As I said in a previous post, driving is really the best way to see Ireland. Some of the greatest sights to see in Ireland were unplanned.
Like the beautiful village of Fethard. We were driving from Cashel to Dublin and decided to do a bit of exploring along the way. Somehow we lost our way and came upon this lovely walled town.
After departing Fethard we soon found ourselves on roads with no signs. Completely unsure of where we were we pulled off the road to attempt to get our bearings.
With our map open on the hood of the car we tried to “find” ourselves. And almost missed this beautiful view of the mists on what I assume are the Slievardagh Hills. The mist burned off soon after but it was spectacular when we saw it.
After figuring out- kind of- where we were we noticed that Kells Priory was between us and Dublin. I had considered that as a stop but, had we not gotten lost, we probably wouldn’t have made the stop. Kells Priory is an enclosed medieval site. It sits along King’s River and features a lovely walk to the site if you park by the old mill. Like most Irish ruins the land is privately owned but the owners graciously allow visitors (and the ruins are maintained by the State). We did have to dodge some sheep droppings but the site was so impressive and expansive that it was worth it. There is lots of room for kids to run about. Since you have to be your own guide here take a minute to stop by the post office in town and purchase a book about the Priory’s long and embattled history.
Outside the Priory walls are St. Kieran’s Church, a lovely ruin for exploring as well, and Hutchinson’s Mill (you can see it behind the Priory three photos up) which sits on King’s River.
Leaving Kells we got onto a main highway and pointed the car toward Dublin. Soon, however, we began seeing sings for the Moone High Cross. Now,I don’t know about you, but to me High Crosses are one of the great sights of Ireland.
Moone High Cross doesn’t disappoint. At 17 1/2 feet high it is one of the best preserved High Crosses in Ireland. It stands, protected, in the ruins of the abbey along with fragments of another cross as well as descriptions of the carvings and the significance of the High Cross.
The cross sits back about a quarter mile from the road; to enter you walk through a cleft in a stone wall. You can almost feel like you are stepping back through time. When we were visiting a very friendly horse was penned next to the path. He let me pet his nose; I wish I had known he would be there, I would have taken an apple for him.
So, on my advice, take your time and stop for anything that looks interesting. It may be one of your favorite memories.
