Clonmacnois

Situated in County Offaly, this is Ireland's most important monastic site. It's superbly placed, overlooking the River Shannon from atop a ridge. It consists of a walled field containing numerous early churches, high crosses, round towers and graves. Many of the remains are in remarkably good condition and give a real sense of what monasteries were like in their heyday. The site is surrounded by low marshy ground which is home to many wild plants and bird life. The museum at the site exhibits graveslabs, original crosses and other artefacts uncovered during excavation. Clonmacnois is not serviced by public transport; the nearest town is Shannonbridge, 7km (4.3mi) to the south, from which you can hitch or take a taxi.