Description
Monasteraden is the most southerly village in County Sligo. Located on the shore of Lough Gara, the village originates from an early Christian settlement established by St Aiden circa 570AD. The village was chronicled as a stopping off point of the O'Sullivan Beara march of 1603. The stunning lakeshore countryside offers walking routes renowned for its historical, archaeological and natural attractions.
Location
Public Transportation
Where there are no busses serving Monasteraden, the closest bus is the TFI Local Link route 977 from Castelrea to Sligo. This bus passes Gurteen and Ballaghaderreen every day of the week.
Website: www.locallinkdsl.ie
Tel: 0749741644
Website: www.locallinkdsl.ie
Tel: 0749741644
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Walking in Monasteraden
Ireland's longest walking trail passes through Monasteraden. The Beara Breifne Way follows the line of the historic march of O’Sullivan Beara in 1603. In the aftermath of the Battle of Kinsale, Donal Cam, Chieftain of the O’Sullivan Beara clan, and his followers undertook this epic 14-day march. Many clans were involved in both the march and in the skirmishes which took place along the way.
The section passing through Monasteraden is the Lung/Lough Gara Way which brings you through the village and furter towards Moygara castle.
The section passing through Monasteraden is the Lung/Lough Gara Way which brings you through the village and furter towards Moygara castle.
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Lough Gara
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Lough Gara is an important bird area located in County Sligo and County Roscommon.
Water is supplied to the lake by the Lung river. From the main upper lake the outflow is through the northeastern corner at Cuppanagh, the channel has one wide stretch about a mile long, which is called Lower Lough Gara. From that point the water flow is termed the Boyle river . Many of the islands on Lough Gara are man-made islands called crannogs with many of them built over two thousand years ago. Crannogs were used as dwellings providing additional protection to its inhabitants. |
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Clogher Stone Fort
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You can find Clogher Stone Fort outside the village of Monasteraden on the way to Ballaghaderreen. A sign points to the entrance (Steward's gate) where a short walk will bring you to this well preserved cashel.
With a diameter of 26m, Clogher fort or Cashelmore as it is also known as has impressive walls that are over 4m thick and 2m height. Within the cashel are souterrains. The Cashel might date back to the Bronze age Times and was the dwelling place of a large clan or family of farmers. Note: Clogher Stone Fort is currently closed to the public |
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Moygara Castle
Moygara castle is located approximately 4km from Monasteraden
Moygara Castle is one of the three castles built by the O'Gara Clan. The imposing ruin of the castle is distinguished by its large square bawn with residential towers at each of the four corners and a gatehouse in the western wall.
There are numerous gun loops in the walls around the castle. Nearby the gate tower are 2 keystones on the ground which once had carvings on them, but both have been weathered.
Note: Moygara stands on private land and is currently closed for conservation work. Please don't access the land or castle during the conservation works.
Moygara Castle is one of the three castles built by the O'Gara Clan. The imposing ruin of the castle is distinguished by its large square bawn with residential towers at each of the four corners and a gatehouse in the western wall.
There are numerous gun loops in the walls around the castle. Nearby the gate tower are 2 keystones on the ground which once had carvings on them, but both have been weathered.
Note: Moygara stands on private land and is currently closed for conservation work. Please don't access the land or castle during the conservation works.
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Carrowntemple Grave Slabs
Approximately 6km away from Monasteraden is Carrowntemple graveyard where you can find the inscribed Carrowntemple grave slabs. The early monastery at Carrowntemple is said to have been found by two brothers whose names are not recorded... At the time of Elizabeth I it belonged to Ballymote castle.
Fourteen sandstone Early Christian grave slabs were found mainly to the south and east of the church within the old graveyard. The designs of the slabs are much more elaborate than those of any other County Sligo grave slab of the period with exception of those on Inishmurray. Some of the slabs have art that is derived from pagan Celtic iron Age art.
Fourteen sandstone Early Christian grave slabs were found mainly to the south and east of the church within the old graveyard. The designs of the slabs are much more elaborate than those of any other County Sligo grave slab of the period with exception of those on Inishmurray. Some of the slabs have art that is derived from pagan Celtic iron Age art.
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St Attracta's well
St Attracta's well is located 1km from Monasteraden on the Ballaghaderreen road. The holy Well, which is enclosed by three walls, is one of the most famous Holy Wells dedicated to Attracta.
In the middle of the well is a large carving of Jesus on the Cross (known as the Clogher Cross). It is said this one carved in 1668. On the 11th August, prayers were said at the well before the Parish Sports were held on the MacDermot Estate
In the middle of the well is a large carving of Jesus on the Cross (known as the Clogher Cross). It is said this one carved in 1668. On the 11th August, prayers were said at the well before the Parish Sports were held on the MacDermot Estate
For the Community
Monasteraden recycling centre is located nearby the church
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