Devenish Island,
Co. Fermanagh |
|
Devenish
Island is a picturesque L-shaped island, covering 70 acres, which
lies at the southern end of Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh.
It is home to one of the most extensive ancient sites in the area,
with many medieval remains.
A monastic
settlement was founded on the island in the 6th century by St
Molaise. Despite being plundered by the Vikings in the 9th and
10th centuries, the site remained an important religious hub up
until the Plantation of the 17th century. The island's ruins include
a 13th century church, a small Romanesque oratory, and an Augustinian
priory of St Mary that dates from the 15th century.
Also on the
island is an intricately carved 15th century high cross, surrounded
by gravestones dating back to the early 1700's, and a remarkable
12th century round tower that is one of the best preserved of
its kind in Ireland. The tower is 81ft high, containing five storeys
and a basement, and is adorned with four carved faces. There is
a small museum that houses various relics, including sculpture
from the churches. The Soiscel Molaise, a book shrine of St Molaise,
was found on the island, and now lies in the National Museum in
Dublin. Ferries run regularly to the island from Trory Point landing,
three miles north of Enniskillen.
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