Many come here for a visit or a walk. Most of the time the carpark is always full so you have to find a spot quite far and just walk to enjoy this place.
Every time we wish to come here, it's crowded. This time, we had it for ourselves. This beautiful part near the Strangford Lough is a jaw-dropping masterpiece. You'll find peace, comfort, appreciate the nature and recharge your soul.
Nendrum Monastery
Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery located in Mahee Island, County Down, Northern Ireland where the Mahee Castle is also located.
This place is famous for its believe that St. Patrick came here by boat crossing the Strangford Lough which is the only means of transportation at that time to reach this place. In here, in this part of Strangford Lough, they believe he arrived.
Who is St Patrick?
St. Patrick is the bishop and the patron saint of Ireland. We celebrate St. Patrick's Day annually on 17th of March.
He teaches Christianity and brings it to Ireland. They said Shamrocks( Three leaf clover) are associated with Saint Patrick because we have used it to explain the Christian Trinity.
He also brought the Latin alphabet in Ireland.
It has been a legend telling that he cast out all the snakes in Ireland, though many scientists hold that snakes have never existed here anyway.
Let's go up to the monastery.
As per record Nendrum Monastery was founded in 5th century (uncertain) and came to an end sometime between 974 and 1178 but the church served as a parish until this site was abandoned in the 15th century.
This is the inner cashell wall or the enclosure of the monastery. The monastic remains can still be seen. Below is the enclosure that is rebuilt by Lawlor.
You can also see the central Cashel which has the round tower ruins and the remains of the church still in there.
History
The Nendrum Monastery was founded by Mochaoi in the 5th century. It is he whom Mahee Island was named after. His real name was Caolàn and he was appointed by Saint Patrick.
It is said the Nendrum location was lost. It is then rediscovered by William Reeves in 1844 when he visited the Mahee Island searching for the church recorded in 1306 and because of the round tower remains he recognized this as the lost Nendrum.
The Church Ruined
What it may look like before?
The Round Tower
Situated high on the summit of the hill and originally standing to a height of about 27 metres (89ft) and is probably built in the 10th century at some time as the stone church. This was the ruins that allowed William Reeves to rediscover this lost Nendrum in 1844.
What the round tower looks like before?
The round towers main purpose was for timekeeping. At regular times of the day measured on the sundial at the corner of the church, a handbell would be rung from the top of the tower to call the monks from the surrounding area to pray.
The found tower was also used as a treasury to store valuables and as a place of refuge when the monastery was under attack.
At the top of the hill is also a great view of Whiterock Harbour. The wind is rightly blowing in here and so you might want to wear extra thick clothing. Even my shoes are soaking wet.
In here you can sit, relax and enjoy the view. Isn't it just a perfect place to visit?
Thank you for reading.
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assalam walekum very nice article very very very useful for all of us