A Visit to Clonegal Castle

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A Visit to Clonegal Castle

On this page you can enjoy a photo tour of the grounds of Clonegal Castle, Fellowship of Isis Foundation Centre.

A first glimpse of the castle from the avenue of lime trees

An FOI Priestess shares images of a magical visit.

The front entrance of Clonegal Castle

An interior view of the abbey with an Isis plaque and one of the stone basins

When approaching the castle entrance to the Northeast, on the right hand side of the castle grounds the ruins of The Old Abbey come into view. The walls date from the 14th century, making it contemporary with the trees of the famous Yew Walk. The Old Abbey was the setting for the first rites of the Druid Clan of Dana. Lawrence Durdin-Robertson called it "The Old Dana Abbey" and " The Temple of Dana."

Scenes from the Castle Grounds

Enchanting scenes delight castle visitors from every direction. The castle, abbey ruins and surrounding landscape blend together the historic heritage and beauty of nature, which is the hallmark of Clonegal Castle.

Wildflowers growing in the ruins

A castle visitor seated within the abbey

Within the ruins of the abbey there is a dolmen altar and two marble stone basins used to collect rainwater. It was here in the early 1960's that Lawrence Durdin-Robertson and Olivia Robertson performed Druidic initiations with Ross Nichols, founder of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Rites and prayers were performed in Gaelic by Ben McBrady, Aircinneac and Herenach of a pre-Druid Megalithic Order called “The Old Gaelic Order.” (*see Note, below)

Visitors from all over the world have enjoyed tours of the castle grounds. FOI members can always apply for an invitation in advance if they wish to spend time with Lady Olivia. She is happy to comply if her busy schedule allows the opportunity.

Flowers growing out of an ancient stone wall

Ancient walls of stone provide a nesting place for the roots of wildflowers, rambling roses grow wild in the ruins of the old abbey, the beautiful and mysterious Mt. Leinster lies in the distance, and the remnants of a primeval forest stands just beyond the castle gardens.

The Castle Garden

A view of the gardens behind the castle

A fountain at the end of a walkway

The garden has a sense of grace and tranquility. Plantings of exotic vines, trees and flowering shrubs grace the walkways.

A Walk in the Forest

A misty pathway in the garden leads to the avenue of yew trees and the forest which lie on the edge of the castle grounds.

Entrance to the forest from the castle garden

Past the yew trees lies a wilderness of immense natural beauty.

A spring in the forest

A clearing with palm tree and small pool

The forest holds many ancient secrets and sights but now it is time to return to the castle. There is still much to see!

The Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle

Re-entering the castle gardens one can see the entrance to the temple

Stone steps lead from the main area of the castle to the temple shrines below. A statue of Atalanta can be seen on the landing. Her name means "balanced."

The steps that lead to the temple shrines

Just inside the alcove of the entrance

Statue in the portico at the temple entrance

The Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle also provides the setting for annual seasonal rites. These festivals are held in the Temple eight times during the year and outside in the "Dana Temple" or Old Abbey as well, if the weather permits.

(*) Note: Ben McBrady, known as Brady of the Name and Herenach of the Two Kilmores, is believed to have been the last member of “The Old Gaelic Order.” Because of this he was called “The Last Druid.” He passed away in January of 1996. Ben McBrady was a descendant of

Storage buildings behind the castle

It was in one of these buildings that Lawrence and Olivia searched for a sword to use for the ceremony that inaugurated the Noble Order of Tara. Douglas Reagan, the first consecrated Knight of the NOT, held vigil over that sword in the Temple of Isis before the high altar the evening before his consecration as Knight Commander.

The garden of Clonegal Castle is believed to be the second oldest in all of Ireland.

An ancient statue in the middle of the castle garden

The Avenue of Yew Trees dates from the fourteenth century and is the oldest planting in the vicinity of the castle. The avenue forms a covered walk which leads to the forest. It is one of the most famous natural features of Clonegal Castle.

The Avenue of Yew Trees

An ancient mill house

A dried stream bed provides a passage way through the brush

The entrance to the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle can be seen on the lower level, a shrub partially covers it from view at this angle.

A closer view of the rear of the castle and the temple entrance

The entrance to the shrines of the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle

An ancient plaque set into the beams of the entrance, depicting Aquarius

Another ancient plaque set into entry way beams

The Temple of Isis of Clonegal Castle is reached by walking down a series of stone steps from the upper stories. The entrance is framed by a portico which shelters the doorway that leads into the sanctuary. Within the temple are shrines dedicated to the five sacred elements, the signs of the zodiac and to Deities from many cultures, with a particular emphasis on the Goddess. There is also a holy well dedicated to Brigid, a Chapel of the Mothers which is used for initiations, a Healing Chapel and a high altar in the Holy of Holies. This temple is the heart of the Fellowship of Isis. The temple is in constant use. Daily meditation, healing and attunement take place within the shrines. It is here that Olivia has received divine inspiration and guidance for the oracles and rites that comprise the Fellowship of Isis Liturgy.

Lugar MacLugair (Lughaid mac Loeguire), who was Chief Druid of Ireland and Druid to the High King Leary and the Kings of Leinster. Lugar MacLugair was also believed to have been a member of “The Old Gaelic Order.”

May Isis richly bless all who visit this site.

This central Fellowship of Isis website is officially authorized and chartered by Fellowship of Isis co-founder Lady Olivia Robertson, AU, FOI Foundation Centre, Clonegal Castle, Enniscorthy, Ireland

Notice of Copyright and Disclaimer of the Circle of Isis Website Contents: The Circle of Isis website is an officially sanctioned central global website of the Fellowship of Isis, authorized by Lady Olivia Robertson, AU, co-founder of the Fellowship of Isis, Foundation Centre, Clonegal Castle, Enniscorthy, Ireland. The contents of the Circle of Isis Website are not public domain. All contents published under the name The Circle of Isis on this website are copyrighted. The URL (www.thecircleofisis.com) is copyrighted. Direct links to these webpages are permitted. Copying the appearance, content or format of these pages is not permitted. All rights reserved.

Notice of Copyright of the Fellowship of Isis Liturgy: Fellowship of Isis Liturgy copyright is legally shared by the author, Lady Olivia Robertson, AU, FOI co-founder, with members of the Circle of Isis Advisory Board. Those members are Rt. Rev. Loreon Vigne, Rt. Rev. deTraci Regula, ArchDrs. Linda Iles and Rt. Rev. Caroline Wise. The content and format of the Fellowship of Isis Liturgy presented on the Circle of Isis website are not public domain. The content and format are protected by a separate copyright. Lady Olivia Robertson, AU, FOI co-founder, personally upholds our copyright. Private or public distribution, private or public reproduction, private or public publication in any form, by any means, of the FOI Liturgy as presented on the Circle of Isis website, is not permitted. Direct links to the FOI Liturgy pages on the Circle of Isis website are allowed, printing a copy for private ritual use is allowed. All other rights reserved.