Make sure that you read the sign before entering, unfortunately there were no sheep on site when we arrived, needless to say Shari was disappointed.
A lot of the headstones through time have lost their engravings and others had their headstones topple over. Below are two who have weathered the test of time.
Notice how the engraving is written on this headstone. Did they shorten the words to fit the space or did they have to pay by the letter, maybe both.
The Skull House a small stone structure with a stone roof closely modeled on the beehive huts or cells of early monks. The interior is dark and windowless, with only a small door and a lintel. Until recently a large quantity of whitened bones could be seen inside. Its earlier use may have been as a storehouse for valuable objects owned by the monastery.
The three photos below are sections of the old monastery that was set up in the 6th century and lasted to at least the 12th century.
One of the views from the graveyard looking toward Lough Foyle.
A view looking toward Moville.
and next to the graveyard are some of the local cows relaxing and keeping an eye on things.
It's a good thing those cows are on the lookout Bill :) Interesting to see the shortening of words beginning with TH on the gravestones, might have just been the way of the time. The fact that it was carved in 1729 and can still be read clearly blows me away!
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing those cows are on the lookout Bill :) Interesting to see the shortening of words beginning with TH on the gravestones, might have just been the way of the time. The fact that it was carved in 1729 and can still be read clearly blows me away!
ReplyDeleteAwesome
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I love the stone buildings and small fences. I have a lot of it here in Norway too. Greetings from Bergen
ReplyDeleteThe Skull House is something entirely different. The cows look like they take life as it comes in stride.
ReplyDeleteI can't realize things thaaat old!
ReplyDeleteWe tend to believe people died early in the old days, but these ones had a long life even for today standards. I hope they were happy
Some beautiful views from up there.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fascinating place. I love wandering around old cemeteries and this one is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI could get lost for hours with my camera.
ReplyDeleteEverything has a story. Even those very old gravestones. I would like to know more of people behind teh names. Thanks for the pictures. Jahaaa, shame there were no sheep!
ReplyDelete