from the walkway, as the church comes into view

The abbey actually sits on a small island in the River Quoile, and is surrounded by an earthen mount. It is within sight of the cathderal of Downpatrick, as well. Gray Abbey (1193), nearby, was founded by deCourcy's wife, Affreca, who was daughter of the Godred, the King of the Isle of Man. The approach to the abbey is lovely, bringing you around the rounds on a wooded path and revealing the remains of the abbey gradually. On a slightly foggy day (or drizzly, as many days are) it's quite magical.

looking over the march and the quoile river to the cathedral

concrete repairs to the bottom of the main piers