• Our Ring Around Ireland
    The Kilree Round Tower dates back from the 9th century — Kilree Monastic Site, Ireland.
    Have to hop over this wall to get to the Kilree Monastic Site, Ireland.In the absence of a bull, Mui poses with the sign — Kilree Monastic Site, Ireland.Glimpse into the ruins of the Church of the King — Kilree Monastic Site, Ireland.The graveyard of the 10th century church — Kilree Monastic Site, Ireland.High Cross and Round Tower — Kilree Monastic Site, Ireland.This high cross is said to mark the grave of a high king — Kilree Monastic Site, Ireland.The round tower from behind the high cross — Kilree Monastic Site, Ireland.

    Kilree Monastic Site

    June 21, 2019 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F

    There’s nothing left from what was once a 6th century monastic site. So, why go there? Because there are other things to see. Namely, a 9th century round tower and a high cross.

    To get to both these sites, we had to climb over a wall; walk across a field where a sign advised us of the presence of a bull ... we didn’t see one; go through a graveyard amongst the ruins of the 10th century Church of the King ... which is what Killree means in Gaelic; and then walk across another field.

    Why go to all this effort? Because the high cross in the field is thought to mark the grave of King Niall, who drowned while trying to save a servant. The river, along which Kells Priory is situated, was later named King’s River in his honor.

    By the way, the servant survived the dunking thanks to the king’s efforts.    Read more