Historical and Mystical Ireland

Postcard sent by Laura (the UK). You can see, clockwise from top left: 

• Skellig Michael (County Kerry). A Gaelic Christian monastery was founded on the island at some point between the 6th and 8th century and remained continuously occupied until it was abandoned in the late 12th century. The remains of the monastery, and most of the island, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

• The monastery of Clonmacnoise (County Offaly), founded in 544 by St. Ciarán.

• The Poulnabrone Dolmen (County Clare). It dates back to the Neolithic period, probably between 4200 BC and 2900 BC.

• The Rock of Cashel (County Tipperary), reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century.

• The Gallarus Oratory (Dingle Peninsula).

• Newgrange Megalithic Tomb (County Meath). It was built during the Neolithic period, around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.

Today's theme in Postcards for the Weekend is Places of Worship.