Clones

Clones is a small town in western County Monaghan, in the border area of Ireland. The town's name in Irish, Cluain Eois, means 'Eos's meadow'. It was the site of a monastic settlement, originally founded by Tighearnach in the 6th century, until the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII. The ruins of a 12th century abbey building can still be found in the town, along with a sarcophagus reputed to have been built to house the remains of Saint Tighearnach, and a 9th century round tower and high cross. The town had a population of 2,889 (including rural area) at the 2006 census.