14/07/2026
Clonmacnoise Open Air Service 2026
The Athlone Union of Parishes warmly invites everyone to the Annual Clonmacnoise Open Air Service on Sunday, 26th July 2026 at 4.00pm, a cherished tradition set amid one of Ireland’s most beautiful and historic sacred landscapes.
For seventy-four years, worshippers have gathered beside Temple Connor Church on the last Sunday of July, overlooking the River Shannon. The tradition began in 1952 when over 1,000 people assembled among the ancient ruins for what became the first annual open-air service. Generations have since returned to this iconic place to celebrate its rich Christian heritage.
This year’s Evening Prayer service will feature the guest preacher, the Dean of Clonmacnoise, the Very Rev Abigail Sines. Although the medieval cathedral in Clonmacnoise was destroyed in the sixteenth century, the Church of Ireland retained the title of Dean of Clonmacnoise for the Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Trim, Co Meath, preserving a living link with centuries of faith and worship.
Temple Connor Church is the only roofed church within the famous monastic complex and has served the local Church of Ireland community since the eighteenth century. While the wider site is maintained by the Office of Public Works and attracts visitors from around the world, the upkeep of Temple Connor Church relies on the support and generosity of individuals through the Athlone Union of Parishes.
The church recently received welcome news with the announcement that it was one of forty projects nationwide to benefit from the Historic Structures Fund 2026. A grant of €60,000 has been awarded to support repairs to the roof, insulation and repointing works, helping to preserve this unique place of worship for future generations.
All are welcome to bring picnic chairs or blankets and join in worship at Clonmacnoise (Eircode N37 V292). Afterwards, everyone is invited to stay for a picnic and fellowship with old and new friends.
Further information: [email protected] or [email protected].
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