Clones Heritage Week 15th – 23 rd August,

Clones Community Forum and the Cassandra Hand Heritage Centre are participating in National Heritage Week, 15th – 23 rd August...

St-Tighernach of Clones....under the theme Heritage on Your Doorstep, focusing on the Monastic Heritage of Clones Town. Clones is rooted in medieval monastic heritage, starting out as a monastic settlement in the 6th Century, when St. Tighernach / Tiarnach (Bishop of Clogher, Patron Saint and ‘Founding Father’ of Clones) founded a monastery here. The settlement was still active before the dissolution of Monasteries act 1530’s by Henry VIII. This history is still highly visible in the town today, evident by a round tower and other significant medieval monuments and structures, and many local institutions have been named after St. Tighernach. We will celebrate and showcase this part of our cultural heritage via outdoor events during the week and also through multimedia online.  

Physical events include a daily guided heritage walking tour, taking in Clones many monastic monuments and sites at 12pm weekdays during heritage week. On Thursday 20th we are also facilitating a series of ‘St. Tighernach’s Pilgrim Pathway’ walks, beginning at 5.30pm at Cassandra Hand Centre, Abbey Lane H23PC60. Each pathway walk incorporates a different route along Clones heritage sites. Refreshments served. This is a cross-border, interdenominational project. All are welcome. Social distancing adhered to. More information and particulars will be posted on our social media platforms.  

The Cassandra Hand Heritage Centre, which incorporates a Folk and Famine Museum, genealogy service, events and meeting room is currently open weekdays from 10am – 4pm.