Ros Cré, Co. Thiobraid Árainn

Roscrea, Co. Tipperary

Roscrea Friary was founded in 1477 by Molrony O'Carroll and his wife Bibiana, and is located in Roscrea town. The tower and some of the church walls remain, and the site accommodates a graveyard. The following flora were identified during  visits to this site in March & May: Hairy Bittercress, Groundsel, Shepherd's Purse, Cow Parsley, Field Forgetmenot, Fumitory, Cuckooflower (aka Lady's Smock), Wood

Speedwell, Germander Speedwell, Hybrid Bluebell (white form) and St. Patrick's Cabbage. Among the ferns, Hartstongue, Rusty-back, Maidenhair Spleenwort and Polypody were found growing out of some perimeter walls. This is a very tranquil spot, and is next to the parish church.

Roscrea is a designated heritage town due to its large number of historic buildings including medieval churches and a castle. A few kilometres to the east of the town is the Monaincha Bog/Ballaghmore Bog Natural Heritage Area (NHA). A little farther to the north-east of the town is the very extensive Slieve Bloom Mountains Special Protection Area (SPA). Within the Slieve Bloom Mountains SPA are several Special Areas of Conservation (SAC's) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA's). The Slieve Blooms with their mountain blanket bog is a Ramsar site - an internationally important wetland.

Praying Nature at Roscrea Friary

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

O Lord, how great are works!

How deep are your designs!

Psalm 92: 5