Overview
Clonard Monastery, built in 1911 to replace a small brick church on Clonard Street, is now one of Ireland’s best-known churches and the home of the annual Clonard Novena, which draws thousands of visitors each year. The building served as a shelter during the Belfast Blitz in World War II, protecting residents from bombing raids. Decades later, it became a key location in the Northern Ireland peace process, hosting private discussions between Fr Alec Reid, Gerry Adams and John Hume. These meetings helped advance dialogue and earned the monastery the title “The Cradle of Peace.”
Quick Facts
- Status
- Existing
- Locality or neighborhood
- Belfast
- County
- County Antrim
- Country
- Northern Ireland
- Postal code
- BT13 2RL
- Opened or constructed
- 1911
