In east Galway there is a beautiful forgotten ruin, Clontuskert Abbey.
Officially the Augustinian Priory of Saint Mary, the Abbey was probably first founded some time after 1140/50.
There is a beautiful arched doorway replete with multiple carvings and interesting figures including a Mermaid and Griffins, its absolutely fantastic.
There are several other carvings dotted about the Abbey here and there and a beautiful stoup(font).
It is believed the Abbey (Priory) was founded on the site of an earlier monastery.
The site was empty on a visit on 19/March/2020 and was perfect for getting out and about while practicing social distancing viz a viz Corvid 19 Corona Virus, which as of today, 25/March/2020 has yet to fully "explode" across Ireland.
I would highly recommend a visit to this tranquil and beautiful Abbey near Clontuskert if you get the chance. It's beautiful and peaceful in a nice area of the country.
The cloisters are somewhat intact and at the end of the cloisters is what I presume was part of a kitchen, it has several fireplace openings and what looks like an oven although I'm just making an uneducated guess here...
Anyway, I'm sure if you get to visit Clontuskert you won't be disappointed.
There is a small car park beside the Abbey but no signage into it when I visited.
Coordinates :
53°16'56.9"N 8°12'55.5"W
53.282473, -8.215403
Keep well and keep safe.
