Inch Abbey

We stopped at Inch Abbey this morning, somewhere new, although it's just outside Downpatrick we had never stopped before. There has been an Abbey on the site since 1180, a Cistersian Abbey. Cistersian monks lived a quiet, contemplative life, usually away from towns, and had to leave families behind when they joined the order. The actual site has had a monastic purpose since 800ad, but the present ruins date back to 1180.
We stopped briefly, and will return sometime soon for a longer wander - today I am sniffling with a nasty cold :-( .