WALK WHERE KINGS WERE BURIED AND GOD WAS STUDIED
Nestled in County Offaly, by the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise is an ancient monastic site and a popular attraction for history lovers.
Founded in the mid-6th century by Saint Ciarán, Clonmacnoise became one of the most important centres of religion and learning in Ireland, if not Europe.
Religious scholars visited from all over the Christian world, and between the 9th and 11th century Clonmacnoise even served as a burial site for kings.
The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, dating back to 545 A.D., as well as churches, round towers, high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe.
Stroll through this site, contemplating how grand it used to be, and what life must have been like for the religious scholars who once lived here.
You can find a selection of original crosses and grave slabs on display inside the visitor centre, which is run by Heritage Ireland, as well as exhibitions about the site, and its flora and fauna.
Entrance fee required.
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