History of Clones
History of Clones
Clones, Cluain-Eois (the meadow of Eois)
Clones is a 25 minute road trip from either Cavan or Monaghan town and is set in the beautiful drumlin countryside. Clones offers a different pace of life from the hustle and bustle of large cities. Our local community are ready to give a warm welcome to visitors from near and far.
Historically Clones offers a snapshot of the rich and wonderful history that lies within the drumlin countryside. Places that tell a storey of our forgotten ancestors, how they lived, who they were and how we are inextricably linked to the ancient past.
Clones town was once an ‘ecclesiastical’ site where a monastery once stood with circular monastic cells, churches and a round tower. The monastery was founded by Saint Tighernach, one of the early Celtic saints that helped to spread Christianity throughout Ireland. A sarcophagus that once held his body is situated in the Round Tower graveyard where chieftains of the McMahon and McNeill clans often disputed their rights of burial under the sarcophagus.
A 10th century high cross takes pride of place on the diamond, it is described as an Ulster Scripture Cross shows panels representing the Old and New Testament. A short walk brings you the a Norman Motte and Bailey that fell under attack from the local Ulster O’Neills who drove back the Norman forces towards the east. Around the corner we have the remains of the abbey of SS Peter and Paul known locally as the Wee Abbey where the Augustinian Order brought a new church order from Europe. Adjacent to this is a tiny graveyard containing a selection of 18th and 19th century grave markers that are amongst the oldest in the country. Our round tower still stands proud today as it did in the 9th century.
