View MapView Map
HomeDestinationsClareKilrushScattery Island Centre
Scattery Island Centre
Kilrush, Co. Clare
Family friendly
Free to visit
Rainy days
The Scattery Island Centre interprets the monastic site on Scattery Island which is 2.5km off the shores of Kilrush, County Clare. The monastery, consisting of a round tower and several churches, was founded by St. Senan in the early part of the 6th century.

The Scattery Island Centre is housed in the visitor reception building near the pier on Scattery Island. The site is home to ruins of six churches and one of the highest Round Towers in Ireland, 120 feet high, with its unusual feature of a door at ground level.

Scattery has had many invasions down through the centuries; the Vikings invaded during the early 9th century but Brian Boru later recaptured the island. It is believed that Scattery is a derivation of the Norse word for treasure, which is Scatty.

The main church on the island is Teampall Naomh Mhuire (Cathedral of Saint Mary), situated next to the round tower. Scattery for a time in the 12th century administered to a diocese. There is an effigy of a bishop's head on the outside of the east window of the Cathedral believed to be that of St Senan. The holy well, called Tobar Sinean, beside the round tower was held in great reverence and respect by the islanders.

Contact details
Inis Cathaigh, Scattery Island, Co. Clare, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 1 hour here.

More to discover at Scattery Island Centre
Mail Icon SVG

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.