Clonmacnoise has the largest collection of early medieval grave slabs in Britain or Ireland. There are over 600 known slabs or fragments of slabs dating from the 8th to the 12th century. There was a school of craftsmen at Clonmacnoise who carved these slabs from sandstone on natural or uneven faces. The slabs commemorate kings, craftsmen and other worthy individuals.
Clonmacnoise (Cluain Mhic Nos) is an ancient monastic site on the banks of the Shannon near the centre of Ireland. It was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran, and became a major centre of religion, learning and trade. For seven centuries the monestry thrived and among the extensive ruins that have survived to this day are a cathedral, eight churches, two round towers, three high crosses and hundreds of Early Christian cross slabs.
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