Today we visited Clonmacnoise (Cluain Mhic Nóis), in County Offaly, an ancient monastery founded in 545 AD next to the Shannon River.  It was an early site for spreading Christianity throughout Ireland.  Several buildings still remain in ruin, including a bell tower.  Additional there are several cemeteries dating back for several centuries and as recent as the 1970s.

Afterward we drove down to County Tipperary to visit the Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phádraig) and Hore Abbey.  Unfortunately, we arrived at Cashel 15 minutes too late to make it inside the walls and could only admire from afar.  I believe we were unable to go inside due to the Cashel Curse.  This was the third trip our friends had made to the rock and the third time they were unable to get in, so as a result, we too were unable to breach the castle walls (if only TSA let me check that grappling hook…).

However, Hore Abbey was right across a cow/sheep pasture (complete with hills, slippery grass and frozen mud — ideal for the tired pregnant lady to trudge through).  Hore Abbey was built over nearly 800 years ago by Benedictine monks.  I was able to take many pictures of this abbey, but not as many as I would have liked due to the waning daylight (plague of traveling during winter).

Needless to say we saw lots of beautiful Irish countryside today and walked a lot.