Sligo Abbey

After leaving Boyle Abbey, I continued onto Sligo. Parking in town is crazy but if you keep a sharp eye out, there are parking lots available as well as on-street parking.

My first stop? Sligo Abbey! I know two Abbeys in one day... but I had a blast. It may seem odd, but I loved looking at the old gravestones. I was able to determine the century by the lettering style. The further back, the less information and more misspelling.

The main church has a large stone altar with amazing sculptures. There are rooms (some without roofs) that contain a multitude of grave stones. Some are laid flat, others propped up. Then I explored the beautiful lawn area with covered walk ways and incredible pillars. The camera never stopped.

I even climbed the iron steps to view the grounds from the second floor (which was a small Juliet balcony). This is also where I smacked my head hard enough to blur for a few seconds. I couldn't believe that I, of all people, needed to duck on an arch way (I am only 5' tall). That has NEVER happened before!! How short were those blessed monks?

The altar (above) is slightly protected from the elements by a pergola and plastic panels.

The headstone to the left is from 1720 and the one above is from 1827.

The stone header where I left my DNA (hair and skin samples).

That really hurt!

The wind picked up and the sky turned gray, soon it was drizzling. I didn't need a cold on top of everything so I headed back to my car. Luckily I was parked on street outside the Abbey entrance. The heavens opened up just as I shut the car door!

I thought that was enough for one day but I promised myself I would return tomorrow.

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