Roscrea Off The Beaten Path

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Originally a monastery built here in the 8th c, in the middle of a bog that was effectively an island. Replaced by the church you see here in the 1140 by Augustinian monks. The bog was drained much later and is now a cow-field. Once past the entrance there is a track leading across, but of course a cow's backside doesn't know this, so careful where you put your feet. A further stile takes you over a protective wall and onto the island proper. This is a very atmospheric place and was even considered as the 31st wonder of the world (in the 10th c!!!).
There is a High Cross by the main entrance, made up of parts from different centuries (7th and 12th). A magnificent Romanesque doorway leads inside to the nave and a seperate chancel. The community of monks left in 1485 and what is left is, apart from some badly done renovation work in the 1800's, exactly as it was then.

This is a little visited place so don't expect to see many visitors here although well sign-posted on the R445. Only 3 kms from Roscrea, but on a single track it needs some delicate manoeuvering to turn round at the end. Otherwise just walk the last 400 metres.