Clonmacnoise

This early Christian monastery, in a remote spot by the River Shannon, was founded by St. Ciaran in 545-548.  Clonmacnoise lay at a crossroads of medieval routes, linking all parts of Ireland.  Known for its scholarship and piety, tit thrived from the 7th to the 12th century.  Many kings were buried there.  Plundered by the Vikings and Anglo-Normans 9 times, it fell to the English in 15552.  Today, a group of stone churches, a cathedral two round towers and three High Crosses remain.

 

Each day, over 1,000 people visit this site. Pope John Paul II did a service here with 10,000 people in 1079.  It was supposed to be a secret, but word got out to the locals and they flocked to see him. 

 

This picture below is an areal view.  (Not my picture).

 

 

 

As we left this gorgeous, and very interesting Christian site, we crossed the River Shannon.  I especially enjoyed seeing the cottage sitting right above it.

It's on to Galway!

 

Mitch is doing a great job driving us around.  Seriously, it's not as easy as it looks!  We managed to find our hotel in Galway on the first try!  PROGRESS!

 

Galway has a population of about 75,000 people and is the 6th most populous city in Ireland.  It reminds me of a college town and has many visitors both domestic and overseas.  Here's a few pictures.

Next stop - Kylemore Abbey.