562 [Proc. B.N.F.C, 



z6tk January. 



MR. WILLIAM J. FENNELL, M.R.I.A.I.— " INNIS 

 CLOTHRAN AND ITS TEAMPULS," 



The lecturer described the approaches to the island and the 

 picturesque beauties of the lake and river scenery. He 

 observed that the island is situated at the north end of the 

 Lough Ree, about twelve miles from Athlone, and it contains 

 no less than six churches — First, the diminutive church of 

 Saint Diarmid, who founded it in the year 540; second, the 

 great monastic church of Teampul More ; third, the Chancel 

 Church ; fcurth, the " Church of the Dead ; " fifth, the church 

 of Saint Mary ; and sixth, the Teampul Clogas ; and pointed 

 out in detail all the interesting architectural features, and 

 through the ruins, traced the progressive march of time from 

 the sixth to the fifteenth century. The early crosses were fully 

 described, and much interest was given to one, dating from the 

 sixth century, owing to an additional importance which has 

 since become attached to it, owing to its reproduction on the 

 great boulder which now covers the traditional grave of St. 

 Patrick at Downpatrick. Owing to the ruinous condition of 

 the building by which this cross was found, it was considered 

 advisable to half bury it with its face downward, as being the 

 safest way of preserving it — a fact that speaks volumes for the 

 care that is bestowed on ancient buildings. An important 

 point resulting from the recent investigations on the island, by 

 members of our Field Club, is the correction of several errors 

 which were fallen into by O'Donovan and Petrie regarding the 

 age of the Tower of Clogas and the subdivision of Teampul 

 More. The Island of Inisclothran is intimately connected with 

 the life of Queen Maeva, who was Ireland's Boadicea, and who 

 in the fourth century governed " Connacht " for eighty years, 

 and who strangely met her death at Inisclothran by the hand 

 of an Ulster rival. 



