Lying 2km offshore from Mountshannon, Holy Island (Inis Cealtra) is the site of a monastic settlement thought to have been founded by St Cáimín in the 7th century. On the island you will see a round tower that is more than 27m tall. Even with the top floor missing, it remains a landmark seen from two counties. You'll also find four old chapels, a hermit's cell and some early Christian gravestones dating from the 7th to 13th centuries. One of the chapels possesses an elegant Romanesque arch and, inside, an Old Irish inscription that translates as 'Pray for Tornog, who made this cross'.
The Vikings treated this monastery roughly in the 9th century, but under the crowd-pleasing protection of Brian Ború and others, it flourished. During the 17th century as many as 15,000 people would make Easter pilgrimages here.
At Mountshannon Harbour in summer, you may find boats willing to take you over to the island or at least sail around it.
