Perhaps Ireland's greatest icon,dating from the era our country was known as the "Isle of Saints and Scholars ".This one is at the ruined monastic remains at Clonmacnoise on the Shannon.This was home to St. Kieran ,( Naomh Ciarán), one of Ireland's patron saints.
Behind the Cross are the remains of Clonmacnoise Cathedral.
Clonmacnoise was founded sometime between 545 and 548 by Ciarán Mac a tSaor, a young man from Rathcroghan, Co. Roscommon. Until the 9th century it had close associations with the kings of Connacht. The strategic location of the monastery helped it become a major centre of religion, learning, craftsmanship and trade by the 9th century and together with Clonard it was the most famous in Ireland, visited by scholars from all over Europe. From the ninth until the eleventh century it was allied with the kings of Meath. Many of the high kings of Tara and Connacht were buried here.
Heavenward........Earthward.......Meandering.......
Whatever the destination.......All we can do is follow our instincts and hope we make the best choices !
This is the view from Clonmacnoise, overlooking the Shannon river.
This is the main tower and one of the High Crosses at the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise,Co. Offaly,Irl.
Tags: tower and one of the High Crosses at the ancient monastic site Clonmacnoise Co. Offaly Irl. Round Tower High Cross monastic site