There are many holy places in Ireland and countless ancient sites and ruins. When we lived there together in the eighties, we always kept in the car a handy reference book titled Guide to the National Monuments of Ireland, by Peter Harbison. This amazing book led us to explore many wonderful locations, off the beaten track.
Due to its size and significance, all Irish people have heard about Clonmacnoise, an ancient monastic site in County Offaly, but not all have had an opportunity to visit it. We passed close to it many times on the main Dublin-Galway Road until we finally made the detour. Situated near the Shannon River to the south of Athlone, the historical site is a treasure trove of ruins: ancient churches, a castle, three stone crosses, round towers, and numerous engraved grave-slabs.
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