Clonmacnoise and Birr Castle

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Monday May 21 - Today we went to Clonmacnoise. While we were leaving Brian was taking out the fixings for Irish stew for supper. The weather was beautiful and we went to Clonmacnoise first. I have been there before but this was the first time I had such good weather. It’s hard to imagine that the monastery had been sacked so many times and still was rebuilt until the English garrison at Athlone totally demolished it. They even took the windows. I suppose they would have taken the hole as well if they could……

After visiting Clonmacnoise we drove over to Birr and visited Birr Castle and Demesne. It was exceptionally beautiful and we greatly enjoyed visiting the grounds. Afterwards we drove back to Ballinasloe to enjoy a large dish of Irish Stew.

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Photos

Round Tower
Notice the top is gone. It was struck by lightning.

Replica of High Cross
This is a replica of the original High Cross that stood here. The original is in the museum for it's protection.

Annoyed dog
We only had tea and nothing to give the dog.

Entrance, cafe, and museum
This looks like it was originally the stables