We visited also some more places.
Clonmacnoise: A monastery founded by St Ciaran in 544, that became a great centre of religion and learning. Therefore it was visited by scholars from all over the world. Finally, in 1552 the English garrison destroyed and looted Clonmacnoise, leaving it in ruins.
Monasterboice: it’s another monastic site, an early Christian settlement. It was founded in the late 5th century by Saint Buithe and was an important centre of religion and learning until the founding of nearby Mellifont Abbey in 1142. The site houses two churches built in the 14th century and a round tower, but it is most famous for its 10th century high crosses.
Mellifont Abbey: Founded in 1142 on the orders of Saint Malachy was the first Cistercian abbey in Ireland. By 1170, Mellifont had many monks and lay brothers. Consequently the Abbey became the model for other Cistercian abbeys built in Ireland, with its style of architecture imported from the abbeys of the same order in France; it was closed in 1539.
Newgrange: a 5,200 year old tomb located in the Boyne Valley. Newgrange was built by Stone Age people; especially relevant the size is 85 meters in diameter and 13.5 meters high. A long, narrow passage leads into a chamber with 3 alcoves. Furthermore a precise spot at the end of the passage is aligned with the rising sun at the Winter Solstice and it’s enlightened with great precision. Newgrange is surrounded by 97 large stones called kerbstones some of which are engraved with megalithic art.
