The Burren Part 2

  The Burren, Co. Clare, Ireland
Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Went back to the Burren today for my archaeology class. 

The Burren!

Today was different than the last trip because we went to two medieval sites instead of prehistoric sites.  The first site we went to was called Cahercommaun.

Cahercomaun

  Built in the 800s, it is a huge hill fort that has three concentric rings made up of stone walls.  It is quite a hike to get to--it is built on the top of a cliff.  In fact, it is built on the edge.

on top of the hillfort

Apparently, due to its massive size, it was a fort of someone high in the social order, maybe even royalty.  The second site we went to was the ruined, but still beautiful, Corcomoe Abbey.

Corcomoe Abbey

Built in the 1200s, it still has a cemetary that is used by local families despite being abandoned several centuries ago!  I loved this place.  It is built right into the side of a hill, if you look out its windows, you can see the rocky hills of the Burren.  There are cattle that graze right on its grounds.  It was really a peaceful place.  After our too brief time here at the abbey, we got back on our bus, and it wouldn' t start!  We had to wait for a new one to come and take us back to Galway.  But I wasn't complaining! While everyone was down the road at the pub, I wandered around the grounds and sat on the stone wall that surrounded the church and let the wind blow in my face!  Wonderful and peaceful feeling.

abbey window

I know I keep saying this, but I do believe that Corcomoe Abbey is my favorite place so far!  I think I could spend days here, just wandering the Burren!