Clonmacnois

From the 6th to the 12th century Clonmacnois was one of the most important monstaries and universities in Ireland. During this time the River Shanon and a way through the surrounding bog were the main routes in Ireland. The monastary was founded 545 by Saint Kieran, but none of the first wodden churches survived. But main of the stone churches and highcrosses can still be seen.

How the Irish saved Civilisation takes you to the "island of saints and scholars," the Ireland of St. Patrick and the Book of Kells. Here, far from the barbarian despoliation of the continent, monks and scribes laboriously, lovingly, even playfully preserved the West's written treasury.