The Abbey of Corcomroe was also known as Sancta Maria de Petra Fertilis, Saint Mary of the Fertile Rock, and as the Abbey of Burren. There are various theories as to who founded it and when, but the most accepted is that it was founded by Dónal O Brien, King of Limerick, in 1194 for the Cistercian Monks. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16 th century, the Abbey was handed over to the first earl of Thomond so many of the original buildings have vanished, Corcomroe is situated in the very north of the Burren, just off the main Galway to Ballyvaughan Road at the village of Bell Harbour. It is one of the most peaceful places on earth. It lies surrounded by green fields and limestone hills and you can usually have the place to yourself if you stay awhile. The graveyard is still in use by the local families, and the Mass said there on Easter morning at dawn attracts hundreds of people.