Inchcleraun

Inchcleraun, also called Quaker Island after a former owner, lies in the middle of the lake between Knockcroghery and Newtowncashel, about a mile off Cruit Point. Saint Diarmaid, a teacher of Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, founded a monastery here in the 6th century, and the island was raided again and again between 800 and 1300. Legend says Queen Medb of Connacht retired here and was killed by a stone thrown from the Longford shore. Most of the church ruins stand together in an enclosure in the south-east, while Teampall Clogas, with a square bell tower built onto the church, stands alone on the highest ground and can be seen from the water. The monuments belong to the State, but the farmland is private. The island can only be reached by boat; ask Lough Ree Access for All about trips.