The Nuns’ Chapel, Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly

If you follow the pilgrims’ path, moving away from the main site at Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly you find yourself walking down a narrow lane, the grass and the trees for company, the sound of the Shannon as your backdrop. It is just as you feel that you are completely alone when you stumble upon the Nuns’ Chapel, this unbelievably beautiful Hiberno-Romanesque architecture seems to grow out of the landscape. This remarkable building dates back to 1167 AD and the arches were reconstructed in the mid 19th century after being left to crumble for many years. The building is made of both limestone and sandstone, the arches having been carved in three orders using both foliage and geometric design.

Each piece is lovingly sculpted by hand in wax and then moulded, cast and delicately painted to capture the life of the building. The thin and fragile edges, the cracks and the weathered stone are all part of the tapestry of Ireland’s beautiful landscape, history and traditions. Everyone needs a little bit of Ireland to call their own.

Each sculpture of The Nuns’ Chapel is 20cm x 17cm (9“ x 7“).

All of my sculptures are limited edition, made in my studio in the West of Ireland. Please note that as each piece is handmade, slight variations from the images will occur. The photos are of Edition 6 of 20.

If you have any queries or would like to see further images please contact me and I will get back to you within 24 hours.