Irish boglands where ancient Christian treasures were buried protected them for centuries

Some of Ireland’s hidden treasures are buried deep within the rural landscape. Lemanaghan Bog in Co Offaly is an area of rich archaeological significance.

The ecclesiastical settlement of Lemanaghan is one of Co Offaly’s hidden treasures. The site is located on an island of dry land which was created by the wetlands of the bog and the flood plains of the river Brosna. It is not far from the better-known settlement Clonmacnoise.

In the year 645 AD, Diarmad, King of Ireland, granted the site to the monks of Clonmacnoise after they prayed for his victory in battle.

St Manchan, who was a highly respected scholar at Clonmacnoise, traveled to the land and founded a monastery there. Because of the dry, gray bogland it became known as Lemanaghan, meaning the grey lands of Managhan.

The monastic settlement soon became a place of pilgrimage. Over the years, roads covered by peat have been rediscovered. These roads were used by pilgrims or visitors to the monastery as early as the 12th century.

The ruins of the monastery are now a site of rich historical significance. It is home to St Manchan’s Church, the remains of the ancient monastery including a graveyard, and a holy well. There are two bullaun stones, and a collection of at least a dozen early grave slabs, some of which feature ancient stone carvings.

Ireland, County Offaly (Contae Uíbh Fhailí): boat on the Shannon River, not far from the Clonmacnoise site. (Photo by: Betend A/Andia/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

There are also traces of an additional building known as St Manchan’s house on the site. Experts believe St Manchan may be buried here but there is no evidence of his grave.

An exceptional number of archaeological finds were discovered in Lemanaghan Bog over the years. Iron items, such as daggers, horseshoes, a cauldron and old bottles are among the discovered artifacts.

Bog butter, which was perfectly preserved because of the bog conditions, was also found.

Lemanaghan Bog is often hailed as one of the highest densities of wetland archaeology. It gives a unique insight into the lives of people over the last 5,500 years.

This part of Co Offaly is hugely attractive to visitors interested in history particularly how it relates to Christianity.

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