Clonmacnoise, Ireland

Clonmacnoisewas founded in 545 on the major east-west land route through the central Ireland. All the early buildings including churches were of wood and have not survived. They were replaced in stone by the tenth century onwards when Clonmacnoise became a bishopric.

James and Dave infront of a replica high cross which is what Clonmacnoise is most famous for.

After the 12th century it fell into decline. The English built a castle (picture below) next to the monastery in the 13th century and the whole settlement was finally sacked in 1552 by an English garrison from Athlone which reduced it to a ruin.