Overview
Saints’ Island sits just off the southeastern shore of Lough Ree, linked to the mainland near Newtowncashel by a narrow causeway. The island is a quiet sanctuary of medieval stonework and vibrant wildlife, offering visitors a chance to step back into Ireland’s monastic past while listening to the calls of curlews, lapwings and wintering ducks that flock to its marshy fringes.
History
The spiritual legacy of Saints’ Island stretches back to the early sixth century. Tradition holds that St Ciarán of Clonmacnoise founded a church on the island before 542 AD, although documentary evidence is thin. Some later accounts also mention St Kevin as a possible founder, reflecting the layered oral tradition of the area.
In 1089 the island was attacked and plundered by Murkertach O’Brien and a large number of Danes, an event recorded in contemporary annals. By 1185 Sir Henry Dillon was granted the lands that include Saints’ Island. An entry in the Annals of Connacht (1272) attributes the construction of the Augustinian Priory of All Saints to Dillon. The priory flourished under Abbot Augustin Magraidhin in the fourteenth century; before his death in 1405 he compiled two manuscript collections – the lives of Irish saints and the Annals of the Priory – now housed in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. The surviving fragment records events from 1397 to 1407, including a rare Irish perspective on King Richard II’s 1399 expedition.
Like all monastic houses, the community suffered after the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I in the sixteenth century. By the late seventeenth century the island’s house was described as “ruined”. The ruins that remain today – chiefly the priory chapel, its Gothic windows and the outline of the cloister garth – give a tangible sense of the once‑thriving religious settlement.
English poet Ted Hughes visited Lough Ree on a fishing trip with painter Barrie Cooke and was inspired to write the poem “Saint’s Island” (1986), adding a literary layer to the island’s rich cultural tapestry.
What to See & Do
The most striking feature is the ruined priory chapel, the largest surviving structure on the island. Its large Gothic windows, especially the intricately carved altar window, let shafts of light filter onto the weathered stone floor. To the north the faint square outline of the cloister garth can still be traced, hinting at the surrounding chapter house, refectory and two‑storey dormitory blocks that once stood there. A solitary medieval latrine survives to the west of the chapel, a rare reminder of monastic daily life.
Guided walks are occasionally organised by local heritage groups, and the site is a popular stop on boat tours that explore the island cluster of Lough Ree.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
The island’s reed‑fringed shoreline is a magnet for waterfowl. In spring and autumn the marshes host flocks of curlews, lapwings, teal, wigeon and other wild ducks. Bird‑watchers often combine a visit with a stroll along the causeway to spot the occasional kingfisher or heron. The surrounding waters of Lough Ree are also home to swans and occasional ospreys.
Activities on the Water
Longford County Council lists the island under its “Angling, Boating and Kayaking” portfolio. Anglers can cast from the causeway or launch a small boat to try for pike, perch and trout in the lake’s clear waters. Kayakers and canoeists use the sheltered inlet as a launch point for short excursions around the southern arm of Lough Ree. While there is no formal boat‑ramp on the island, nearby towns such as Athlone and Lanesborough offer hire services and guided tours – for example, Barracuda Boats runs day trips that include a stop at Saints’ Island.
Swimming & Picnic
Locals recall the island as a favourite summer swimming spot; the shallow, clear waters of the inlet are safe for a quick dip on warm days. Families often bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy fringe, taking advantage of the tranquil setting and panoramic lake views. As the island has no facilities, visitors should bring their own blankets, water and waste bags.
Seasonal & Weather Considerations
The best time for bird‑watching is March‑May and September‑October when migratory flocks arrive. Summer brings warmer water for swimming. However, the causeway can become impassable after heavy rain or flooding – a 2020 storm event left the road submerged and only accessible by tractor. Check recent weather reports and the Longford County Council page before travelling, especially in winter months.
Getting There & Practical Tips
- Access – A narrow, un‑tarmacked causeway links the island to the mainland at Newtowncashel. The causeway is passable on foot year‑round under normal conditions; a small, informal car park sits at the mainland end (no fee, no staff).
- Facilities – There are no visitor facilities, toilets or cafés on the island. Bring water, snacks and appropriate footwear for uneven ground.
- Opening – The priory chapel and burial ground are open daily, free of charge. The site is self‑guided; the walls and arches are fragile, so climbing is prohibited.
- Accessibility – The causeway is uneven and may be challenging for wheelchair users or push‑chairs.
- Seasonal notes – Apart from the bird‑watching peaks, be aware that high water levels can temporarily block the causeway. Local news reports from 2020 and 2026 document such closures.
Nearby Attractions
Saints’ Island makes an excellent base for a Lough Ree day‑trip. Consider visiting:
- Inchcleraun (Quaker Island) – Another monastic island with extensive ruins, just a short boat ride away. [/inchcleraun/]
- Barley Harbour – A tranquil limestone harbour on the lake’s edge, ideal for a picnic and a walk. [/barley-harbour/]
- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre – Europe’s largest Iron‑Age bog road, located near the village of Keenagh. [/corlea-trackway/]
- Abbeylara – A well‑preserved Cistercian abbey a few kilometres inland. [/abbeylara/]
Practical Information
The priory chapel and its adjoining burial ground are open to the public year‑round and admission is free. Access is via a narrow causeway that links the island to the Newtowncashel shoreline; a small car park is available on the mainland side of the causeway (parking is informal and unstaffed). The site is self‑guided – there are no ticket offices or visitor centres – so visitors move at their own pace, taking care not to climb the fragile walls or arches, which are in a ruinous state.
For the most up‑to‑date information, including any seasonal restrictions or flood‑related access issues, consult the Longford County Council page for Saints’ Island.