Corcomroe Cistercian Abbey
Ballyvaughan, County Clare - Ireland
|
Map |
|
|
The spectacular shards of this Abbey ruin rise vertically from a lush limestone valley. In fact the Abbey’s name - Sancta Maria de Petra Fertili - means St Mary of the Fertile Rock. Dating from the 13th century, the Abbey was built by either Donal Mor O’Brien, King of Limerick, or his son, Donough Cairbreach. Note the particularly fine Romanesque stone carvings. Legend says that the stonemasons responsible were executed so that they couldn’t work on rival buildings elsewhere. The 13th-century abbey bell is on display in Clare Museum.
|
|
|
|
|
