abbey of Clonmacnoise

Founded 544 at Ard Tiprait on the Shannon, by Saint Ciaran . The masters were chosen simply for their learning and zeal, and pupils thronged from all parts of Ireland , France , and England . In the 12th century it was a center of Celtic art , architecture , sculpture, and metal-work, and its ruins may still be seen, with the exception of the little church of Ciaran .