COLMAN'S Cave can be found off the road between Cappaghmore and Carron, at the northern tip of the Burren in Co Clare.

On the side of a hill called Kellilla, is an ancient and sacred place boasting a tiny cave which a monk, Colman, is said to have lived in during the late part of the 7th century AD until his death in 720. There is also a well, which although currently dry because of the lowering water table, has long been associated with the site.

Colman's original church has long since disappeared, but the ruins of a 13th century church are extant, situated at the bottom of the hill. A succession of holy men apparently followed Colman to inhabit the isolated hillside spot, which is a half mile or so from the road, over gnarled Burren rock and ancient Connacht walls.

Red ribbons were discovered hanging from trees around the cave on a recent visit, in obvious reverence for the legacy which the site preserves. Gordon D'Arcy, a Burren enthusiast, speculates that these have been put there by an ecclesiastic group, or perhaps pagan worshippers.

Mr D'Arcy appeals for visitors to respect the site, and recommends that only small groups of people pay a visit. Situated as it is in the Burren, the area also plays host to a variety of endangered species of flora, and people are asked to "take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints".