|
There’s something special about heading out for a walk on a bright Easter Sunday, and this year we set our sights on Mullaghgarve Mass Rock. We first spotted the route in Rozz Purcell’s book and, with the sun finally making an appearance, it felt like the perfect day to give it a go. Tucked away in rural County Leitrim, the trail has that quiet, untouched feel that makes you slow down and take everything in. The walk itself is only about three kilometres, but it packs in a surprising amount of variety. The first section follows peaceful gravel roads — easy going, with wide views across the countryside and the kind of gentle start that lets you settle into the rhythm of the day. Birds, sheep, stunning views… it’s Leitrim at its most honest.
After that, the character of the trail changes. The last 300 metres turn into a rocky path that winds upward, and the final push is definitely the steepest. It’s short, but it wakes up the legs. There’s a sense of stepping into older, wilder ground as you climb, the landscape closing in a little, the air getting stiller. Reaching the Mass Rock feels like arriving somewhere meaningful. Hidden in the hillside, it’s a quiet reminder of the people who once gathered here in secret. We paused for a while — partly to catch our breath, partly because the place invites you to. With the sun warm on our backs and the hills rolling out around us, it was one of those small, perfect moments that make a simple walk feel like something more.
Just beyond this area rises Iron Mountain (Sliabh an Iarainn), one of Leitrim’s most storied peaks. Known for its iron‑rich history and deep roots in Irish mythology, it adds a sense of ancient presence to the whole region. You can’t see all of it from the Mass Rock trail, but knowing it’s there — watching over Lough Allen — gives the landscape an extra layer of character. A short walk, a steep finish, a place full of history, and a sunny Easter Sunday to tie it all together. Sometimes that’s all you need.
Practical Info – Mullaghgarve Mass Rock Walk
📍 Location: County Leitrim, near Drumshanbo 🚶♂️ Distance: ~3 km out‑and‑back ⏱️ Time: 45–60 minutes at an easy pace 🥾 Difficulty: Easy to moderate — mostly gentle, with a short steep final climb 🛣️ Terrain:
🌦️ Best for: Dry days; the rocky section can be slippery after rain
0 Comments
On a wet February day, we visited Trim Castle in County Meath, its ancient silhouette rising through the mist. Below us, the Boyne River was thundering, swollen with winter rain as it carved its way past the fortress walls. Trim Castle, Ireland’s largest Anglo‑Norman fortress, sits in the town of Trim in County Meath, just 45 minutes northwest of Dublin. When visiting, you can wander the castle grounds for free, taking in the sweeping views and atmospheric ruins, or pay the entrance fee to explore inside. The 13th‑century gatehouse is especially striking: once the main point of controlled entry, it still bears the defensive features of its time—arrow loops, murder holes, and thick stone walls that whisper stories of watchful guards and long‑gone battles.
At the heart of Trim Castle stands its massive three‑storey keep, an unmistakable silhouette against the Meath landscape. Built in the late 12th century, the keep is a rare twenty‑sided design—an architectural quirk that makes it one of the most distinctive medieval structures in Ireland. Climbing through its narrow stairways and echoing chambers gives you a real sense of the fortress’s scale and the lives that once moved through its stone corridors. Just beyond the keep lie the remains of the Great Hall, once the social heart of Trim Castle. It was here that feasts were held, visitors were received, and the daily life of the medieval lordship unfolded.
Walking around the grounds, we admired the massive stone defensive walls, their weathered surfaces telling centuries of stories. We were lucky—on this particular morning, the sun finally made an appearance, breaking through the grey after one of the wettest Januaries and Februaries the area had seen.
The castle is managed by the Office of Public Works, which oversees many of Ireland’s most important heritage sites. And for anyone who follows our adventures, you’ll know by now that we have a soft spot for heritage sites—they’re always the first places we seek out.
Derrynane House was a deeply special place for Daniel O’Connell. Set amid the wild beauty of the Kerry coastline, it was his family home, his refuge, and the place that grounded him throughout his political life. The house and its surrounding estate offered the peace and inspiration that fueled the man who became known as “The Liberator.” Inside Derrynane House, the rooms feel both intimate and steeped in history. Many of Daniel O’Connell’s personal belongings are still on display — letters, portraits, and pieces of furniture that make it easy to imagine the life he lived here.
