The picturesque village of Killaloe, Co. Clare is situated on the southern tip of Lough Derg, a mere twenty-minute drive from Limerick city and within driving distance from Clare's rugged coastline. A renowned starting point for the "Shannon Cruise", Killaloe is one of the principal crossings on the River Shannon and from here it is possible to navigate as far as Lough Key in Sligo. Over the summer months this bustling hub proves to be a popular destination packed with mooring barges and holidaymakers. Killaloe, which was built in the 12th century by the then High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, has huge historical significance, as it was believed to be the capital of Ireland at one time. An earthen fort called Beal Boru situated a mile from Killaloe is thought to be the site of Kincora - the palace of Brian Boru which was destroyed in 1119. St. Flannan's cathedral, home to the Killaloe Music Festival, was named after the first Archbishop of Killaloe and dates back to the 13th century. However, it was not the first cathedral built here; it was preceded by a cathedral which was destroyed sometime during the 12th century. The only remaining feature of the original edifice is the beautiful Romanesque doorway. An early Christian Thogrim Stone is situated in the atrium - a unique piece which contains Scandinavian runic and Old Irish oghram (Latin) scripts and so is thought to have been written by a Viking convert.