The round tower of Clonmacnoise overlooks the prety site of the monastic settlement. It also over looks the beautiful bend in the river Shannon that must have made this location special long before the Christians arrived here. It is very reminiscient of the Bend in the Boyne.

The tower now lacks its roof and appears to have been quite a short one. The door is at ground level.

Around the tower are the ruins of the cathedral, several churches and monastic cells. One of the churches down by the river has a 'mini round tower' which almost makes the site look a little greedy. The door to the cathedral is very ornately carved.

There is no denying that this site is a beautiful place in a beautiful location. There is now a visitor centre (4.40 euro entrance) which I have been told houses the real crosses - those on display outside are replacements, but very good ones if this is the case.

I have been reminded that in my rush I did not have time to browse the many cross slabs on the site. I definitely need to head back here and look around at leisure.

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