Holy Island, Lough Derg

Inis Cealtra was a monastic settlement from the seventh century, associated with Saint Caimin, and it prospered under Brian Boru's patronage before Viking raids and later decline. On about twenty hectares are six churches of different periods, a round tower of around twenty-four metres missing its cap, a hermit's cell, several high cross fragments and a bargaining stone with a hole through it, traditionally used for sealing agreements by clasping hands through it. The graveyard, the Saints' Graveyard, holds early slabs with inscriptions in Irish. Pilgrimage to the island continued into the nineteenth century and was suppressed by the church authorities partly because the associated gatherings had become disorderly. Access is by small boat from Mountshannon, operated locally in summer, and there is nothing on the island - no shelter, water or facilities. Crossings depend on wind, and Lough Derg gets rough quickly.

What you actually see

• The round tower - about twenty-four metres, its cap missing.
• The six churches - from different centuries across the island.
• The bargaining stone - the holed stone used for sealing agreements.
• The Saints' Graveyard - early grave slabs with Irish inscriptions.

When to go

May to September; boats run informally from Mountshannon in season only. Wind on Lough Derg cancels crossings - confirm on the day rather than booking blind.

Honest expectations

No scheduled ferry - arrange locally, and expect cancellations in wind. Nothing on the island: no toilet, water or shelter. The ruins are unfenced with uneven ground.

Nearby

Mountshannon is the departure point; Killaloe is south along the lake.