Came across one of those thumb sized descriptions of Saint Kieran or Ciaran recently.
Ciaran was the founder of the monastery at Clonmacnois.
Born in Connacht,Ireland, son of Beoit, a carpenter, he studied at Saint Finnian's school
at Clonard and taught the daughter of the King of Cuala, as he was considered the most
learned monk at Clonard.
Ciaran spent seven years at Inishmore on Aran with Saint Enda and then went to a
monastery in the centre of Ireland called Isel, Forced to leave by the monks because of
what they considered his "excessive charity", he spent some time on Inis Aingin ( Hare
Island ) and with eight companions migrated to a spot on the bank of The Shannon River
in Offaly, where he built a monastery that became the famous Clonmacnois, renowned
for centuries as the great centre of Irish learning,and was its Abbot.
Ciaran died about 556. Many miracles are told of Ciaran, who is one of the 12 Apostles
of Ireland. His feast is September 9.
Duchas are the people that look after historic sites like Clonmacnois and you can see
more information and pictures if you link on to www.heritageireland.ie
It is a great day for visiting it as the brilliant sunshine weather continues.