Ireland; Co. Offlay; ruins of Clonmacnoise (former monastery): Temple Hurpan and Temple Melaghlin (behind; covered) on southeastern side of the Cathedral (also: Temple McDermot). Building of the so called Cathedral (Temple McDermot) in the centre of the abbey grounds startet in 909 by King Flann Sinna and Abbot Colm醤 mac Ailella. West door way has been restored. Famous is the Gothic style northern doorway with view from and to Shannon river; called Whispering Arch. In this biggest church of Clonmacnoise; lots of graves have been found. Most prominent is the grave of Rory O`Conor; the last High King of Ireland; who was buried here; in 1198; following his father Turlough O`Conor who had built on of the round towers; the O'Rourke's Tower; in 1124; with Gilla Christ Ua Maoileoin (O`Malone); abbot of Clonmacnoise.The monastery of Clonmacnoise; irish Cluain Mhic N骾s; "Meadow of the Sons of N髎"; or irish Cluain Muccu N骾s; "Meadow of the Pigs of N髎"; was founded in 544 or 548 AD by St. Ciar醤 ((c. 516 - c. 549 or 552) and seven following monks; who died soon after most probably caused by pestilentia. The monastery became famous for its scriptorium. here; The Book of the Dun Cow (German: Buch der dunkelfarbenen Kuh); the oldest writing in old irish language; was realized. In 1979; Pope John Paul II visited Clonmacnoise. From 9th to 12th century; the monastery was strongly tied with the kings of Meath. Lots of high kings of Tara and Connacht were buried here. From 10th to 16th century; the monastery was continously extended. Within 400 years; Vikings and Normans; often sailing via Shannon river; raided the monastery. The time of Clonmacnoise ended in 1552; when english soldiers of the nearby garrison in Athlone burned and destroyed everything. Most important in Clonmacnoise are the round towers and High Crosses. Open air; there are replicas of the high crosses; only. The original three high crosses are conserved in the museum (interpretive centre) of the visito