As everyone who follows our travels already knows, I can never resist visiting a garden. Whether it’s a grand estate or a tucked‑away corner filled with unusual plants, I’m always drawn in. The gardens surrounding Derrynane House are no exception — a captivating mix of wild coastal beauty and thoughtfully tended paths that invite you to wander, linger, and soak in the quiet charm of the estate. From the South American plant collection to the rare species tucked into sheltered corners of the estate, the gardens at Derrynane House reveal a surprising diversity that reflects centuries of curiosity and exploration helped by the warming influence of the Gulf Stream.
And with brilliant walking routes all around and a fabulous beach right on its doorstep, the whole area feels like a place made for slowing down and soaking up the landscape. On this particular day, plenty of people were enjoying a day at the beach, making the whole coastline feel lively and sun‑soaked despite the overcast sky. Families splashed in the shallows, dogs chased waves, and the soft hum of holiday chatter drifted up toward the gardens. From the gardens, it’s only a short stroll to the Seashore Nature Trail — a gentle coastal walk that winds through dunes, wildflowers, and salt‑sprayed paths before opening out onto the wide sweep of Derrynane’s beach. Just beyond the curve of the beach lies Abbey Island, a tidal islet crowned with the quiet ruins of an old monastery. At low tide you can wander across the sand to explore its crumbling stone walls, weathered graves, and windswept paths
There’s something about Donegal in autumn that feels almost enchanted. The summer crowds thin, the air sharpens, and the landscape shifts into a palette of russet, gold, and deep green. It’s the perfect moment to wander through history—and Donegal Castle, perched beside the River Eske, becomes even more striking under the soft October light. Having driven from Sligo in just under an hour, we parked the car at the quays and set off on foot toward the castle. The walk itself is a gentle introduction to Donegal Town, the main square with its shops being the centre of Donegal town. As you approach the castle, the first thing you notice is how its stone walls seem to glow in the low autumn sun. The O’Donnell tower house rises confidently above the town, its silhouette framed by trees just beginning to shed their leaves. There’s a quietness to the courtyard this time of year—just the crunch of leaves underfoot and the distant sound of the river.
O’Donnell Castle, more commonly known today as Donegal Castle, is one of the most important Gaelic strongholds in Ireland. It sits right in the centre of Donegal Town, beside a bend in the River Eske, and was the ancestral seat of the powerful O’Donnell clan, rulers of Tír Chonaill for centuries. The heart of Donegal Castle is its 15th‑century rectangular tower house, a classic example of Gaelic lordship and the power of the O’Donnell clan. When the castle later passed into English hands, Captain Sir Basil Brooke transformed it by adding a Jacobean‑style manor wing in the 17th century. Stepping inside feels like crossing a threshold into another century. The restored great hall is warm and atmospheric, with its timber ceiling and massive stone fireplace. Sunlight filters through narrow windows, casting long amber streaks across the floor.
After exploring the castle, it’s only a short stroll to one of the cafés in Donegal Town. There’s nothing better than warming your hands around a cup of coffee while looking back at the castle’s outline through the window.
The Galway City Museum is a fascinating cultural space located right in the heart of Galway, offering a deep dive into the city’s history, heritage, and vibrant identity. Located on the banks of the River Corrib, the museum enjoys one of the most scenic spots in Galway, with the water flowing just steps from its doors. With three floors of exhibitions, it’s definitely a worthwhile visit — made even better by the fact that admission is completely free. Museum website: Galway History with a View. Local Stories with Soul. • Galway City Museum Ground floor On the ground floor, you find the reception desk and the temporary exhibition space. The main exhibition on this floor is the "surrounded by stone" exhibition. This exhibition tells the story of the iconic stone monuments that define Galway as a place of rich artistic and architectural heritage, spanning from 1100 BC to AD 1750. It highlights the striking design and craftsmanship behind a remarkable range of structures — from the stone forts of the Aran Islands, to early church and monastic sites, to the beautifully carved stone buildings of medieval Galway. Together, these monuments reveal how creativity and skill shaped both the rural and urban landscapes over thousands of years. On this floor is also a sensory room. The Sensory Room at Galway City Museum offers a calm, immersive space designed to help visitors engage with the museum’s themes in a more tactile and soothing way. It’s especially welcoming for children, neurodivergent visitors, or anyone who benefits from a quieter environment. Soft lighting, gentle sounds, and interactive elements create a relaxing atmosphere where you can explore at your own pace. Heading to the first floor, you can admire a Galway Hooker.
