20th - 23rd June. Graiguenamanagh and Duiske Abbey.

On Thursday it was off down to the stretch above St Mullins again, with American friends, Virginia and Maureen. We had a great day out.

On the approach back upstream to Carriglead lock, the lock cut goes off to the right, while the weir can be seen straight ahead.

This time we are moored on the North side of the River Barrow, in Graignamanagh itself. The South bank here is in Tinnahinch. The Puzzler is the third boat out, in the middle of the picture.

Andy has spent the day in the dinghy, cleaning the weed off The Puzzler, under the waterline. Over half way now!.

Freebird has beeen out of the water for 18 months, but was quite watertight once the launch was completed, to everyone's relief!

Duiske Abbey dates from the earl;y years of the 13th century and dominates the skyline in Graignamanagh. The swimming area by the river is quiet this morning.

Once inside Duiske abbey there is a great sense of peace. It is a lovely building.

In 1813 the main roof was restored, the tower having collapsed in 1774.  It was fashioned from native oak in true medieval style, morticed and dowelled, without a nail in the entire fabric.

In Duiske Abbey is found the most highly decorated and typical thirteenth century Processional Doorway to survive the reformation.

Walking down below the weir gives another view of Graignamanagh. There is very little water flowing over the weir just now.

Going upstream from the bridge is Shannon's favourite swimming place. She loves to retreive a stick from the river here.

Carrying on further upstream there is a boardwalk along the river's edge, past this interesting rock formation. This is a circular walk, going on up through the woods, and has been one of our favourites here.

You would have to look a long way to find more attractive woods than those found on this stretch of the River Barrow.

The sun celebrated our last evening in Graig with a pink glow over Brandon Hill.