall you
will find a cross etched stone (bottom pic) with a hole in it and was
used as a medieval sundial for the monks.
Date :
12th - 14th century.
© Paul Griffin, 2000
