One of the wonders of Ireland is that there are ancient ruins everywhere you look.
Clonmacnoise was perhaps a little out of the way in our travels to family townlands, but then it has a bit of a Kelly connection and was in fact the center of religion, learning, craftsmanship and trade by the 8th century. Travelers from throughout Western Europe visited.
Founded in the mid-6th century by St. Ciarán, the site has ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (dating 10th to 13th centuries, two round towers, three high croses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs found anywhere in Western Europe. The crosses and some of the graveslabs have been moved inside for preservation purposes.
Located on the eastern bank of the Shannon, Clonmacnoise experienced the liberality of the chiefs of Hy-maine (our Kelly ancestors) and the kings of Connaught through the 9th century.
The monestary which survived plague in the 7th century and many attacks during the next four centuries by English, Irish, Vikings, and Normans, was in decline by the 12th century. The end came in 1552 when the English garrison at Athlone looted it one more time, leaving it in ruins.
Founded in the mid-6th century by St. Ciarán, the site has ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (dating 10th to 13th centuries, two round towers, three high croses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs found anywhere in Western Europe. The crosses and some of the graveslabs have been moved inside for preservation purposes.
Located on the eastern bank of the Shannon, Clonmacnoise experienced the liberality of the chiefs of Hy-maine (our Kelly ancestors) and the kings of Connaught through the 9th century.
Among the burials are High Kings as well as Kings of Connaught. In later times the monestary aligned with the Kings of Meath.
The monestary which survived plague in the 7th century and many attacks during the next four centuries by English, Irish, Vikings, and Normans, was in decline by the 12th century. The end came in 1552 when the English garrison at Athlone looted it one more time, leaving it in ruins.
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