Be yourself: Ralph Waldo Emerson
Nendrum 5th Century Monastic Site
On an ancient Christian monastic site at Mahee island in Strangford Lough, County Down, stands the remains of the 5th Century Nendrum Monastry, said to be associated with St Patrick. It is thought to have been set up by Saint Machaoi, after whom Mahee island is named.
This site at Nendrum is considered to be the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland, with some of the ruin still visible. Although the monastery came to an end some time between 974 and 1178, its church served a parish until the site was abandoned in the 15th Century.
Full picture set of Nendrum Monastic Site with music by Belfast composer, Paul Reid.
Mahee Castle
The ruin of Mahee Castle on Mahee Island, County Down
On Mahee Island in Strangford Lough, guarding a bridge and the only land crossing to the island, stands Mahee Castle. The name ‘Mahee’ is derived from Mochaoi who was the saint traditionally considered to have founded the monastery at Nendrum, the ruins of which are just a short distance away.
The castle was built by Captain Thomas Browne, an English soldier, and is conventionally dated to c.1570. Archaeological excavations were carried out at the castle during 2001 and 2002, which included detailed stratigraphic sequencing. This revealed remnants dating to the Late Mediæval period, meaning that the building could have existed before 1570. The archaeological finds consisted of shells and animal bones, knives and an array of pottery ranging over several centuries. Large quantities of modern glass were found, in addition to flint and pot shards.
By the early 17th century, the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 1923, H.C. Lawlor and the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society partly renovated the tower house which is three stories tall, although little remains of the upper floors. As part of this work, ivy was removed from the wall, cracks were grouted with cement, the top was waterproofed and a buttress wall was built to support the northeast corner of the tower.
Mahee Island is the largest island in Strangford Lough, and is situated five kilometres to the southeast of Comber.
The Martello Tower: Magilligan Point
The Martello Tower, Magilligan Point, County Londonderry.
The Martello Tower at Magilligan Point, is an important historical site in County Londonderry. Built in 1812, the tower was strategically positioned at the entrance to Lough Foyle, so that a 24-pounder cannon, mounted on the top, could be fired against any invading fleet. The round structure had massively thick walls and a flat top so that a gun could be pointed in any direction.
The tower was built to withstand a seige, being built on top of a spring, so that any troops trapped inside would at least have a supply of fresh water. There were living quarters below the gun platform and the ground floor was used to store powder and ammunition.
The tower is located in a picturesque setting looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, close to the lovely beach of Benone Strand. From here, there is a splendid view of Greencastle and the Donegal Hills on the other side of Lough Foyle.
Martello Towers are named after a fort at Mortello Point in Corsica, which successfully withstood bombardment from the British Royal Navy in 1794 during the Napoleanic wars. The British were so impressed with the strength of the tower that they copied the design and built their own, placing them in strategic locations around the coast of England and Ireland. This one at Magilligan is one of the most northerly in Ireland. There is a similar tower in Greencastle, on the other side of Lough Foyle.
The tower was a defence against any invading fleet entering Lough Foyle
Just across the sand dunes, Benone Strand, a popular beach in Northern Ireland
There were no further attempts to invade Ireland after 1798 and the garrison stationed here didn't ever need to fire a shot.
Andrew Jackson Cottage/US Rangers Museum
Today’s post shows the ancestral home of Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States. The original building was a traditional thatched cottage from the 1750s, which has been refurbished. It was the home of Andrew Jackson’s parents before they emigrated to South Carolina around 1765.
The site, at Boneybefore, close to Carrickfergus town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, also houses the US Rangers Museum, paying homage to the soldiers of the First Battalions of the elite US Rangers.
The cottage is a tourist attraction and open to the public five days a week, although currently temporarily closed to the public due to COVID restrictions.
Andrew Jackson lived from 1767 – 1845 and was an American lawyer, soldier, and statesman, before taking office as the seventh President of the United States from 1829 to 1837.
The plaque reads:
The parents of 7th U.S. President Andrew Jackson emigrated from their cottage at Boneybefore to the Carolinas around 1765. They settled in the Waxhaw region. Arthur Dobbs, of Castle Dobbs, Carrickfergus, was governor of North Carolina at this time.
