Beautiful View from the Hill at Saint Colmcille’s Abbey
I was surprised to know that the area around Lough Gartan is actually quite historical. Then again, it might not be that a surprise after if you consider how beautiful the area is and how people might have been attracted to stay here. One of the most important historical figures of Irish history is probably Saint Colmcille or Saint Columba, which are the same person, depending on who you ask. Saint Colmcille’s name can be found all over Ireland, schools, churches and places are named after him. He is credited with establishing several monasteries all over Ireland including an important one in Scotland. Well, it is believed the Saint Colmcille was born in this area. Although there are other claims to his birthplace, this area seem to be the consensus.
Cemetery at Saint Colmcille’s Abbey
I wanted to visit his birthplace but it seemed to be closed at the time of my visit. I decided to just continue on to one of the monasteries which he established in this area. The monastery is built on top of a hill overlooking Lough Gartan. I probably couldn’t have thought of a better place to build the monastery than here. From the hill, you have a very good view of the Gartan area. It was then I realized how beautiful a day actually was. It started out as lousy, gloomy day but now it is just beautiful.
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