It's been suggested that Holy Island would be the most appropriate location for a visit by Pope Francis to Clare.It comes as Bishop Fintan Monahan has said that he'll invite the pontiff to the diocese of Killaloe, as part of an expected visit to Ireland in 2018 for the World Meeting of Families.
The Bishop of Killaloe has expressed hope that the Pope will accept an invitation to Clare as part of his expected visit to Ireland.
Pope Francis has been officially invited to the World Meeting of Families in 2018, and if he accepts, it would be the first visit by a pope since John Paul the Second in 1979.
The Catholic Bishops of Ireland will travel to Rome in January, when Bishop Fintan Monahan will invite the pontiff to come to the Diocese of Killaloe.
Bishop Monahan hopes the Pontiff will be in a position to make the trip.
It's been suggested that Inis Cealtra on Lough Derg would be an appropriate location for a mass held by Pope Francis, if he accepts the invitation.
Dating back to the 7th century, the island is one of the most important historical and ecclesiastical sites in Ireland.
Local Historian Gerard Madden says Holy Island has strong links with Rome and the Vatican.
Clare County Council officially took over responsibility of Holy Island in June 2015 and a project aimed at developing the area as a tourist detination is currently underway.
Eoin O'Hagan of Clare Virtually hopes the local authority will get behind efforts to bring Pope Francis there.