DiscoverUlsterScots.com
Tomorrow: William Allen White
The strange ruin encountered on a trail through Castlewellan Forest, turned out to be a 20ft diameter tea house, built by Hugh Annesley (5th Earl Annesley) for his family on his Castlewellan estate in County Down. It had spectacular views over the Mourne Mountains and a nearby lake which is also part of the Annesley Castlewellan estate. It forms part of a popular trail through the forest and gardens, enjoyed today by the public.
Hugh Annesley’s tea-house, built in 1844
The Annesley family built up a substantial estate in the south of County Down over a number of generations including a castle and forest at Castlewellan. They held a lease on the estate since the 17th century, and bought the freehold in 1741.
Hugh Annesley, (1831-1908) was an Eton-College-educated professional soldier who became Colonel of the Scots Fusilier Guards in 1860. He became 5th Earl Annesley after the death of his brother, William Richard in 1874, inheriting the family seat of Castlewellan Castle. Here, as a keen gardener, he continued the development of the arboretum and gardens, and even published a book about the rare trees in his collection.
After his military career, Hugh became MP for County Cavan. The photos in today’s post show what remains of the 20 foot diameter tea-house, which he built in 1884 for his family. Constructed on high ground, it provided a panoramic view of Castlewellan Lake. On fine summer days the family would make the journey to the tea house, one of two in the demesne, by pony and chaise. A groom and footman would be in attendance. The task of the footman, described as ‘a tall Londoner’, was to brew and serve the tea.
Hugh Annesley was also a pioneering amateur photographer. Thirty-five albums of his photographs are in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. They include pictures taken during the wars in South Africa and the Crimea, (where he was severely injured) and during a visit to Japan, as well as photographs of his home at Castlewellan and the surrounding area. He became the third largest landowner in County Down, with about 25,000 acres, extending from the mountains of Slieve Croob to Slieve Donard.
Past/Future: Charles R Swindoll
A walker takes a stroll through Castlewellan Forest on an afternoon during lockdown.
With a view of the mountains and a nearby lake, this has become a favourite place for people to get away from it all during COVID restrictions and the current period of lock-down. Yesterday, (Tues 6th April) was the last day of the traditional Easter holidays. Here in Northern Ireland in normal times, many would have made a day-trip to the North Antrim coast or other seaside resort for a break.
This year, the Easter period has been much different. Travelling anywhere for leisure purposes where there are likely to be crowds, is discouraged; so thankfully, places like this forest exist. With statistics recording an increase in mental health problems during the lockdown period, it may help to spend some time in a different environment, preferably one that’s conducive to de-stressing.
2020 has been a most difficult year for many. Loss of life and livelihoods have been part of the package of the COVID pandemic. In today’s quote from Charles Swindoll, he advises us to put the past behind, and look to the future with hope. This may not be an easy thing to do, but thankfully there are natural resources that can help. Forests, lakes, the sea, and places of quietness and solitude can help de-stress the mind and give us hope for a better future.
Charles Swindoll is the former president of Dallas Theological Seminary and the author of more than 70 books. He is also the founder of the radio programme, “Insight for Living” which is aired on more than 2000 stations as well as being webcast.
Happy Easter
A Very Happy Easter to people of goodwill everywhere. The photo above shows the site of the very first Christian church in Ireland, founded by St Patrick in 432AD, making this the oldest ecclesiastical site in Ireland. It’s located at Saul, County Down, in Northern Ireland, just a few miles from where St Patrick’s remains are buried at Down Church of Ireland Cathedral, Downpatrick.
Castlewellan Forest 2
An arboretum is defined as: ‘a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes.’ Northern Ireland’s National Arboretum is located here at Castlewellan Forest in County Down. Some of the trees here hold records across the United Kingdom and Ireland for their height. The overall collection of trees here, ranks as the finest in Ireland and among the top three in the British Isles. They are set in beautiful surroundings which include fountains, ponds, ornamental greenhouses and broad sweeping scenic views.
Castlewellan Forest 1
Castlewellan Forest, County Down. A favourite for walkers and a place of refuge for people seeking a peaceful setting away from the stresses and anxieties of COVID and other life circumstances.
Portrush Presbyterian: St Patrick tribute
Portrush Presbyterian Church paid their own tribute to St Patrick (before COVID lockdown) with this poster outside the church
Inch Abbey 3
The River Quoile from Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, with a view of the Mound of Down Cathedral where St Patrick's remains are buried.
