Overview
Saints’ Island sits just off the southeastern shore of Lough Ree, linked to the mainland near Newtowncashel by a narrow, un-tarmacked 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.
It is a place that rewards a slow pace. There are no shops, no ticket offices, and no engines running – just the wind across the lake, the creak of the causeway underfoot, and the weight of centuries in the ruined walls.
History & Heritage
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 from that period is thin. Some later accounts also mention St Kevin as a possible founder, reflecting the layered oral tradition of the region.
The island’s history was not always peaceful. In 1089 it was attacked and plundered by Murkertach O’Brien and a large force 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 to Ireland.
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 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.
Exploring the Ruins
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. Standing inside, you can feel the scale of the original worship space, now open to the sky.
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 and practical reminder of monastic daily life.
The site is self-guided. The walls and arches are fragile, and climbing is strictly prohibited to preserve what remains.
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 mute swans and occasional ospreys.
The best time for bird-watching is March-May and September-October when migratory flocks arrive and pass through. A pair of binoculars will enhance the experience, though the wildlife is often visible enough to the naked eye from the causeway.
Activities on Lough Ree
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 Lanesborough offer hire services and guided tours. Some local operators run day trips that include a stop at Saints’ Island, providing a different perspective of the ruins from the water.
Locals also 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.
Practical Information
- 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 – The causeway can become impassable after heavy rain or flooding. High water levels can temporarily block access, and local news reports have documented closures during storm events. Check recent weather reports and the Longford County Council page before travelling, especially in winter months.
Nearby Attractions
Saints’ Island makes an excellent base for a Lough Ree day-trip. Consider combining your visit with:
- Inis Clothrann (Quaker Island) – Another monastic island with extensive ruins, just a short boat ride away.
- Barley Harbour – A tranquil limestone harbour on the lake’s edge, ideal for a picnic and a walk.
- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre – Europe’s largest Iron-Age bog road, located near the village of Keenagh.
- Abbeylara – A well-preserved Cistercian abbey a few kilometres inland.
Visitors should bring a bag for any litter, as the island has no bins, and check the local forecast before heading out – the causeway is beautiful but can disappear under the lake’s rising waters after a hard rain.