As the summer was well under way, Marian and I decided to give the tent its first airing of the summer, even if it was for one night only. We packed up the car and drove south to County Clare, and Mountshannon camping ground on the shores of Lough Derg. Ireland's longest river, the River Shannon, flows through the Lough, although you wouldn't know it, as the Lough is so large.
There are a few islands in the Lough, and one of them is called Holy Island, or Inis Cealtra, meaning the 'island of the burial ground; or island of monastic cells'. An historic island with its roots in early Christianity, a monastery was founded there in the 7th century. The Vikings burned the monastery a couple of times however it remained in active occupation until the 13th century despite numerous attacks from Norse raiders and others. The island is also associated with the famous Irish chieftain Brian Boru. His brother was abbot here and Brian is said to have built one of the churches on the island.
Me Preparing Dinner, Mountshannon
Marian with Vagrant Dog
Marian Showing her Championship Form at Table Tennis On Sunday,on the way back to Galway Marian and I drove through the Burren, an area in western County Clare known for its striking karst limestone hills which are unique in Ireland.
Along the way, we came across an old monastery at Kilmacduagh. It had an impressive round tower, the tallest in Ireland. These structures are unique features of early Christian sites throughout Ireland, and were used as bell towers and places of refuge. The entrance to a round towers is typically 3-4 metres above the ground, and it is thought that in the event of a raid (by Vikings or other non-friendly types) the monks would climb into the tower, and then pull up the ladder.
Kilmacduagh Monastery and Round Tower, Co Galway
Kilmacduagh Round Tower (note entrance above ground level)
Karst Limestone Landscape, The Burren, Co Clare
Finally, we stopped at another famous Irish site, the house used as Parochial House in the TV comedy series Father Ted. This is situated in the heart of The Burren National Park, in County Clare.
Marian and I outside "Parochial House", Killnaboy, Co Clare 
