The Monachs

In the 13th century, a religious order, associated with Iona, maintained a presence on Cearn Ear, and they kept a light, as a guide to mariners, on the western most island of Shillay.  This more modern, and unused lighthouse, marks the spot of the original monastery.

The more modern, but now abandoned settlement is on the east island or Ceann Ear

Amongst the 20th century ruins are those of previous times

However one of the most amazing things about the Monachs is the beaches.

The beautiful rock formations, the blue sky and green islands combine with the white shell sand to make wonderful scenery.

Cearn Ear has a wide expanse of machair plain covered in buttercups and daisies.

On these same grasslands nest any species of birds.

But above all it is the peaceful solitude of the islands that are their best feature.