Straat party tour to Clonmacnoise with Dave Hogan

Our weather today was very disappointing as we made our way to one of Ireland's most famous Monastic settlements, Clonmacnoise,founded by Saint Ciaran in the sixth century. It has a history of fantastic missionary work, great works of religious books similar to the Book of Kells, accompanied by much tragedy with constant attacks by the Vikings through the Viking period in Ireland, and indeed attacks by native Irish at times. The motive for these attacks was the fantastic works of art, the wonderful gold chalices and other religious objects which were always plentiful in these abbeys and churches.
It is a wonderful place to visit where you can wander through the ruins of old churches, and view the majestic Celtic crosses still on display there.

 Our first view of the high crosses in the settlement at Clonmacnoise, a nest of ruined churches, high crosses, and round towers in the heart of what is also a cemetery.

 The entrance door to the main church at Clonmacnoise.

 This tiny church was built over the grave of Saint Ciaran, the founder of this settlement.

 This tiny hole in solid rock was actually used to mix herbs for the treatment of the sick. They say that anybody who suffers from warts, and bathes the warts in this tiny well, will be cured of their warts.

 A view of the river Shannon, Ireland's largest river, with one of the round towers, still standing tall.

 The three main original crosses have been moved indoors to save them from weather erosion. These crosses are decorated with sculpted art work depicting scenes from the scriptures.

 Another one of the crosses, with Hilary deep in concentration, studying the wonderful works of these ancient monks.

 Hilary here again, studying another side of this cross.

The final cross, once again a magnificent work of art.

Most of our day today was spent indoors due to the weather, but hopefully it may improve tomorrow as we begin our journey to the south,