We noticed many ruins on yesterday's travel, more than any other day. Old tiny cottages, bigger homes, old barns and towers.
The Claregalway Franciscan Monastery dates from the 1200s, and the monks were forced to leave when Henry VIII seized church property after separating with Rome.
It was absolutely fascinating to wander around the site. The walls are mostly intact, but the roof on each section is gone. I saw two bowls carved from one piece of stone in a niche.
There were still decorative stone pieces around the walls.
To the side of the main church building was the cloister, with a centre lawn area and walkway all round, with rooms leading off.
Below are some more photos I took in the half hour I just explored this site. King Henry VIII gave this property to some nobleman after kicking out the monks, but I don't know at what point it was taken over to be preserved and protected by the appropriate department of the Irish Government. The cloister lawn was mowed so it was clear someone keeps an eye on it.
Closer to our destination, we saw a village nestled on the side of a hill, at the water's edge. Ireland is such a picturesque place to visit.
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