Clonmacnoise — a Strategic Crossing Point

On a rather peaceful but chilly morning, we headed through the mist and along small bush lined roads to get to Clonmacnoise. One thing that baffles me about the route to Clonmacnoise is that tour buses can pass along these roads without getting into an accident… and dozens and dozens of them do it every day.

Our plan was to beat the tour buses, and it worked. We arrived as the facility opened and got in a good hour of wandering before the first 6 buses arrived and flooded the site with people.

The monastery was founded in 546 by Ciarán, son of the wright, at a strategic crossing point for many routes through Ireland. Because of its location, it became a central point in Ireland for religion and learning. This is thought to be the first centre of Christianity in Ireland.

Scholars from around the world would travel here to study… but it’s popularity and perceived wealth also attracted raiders and thieves who over time walked away with everything of value. By the 12th century, the site was in decline and mostly abandoned. The buildings in the photo gallery are from between 800-1200AD.

The oldest building is the Temple Ciarán, a sloping stone building (#12 in the gallery) that replaced the original wooden church built by Ciarán. It’s said that he is buried here but there’s no osteological or physical evidence to support this claim.

18 comments on “Clonmacnoise — a Strategic Crossing PointAdd yours →

  1. Loved that you ‘beat the tour buses’! I’d hate to be somewhere like that with thousand of people. What an interesting trip though, and I too enjoyed the way you displayed your photos.

    1. It’s funny because we’ve visited the UK a few times and yet I feel like we’ve only scatched the surface. I guess the same could be said for most of Europe.

    1. One of the things I really loved about Ireland is people simply left things as they were… so you have these old buildings and flowers growing through the cracks. BTW, I enjoyed looking at the photos from your Irish journeys a while back. Thanks for stopping by.

  2. Beating the tourists is key! I have many photos of Ireland filled with people I don’t know. Thanks for sharing that part of the story along with your lovely photos.

    1. Welcome, Karen. Isn’t it funny how that works… and in some places (not Ireland) strangers want to have their pictures taken with you (India, China).

  3. I have not heard of Clonmacnoise. Thanks for the history lesson and the virtual tour of the monastery. I enjoyed the details of the ruins through your photo. They give a great sense of antiquity and history. I’ll keep this place in mind when I visit Ireland again and I really intend to return.

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