Clonmacnoise and High Cross by Monica Tierney

When I first visited Clonmacnoise I was bowled over with wonder and admiration at such a beautiful setting : the expanse of lush green fields, the River Shannon forming a backdrop to the whole monastic settlement and wild heather in the distance making a charming vista between land and sky.

I thought afterwards what good discernment the monks had in locating their monastic city in such an inspiring location.

Looking at the stone crosses and the old stone buildings filled me with delight and calm; and I was reminded in a subtle way what had been achieved by the early Irish Church; indeed this was underlined for me in several senses by the existence and sublimity of this heritage site.

Monica Tierney

Done