Carrick-on-Shannon

Curiosity brought us to the city of Carrick-on-Shannon.  Most of the rental boats we see coming and going through the lock hail from Carrick-on-Shannon.  Besides it’s a very cool name.  Translated it means: "weir of the marshy ridge".  It’s had its history of battles, but no castle to protect just the waterways and currently lots of boats.  There are a number of marinas that house boats of all shapes & sizes. Many condo’s now dot the shores along the River Shannon.  They have built a great walkway alongside the existing old bridge. (I sure wish Athlone would do this)

The one main attraction we found was the Costello Memorial Chapel.  Ireland’s smallest chapel.  I know the chapel was there first, (1879) but now it is wedged between two store fronts. You must know where to look or you’ll miss it.  This chapel built on the former sight of a Methodist chapel was commissioned in 1877 by a local merchant, Edward Costello.  It was to be a memorial to his wife Mary Josephine (she died in 1877). Mary is on the right and Edward on the left when you enter the tiny chapel.  Both coffins are made of wood and covered with a heavy transparent glass.  The Costello coat-of-arms is on the outside of the chapel. Their motto is ‘Ne te quaesiveris xtra‘ which means ‘Seek not thyself outside thyself’.

Just up the street is St. Mary’s built in 1879 as well. Over the years numerous bell towers, statues and annexes have been added on. Once inside you can see that everything has been updated, from the floor to the rafters. So, it does not speak to the past, but to the continued devotion and deep pockets of its parishioners.

Following our 'required' late-morning tea/coffee break we strolled through a park along the river banks.  The city has made significant effort to educate children on the wonders of nature with various bug hotels, bird sanctuaries and flower gardens.

PHOTO ALBUM