First Floor: An interesting exhibition is the exhibition around the Galway Hookers. The museum showcases the history, craftsmanship, and cultural importance of these distinctive vessels, with their deep‑red sails and elegant, curved hulls. The exhibition on "Keepers of the Gael" explores Gaelic society and culture in Ireland through the lens of the learned families who served both Gaelic and English lords between 1200 and 1600 AD. The exhibition brings this world to life through a rich collection of artefacts, images, and interactive displays. It highlights the reputed origins of the Gael, their customs and cultural practices, the territories and settlements they called home, and their deep connections with both the sea and the Church. Another exhibition is on the "revolution in Galway". It tells the story of Galway's role in the revolutionary events that shaped Ireland, highlighting the local Galway stories and moments that contributed to Ireland's path towards independence.
Second floor: The museum also features a wonderful exhibition dedicated to the Claddagh, one of Galway's most iconic communities. Once a traditional fishing village just outside the old city walls, the Claddagh was known for its thatched cottages, strong maritime traditions and a way of life deeply connected to the sea. The exhibition explores the history, culture, and people of this unique community, from their distinctive boats and fishing practices to the famous Claddagh ring, a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship recognised around the world. The museum also features an exhibit celebrating the collaboration, creativity, and innovation that drive medical technology (medtech) research in Ireland. The exhibit "superhuman" showcases how scientists, engineers, clinicians, and industry partners work together to develop cutting‑edge devices and solutions that improve healthcare both nationally and globally. The Wild Atlantic Sea science exhibition allows us to celebrate our seas and dive beneath the waves of Ireland’s wild Atlantic to explore our ocean, from the seashore to the deep sea. In collaboration with the Maritime Institute, the exhibition lets you explore Ireland's shores and deep sea.
Upon leaving the museum, we noticed the famous statue of Pádraic Ó Conaire. It once stood proudly in Eyre Square, but after being damaged in 1999, the statue was moved to the safety of the Galway City Museum, where it can now be appreciated and protected.
So, whenever you find yourself in Galway, we would highly recommend dropping into the museum and discovering the city’s rich culture, layered history, and the stories that have shaped this vibrant place. Tucked beneath a majestic tree near the entrance to Castlestrange House in County Roscommon, the castlestrange stone may appear modest at first glance—just 60cm high and 90cm long—but its significance runs deep. This iron Age granite boulder, adorned with intricate La Tene-style spiral carvings, is one of only four such stones found in Ireland. The swirling designs, thought to date from between 300 BC and 100 AD, echo the artistic traditions of ancient Celtic Europe. Though its exact purpose remains unknown, archaeologists believe these “cult stones” may have held ritual or religious significance, possibly serving as ceremonial markers or symbols of spiritual power. Today, the Castlestrange Stone rests on a bed of pebbles, encircled by a protective cattle grid—quietly preserving its mystery beneath the Irish sky.  Today, the Castlestrange Stone is a protected National Monument, carefully positioned on a bed of pebbles and surrounded by a cattle grid to prevent damage. In a landscape rich with myth and memory, the Castlestrange Stone is for those who love history, art, or simply the thrill of discovering something ancient and mysterious. It’s a reminder that Ireland’s past isn’t just found in grand castles or bustling museums—it’s hidden in quiet corners, waiting to be noticed.
The easiest way to reach Maghera Beach is by following the road that passes the Assaranca Waterfall. A local farmer opens his private land to visitors and provides ample parking (€5 in 2024), giving you convenient access to the beach. Nestled along the rugged Donegal coastline, Maghera Beach and its caves offer a breathtaking glimpse into the wild beauty of the region. Surrounded by lush green mountains, the beach is approached via a wooden boardwalk that guides you through rolling dunes toward the shoreline. To your right, the Owentocleer River winds its way gently toward the Atlantic. To your left rises Crocknamurrin Mountain, its base carved by centuries of powerful Atlantic waves into a series of dramatic sea caves. On rainy days, the scene becomes even more spectacular as countless streams cascade down the mountainside, creating a striking contrast against the pale sand and dark rock.
