Monastic Offaly

Offaly – ‘A flowering garden of monasteries’

Between the fifth and seventh centuries, evangelist monks arrived in the territory now known as County Offaly. Today Offaly is a sacred landscape, enriched by the folklore, history, art and architecture of our Christian past. These places provide a tangible link to noble ancestors and craftsmen and the communities of friars and monks who not only prayed, but also played a pivotal role in the economic, political and social life of their environs. Prepare to immerse yourself in Offaly’s richly diverse landscape with high crosses and round towers, spectacular outdoor sculptures, medieval castles, and the chance to trace your own roots if you’re feeling especially culturally curious!