Rocks, an abbey, and sheep

On our 5th day in Ireland, we visited Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Sligo Abbey, and Kylemore Castle (Abbey). We also saw some of the prettiest scenery yet. Lots of sheep.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is the oldest and the densest concentration of Neolithic tombs in Ireland. Remains of over 35 passage tombs are found here, constructed almost 6,000 years ago.  They are even older than the ones at Knowth and Newgrange. Most of the formations are rock cairns. There is one mound covered in stones. It rained off and on while we were there. The formations were spread out so we got to do some walking. There were sheep grazing nearby.

Sligo Abbey
Sligo Abbey was a Dominican convent in Sligo, Ireland. It survives from medieval days and was built in 1252. It was accidentally burned down in 1414 and further damaged by rebellion in 1641. The abbey grounds were used as a cemetery. We explored the ruins of the abbey on our own. 

Sligo Abbey

Sheep, sheep, and more sheep

We saw lots of sheep this day. The prettiest scenery always has sheep grazing. I often asked Lara to stop so I could take pictures. I couldn't use my cell phone to get good pictures of sheep. They were usually too far away. I had to use the real camera. I love this picture. She's regal. Hard to be sure she's a she, since both sexes are horned.

We often saw sheep grazing alongside the road. Occasionally, you had to be careful that you didn't hit one. Most of the sheep in the uplands (hills) were the Blackface Mountain sheep (pictured below). They are a small lowly-productive sheep that survives the tough environmental conditions of the hill country.