• Our Ring Around Ireland
    A "we are here" selfie @ the 6th century monastic site of Clonmacnoise — Ireland.
    L to R: O'Rourke's Tower, Cathedral, Temples Dowling & Hurpan — Clonmacnoise, Ireland.The monastic site of Clonmacnoise overlooks the River Shannon — Ireland.Temple Connor (middle) and Temple Finghin & McCarthy's Tower in the distance — Clonmacnoise, IrelandTemple Finghin & McCarthy's Tower — Clonmacnoise, Ireland.Temple Melaghlin ... burial place of the Kings of Meath — Clonmacnoise, Ireland.Peeping through the window of a temple — Clonmacnoise, Ireland.Replica of the Cross of Scriptures and O'Rourke's Round Tower — Clonmacnoise, Ireland.Gravestones and crosses as a skyline at the cemetery @ Clonmacnoise, Ireland.The original Cross of the Scriptures @ the Interpretive Center — Clonmacnoise, Ireland.

    Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

    July 2, 2019 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    Located on a hill overlooking the River Shannon, the Monastic site of Clonmacnoise was founded in the 6th century. The site was associated with the saints and scholars of Ireland’s Golden Age of Learning. Back in the day, it was one of Europe’s largest learning centers. It was also the burial place for many of the high kings from around Ireland, including Tara.

    For us, the attraction for visiting Clonmacnoise was the ruins — a cathedral, several temples, and a couple of round towers ... all set against an incredibly photogenic background.    Read more