Ireland: Clonmacnoise

This site is incredible, although it is a bit off the tourist path – this is one of then largest and best preserved monastic sites dating to the 6-7th century in Europe. Founded around 544–548 AD by St. Ciarán, this monastic city was intentionally positioned at the literal intersection of ancient Ireland’s two primary highways: the great Shannon waterway running north-south, and the Esker Riado, a gravel ridge running east-west across the central bogs. The ruins and crosses here span centuries – there are cathedral ruins, seven temples, tower, and much more. Clonmacnoise features some of the finest examples of carved stone crosses in existence – the most iconic is the Cross of the Scriptures, a 4m sandstone monument carved from a single block, depicting intricately detailed biblical narratives. The site also has two early Irish stone towers – O’Rourke’s Tower and McCarthy’s Tower, dating to early 12th century. It’s an absolutely must-see site, atmospheric and impressive.