Clonfert Cathedral

From Clontuskert, the R355 goes to Laurencetown, beyond which a side road on the left leads to Clonfert, 13mi/21km southeast of Ballinasloe, the site of an ancient monastic settlement. The doorway of the "Cathedral" (National Monument) under its massive west tower, is a supreme masterpiece of Irish Romanesque sculpture. Above six orders of round-headed arches borne on inward-inclined columns richly decorated with stylized patterns rises a high triangular pediment containing a row of five tall blind arches and, above these, a pattern of small triangles alternating with human heads and ornaments. Within the arches and in other vacant spaces are more human heads, alternately bearded and clean-shaven. The east windows in the choir are among the finest examples of Late Romanesque art. The decoration of the later work in the interior - the arches supporting the tower, with figures of angels and a mermaid, the chancel arch and the 15th C. windows - is also of notable quality.