Drumcliff monastery, County Sligo

Founded in the 6th century by Saint Colmcille, he is said to have declared in a later literary fragment: Beloved to my heart also in the West— Drumcliffe at Culcinne's strand.Drumcliff was founded as a monastery in 574 AD, at the base of Benbulben by Saint Colmcille in the territory of Cairbre Drom Cliabh, an area ruled by the Cinel Cairbre descendants of Cairbre Mac Neill son of Niall of the Nine Hostages the founder of the Ui Neill dynasty.

The site was probably donated by the northern Ui Neill High king and relative of Colmcille, Aed Ainmire.

The termonn lands attached to the monastery were at the modern townland of Ardtermon (meaning "High Sanctuary") several miles to the west.

The Cenél Conaill dynasty, to which Colmcille himself belonged, was the chief patron and ally of the confederation from its founding until the eighth century.

The Columban paruchia in Ireland flourished during the eighth century AD under the aegis of the Southern Uí Néill branch of the Clann Cholmáin.

Increasing Viking attacks also took their toll, leading in 804 to the relocation of the head of the Columban monasteries from Iona to Kells.

The Columban federation enjoyed close relations with the Ceile De and Drumcliff may have had a community of this group.

A Saint Thorian or Mothorian was appointed the first abbot or comharba (successor) of St Columba.

"The 12th century text the Colloquy of the Sages mentions while describing a journey of the Fenian warriors through the district that they travelled "to Cailli in Chosnuma, called Cill Muadnatan."

The old monastery was already in decline through the later Middle Ages as it was gradually eclipsed by the new continental abbeys like the Dominican Friary at Sligo.

From the 13th century Sligo abbey became the preferred burial place for the local Gaelic dynasty of O Conchobar Sligigh.

The west face has the mocking of Christ and the Resurrection, the east, Daniel in the Lions den and the sacrifice of Isaac.

The cross arm of the south side depicts Mary with the Child Jesus, held in front of her.

Extensive evidence for agriculture was also found, including, animal bones, shellfish, seeds and grain.

Remote sensing surveys carried out have identified multiple features, including the remains of mill-races.