Mayo Historical and Archaeological Society
Historical Society Island Trip.
By MHAS
10, Jun 2013 - 14:16

Prof. Peter Coxon, Trinity College, Dublin and a section of the group who travelled to Clare Island for the field-trip.

On Saturday June 8th, upwards of forty members of the Mayo Historical & Archaeological Society took part in a trip to Clare Island in Clew Bay. Brilliant sunshine and calm seas were the order of the day and added a feel good factor to the event.

The guide  was Professor Peter Coxon of Trinity College, Dublin.  Later in the day the party  met up with a number of undergraduates from the college who are carrying out research work in the area.

There was some lively discussion about the effects of the ice-age on the island and how it shaped the landscape as we know it today. During the ice-age a glacier, one kilometer thick, slowly ground its way  over Clare Island, crushing and altering everything in its path, as it made its way to the edge of the continental shelf many miles out to sea.

The Cistercian monastery, with its medieval wall paintings was visited and Bernie Winters, an island resident, gave the party a brief  history of the ancient monastic community which had its mother house at Abbeyknockmoy, Co. Galway.

It was a most interesting trip and particular thanks is due to Prof. Peter Coxon for his participation in the event, which was enjoyed by all.