Lisdoonvarna to Corcomroe Abbey

Heading Toward Kilfenora

Graveyard at Fachtnan's Cathedral

High Cross at Fachtnan's Cathedral

Countryside at Kilfenora (View from Cathedral)

Ruins of 13th century Noughaval Church

Old and New at Noughaval Church

Sue and Dotie

View from Top of 0.4 mi Climb (See road below)

12th Century Corcomroe Abbey Ruins

Corcomroe Abbey Chancel and Nave

Street Musician Group in Galway

Galway Street

September 24, 2010

After breakfast and our group briefing for today’s ride from Lisdoonvarna to Corcomroe Abbey, we hit the road at 9:15 AM.  This morning was probably in the 40’s with a clear blue sky, which is supposed to be duplicated through Sunday.  Although the temperature was much cooler than yesterday, the sun made the temperature feel much higher than when we were in the shade.  The countryside was such a rich green color with the limestone fences standing out.  Our first stop was in Kilfenora and a visit to the 12^th century St. Fachtman’s Cathedra (built around 1189) ruins.  The ruins contain the greatest number of 12^th century Celtic high crosses (10ft in height) that once were in strategic places around the church.  Continuing on we biked past the 13^th century Noughaval Church ruins.  The remains show that it was built and restored at various times between the 12^th and 14^th centuries.  It was occupied until the 18^th century and then abandoned.  Throughout the morning, we had very beautiful views of the Clare County countryside and also had the steepest climb of the trip that was about 04 mile in distance.  Our ride for the day ended at Corcomroe Abbey, a 13^th century Cistercian monastery (built between 1205 and 1210).  The abbey is noted for its detailed carvings and other rich ornamentation, which are not commonly found in structures from this period. It features a typical cruciform church facing east, with a small chapel in each transept, and is an example of early Gothic design.  The graveyard is still in use by families in the area and Easter service is held in the ruins each year.

A transfer bus was at the abbey to transport us to Galway for the night.  We had a brief tour of Galway in the afternoon and were told that the city was having their annual oyster festival this weekend.  We made dinner reservations at the Artisan and had an excellent seafood dinner – sole and sea bass along with oyster Rockefeller.  Tomorrow morning we depart Galway for a ferry ride to the Aran Islands to spend the day biking and sightseeing on the largest island, where we will spend the night.