Clonfert is situated approximately half way between Ballinasloe and Portumna. It was once a city celebrated for its schools and learning, when up to 3,000 students came to study here in the 16th century. Brackloon Castle, a 16th century castle lies nearby.

The village is a home to a monastic settlement, which was founded by St. Brendan, often known as 'St. Brendan the Navigator', in 557 AD. The doorway to the existing cathedral is one of the most highly developed examples of Irish Romanesque architecture. It consists of six large arcs containing many stylised motives. Surmounted by a triangular stone arch filled with ornaments and heads. Other features of interest are the East Window, the Mermaid carved on the wall, the Sacristy and antique gravestones with Jacobean carving. This cathedral ranks among the most important heritage sites in Europe.

Clan Name

Clonfert is part of the ancestral home of the Maddens and forms a stage of the Beara-Breifne Greenway which is based on the historic march of O'Sullivan Beara in 1603.

Heritage Houses

For info on Clonfert Palace and Clonfert Cathedral click here

Greenways Festival 2003

Clonfert is talking part in the Greenways Festival in summer 2003 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the legendary 1603 march of O’Sullivan Beara from the Beara Peninsula to the Breifne area. Click here for info on the events