Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement is located along the majestic banks of the Shannon River in County Offlay, Irleland. Clonmacnoise was founded in 545. It was a major center of religion, learning, craftsmanship and trade by the 9th century and visited by scholars from all over Europe. Many of the high kings of Tara and Connacht were buried here. After the 12th century it fell into decline. The Normans built a castle 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. Several large crosses are located on the site. Several have been placed under cover to protect them from further deterioration. FTHVN #109

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