Overview
Inchcleraun (Irish: Inis Clothrann), popularly known as Quaker Island, is the largest of the 52 islands dotting Lough Ree on the River Shannon. Covering about 57.7 ha (143 acres), it stretches 1.6 km north‑south and 600 m at its widest. The island is uninhabited; herds of cattle and goats graze the low‑lying pastures while a variety of water‑fowl nest among the stone ruins. The most convenient landing is on the east side, where modern cruisers can avoid the shoals that fringe the western harbour at Killime.
History / Background
Early myth and Christian foundation
The island’s name derives from Inis Clothrann – “Clothra’s island”, referring to Clothra, sister of the legendary Queen Maeve of Connacht. Local tradition says Medb herself retired to the island after her husband Ailill’s death; the bathing spot known as Grianan Meva (“Medb’s sunny place”) preserves that memory.
Around c. 540‑560 AD, St Diarmuid (St Diarmaid the Just) founded a small monastic settlement. The earliest surviving structure, Teampall Diarmaid, is a tiny rectangular oratory measuring 8 ft × 7 ft inside.
Viking and medieval turbulence
From the late 9th to the 13th centuries the island endured repeated raids: Viking fleets attacked Lough Ree in the 800s‑900s, followed by Munster plundering and later Danish incursions. Annals record the death of St Sionnach (719), raids in 1010 and 1087, and the burial of Bishop Hugh O’Flynn (1136) on the island. Despite the destruction, a cluster of six churches had been erected within a stone‑and‑earth cashel by the 13th century.
The “Quaker” chapter
In the early 1800s the island, then owned by Lady Featherstone, was leased to Edward Fairbrother, a Quaker from Ballymurray, Co Roscommon. He built a stone cottage using stones from the ruined Clogás Oratory. Folklore claims St Diarmuid’s spirit cursed the work, causing livestock to run wild until Fairbrother vowed never to disturb the sacred stones again. This tenancy gave the island its modern nickname, Quaker Island.
Preservation
All six churches were listed as National Monuments in 1880. Late‑19th‑ and early‑20th‑century conservation work stabilised the walls, added railings around four of the churches, and kept grazing animals at bay.
What to See & Do
The monastic ruins (six churches)
| Church | Approx. Size / Century | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Teampall Diarmaid (St Diarmuid’s Oratory) | 6th c., 8 ft × 7 ft interior | Smallest surviving church, founder’s own chapel |
| Teampall Mór (Great Church) | 12th c., 47 ft 7 in × 21 ft 5 in | Largest on the island; L‑shaped nave, two lancet windows, upper chamber |
| Teampall Clogás (Square‑tower Oratory) | 13th c., 34 ft 8 in × 16 ft 8 in | Unique square bell‑tower attached to the nave, visible from the shore |
| Teampall Murry (Chancel Church) | – | Local folklore warns that any woman who enters will die within a year |
| Teampall na Marbh (Church of the Dead) | – | Historically used for wake‑keeping before burial |
| Teampall na mBan (Women’s Church) | – |
Visitors can walk the cashel walls, admire the stonework, and listen for the calls of swans and ducks that frequent the lake. The island’s quiet paths are ideal for gentle hikes and photography.
Wildlife & Landscape
The surrounding waters of Lough Ree support a rich array of birdlife. Swans, mallards, tufted ducks and greylag geese are regular sights, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. The island’s grassy pastures provide feeding ground for wintering waders, and occasional otter sightings have been reported along the shoreline. The open landscape offers uninterrupted views across the Shannon, making it a rewarding spot for landscape photography and quiet contemplation.
Nearby attractions
A visit to Inchcleraun can be combined with several other points of interest on Lough Ree and in County Longford:
- Barley Harbour – the traditional launch point for boats to the island (Barley Harbour).
- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre – an Iron Age bog road and museum a short drive from Newtowncashel.
- Abbeyshrule – a historic monastic site on the north shore of Lough Ree.\n- Inis‑Clothrann (Quaker Island) – the internal page that details the island’s name and legends (Inis Clothrann).
Practical Information
- How to get there: The island is accessible only by boat. Most visitors launch from Barley Harbour in Newtowncashel (County Longford), a short one‑mile crossing. Approach the east side to avoid the western shoals.
- Facilities: There are no visitor facilities, shops or accommodation on the island. Bring water, snacks, and sturdy walking shoes.
- Opening hours: The site is open year‑round and has no formal opening times; visitors may explore at any time, weather permitting.
- Timing: Summer months offer the best weather and abundant birdlife. Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light for photography.
- Respect the site: All churches are protected National Monuments. Stay on marked paths, keep a respectful distance from the structures, and do not disturb wildlife or grazing animals.
- Safety: Check weather forecasts before setting out; the Shannon can be changeable. Wear a life‑jacket when using a small craft.
Inchcleraun offers a rare combination of early‑Christian history, mythic Irish legend, and serene natural beauty—making it a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the heart of the Shannon.