The best time to visit Maghera Beach is at low tide, when you can safely reach and explore the caves. As the tide goes out, part of the beach transforms into a wide, shallow pool—perfect for cooling off on the rare warm days Ireland enjoys. From a safety point of view, checking the tide times is essential. It’s equally important to keep an eye on the incoming tide, as it can quickly fill the large pool between the beach and the sandbank. Visitors have been caught out before, stranded on the sandbank with a deep channel of water forming between them and the main beach. Even at low tide, entering the caves can be challenging. There are around 20 caves and arches in total, though only a handful may be accessible depending on conditions. Sometimes a metre or more of water separates you from the cave entrances, but rolling up your shorts and slipping off your shoes is usually enough to get across.
Assaranca Waterfall sits just a short drive from the charming village of Ardara in Donegal. It’s located right beside the road that leads to Maghera Caves and Beach—another unmissable stop when exploring the area. This is one of the easiest waterfalls in Donegal to visit, with a small car park situated directly at its base. While the parking area can fill up quickly during the height of summer, the autumn and winter months are far quieter. In fact, this is when the waterfall is at its most dramatic. After heavy rainfall, the water comes roaring down the hillside, turning the cascade into a powerful, thundering display. There have even been occasions when the road has flooded due to the sheer volume of water pouring off the mountain, especially after those notorious Atlantic storms.
Nestled near the picturesque village of Oughterard, Aughnanure stands as one of Connacht's finest examples of a 16th-century tower house. Constructed around 1500 by the powerful O'Flaherty Family, it reflects the architectural style favoured by wealthy landowners of the time - fortified yet elegant residences designed to assert status and withstand conflict. Perched on a cliff above the Drimneen River, the castle enjoyed strategic access to Lough Corrib, allowing supply boats to reach it with ease. This waterway connection was vital as overland travel in the region was both treacherous and unreliable. In 1952, Peadar O'Flaherty donated the castle to the Office of Public Works (OPW). Following carful restauration, it was officially designated a National Monument in 1963. Today, Aughnanure castle offers visitors a captivating glimpse into ireland's medieval past. One of its standout features is the well preserved watchtower, once used as both a guard room and weapons storage. Built into the inner bawn wall, it marks the original outermost corner of the fortification.
To the south of the tower house and along the western face of the larger courtyard stands the remains of the banqueting hall. Commonly found in most Irish castles, it was a less secure but more comfortable building than the heavily fortified tower house. Once a grand space for feasting and celebration, the banqueting hall at Aughnanure castle met a dramatic end when the natural stone arch spanning a subterranean river beneath it gave way. The collapse not only destroyed the hall, but revealed the hidden watercourse that had quietly flowed beneath the castle's foundations. Despite this loss, the east wall still bears witness to the hall's former grandeur. Its windows, adorned with richly detailed carvings remain a striking feature.
The tower house itself was well secured. There is only one entrance door into the tower with a guard room immediately on the right. A spiral stairway gave access to all floors, the first being living quarters and administration and the second floor being the Chieftan's main hall. Should the castle have come under siege, its design offered formidable layers of defence. Even if attackers managed to breach the only entrance door, they would find themselves trapped in a small lobby facing not one, but three additional doors, each positioned on a different side. This clever architectural feature created confusion and delay, giving defenders a crucial advantage in repelling the assault. But that's not all, while the confused attackers struggled to breach the doors, from above through a slit , (or murder hole) in the ceiling, the castle defenders would pelted their vulnerable attackers with missiles or would have shot arrows. Over the entrance are two bartizans that project providing additional defence against attackers.
Aughnanure Castle is worth a visit and allows you to step back in time. The castle is open from March to November with entrance fees as follows:
Admission: Adult: €5.00 Group/senior: €4.00 Child/student: €3.00 Family: €13.00 Cahergal Stone fort is located close to the town of Cahersiveen in County Kerry. After having parked up our car in the designated carpark, we walked the short distance towards this National Monument while admiring the stunning landscape surrounding the ring fort. From the path, we looked across the Ferta River Estuary and admired the ruins of Ballycarbery Castle while the many bees zoomed around taking nectar from the heather. Cahergal Ring Fort is a particularly fine and impressive example of a stone fort with massive dry stone walls. There are flights of steps leading to different terraces in the inner face and upper parts of the wall that were reconstructed.
The reconstructed lintelled entrance is the only entrance into the fort and must have provided security for the fort's inhabitants in times of siege. Inside the fort are the remains of a circular stone house where once, somebody of importance lived. Where it is very difficult to date these stone forts, Cahergal was probably built between 500 and 800AD. At walking distance from Cahergal Ring Fort is another impressive ring fort called Leacanabuaile .
