• Terry And Randy ClarkeIrelandTraveler
    There were ruins of several churches and many grave markers.
    The original crosses were protected indoors.The site was very large and impressive. I was surprised at its violent history.This arch was called the Whispering Arch. It was so wet and cold I didn't really appreciate it.Randy looking for shelter, Oops no roof.Original church on the site.We pulled over to let faster traffic go by and saw this pretty forest road.Stopped for lunch to warm up and loved the Strathroy butter.1Our room at the Shamrock Lodge.I wasn't joking we really did have the Princess suite.Sitting at the end of the bar watching all the action. The bartenders were hilarious.1They had live music but it didn't start till 10, way too late.This is part of the original wall which was dated to the 9th century.From the outside it's very plain but inside it's awesome.

    Clonmacnoise and Seans Bar

    Sep 26–27, 2024 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    It was rainy and cold as we drove inland to Athlone. We stopped at Clonmacnoise a monastery that was founded in the 6th century. We watched a video presentation and then had a guided tour. Some of the original Celtic crosses have been moved into a museum to safeguard them, and models were erected outside. We enjoyed the inside tour more than the outside as the rain was coming sideways. Our guide tried to keep us to sheltered areas, but it was wild. He also told us that the bar we were going to tonight was almost as old as the monastery. We had a nice surprise when we checked into the Shamrock Lodge, they put us in the Princess Grace Suite. She was at the hotel in the 60s, and they had all kinds of memorabilia. It was a beautiful room and we really enjoyed our stay. We spent a few hours at Seans Bar, and we were totally entertained by the bar staff as they scrambled to take care of bus loads of thirsty customers. The bar dates back to the 9th century. It was definitely worth the drive to Athlone to experience Seans Bar.Read more