In 1012, the church was repaired by Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, whose brother Marcán was Abbot of Tuamgraney at the time.

[2][4] Archaeologically and architecturally, it is described as a Type 2 unicameral mortared pre-Romanesque church in Zone 2 (west of the River Shannon).

[14] In 1839, the Irish language scholar John O'Donovan visited the church as part of his Ordnance Survey work.

[1] In 1989, a local voluntary group established the East Clare Heritage Centre (ECHC) and in 1992 acquired a 21-year licence on the property.

As well as St. Cronan's Church, the group's work included the 7th century monastic settlement of Holy Island (Inis Cealtra) and a restored Famine memorial park.

[14] It is similar in form to Clonmacnoise and retains its original doorway, the lintel and architrave of which denote its significance to worshippers.

[10] Inside the church lies a carved Romanesque sandstone head which was originally part of the external wall on the eastern gable.

It is known locally as Gráinne and thought to be the provenance of the placename of Tuamgraney; alternatively the carving is claimed to represent St. Cronan himself.