We'll be driving between Trim and Galway on the N6. I'm interested in any short detours worth taking along this route. There's a monastic heritage site that Fodor's speaks highly of called Clonmacnoise. It's not in Rick's book. Would anyone that's seen it give me a go-no go for this site.
Other possible detours would also be appreciated.
I visited Conmacnoise several years ago while researching Ireland's Holy Wells. It is quite a nice, quiet peaceful place. Good location for standing crosses. I think it's worth a look.
According to the navigator in our family, if you are coming from Galway and want to see Clonmacnoise, go east on the "M" 6 toward Ballinasloe. Take R357 SE toward Shannonbridge, then R444 NE toward Cloniff. Clonmacnoise is only about 8 mi total off M6, on straight-ish (for ireland!) roads. It was a nice place to see Celtic crosses.
There are at least two monastic sites worth seeing - but it's probably only worth your time to see one or the other - Glendalough, a little south of Dublin, and Clonmacnoise. They each have essentially the same round tower (to protect from Viking raids), great celtic crosses and ruins.
I would definitely go unless you will also be seeing Glendalough.
Rick's books are greatest hits only; he often misses some great sites IMO.
We went this summer, weren't sure if everyone in the group wanted to go, but I'm really glad that I insisted. It's a beautiful site with a lot of history and a good little museum.
"Rick's books are greatest hits only; he often misses some great sites IMO."
Have to agree with Brad's statement. We took a chance on some sites that Rick thought were only "so so" and loved them. Rick's books are great, but they are not the only source that we use when planning our vacation trips.
