Clare Island Abbey

Saint Bridget`s Abbey was founded in the 12th/13th century and in 1224 became a cell of Knockmoy Abbey, a Cistercian abbey near Tuam.^{[citation needed]}

It was rebuilt c. 1460. It contains numerous tombs of the local ruling family, the Ó Máille (O'Malley) and tradition claims it as the site of the baptism, marriages and burial of Gráinne "Grace" O'Malley (c. 1530 – c. 1603), the famous "pirate queen."^[4] She is believed to have been interred at the O'Malley tomb which has a canopy.^{[citation needed]}

The abbey was probably dissolved during the late 16th century. Later it was a place of refuge for Carmelite Friars.^{[citation needed]}

The abbey is furnished with piscina, sedilia, carved heads and ogee and cusp-headed lancet windows.^{[5] [6]}

Clare Island Abbey contains a series of medieval wall and ceiling paintings. They depict mythical, human and animal figures including dragons, a cockerel, stags, men on foot and on horseback, a harper, birds and trees. Such ornamentation is unusual for a Cistercian foundation.^[7]