If you take the R295 out of Boyle, Co. Roscommon and head for Ballymote, after about 10kms you'll come to the Halfway House pub and a right turn that takes you to the passage tombs of Carrowkeel. Take the right turn and as you drive down the road a few hundred meters, you'll see Templevanny Lake with a small cemetery behind it in the distance. A sign at the gate will tell you that this was once an early christian and medieval monastic site but there is no visible evidence of any architectural features here today. There is however an abundance of low profile rough-cut or weathered headstones that may be the relics from an earlier age, but in this I'm only guessing. Some of the earliest recognisable headstones date to the 18th century and extent right up to the present day. In the absence of a local church, this would appear to be an unusual site for a cemetery. Nestled cosily on the foothills of the Bricklieve mountains with a tranquil lake in front and the majestic neolithic tombs of Carrowkeel behind, this might well be a fairly decent spot to spend your 'eternal sleep'. I must find out a bit more about the area as there doesn't seem to be a lot about this place on-line.
Photos: Lumix LX5
