Seir Kieran
The name Seir Kieran translates roughly as the Fountain of Kieran. This early Monastic settlement is believed to date to sometime around 530 A.D. It is located just outside the small village of Clareen in County Offaly, Ireland. It is close to Leap Castle which is just a few minutes away.
The site contains a Holy Well, the remains of a Roundtower, the base stone of a High Cross, a Ballaun stone, a 17th century fortification and the more recent 19th century Church of Ireland amongst other items of interest.
There are obvious signs of other settlement activity nearby with various mounds to be seen from the site itself. Some accounts credit Saint Ciarán as having arrived in Ireland before Saint Patrick.
The
site is signed but easily missed so keep an eye out as you approach. It
is well worth a visit and is a beautiful and tranquil location in a
rural setting. Ideal if you like peace and quiet.
