Nendrum Monastic Site
Nendrum is generally regarded as the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland that still has ruins form the original buildings. Thought to have been set-up by St Machaoi in the 5th century, it has also been linked to St Patrick in later sources.
The monastery consists of three round dry-stone walled enclosures, one within the other, with evidence of industrial work being carried on outside.The central enclosure has a church ruin with sundial, the remains of round tower and a graveyard. The middle enclosure contains remains of huts and workshops.
A summer cottage and its driveway, built on the site in the early 20th century, has been retained for use as a visitor centre. The centre houses interactive and graphic displays, models, artefacts and videos.
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Nendrum Monastic Site
Mahee Island
Comber
Tel: 028 9054 3037
Opening Times as follows
1 October to 30 March - 12.00noon to 4.00pm Sunday only
Admission:
Free
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult
In special circumstances visits may be made outside of these hours
Please call the number in the contacts tab to discuss your requirements
Disabled Access:
Site is not suitable for disabled access. Please call 028 9181 1491 for further information.
- Guided tours available
- Visitor Centre
- Audio visual show and display
- Toilets
- Picnic area
- Parking (small car park at the monument)
This fine example of an island monastery was traditionally founded in the 5th century by St Machaoi. There are documentary references from the 7th century until 976AD when the Abbot was burned in his house, perhaps in a Viking raid. A small Benedictine cell was founded here in the late 12th century. The Monastery was documented as a parish church in 1306, but abandoned for a mainland site at Tullynakill during the 15th century. The site was 'lost' until the mid-19th century when the eminent ecclesiastical historian William Reeves, searching for the churches recorded in 1306, visited the island to look at a 'lime kiln' which he recognised as the remains of a round tower. Major restoration work was carried out on the site following excavations in the 1920s.
Curriculum Topic Links
This is an ideal location for those schools studying monastic life in Ireland (Key Stage 3: investigate and evaluate the spiritual beliefs and legacy of civilizations). At Key Stage 1 or 2 pupils could use the site as a way to investigate the “movement of people from the past.
Resources suitable for use at this site
KS 2 and 3 |
Let's Explore Life in Early Times (.PDF 3.06Mb)  |
KS 3 |
Anglo Norman’s In Ireland (.PDF 4.24Mb) |
