islands fermanagh

These small, hilly islands are the tops of drumlins, the lower parts of which were drowned when Lough Erne was formed. The relatively unspoilt woodland on these islands is a mixture of many species including oak, yew and ash. These trees grow tall and from the canopy of the woodland whilst underneath, willow and hazel spread their branches to gather light. The spindle tree, with its green stems, grows here too but is hard to find. Only in autumn when its leaves turn dark red and the fruits are b...

Inishmacsaint Island also had a sixth century monastery one of the thousands that sprang up all over Ireland in the generation after St. Patrick's death. This one was founded in about 523 by St Ninnid who, like St Molaise, studied under St Finian at Clonard. The island has an ancient rath (prehistoric hillfort), a ruined twelfth century church, and a striking 14ft high cross (tenth century) with splayed arms and a broad shaft. It lacks the usual Celtic circle and looks as though the stone carver...

An island monastery, the ruins of which include a 12th century church with an intact Romanesque doorway and six unusual stone statues of 9th/10th century....

The site of a 6th century monastery founded by St. Molaise who was one of the 12 Apostles in Ireland. The monastery was raided by the Vikings in the 9th century and burned in 1157. The island's greatest treasure is an early 11th century book shrine which is now in the National Museum in Dublin. The remains on the island include a perfect round tower and St. Molaise's house 12th century, 13th century church ruins, 11th century gravestones, Augustinian priory, 15th century cross....