The Leacanabuaile Stone Fort is a National Monument in County Kerry, set just outside the pretty village of Cahirciveen. It sits only a short walk from the older Cahergal Stone Fort, and the easiest way to visit both is to park in the designated car park conveniently located between them. Entry to both ring forts is completely free.
Leacanabuaile (or cashel) dates back to around the 9th century and was originally built as a defended farmstead. Perched on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views over the surrounding landscape, it offered its inhabitants excellent natural protection and a clear vantage point against any approaching threats.
The fort has been extensively excavated and restored, offering visitors a remarkably complete impression of how a cashel might have appeared during the ninth or tenth century. Enclosed within its 2.5‑metre‑thick stone walls are the remains of four houses. The oldest of these is a circular hut built against the western wall. Excavations uncovered a variety of artefacts—including iron knives, pins, bone combs, and millstones—shedding light on the daily life of its early inhabitants.
Also within the protective walls is the entrance to a souterrain: a narrow, roughly one‑metre‑high underground passage that zigzags for about 11 metres before opening into a chamber built into the fort’s walls. This hidden passage may once have served as an escape route, allowing occupants to slip out unnoticed when danger approached.
On an sunny day, we decided to visit Dun Beag Fort on the Dingle peninsula. (http://dunbeagfort.com. The fort is dramatically set on a sheer cliff overlooking Dingle Bay. This promontory fort dates to 580BC and is one of the few remaining in Ireland. In County Sligo where we live, we have a few promontory forts (www.choosesligo.com/promontory-forts.html) as well , each of them balancing on the edge of a cliff surrounded by the Atlantic. When we arrived at Dun Beag Fort, we bought our tickets at the small ticket office and then crossed the road to the combined tourist shop and restaurant. Before heading up to the fort, we watched a short audio‑visual presentation that gives a clear overview of the site’s history and what life was like for the people who once lived on this remote peninsula. The restaurant and shop are worth mentioning too. The building features a distinctive stone roof that blends seamlessly into the rugged landscape of the Dingle Peninsula, making it feel like a natural part of the scenery rather than a modern structure.
A short walk towards the coastline brought us to the fort where we admired Dingle Bay. Excavations within the fort have shown that the fort was primarily occupied between the 8th and 11th Centuries AD, when it was defended by a series of ditches and earthen banks. Within those earthen banks was a substantial stone wall with on the inside steps allowing soldiers to defend the fort during an attack. Inside the fort, you can still see the remains of a large stone‑built beehive structure and a souterrain. It’s thought that Dun Beag once served as the residence of a local noble who governed the surrounding settlements. Today, coastal erosion is steadily eating away at the cliff, bringing the fort ever closer to the edge. For safety reasons, access to a significant portion of the site is now restricted.
If you’re exploring Slea Head Drive, Dun Beag Fort is an easy and rewarding detour. It’s a reminder that some of the most memorable places aren’t the biggest or the most famous, but the ones where landscape and history meet in a way that feels completely unique.
On this particular day, we were driving from County Sligo to County Mayo to visit the Ceide Fields Neolithic site, an award wining heritage site located along the rugged North Mayo coastline ( https://www.outdoorfitnesssligo.com/blog/ceide-fields-neolithic-site ) We decided first to take a quick detour and visit one of Ireland's most spectacular Friaries, Rosserk Abbey. Located on the banks of the River Moy, it was built in the 15th Century by a Chieftain of the Joyces, a powerful family of Welsh origin who settled in Connacht in the 13th Century.
Rosserk Friary is well preserved making it easy to imagine what life along the Moy must have been like during the years the abbey was inhabited by a community of friars from the third order of St Francis. This order existed out of married men and women who wished to lead a Franciscan life but, because of their married status, were unable to join the First Order (Friars) or Second Order (Nuns).
The church, which has an attractive bell tower and a fine four-light east window, stands at the south side of the cloister. On the opposite side is the refectory or dining hall where once freshly caught salmon from the Moy would have been served. On the east side is a sacristy and chapter house with above it the dormitory. In the south-east corner of the chancel is a double piscina used for washing the vessels during the mass ceremony. It features carvings of a round tower, two angels and the instruments of the passion. Many of the large fireplaces are still present to this day.
Rosserk Friary is worth the visit if you find yourself in North Mayo. Where it is one of the lesser visited monuments in ireland, it should be on your itinerary as it is one of the finest examples of a preserved Franciscan friary in Ireland.
