The Church of the Dominican Monastery, dedicated to St Mary, was constructed in 1298 and formed part of a Dominican monastic settlement until 1556 when the church became the Saxons’ main Lutheran church. The remaining monastery buildings were demolished in 1888 and the current town hall built in their place. Continue reading “Church of the Dominican Monastery”
Devenish Island, on the southern end of Lower Lough Erne and 1.5 miles downstream from Enniskillen is one of the best preserved monastic sites in Ireland. It was founded by St Molaise in the 6th century. On the island are the ruins of a monastery, two churches/ graveyards, an oratory and one of the finest round towers in Ireland. Additionally there is a small museum, worthy a look, and toilet facilities on the island. Continue reading “Devenish Island – Monastic Site”
This is the place to come for a potted history of early Irish Christianity – from the 5th to 17th century. This history is relayed via life-sized carvings of Celtic Saints, missionaries, scholars and more accompanied by very informative labeling and information boards. Additionally, you can pick up an excellent information booklet as you enter the Garden. If there are no booklets in the unmanned Garden I understand a copy can be obtained in Mahon’s Hotel in the centre of the town, a short distance away. Continue reading “Garden of Celtic Saints”
Should you have even a passing interest in the early Christian and monastic history of County Fermanagh then a visit to White Island in the eastern part of Lower Lough Erne is certainly worthy the hour or so it takes.
The primary attraction here are a number of stone figurine carvings embedded in the wall of the ruined church building. Continue reading “White Island – Carvings and Church”
The Rambling Wombat 