“Sunlight ran incandescent over the water to illuminate the leaves lapping at its banks. She stood there, listless, hungry, watching them sway like skirts, shifting greens with the flowing current, until her eyes slowly lifted towards the abbey. The buildings once bustling, once warm, now stood deserted and quiet. And as she studied the tower, the windows slowly crumbling, she sighed. If only it was that they could eat stone.”

— Claire Loader

Stuck so often in traffic on the N17, it never bothers me once we get into Claregalway - stopped beside such a beauty, I could stare at the abbey forever. An imposing yet delicate silhouette, she sits against an ever-changing sky, her huge trace window catching the evening rays, as the sun filters into the chancel and sets the stone alight.

Find this beautiful ruin and many more of my favourite places here. Come explore with me…

Buy this stunning Claregalway photo art block and other handmade gifts here.