Overview
The Augustinian Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul stands quietly on Abbey Street in Clones, County Monaghan. Often called the Wee Abbey by locals, this compact National Monument packs over a thousand years of Irish religious history into a single block. Visitors walk freely among the remains of a 12th-century Romanesque church, a soaring 23-metre round tower, and a graveyard filled with striking 17th-century tombstones. There are no entry fees or ticket barriers, just open access to a site that has witnessed Viking raids, Norman reconstruction, and the slow quieting of monastic life.
History & Monastic Life
The monastic settlement began in the 6th century when St Tighernach (St Tierney) founded a church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. Local tradition holds that Tighernach was baptised by St Brigid at Kildare before establishing his community in the townland of Crossmoyle. Early Irish monastic sites were typically modest, built around wooden structures and a central stone church, but Clones quickly grew into an important ecclesiastical centre. Its prominence made it a target. The Annals record a Viking raid in 836 AD, followed by destructive fires in 1095 and 1184.
The site we see today largely dates from the 12th-century Augustinian re-foundation. Around 1140, the community transitioned to the Order of Canons Regular, which introduced a more structured, clerical way of life. The Anglo-Norman invasion brought further upheaval; in 1207, Hugh de Lacy razed the settlement, but the English rebuilt it shortly after, erecting a castle and restoring the monastic complex. The abbey flourished through the late medieval period, even acquiring a copy of the Gospels known as The Domhnach, reputedly given by St Patrick to St Mac Caorthainn.
The Protestant Reformation and subsequent land leases in the late 1500s marked the beginning of the end for the monastic community. By the 17th century, the buildings were in decline, though records suggest solitary monks remained into the 1700s. The Office of Public Works now maintains the ruins, preserving the stonework for public access.
What to See
The site is small enough to explore thoroughly in under an hour, but each feature tells a distinct part of the story:
- Round Tower: Rising 23 metres above the graveyard, this four-storey sandstone structure predates the Augustinian church. Built around the early 10th century, its raised doorway (1.5m above ground) and narrow slit windows served as both a bell tower and a defensive refuge. The interior was cleared in the 1840s, revealing human remains from an earlier burial ground.
- Romanesque Church Ruins: The surviving nave dates to the mid-12th century. Look for the characteristic round-headed windows and the austere, functional stonework that defined early Augustinian architecture. A small Celtic cross carved in relief on the northern wall offers a quiet nod to earlier Irish carving traditions.
- High Cross: Originally displayed on Clones’ town Diamond, this cross is a composite piece. The shaft comes from one 10th-century cross, while the head belongs to another. The western face illustrates Old Testament scenes, the eastern face depicts New Testament narratives, and the head carries additional biblical carvings.
- Gabled Stone Shrine: Carved from a single block of sandstone, this miniature church-shaped structure sits near the tower. It is topped with a weathered figure wearing a mitre and likely once housed the relics of St Tighernach. It was moved in the 18th century to cover a burial vault.
- Memento Mori Tombstones: The surrounding graveyard features 17th- to 19th-century gravestones, many carved with skull motifs. These stark reminders of mortality create a reflective atmosphere as you walk the perimeter.
Practical Information & Getting There
The abbey is open year-round and free to visit. As an unguided National Monument, there are no staff on site or formal visitor facilities. The ground is uneven and covered in historic grass and stone, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The site is best suited to visitors with reasonable mobility, and there is no wheelchair access to the tower interior or raised areas.
The ruins sit directly on Abbey Street, a short walk from Clones town centre. If driving, follow the N54 through town. Limited on-street parking is available on Abbey Street and nearby lanes, but the Clones Town Car Park on Main Street is a reliable alternative during busier periods. Bus Éireann routes 162 and 163 stop at Clones bus station, just a few minutes’ walk away. Plan for at least 45 minutes to read the interpretive panels, photograph the stonework, and walk the full perimeter of the graveyard.
Exploring the Wider Area
The abbey sits within easy walking distance of other historic landmarks in Clones. St Macartan’s Cathedral and the town’s other religious heritage sites are just across the road, while the Clones Lace Museum showcases the town’s famous textile craft tradition. For a longer heritage route, the Dartrey Estate – Forest, House, Church & Monuments lies a short drive north, offering woodland trails and a 19th-century mausoleum. Visitors with extra time can also head to Black Island, a scenic spot on Lough Muckno featuring a ruined 19th-century church and circular walking paths.
Bring a light jacket even on warm days; the open stone walls and graveyard create a noticeable chill, and the lack of shelter means the weather can shift quickly while you explore.