Some of the detail from the ruin of the 12th Century, Inch Abbey, in this peaceful island setting in County Down
Inch Abbey 2
A distant Down Cathedral, St Patrick's resting place, as seen from the grounds of Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, County Down
Part of St Patrick's Trail and popular site for visitors in Downpatrick
The text on the signage reads:
Inch Abbey was founded as a Cistercian Abbey by John De Courcy in the 1180s in atonement for his destruction of nearby Erenagh Abby
The Abbey was colonised by monks from Furness in Lancashire and, together with Grey Abbey, is the earliest example of Gothic architecture in Ireland and finest example of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster. It may have been here that Jocelyn, a monk from Furness, wrote his life of Saint Patrick under the patronage of De Courcy as he attempted to win over the local population.
The island site still retains a feeling of peace and seclusion for the visitor, and as well as the picturesque ruins of the church and surrounding buildings, it is also possible to see more unusual survivals, including a bakehouse and possible infirmary.
Monasterboice, founded by an early follower of St Patrick
High cross at the remains of an early Christian monastic settlement in County Louth.
This site which is a favourite with tourists, is a monastic settlement located at Monasterboice in County Louth. It was founded in the late 5th century by Saint Buite who was one of St. Patrick’s original followers. The cross above, known as the Tall Cross, stands at seven metres or twenty-two feet high, making it the tallest of the Irish crosses. The engravings depict stories from the Old and New Testament that would have been used to educate early Christians.
Also at Monasterboice, standing 5.2 metres high, the cross of Muiredach. This 'west face' depicts scenes from the New Testament and there are also scriptural panels on the sides.
It’s St Patrick’s Day! Wherever you may be, wishing everyone happiness and goodwill on this special day.
St Patrick figure from the Hill of Tara, County Meath
Patrick's tombstone at Down Church of Ireland Cathedral, County Down.
St Patrick's tombstone and local Council plaque at Down Cathedral
St Patrick's day 2019 - the last year the public could visit his grave before COVID restrictions of 2020 and 2021
Down Cathedral (Church of Ireland), Downpatrick, County Down
Slemish: ‘Patrick the slave’ mountain
Slemish, County Antrim, where it is said Saint Patrick spent six years tending sheep as a slave from age sixteen
Explore St Patrick
The St Patrick Visitor Centre, Downpatrick, County Down.
Want to find out more about St Patrick? Here’s a good place to start. The St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick can give you pointers to the many ancient sites, crosses, etc., with which he is associated. You’ll also be close to Down Cathedral where you can see his tombstone; Saul, where he built the first Christian church in Ireland, and the ancient monastic site and ruin at Inch Abbey is just a short drive away.
St Patrick: Hill of Tara
Figure of St Patrick at Hill of Tara, County Meath, where he defied the orders of the High King.
St Patrick's Church at Hill of Tara which has now been de-commissioned and opened as a visitor centre.
According to tradition, the Hill of Tara in County Meath, was the Coronation place and ceremonial centre of the pre-Christian, High Kings of Ireland, with whom Patrick was often in conflict.
Patrick is said to have lit a pascal fire on the nearby hill of Slane on the morning of Easter 433, in defiance of the order of the High King Laoire who had forbidden the act. Laoire’s druids are said to have warned Patrick that the fire must be extinguished or it would burn forever. Patrick defied the orders and then came to the Hill of Tara to argue with the King and his druids, challenging them to perform supernatural acts.
Patrick plucked a shamrock from the grassy hillside of Tara, and used its three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity: the union of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in one. Rather than punish Patrick and banish him, the King became convinced and converted, allowing Patrick to continue his missionary work and spread Christianity throughout Ireland.
St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, Armagh
One of the two St Patrick's Cathedrals in Armagh city.
Armagh has two Cathedrals, both bearing the name of St Patrick. The one above is the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and the one which we’ll feature in tomorrow’s post is the Protestant, St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral. They are located just a short distance from each other. Armagh is also the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland – the seat of the Archbishops of Armagh, the Primates of All Ireland for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland.
St Patrick series: Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick mountain, County Mayo, a St Patrick pilgrimage site where it is said he fasted and prayed for 40 days and nights.
St Patrick’s series: St Patrick’s Rock
The Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary, also known as St Patrick's Rock
St Patrick series: Saul church 2.
