The abbey was founded by Saint Finnian in the early sixth century.
However, the title was ambiguous, since it may refer to the abbots of Moville, County Down, founded by Finnian nepos Fiatach (died 10 September 579/80).
The abbots of Clonard were sometimes called 'coarbs of Finnian and Mo Cholmóc'.
[1] The following is a list of abbots and early monastic bishops.
(Those who were consecrated bishops, but did not hold the office of coarb or abbot are indicated in italics and brackets):