Ireland; Co. Offlay; ruins of Clonmacnoise (former monastery): Panel below the panel with two men wearing swords at east face of the "Cross of the Scriptures" (replica of the High Cross) in front of the Cathedral (also: Temple McDermot). This panel could be a religious scene from Old Testament (Joseph interpreting the dream of the butler). Newest interpretation sees St. Ciar醤 (St. Kieran) and King Diarmuid while founding the monastery 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 visitor centre. Clonmacnoise is as well connected with the beautiful "Helena of Ireland"; Derbforgaill. She constructed; in 1167; the nun`s church; 500 m away from the monastery of the male monks. She is reflected also in the famous annals of Clonmacnoise; written around 1480. Analogue to the Troja saga of Homer; she became the "Helena of Ireland". Her fate is directly