CLONMACNOISE, a famous early Christian centre on the river Shannon, Offaly Co., Ireland, 9 m. south of Athlone. An abbey founded 541 by St. Kieran became famous and several books of annals were compiled here; Alcuin came to be taught by Colcu at Clonmacnoise. The Book of the Dun Cow (written about 11 oo) is a copy of an older collection of romances written on the skin of a cow of St. Kieran. The ecclesiastical foundation was called the Seven Churches of Clonmacnoise and their remains still survive. The fine west doorway of the Great Church is early; the other churches are those of Fineen, Conor, St. Kieran, Kelly, Melaghlin and Dowling. There are two round towers, O'Rourke's and McCarthy's, which is attached to Fineen's church and has a doorway at ground-level, an unusual feature. There are three crosses, the Great Cross facing the door of the Great Church. Many inscribed stones of the ninth century and later are preserved in the churches. Clonmacnoise became a bishopric and there are remains of a castle and bishop's palace (14th century), it was wasted by the English in i552, and in 1568 the diocese was merged in that of Meaths.