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Clonmacnoise, Ireland (December 2013)

Clonmacnoise, meaning "Meadow of the Sons of Nós", is a monastery located in County Offaly, on the River Shannon. Saint Ciarán, who was the son of a master craftsman, founded it in 548. By the 9th century, its strategic location made it a major center of religion, learning, craftsmanship and trade. There was a large lay population, so Clonmacnoise looked more like a town than a monastery. After multiple plunderings by invaders, Clonmacnoise fell into decline from the 13th century until it was destroyed in 1552 by the English garrison from nearby Athlone. Clonmacnoise was designated a national monument in 1877. Today, the extensive ruins of Clonmacnoise include a cathedral, castle, round tower, numerous churches, two important high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. It is an historic site well worth visiting.
Clonmacnoise Ireland cover page.
Clonmacnoise Ireland cover page.		 Map of Ireland with the star indicating Clonmacnoise.
Map of Ireland with the star indicating Clonmacnoise.		 On the way to Clonmacnoise is Luker's Bar, located near the banks of the River Shannon.
On the way to Clonmacnoise is Luker's Bar, located near the banks of the River Shannon.		 Mural at Luker's Bar, one of Ireland's most authentic old-world bars. It is virtually unchanged since the 1750’s.
Mural at Luker's Bar, one of Ireland's most authentic old-world bars. It is virtually unchanged since the 1750’s.
Farm nearby Clonmacnoise with cows grazing.
Farm nearby Clonmacnoise with cows grazing.		 Bales of hay in a shed at the farm.
Bales of hay in a shed at the farm.		 Close-up of the cows.
Close-up of the cows.		 Ruins of Clonmacnoise Castle. It was built by the Chief Governor of Ireland, Henry of London, in 1214 and was destroyed by 1300.
Ruins of Clonmacnoise Castle. It was built by the Chief Governor of Ireland, Henry of London, in 1214 and was destroyed by 1300.
The castle was constructed to gain control over the midlands and guard the bridge across the River Shannon.
The castle was constructed to gain control over the midlands and guard the bridge across the River Shannon. 		Stone sign at the entrance of Clonmacnoise.
Stone sign at the entrance of Clonmacnoise.		 Statue at the entrance of Clonmacnoise of The Pilgrim. It represents Aedh, son of Colcon, Chief of Oriel.
Statue at the entrance of Clonmacnoise of "The Pilgrim." It represents Aedh, son of Colcon, Chief of Oriel.		 Aedh is said to have been the first pilgrim to go to Clonmacnoise. Upon arrival, he collapsed from fatigue and died.
Aedh is said to have been the first pilgrim to go to Clonmacnoise. Upon arrival, he collapsed from fatigue and died.
The High Cross on exhibit at the Clonmacnoise Visitors' Centre. There are about 70 stone high crosses remaining in Ireland.
The High Cross on exhibit at the Clonmacnoise Visitors' Centre. There are about 70 stone high crosses remaining in Ireland.		 Recreation of a wooden oratory (dairthech) found in the center of ancient monasteries in early Christian Ireland.
Recreation of a wooden oratory (dairthech) found in the center of ancient monasteries in early Christian Ireland. 		The North Cross is thought to be the oldest cross at Clonmacnoise (around 800 AD). Only the shaft and base survive.
The North Cross is thought to be the oldest cross at Clonmacnoise (around 800 AD). Only the shaft and base survive.		 One of approximately 700 decorative slabs found at Clonmacnoise.
One of approximately 700 decorative slabs found at Clonmacnoise.
Another decorative slab. They lay horizontally on the ground and were used as burial covers.
Another decorative slab. They lay horizontally on the ground and were used as burial covers.		 Recreation of a stonemason's workshop at the Visitors' Centre at Clonmacnoise.
Recreation of a stonemason's workshop at the Visitors' Centre at Clonmacnoise.		 O'Rourke's Tower stands in the northwest corner of the old graveyard. It was originally on the outside of the monastic walls.
O'Rourke's Tower stands in the northwest corner of the old graveyard. It was originally on the outside of the monastic walls.		 Records indicate that it was finished in 1124 by Turlough O'Connor, King of Connacht.
Records indicate that it was finished in 1124 by Turlough O'Connor, King of Connacht.
Replica of the Cross of the Scriptures in front of the Cathedral. It is the largest church at Clonmacnoise (started around 909).
Replica of the Cross of the Scriptures in front of the Cathedral. It is the largest church at Clonmacnoise (started around 909).		 The Cathedral was recently restored with the Gothic-style north doorway called the Whispering Arch (from the 15th century).
The Cathedral was recently restored with the Gothic-style north doorway called the Whispering Arch (from the 15th century).		 Clonmacnoise Cemetery with the Cathedral in the background.
Clonmacnoise Cemetery with the Cathedral in the background.		 Temple Connor was built in the 11th century by Cathal O' Connor. It has been used by the Anglican Church since the 18th century.
Temple Connor was built in the 11th century by Cathal O' Connor. It has been used by the Anglican Church since the 18th century.
Tombstone of John Joseph L'Estrange (1878-1898), from Cloghan. Also, his father, son-in-law and wife are buried here.
Tombstone of John Joseph L'Estrange (1878-1898), from Cloghan. Also, his father, son-in-law and wife are buried here.		 Stone grave covers at Clonmacnoise Monastery.
Stone grave covers at Clonmacnoise Monastery.		 Some of the many gravestones and tall crosses at Clonmacnoise monastery.
Some of the many gravestones and tall crosses at Clonmacnoise monastery.		 Tall crosses in the foreground.
Tall crosses in the foreground.
More gravestones and tall crosses at Clonmacnoise Cemetery.
More gravestones and tall crosses at Clonmacnoise Cemetery.		 Tombstone for William Keegan (died 1897) aged 44, his wife Mary and children Thomas and John.
Tombstone for William Keegan (died 1897) aged 44, his wife Mary and children Thomas and John.		 Next to the River Shannon is Temple Finghin, a ruin of Romanesque church with a round bell tower. It was built about 1160-70.
Next to the River Shannon is Temple Finghin, a ruin of Romanesque church with a round bell tower. It was built about 1160-70.		 Close-up of more graves at Clonmacnoise Monastery.
Close-up of more graves at Clonmacnoise Monastery.
Overview of Clonmacnoise Cemetery with the Cathedral in the background.
Overview of Clonmacnoise Cemetery with the Cathedral in the background.

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