Corcomroe Abbey

	The Abbey of Corcomroe was also known as Sancta Maria de Petra Fertilis, Saint Mary of the Fertile Rock, and as the Abbey of Burren. There are various theories as to who founded it and when, but the most accepted is that it was founded by Dónal O Brien, King of Limerick, in 1194 for the Cistercian Monks. Many battles were fought around here, between the O'Briens and their enemies. This is the account of one such battle from the Annals of Innishfallen. "A.D. 1267. An army was lead by Conor na Siudaine, the son of Donogh Cairbreach O'Brien, to Kinel-Fearmaic, where they wre joined by O'Dea and O'Hehir at the head of their forces. They went to the upper Canthred to bring the inhabitants thereof to submission, and they burned the Country north of Duibh-Gleann, and proceeded northwards to Béal-Clogaidh, near the sea, where they were met by Conor Carrach O'Loughlin and his allies and a Battle ensued in which Conor na Siudaine O'Brien together with a great many of his people were slain by O'Loughlin and the race of O'Donnell Conachtach O'Brien, and he (Conor na Siudaine) was buried by the monks in the Abbey of Burren." A monument was raised over his grave by the Monks and it can still be seen to-day in the Choir of the Abbey, just to the left of where the person is standing in the above picture. You should also look for the stone carvings on the capitals at the top of the columns, they are said to be the only botanical carvings to be found in an Irish church of this period. Corcomroe is situated in the very north of the Burren, just off the main Galway to Ballyvaughan Road at the village of Bell Harbour. It is one of the most peaceful places on earth. It lies surrounded by green fields and limestone hills and you can usually have the place to yourself if you stay awhile. The graveyard is still in use by the local families, and the Mass said there on Easter morning at dawn attracts hundreds of people. Go early and bring a blanket. The local families very graciously seve tea and biscuits and open their fields for parking, but the crowds are becoming so big that this might be a tradition that will not last much longer The photographs on this page were taken by Chris Callahan and Connie Brooks.

Till we meet,
Slan agus beannacht!