Overview
Inis Clothrann – widely known as Inchcleraun and historically as Quaker Island – is the largest of the 52 islands scattered across Lough Ree, the central lake of the River Shannon. Covering roughly 57 hectares, the island stretches about 1.6 km north-south and is defined by low-lying pastures, rugged limestone shores, and a quiet, almost untouched atmosphere.
Today, the island is uninhabited, but its grassy slopes are home to grazing cattle, goats, and a steady population of waterfowl. The only way to reach it is by boat, with most visitors launching from Barley Harbour in Newtowncashel for a short one-mile crossing. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a birdwatcher, or simply looking for a peaceful escape on the water, Inis Clothrann offers a rare glimpse into Ireland’s layered past.
History & Legends
The island’s Gaelic name, Inis Clothrann, translates to “Clothra’s Island”, tying it to local mythology that names Clothra as the sister of the legendary Queen Maeve of Connacht. Christian tradition, however, credits the island’s foundation to St Diarmuid the Just (St Diarmaid), who established a monastic settlement here between 540 and 560 AD. His tiny oratory, Teampall Diarmaid, remains the oldest surviving structure on the island.
The monastic community endured centuries of turbulence. Viking fleets raided Lough Ree in the 9th and 10th centuries, followed by clashes with Munster forces and later Danish incursions. Despite repeated destruction, the monks rebuilt, and by the 13th century, a cluster of six churches stood within a protective stone-and-earth cashel.
The island’s modern nickname, Quaker Island, dates to the early 19th century. Lady Featherstone leased the land to Edward Fairbrother, a Quaker from County Roscommon. Fairbrother built a cottage using stones from the ruined Clogás Oratory. Local legend claims this disturbed St Diarmuid’s spirit, causing livestock to run wild until Fairbrother swore never to disturb the sacred stones again. The Quaker tenancy stuck, and the name remains in common use today.
Exploring the Ruins
All six churches on the island were designated National Monuments in 1880 and have been stabilised through careful conservation work. Protective railings now keep grazing animals at a respectful distance from the fragile stonework. As you wander the cashel, you will encounter:
- Teampall Diarmaid (St Diarmuid’s Oratory): A 6th-century rectangular structure measuring just 8 ft by 7 ft internally. It is the smallest surviving church in Ireland and was likely the founder’s personal chapel.
- Teampall Mór (Great Church): The largest ruin on the island, dating to the 13th century. It features an L-shaped nave, two lancet windows, and a distinctive upper chamber.
- Teampall Clogas (Square-tower Oratory): Also 13th-century, this church is easily recognised by its unique square bell-tower attached directly to the nave. It is one of the most photographed structures on the island.
- Teampall Murry (Chancel Church): A medieval ruin steeped in local folklore. Legend warns that any woman who enters the church will die within a year, adding a touch of eerie charm to the site.
- Teampall na Marbh (Church of the Dead): Historically used for wake-keeping before burials, this roofless ruin offers a quiet spot for reflection.
- Teampall na mBan (Women’s Church): A smaller medieval structure that once served the island’s female religious community.
Wildlife & Landscape
Beyond the stone ruins, Inis Clothrann is a haven for nature lovers. The island’s reed beds and sheltered bays attract ducks, swans, greylag geese, and various wading birds. Early morning visits are particularly rewarding for birdwatchers, as the waterfowl are most active before the midday heat.
The surrounding waters of Lough Ree are also popular with kayakers and paddle-boarders, who use the island’s shoreline as a natural waypoint. Anglers frequently target the sheltered east bay for roach, perch, and pike, though there are no dedicated fishing platforms on the island itself. If you bring a dog, keep them on a short lead and well clear of nesting areas and the monastic ruins.
Getting There & Practical Tips
- Boat access: Private hire boats and guided day-trips operate from Barley Harbour during the sailing season (typically May to September). The crossing takes roughly 15 minutes in a small motorboat. Always check timetables and weather conditions in advance, as services can be weather-dependent.
- Landing points: The east side offers the most accessible slipway. The western harbour at Killime is shallow and surrounded by treacherous shoals, making it unsuitable for all but the shallowest vessels.
- What to bring: There are no facilities on the island. Pack water, snacks, sun protection, and sturdy footwear for navigating uneven stone paths and grassy slopes.
- Respect the site: Stay on marked paths, do not climb on the ruins, and carry out all litter. The island is a protected heritage site and an active wildlife habitat.
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn provides the mildest weather, longest daylight hours, and peak bird activity.
Nearby Attractions
A trip to Inis Clothrann pairs well with other historic and natural sites around Lough Ree and County Longford:
- Barley Harbour: Your departure point for the island, featuring a pleasant limestone shoreline and quiet waters.
- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre: A short drive north, showcasing a remarkably preserved Iron Age trackway and offering riverside walking trails.
- Abbeyshrule: A historic village on the western shore of Lough Ree, home to a 12th-century abbey and a traditional small harbour.
- Lanesborough: A vibrant Shannon gateway town where seasonal boat tours sometimes operate, and an excellent base for exploring the Shannon-River Walk.
- Abbeylara: Nearby Cistercian abbey ruins that provide a striking contrast to the early-Christian architecture of Inis Clothrann.
Plan your crossing for a weekday morning to avoid weekend boat traffic, and allow at least two hours on the island to properly explore the cashel and enjoy the quiet. The drive back across Lough Ree offers one of the most peaceful vantage points on the entire Shannon system.