abbeys galway

As you travel from Keadue to Ballyfarnon you reach Kilronan Cemetery containing the ruins of Kilronan Abbey, built in the 6th century. Twice burned down, it was last rebuilt in the 17th century. In the cemetery is the grave of Turlough O'Carolan, harper, composer, poet and singer.

Born in Nobber, Co.Meath, in 1670 and blinded by smallpox as a child, he came to the home of Mrs. McDermott Roe of Alderford, Ballyfarnon, who befriended him. Having educated him and furthered his musical st...

Claregalway Abbey was founded in 1290 and in spite of a very turbulent history remained in use into the last century.

There still remains the graceful tower, nave, choir (with a de Burgo tomb), a fine east window, north aisle and transept. Nearby is the massive square keep of a de Burgo Castle which figured in Norman Warfare with the O' Flaherty's....

Hill-walking has become a popular sport in Ireland, with thousands of people walking with dozens of clubs or in smaller groups. While vigorous, other aspects of mountaineering in Ireland such as rock-climbing and hill-running trail behind in numbers participating.
So why have so many people been inspired to take up hill-walking in Ireland? Well the fundamentals are the hills, the weather and access. The hills would be considered tiny in the context of many European areas let alone furthe...

13km from Clontuskert, on the road north to Ballinasloe, is Clontuskert - Abbey - . A monastery was founded here in 805.
Not much of the building remains, but the church has some interesting fragments of a 14th/15th century road screen of Sligo - Abbey - type: a 15th century north transept: a perpendicular west door of 1471 with figures of St Michael, John the Baptist, Catherine of Alexandria, and Augustine, and a holy water stone.

In 1637 the priory was re-edified on a reduced scale...

This was founded in 1241 by Meiler de Bermingham.
Accidentally burned in 1423, it was re-built with a central tower and the present northern doorway. Restored in 1638-44, it was declared a university for the Dominican Order by decree of a General Chapter held in Rome.
In 1652, however the Cromwellians totally wrecked the place....

An Abbey dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and founded for the Cistercians from Boyle in 1189-90 by Cathal Crovdearg O'Connor, King of Connacht. The church has a nave, chancel and a transept with two chapels. The nave is simple and austere, with little ornament except at the top of the pillars. In contrast, the rib-vaulted chancel has beautifully carved stonework with fine capitals and east windows. It has a 13th century tomb niche.

On the north wall of the chancel is a unique...