Founded by Saint Ciarán in 548, Clonmacnoise was built on the shores of the great north/south route of the Shannon River, and the east/west route of the Esker Riada. For a millenium, it was the foremost Celtic city of religon and learning, withstanding attacks by the Irish, Vikings and Normans - before being ruined in 1552.
It still remains a centre of heritage and pilgrimage and, in 1979, Clonmacnoise was visited by Pope Saint John Paul II.