Each first Wednesday of the month, the Office of Public Works (OPW) offers free admission to numerous heritage sites across Ireland for individual visitors and families. We took advantage of this generous initiative with a visit to the historic Sligo Abbey, tucked into the heart of Sligo town. Founded in 1253 by Maurice Fitzgerald, the Dominican friary reflects the enduring legacy of Norman architecture. Like many Norman settlements of the era, Sligo once had both a castle and an abbey. The castle disappeared in the 14th century, but the abbey survived — enduring centuries of conflict, accidental fires, and repeated restorations. We opted for a guided tour, which we can wholeheartedly recommend. Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, bringing the abbey’s long and complex history to life with fascinating insights and vivid storytelling.
Over the centuries, the population of friars at Sligo Abbey fluctuated. By 1608, only a single friar remained—Father O'Duane, who passed away that same year. Just before his death, Father O'Crean returned from Spain and began rebuilding the community. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing wars and damage to the original friary, the structure fell into disrepair. A new friary was later constructed, while the original abbey grounds were repurposed as a cemetery. Its stones were quarried for reuse—until preservation efforts finally halted the destruction, saving portions of the historic site. Our visit began at the church, which still boasts its intact tower. One particularly striking feature is the 15th-century rood screen that divides the space, separating the nave from the choir—a rare and elegant architectural detail. Within the church lies the "O'Crean altar tomb," the oldest surviving monument on site. A Latin inscription dates the tomb to 1506 and identifies the resting place of Cormac O'Crean and his wife Johanna. Another notable element is the O'Connor mural, located to the right of the altar. The relief depicts O'Connor and his wife kneeling in prayer—an homage to his pivotal role in rescuing the abbey from dissolution.
Adjacent to the church lies the abbey’s cloister—an area once central to monastic life. Though only three sides remain, with the western wing lost to time, the surviving structure still whispers tales of its past. The cloister walk features rubble barrel vaults overhead, while graceful arcades, supported by slender columns reminiscent of double pillars, line the pathway. Branching off the cloister are the sacristy, vestry, and chapter room—spaces that date back to the abbey’s original 13th-century foundation. Above them rises the old refectory, where the remnants of a ruined oriel window still cling to the wall. It’s here, during mealtimes, that a friar would once sit and read aloud from scripture to his silent brethren—a vivid reminder of the spiritual rhythm that shaped daily life.
The shadow of the cholera epidemic of 1832 still lingers in the grounds of Sligo Abbey, where mass graves silently bear witness to the six harrowing weeks during which 1,500 lives were lost. Beneath the weathered earth, the silence speaks volumes—of panic, sorrow, and community survival amid devastation. One compelling connection between the abbey and literary history is through Charlotte Thornley, mother of Bram Stoker. A native of Sligo, Charlotte experienced the horrors of the outbreak firsthand and later shared her haunting memories with her young son. It’s believed these chilling tales helped inspire the dark undertones and visceral fear woven throughout Dracula, where death, decay, and the supernatural loom large. After an interesting journey through the abbey’s storied past, we parted ways with our knowledgeable guide and fellow visitors.
The Gallarus Oratory is located on the Dingle Peninsula, one of the most stunning parts of Ireland. This ancient church which is believed to be about 1300 years old is one of Ireland's most iconic buildings. Arriving at the visitor centre, we started the tour with an introductory video about Gallarus Oratory before we took the short walk towards the Church. The building itself is the perfect specimen of dry rubble masonary. The roof is formed by the gradual rise of the side walls from the base upwards. The last stone placed on top forms the top of the roof and surprisingly makes the building fully watertight.
In the west gable is a square-headed doorway nearly 2 meters high and in the opposing wall is a window. Inside above the round-headed window are three projecting stones, which may have been used for hanging a lamp or book, or maybe were part of a canopy over a now-missing altar. Gallarus Oratory is situated within a monastic enclosure where once early Christians lived and worked. At the side of the Northern wall is a leact and Cross-slab. The upper part of the slab is inscribed with a cross within a circle and the lower part bears the following inscription COLUM MAC DINET. Over the many years, successive invaders like the Vikings and Normans burned, robbed and destroyed the settlements around Gallarus.
|
About the AuthorWe are Peter & Dolores De Bie. We love the great outdoors, discovering new parts of the world and writing about our adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way and further afield Categories
All
|
RSS Feed