Baile Chláir (na Gaillimhe), Co. na Gaillimhe

The Franciscan friary known today as Claregalway Abbey is situated next to Claregalway village about 10km north of Galway city. It was founded by John de Cogan sometime before 1252 AD. During two visits in March and June, I identified the following wild flowers: ivy-leaved speedwell and wall speedwell, lesser celandine, shining cranesbill, field horsetail, rue-leaved saxifrage and ribwort plantain. There were an array of birds around the ruins and in the trees, and lots of butterflies were passing over the cemetery. Sheep grazed in the silence of the surrounding fields. The church and tower are still standing along with some of the friary buildings around the cloister square, but the cloister arches themselves are no more. This peaceful place is easily accessible from a side road. Looking across the fields from the main road, Claregalway Abbey looks impressive against the low-lying plain behind.

Claregalway village with its historic friary and castle is situated on the banks of the Clare River which rises to the north of Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo and flows for nearly 100 km before it enters Lough Corrib. The Clare River is part of the Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Praying Nature at Claregalway Abbey

Give yourself a moment to become still, and feel the presence of the God who loves all his creatures including you. Read the piece of scripture below, and absorb it into your being. Then click on a photo, and sit back, gaze & listen to God speaking to you:

Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

Isaiah 40: 28a