Saint Manchan's Shrine
St Manchan’s Shrine – A Treasure of Medieval Ireland
St Manchan’s Shrine is one of the most remarkable survivals from Ireland’s medieval past. Created in the early 12th century and still venerated in its original locality, this masterpiece of metalwork is proudly displayed today in the parish church of Boher, County Offaly, close to its ancient home at Lemanaghan.
Shaped like a steeply pitched roof, the gabled reliquary was designed to be carried in procession. It is Ireland’s largest surviving medieval reliquary — and the only example of its kind — believed to enshrine the bones of St Manchan, who died in AD 664.
The shrine is attributed to master craftsman Mael Ísu mac Bratain Úi Echach, also responsible for the renowned Cross of Cong (1123). Both works share intricate animal ornament, Irish and Viking influences, and advanced techniques such as enamelling, gilding, and bronze casting. Yet the shrine stands apart for its figures: once fifty in number, only eleven survive today, their identities still shrouded in mystery.
Though kept locally, St Manchan’s Shrine is internationally recognised. It has been the subject of major academic studies, featured in global exhibitions, and even accompanied Pope John Paul II during his historic 1979 visit to Clonmacnoise.
A rich and dazzling Celtic bewilderment, a perpetual challenge to the eyes and a perpetual delight. T.D. Kendrick (Archaeologia 86, 1936)
Learning Experiences Ireland © All rights reserved.