Devenish Island, Irvinestown

Amazing place, nice to explore the remains monastery

An island filled with monastic remains on Lower Lough Erne. A boat of some kind is needed to reach the island, so this will need to be planned if you intend visiting this site. There are numerous remains on the site, from the Celtic-era round tower and old churches, to the newer Norman-era monastic buildings. The round tower is exceptionally well-preserved and can be ascended. However the tower is not always open to the public and this must be checked before arrival if you wish to climb the tower. There are interesting tombstones, and an unusual carved cross also on the site. Definitely one of the better preserved monastic sites in Ireland.

Thank you Brian and Roland, fantastic history, interesting stories and great weather, loved it!!!

With its access by water and its proximity to the borders of Ulster and Connacht provinces, Devenish Island served as the host site for various treaties, commissions and assizes. In 1259, Hugh O’ Connor, King of Connacht, and Brian O’ Neill, King of Ulster and recognized as high-king of Ireland, agreed at Devenish to unite against the English. In the cemetery on Devenish Island closest to the shore, there are gravestones with the names of Cassidy physicians and priests dating back to the early 1700’s. Both on Devenish Island and in nearby Ballycassidy there are holy wells connected with St. Molaise, which prior to the introduction of Christianity in Ireland may have been sites of worship by Druids of their water deity.

Amazing place 😎