St. Molua's Oratory

About 1km further downstream from this point is the now submerged Friars Island. Friars Island was once the home of St. Molua’s (or St. Lua’s) Oratory; a small Oratory built in the 9th or 10th century by St. Molua, who was a Christian Abbot. Also located on Friars Island was “Lady’s Well”, which was a holy well and the island was a place of pilgrimage annually on 14th August until the late 1920’s.

At the time the water level was so low that people could walk from the mainland to the island. However, as a result of the Shannon Hydro Electric Scheme in the 1920’s, it was realised that Friars Island and St. Lua’s Oratory would be completely submerged due to the rising water level of the Shannon.

After a number of years of planning, St. Lua’s Oratory was removed stone by stone from Friars Island and rebuilt in the grounds of St. Flannan’s Catholic Church in Killaloe in 1930, where it can still be seen today.

A commemorative plaque beside the river marks the location of this island.