Overview
Inis Clothrann – known locally as Inchcleraun and historically as Quaker Island – is the largest of the 52 islands that dot Lough Ree, the central lake on the River Shannon. Covering roughly 57.7 ha (143 acres), it stretches about 1.6 km north‑south and 600 m at its widest point. The island’s low‑lying pastures are dotted with cattle, goats and a variety of water‑fowl, while its rugged shoreline offers a handful of landing places. Modern cruisers favour the east side to avoid the shoals that fringe the western harbour at Killime.
The only way to reach Inis Clothrann is by boat, most visitors launching from Barley Harbour in Newtowncashel (County Longford) for a short one‑mile crossing. The island is uninhabited today, but its ancient stone structures and vivid folklore make it a magnet for history‑enthusiasts, walkers and anyone seeking quiet on the water.
History / Background
Early Christian foundation
Legend ties the island’s name to Clothra, sister of the mythic Queen Maeve of Connacht; Inis Clothrann literally means “Clothra’s island”. Christian tradition records that St Diarmuid (St Diarmaid the Just) founded a monastic settlement here around 540‑560 AD, establishing the tiny Teampall Diarmaid – an 8 ft × 7 ft rectangular oratory that remains the oldest surviving building on the island.
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 and 900s, followed by Munster forces and later the Danes of Waterford. Despite the destruction, the monastic community persisted, and by the 13th century a cluster of six churches had been erected within a stone‑and‑earth cashel.
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. Fairbrother built a stone cottage using stones from the ruined Clogás Oratory, a act that, according to local legend, angered St Diarmuid’s spirit and caused livestock to run wild until the builder vowed never to disturb the sacred stones again. This Quaker tenancy gave the island its modern nickname, Quaker Island.
Preservation
All six churches were listed as National Monuments in 1880 and have been stabilised through 19th‑ and early‑20th‑century conservation work. Protective railings now keep grazing animals away from the most vulnerable ruins.
What to See & Do
The Monastic Ruins (six churches)
| Church | Approx. Size / Century | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Teampall Diarmaid (St Diarmuid’s Oratory) | 6th century, 8 ft × 7 ft interior | Smallest surviving church, founder’s own oratory |
| Teampall Mór (Great Church) | 13th century, 47 ft 7 in × 21 ft 5 in | Largest on the island; L‑shaped nave, two lancet windows, upper chamber |
| Teampall Clogas (Square‑tower Oratory) | 13th century, 34 ft 8 in × 16 ft 8 in | Unique square bell‑tower attached to the nave, visible from the shore |
| Teampall Murry (Chancel Church) | Medieval | Folklore warns that any woman who enters will die within a year |
| Teampall na Marbh (Church of the Dead) | Medieval | Historically used for wake‑keeping before burial |
| Teampall na mBan (Women’s Church) | Medieval | Remains a quiet, roof‑less ruin within the cashel |
Wildlife & Landscape
Walkers can wander among grazing cattle and goats, while the island’s reed beds attract ducks, swans, greylag geese and other water‑fowl. The surrounding waters are ideal for bird‑watching and kayaking around the historic shoreline.
Photography & Quiet Reflection
The east landing offers a clear view of the cashel’s stone walls against the lake, while the western shoals provide dramatic sunrise silhouettes. The ruins, especially the square‑tower of Clogás, are striking subjects for both amateur and professional photographers.
Access & Transport
By train – The nearest main‑line station is Longford railway station (Iarnród Éireann). Services run regularly to Dublin Connolly, Sligo and intermediate towns. From Longford, local Bus Éireann or Local Link routes (e.g., 865 Granard – Ballinalee – Longford) can take you to Newtowncashel, where you can catch a taxi or arrange a shuttle to Barley Harbour.
By road – The R393 links Longford town to Newtowncashel (≈ 30 km). Parking is available at Barley Harbour’s small car‑park; it is a short walk to the slipway.
Boat services – Private hire boats operate from Barley Harbour throughout the sailing season (generally May‑September). Some operators run guided day‑trips that include a brief talk on the island’s history. Timetables vary, so it is advisable to contact the provider in advance.
Angling & Water Activities
The waters around Inis Clothrann are part of the wider Lough Ree fishery, known for coarse‑fishing species such as roach, perch and pike. A 2026 report on Longford angling highlighted the lake’s productive roach runs, making it a rewarding spot for anglers of all abilities. While there are no dedicated fishing platforms on the island itself, boat‑based anglers can anchor in the sheltered east bay and cast from the water’s edge.
Kayakers and paddle‑boarders also enjoy the calm stretches of the Shannon‑Ree system, using the island’s shoreline as a natural waypoint. Remember to respect the protected bird habitats, especially during the breeding season (April‑July).
Conservation & Visitor Guidance
- Stay on marked paths – The stone cashel is fragile; protective railings keep livestock away, but walkers should avoid stepping on the ruins.
- Leave no trace – Carry out all litter and avoid feeding wildlife.
- Dog policy – Dogs are permitted on a leash but must be kept away from the bird nesting areas and the monastic structures.
- Seasonal sensitivities – Reed beds are nesting sites for several bird species in spring; consider limiting visits to early morning or later afternoon to minimise disturbance.
Practical Information
- How to get there: Hire a private boat or join a guided day‑trip from Barley Harbour (Newtowncashel). The crossing takes about 15 minutes in a small motorboat.
- Landing: The most accessible slip is on the east side; the western harbour at Killime is shallow and best avoided unless you have a shallow‑draft vessel.
- Facilities: There are no visitor facilities on the island – bring water, snacks and sturdy walking shoes. All structures are protected; stay on marked paths and keep a respectful distance from the ruins.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn offers mild weather, abundant bird activity, and longer daylight for exploring the ruins.
- Safety: Check weather forecasts before setting out; the Shannon can be windy, and the western shoals can be treacherous in low light.
- Seasonal boat services: Most operators run from May through September; confirm dates and prices directly with the provider.
Nearby Attractions & Day‑trip Ideas
Combine a visit to Inis Clothrann with other points of interest around Lough Ree:
- Barley Harbour – the launch point for boats to the island and a pleasant spot for a short walk along the limestone shoreline.
- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre – a short drive north, offering insight into an ancient Iron Age trackway and a pleasant riverside trail.
- Abbeyshrule – a historic village on the western shore of Lough Ree with a 12th‑century abbey and a small harbour.
- Lanesborough – a larger Shannon gateway where seasonal boat tours to the island sometimes operate; also a good base for exploring the Shannon‑River Walk.
- Abbeylara – nearby Cistercian abbey ruins that complement the early‑Christian theme of Inis Clothrann.
Inis Clothrann provides a rare combination of early‑Christian heritage, wild Irish scenery, and a touch of Quaker folklore – a perfect day‑trip for anyone eager to step back into Ireland’s layered past while enjoying the tranquil beauty of Lough Ree.