Nendrum Monastic Site
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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 1920's.
The monastery comprises three concentric dry-stone walled enclosures with evidence for industrial work outside, including a tidal mill and landing places. 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. The outer enclosure is only partly in state care and little is known about it.
A summer cottage and its driveway, built on the site in the early-20th century, has been retained for used as a visitor centre. The Centre houses interactive and graphic displays, models, artefacts and video. Note that there is a very narrow road approach.
Finds from the 1920's excavations of Nendrum Monastery are on show in the Ulster Museum.
Facilities
- Guided Tours Available
- Visitor Centre
- Audio-visual show and display
- Toilets
- Picnic Area
- Parking (small car park at the monument)
Access & Booking
WINTER OPENING HOURS (1st October - 31st March)
Open on Saturday only
Saturday - 10am - 4pm
SUMMER OPENING HOURS (1st April - 30th Sept)
Closed on Mondays
Tuesday - Saturday - 9am -6pm
Sunday - 2pm - 6pm
Admission: Free
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult
In special circumstances visits may be made outside of these hours. Please contact the numbers below to discuss your requirements.
Booking and queries: For information on educational visits to Nendrum Monastery, please contact EHS on 028 9181 1491
Getting Here
The Monastery is situated on Mahee Island in Strangford Lough, approached along narrow, twisting lanes and causeways. It is signposted off the A22 immediately south of Comber. There is no public transport available to site and the road is not suitable for large coaches.