Cloonshanville_ Head1

3D Model

The Dominican priory at Cloonshanville was founded by the MacDermots in 1385. The priory stands on the site of a previous early monastery founded by St. Comnitius, a bishop at the time of St. Patrick,

The bell tower is the only part of the structure to survive to its full height and was covered with ivy and other vegetation. A restoration program funded by Community Monument Fund, and supported by Rocommon County Council has allowed for clearance and stabiliation work. During this work several features were identified including windows and carved heads on the south side of the tower and a series of external steps leading to the first floor. These feature can be seen in early drawings of the stie

This head is located on the SE corner of the tower. The flat face shows incised features with two tongues and sharp teeth. Ears to the left and right, and a cheek on the right side.