Amazing natural landscapes of Ireland are replaced by exciting stories from the life of the Gals (indigenous local population). Proud and freedom-loving, on their fertile and picturesque land, they withstood many trials. However, this did not prevent them from preserving their language, culture, and historical traditions.
From about the 6th century on this place stood, according to legend, an ancient Catholic church. Religion played a huge role in people's lives. But 8-10 centuries for the country were marked by invasions of the Vikings. They ruthlessly plundered wealthy estates. Church parishes in the first place, because they contained the main values at that time. The cathedral was destroyed.
It is worth noting that Ireland constantly suffered from civil strife. This certainly contributed to the attitude towards marriage. Many illegitimate children of the royal family claimed power. One of the poets in the Middle Ages, who visited the Emerald Isle, noted that the servants will soon completely disappear here, only kings will remain. The incessant strife greatly weakened the state, but this was also a plus. There was no center that the invaders could conquer.
Story
In the middle of the 15th century Eire was already colonized by England. But, exhausted by that time by the war of the Scarlet and White Roses, she could not “put things in order” on the island. Constant popular uprisings against the British weakened the power of the colonists in an already fragmented state. In such a political environment, one of the Irish kings of the McCartney clan named Domhnall en Dana was carried away by the ideas of the Franciscan monks, imbued with them. And in 1448 he built a new monastery on the site of the destroyed temple. It was given the same name as the nearest lake, Macross.
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The Franciscan monastery operated for two centuries. During this time, many events took place under his roof. The monks were in charge, enlightened the people in the surrounding villages, preached love for one's neighbor, and were engaged in scientific research. But the political situation in the country was also reflected in the clergy. Being attacked, they even left their abode, but returned again.
In the middle of the 17th century, when General Cromwell brought in troops to put down the rebellions, the Emerald Isle was in the most brutal war that Ireland knew. According to experts, then up to 56% of the Gals died. A huge number of buildings were simply burned. Macross Abbey did not escape this fate. Only the walls have survived to this day.
Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park, located in County Kerry, is truly a true masterpiece of all the artistic works of nature. Delightful lakes, covered with diverse vegetation of all shades of green mountains, valleys with unique yew and oak groves, many trunks here can only be clasped by the hands of six. The reserve is part of the famous “Ring of Kerry”, a tourist route through Ireland, which includes the most remarkable sights.
Mountains and waterfall
The highest peak in the McGillicuddys Reeks, located within the park, is Carantwill. Tourists who are engaged in trekking especially love it, despite the flowability of the slopes. The beauty and uniqueness of the Tork waterfall, standing 18 meters high, will be remembered for a long time for its entourage of plants of unusually bright, enchanting colors.
In pretty villages here you can get acquainted with the life of ordinary Irish people engaged in agriculture, breeding sheep and cows. Their way of life and customs have practically not changed since the past, they differ only in the presence of electricity and running water.
Gardens
Luxurious gardens near the estate Makross amaze with their magnificence. Created for the arrival of Queen Victoria in 1850, they make a stunning impression on tourists with their blooming flower beds and neat paths between well-groomed trees. The castle itself serves as a striking architectural symbol of Ireland.
Stunning landscapes can be admired while walking, on a mini-bass, car. But guests get a special feeling by riding a horse-drawn carriage, this is the most popular local attraction. The special smell of a horse, the sounds made by the wheels, the clatter of hooves, the magnificent paintings of the Middle Ages will not leave indifferent even inveterate skeptics.
ancient abbey
The remains of an ancient abbey are also located nearby. Without any decorations, white walls, as well as possible, show the attitude of the Franciscans to worldly excesses and a sedentary lifestyle. The square tower is surrounded by arched partitions, overgrown in some places with wild grapes. A huge yew in the middle of the monastery courtyard, according to legend, is the same age as the building, and was an eyewitness to all the events that took place here.
Cemetery
The cemetery near the abbey is still active today. The Irish are very sensitive to the burial of their ancestors, they choose only the holy land, next to the temples. The soil here is very rocky, the area is small, so common family graves are made here. In the fenced area, you can see modern burials adjacent to tombstones set in past centuries. Gaelic chieftains and commoners, poets and farmers were buried here.
In dense fragrant thickets, the walls of the monastery look proud and majestic, practically not destroyed, they stand as a graceful monument to an unbending character. And all around are fabulous landscapes. Giant ferns, rhododendrons, strawberry trees and other flora, many of which are found only here.
lakes
The beautiful lakes of Killarney Park attract anglers. You can even catch brown trout and salmon in them. The forests are full of birds and animals. There are also such rare species as the Irish red deer, very large and beautiful, which is found only here.
The reserve has a well-developed tourist infrastructure with comfortable hotels and campsites. Excursions are held throughout the year to marvelous places of the historical and cultural heritage of the great people.
Ross Castle in Ireland is another notable castle in this country.