Monastic Sites
Discover Ireland's ancient monasteries and abbeys that shaped the spiritual landscape
Derry Monastery
early monastic site, traditionally founded c.546 by St Colmcille, but probably c.590 by Fiachra mac Ciárain mac Ainmerech mac Sétna; St Augustine’s C.I. Church or St Columb’s Church are cited as alternative possible…
Derrygalvin Monastery
Founded: 6th century
Order: Early Irish
Early monastic site, purportedly founded 6th century by St Munchin; monastic lands recorded as late as 1615
Derrynane Abbey
early monastic site, Gaelic monks founded 7th century by the monks of St Bairre or by St Finan Cam
Derrynavlan Monastery
Founded: before 800
Order: Early Irish
Early monastic site, founded before 800
Derrynoose Monastery
Order: Culdees of Armagh
early monastic site, founded 6th century by Mochua of Dairinis; later Culdees of Armagh also suggested to be located in County Cavan[notes 8]
Desertegny Monastery
early monastic site, Gaelic monks founded 6th century by St Colmcille; erenaghs until after 1397
Desertmartin Monastery
early monastic site, apparently founded by a member of the O’Lynn family (suggested by the name Mainister O’Fhloinn); erenaghs until 16th century
Desertoghill Monastery
early monastic site, purportedly founded by St Colmcille; erenaghs until 16th century
Devenish Island Abbey, Lough Erne
Order: adjacent to Culdees house
Augustinian Canons Regular — probably from SS Peter & Paul, Armagh founded 1130, adjacent to Culdees house (see immediately below); Augustinian Canons Regular — Arroasian dependent on Armagh after 1140; burned 1157 and 1360;…
Devenish Monastery
Order: Culdees from 10th century
early monastic site, founded before 564 or 571 by St Molaise (Laisre) Culdees from 10th century