St. Conall's Bell and Shrine: Brief History of Christianity In Ireland through one beautiful object

Christianity enters Ireland

St. Conall, a follower of St. Patrick, founded a monastery on the Island of Inniskeel during the 500's. The monks were learned and brought Christianity and learning of all kinds to Inniskeel and southern Donegal.  

This bell, which he used to call his followers, remained in the monastery for many centuries.  Iron bells like this were a common symbol of prayer in this area.  The iron has rusted through in some areas but the bell remains whole and stands upright.  It is about 8" tall and originally had a flat handle with two finger holes. 

Roman rites supplanted Celtic rites

As Roman-style Christianity entered Ireland and replaced the rites used by the Irish church, the monastery continued and the bell continued the call to prayer.  In the 1000's the bronze covering was added using designs which have Celtic and Viking motifs.

The very elaborate case or shrine used to protect the bell was created in the 1400's approximately.  It is gold and silver and has a chain where it was worn around the neck of the care taker. 

Catholics, forbidden to worship, prayed secretly

As Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and Cromwell imposed anti-Catholic laws and burned churches and any remaining monasteries, the bell went into hiding with the O'Breslin clan.  It was displayed secretly for ceremonial occasions.

During the period of pilgrimage or tura, May to September when low tides were low enough for pilgrims to walk to the island, pilgrims would visit Inniskeel and walk around the carved stones and other places of devotion then pray at the two churches, St. Conall's and St. Mary's. They would kiss the shrine which enclosed the bell as it hung around the neck of the O'Breslin caretaker.

After the reformation, the pilgrimages continues with prayer in the ruins of the churches.

Political and religious turmoil intensified in modern times

After 1830 the bell fell into other hands, purchased, stolen and who knows what.  Eventually, one purchaser recognized its significance and gave it to the British Museum who owns it now.  Usually it is on display with the collection Brief History of the World in 100 Objects which we saw last summer.

Peace has returned to religion in Ireland

Many in Donegal have been working for years to have the bell come home for a visit.  It is here in Letterkenny for a few weeks and will travel to Inniskeel  from July 4-13 for both historical and religious display.  

The bell's visit ends with a religious service on Monday, July 13 with a combined Catholic and Protestant service in the Inniskeel Parish Church.