Innisfallen Island
Ireland
Locate on Lough Leane, Innisfallen Island was once home to to a monastery dating back to 640 AD. The island was a place of solitude for the monks to reflect and pray. The monks were great scholars, the High King of Ireland Brian Boru was said to have studied on Innsfallen island. Over 300 years, 39 of the Monks wrote what is known now as the Annals of Innisfallen, a history of early Ireland written in Irish and Latin.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Innisfallen Island, a place where history, spirituality, and nature intertwine with an almost mystical grace. Situated in the heart of Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney’s three lakes, this island was once a…
Listen in the app2Ross Castle: The Departure Point
Our journey commences at the formidable Ross Castle, a quintessential 15th-century Irish tower house perched on the water’s edge. Built by the O’Donoghue Mór clan, the castle represents the secular power that existed alongside…
Listen in the app3The Boat Ride and Lake Folklore
The fifteen-minute boat ride to Innisfallen is an essential part of the experience, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding mountains and the lake’s ecosystem. Lough Leane, or the 'Lake of Learning,' is steeped in…
Listen in the app4The Innisfallen Abbey Ruins
As you step onto the island, you are greeted by the impressive ruins of Innisfallen Abbey. These stone structures are the physical remains of a community that was occupied for more than 900 years. …
Listen in the app5The Romanesque Oratory and the Celtic Cross
One of the most poignant spots on the island is a small, separate church or oratory, notable for its beautiful Romanesque arched doorway that still stands today. Inside this intimate space, you will find a Celtic cross placed in…
Listen in the app6The Sika Deer and Island Flora
Beyond the ruins, the island is a haven for nature. As you walk the loop path around the shore, keep a sharp eye out for the Sika deer that inhabit the island. …
Listen in the app7The Scriptorium and the Legacy of Learning
The intellectual legacy of Innisfallen is perhaps its most significant contribution to Irish heritage. The scriptorium, or 'place for writing,' was the heart of the monastery's academic life. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As your 45 minutes of exploration come to a close and you make your way back to the dock, take a final moment to absorb the island's unique atmosphere. We have journeyed through centuries of faith, scholarship, and survival, from…
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What is Innisfallen Island?
Innisfallen Island is a place in Ireland with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Ireland |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 52.0467, -9.5537 |
| Last updated |