Overview
Clonard Monastery is a Catholic church and monastery administered by the Redemptorist Fathers, situated on the Falls Road in West Belfast, County Antrim. Dedicated to the Most Holy Redeemer, the building sits beside Clonard Gardens (BT13 2RL) and is framed by some of the city’s most iconic political murals, making it both a place of worship and a living museum of recent Irish history. The monastery’s grounds include the adjoining Bombay Street, the flashpoint of the 1969 civil‑rights clashes that ignited the Troubles. While the church is open to the public, most visitors experience it as part of a guided political walking tour that weaves together the narrative of West Belfast’s struggle for identity and peace.
History
Founded in the 19th century, Clonard Monastery quickly became a spiritual centre for the Catholic community of the Falls Road. Its name, derived from the Irish Cluain Iaraird, reflects a long tradition of monastic settlement in the region. The monastery’s most dramatic moment came in August 1969, when a civil‑rights march on Bombay Street turned violent, marking the first major outbreak of the conflict that would dominate Northern Irish life for three decades. The street’s name is now synonymous with the birth of the modern Troubles, and the monastery’s proximity to the events has cemented its place in the collective memory of the city.
During the height of the conflict, the monastery’s walls were often painted with political slogans and murals, many of which remain today. These artworks form part of the International Wall, a continuous stretch of murals that document the aspirations, grievances, and hopes of the local community. The monastery itself is frequently featured in these visual narratives, symbolising both resilience and the yearning for peace. In 2016 the church was listed among the Jubilee Churches for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.
Architecture & Interior
Clonard is built in a French‑Gothic style, evident in its soaring nave, pointed arches and intricate stonework. Visitors are drawn to the massive rose‑window that floods the sanctuary with coloured light, and to the impressive pipe organ that dominates the rear gallery. Above the high altar sits a striking mosaic depicting the Most Holy Redeemer, while a relic of St Gerald Majella is kept in a side chapel. The interior is modest yet reverent, with stained‑glass windows portraying biblical scenes and a series of side altars that host devotional candles.
Mass Times
Clonard Monastery remains an active place of worship. Regular Masses are celebrated throughout the week, offering visitors the chance to experience the sanctuary’s quiet atmosphere:
- Monday‑Thursday: 7:00 am, 9:30 am, 6:15 pm (plus a 8:00 pm novena on Thursday)
- Friday: 7:00 am, 9:30 am, 6:15 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am, 9:30 am, 12:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:30 pm (vigil), 7:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm
Services are streamed live from the monastery’s website, allowing remote participation. Visitors are welcome to attend outside of guided tours, but should be mindful of service times and dress modestly.
Annual Novena (June)
Each June the monastery hosts a nine‑day Novena pilgrimage that attracts thousands of faithful from across Ireland and abroad. The Novena features extended liturgies, choral music and opportunities to light candles at the altar. Although the event can make the interior busier than usual, it offers a unique spiritual experience and a chance to witness the community’s devotion.
What to See & Do
- Mural Trail – As you approach the monastery, you’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of murals on the surrounding walls. Look for the famous Bobby Sands portrait and the International Wall panels that depict global struggles for freedom.
- Bombay Street – A short walk from the monastery, this narrow lane is marked by commemorative plaques and interpretive signs that explain the 1969 clashes. It offers a poignant glimpse into the street’s role as the epicentre of the early Troubles.
- Monastery Interior – Inside, the sanctuary retains a simple, contemplative atmosphere. Stained‑glass windows cast coloured light across the nave, and a modest altar invites quiet reflection.
- Guided Political Walks – The most immersive way to experience Clonard is on a Coiste Irish Political Tour. Former political prisoners lead visitors through the Falls Road, sharing first‑hand accounts of the conflict, the significance of the murals, and the monastery’s role in community life. The joint Falls/Shankill tour also passes through Clonard, offering a balanced perspective from both nationalist and unionist guides.
Sample Tour Schedule
| Tour | Day(s) | Time | Duration | Price (Adult) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falls Road Mural Tour | Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | 10:00 am | 3 hrs | £20 |
| Falls/Shankill Joint Tour | Friday | 10:00 am | 3 hrs | £30 |
Tickets can be purchased at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, online via the tour’s website, or on the day of the tour at the venue.
Recent News
In October 2025 the monastery was the target of a masked burglary. Two laptops and a mobile phone were taken from the residential block where the 13 Redemptorist priests live. The incident was reported to the PSNI and prompted a community appeal for any CCTV footage. While the theft was unsettling, the monastery remained open for worship and visitors.
Accessibility & Visitor Information
- Opening Hours – General visitor access is Monday‑Friday 09:00‑17:00; the site is closed on Saturdays and Sundays except for Masses.
- Wheelchair Access – The interior has limited wheelchair access due to historic layout, but the surrounding mural trail is level and can be navigated with assistance. Wheelchair‑accessible toilets are available on the ground floor.
- Parking – No dedicated car park. Street parking is available on nearby residential streets; spaces are limited during peak times.
- Public Transport – Several bus stops lie within a 5‑minute walk: Iris Street (stop 315 m), Colligan Street (442 m), Elswick Street (435 m) and Clonard (370 m). The Belfast City Centre train station is a 15‑minute walk.
- Contact – Telephone: 028 9044 5950. For up‑to‑date tour information and ticket booking, visit the Coiste Irish Political Tours page at https://visitbelfast.com/listing/coiste-irish-political-tours/97354101/. The monastery’s own website, https://www.clonard.com, provides service times and live‑stream links.
Visiting the Monastery
Clonard Monastery is situated on the Falls Road, a short walk from the Divis Tower mural that serves as the meeting point for most political tours. The monastery itself does not charge an entry fee and is open to visitors year‑round; however, access may be limited during active services or private events.
- Accessibility – Wheelchair access to the interior is limited because of the historic layout, but the surrounding mural trail is largely level and can be navigated with assistance.
- Parking – There is no dedicated car park. Street parking is available on adjacent residential streets, though spaces can be scarce during peak times.
- Public Transport – The Falls and Donegall bus routes stop nearby, and the Belfast City Centre train station is a 15‑minute walk away.
- Contact – Telephone: 028 9044 5950. For up‑to‑date tour information and ticket booking, visit the Coiste Irish Political Tours page at visitbelfast.com. The monastery’s own website, https://www.clonard.com, provides service times and live‑stream links.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in the Falls Road area, consider extending your walk to other points of interest:
- St John the Evangelist (Falls Road) – A short distance down the Falls Road, this parish church offers additional insight into the local Catholic community.
- Belfast Castle – Set on the slopes of the Belfast Hills, the castle and its surrounding parkland provide panoramic views of the city. Belfast Castle
- Belfast Hills – Ideal for a leisurely hike after exploring the murals, with trails that overlook the River Lagan and the city skyline. Belfast Hills
Clonard Monastery stands as a quiet sentinel amid the vibrant political art of West Belfast. Whether you arrive on a guided tour or wander the Falls Road on your own, the site offers a powerful reminder of the city’s turbulent journey and its ongoing quest for reconciliation.