Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Regions - northern island
Devenish Island Monastic Site, Co.Fermanagh
The most important of Lough Erne's many island church settlements, Devenish was founded in the sixth century by Saint Molaise. Admire the beautifully carved, intricate details including a ruined Augustinian abbey with figures and sculptures and climb the round tower. The round tower stands at 30 metres (100ft) tall – internal ladders inside the tower mean the visitor can climb to the top and marvel at the spectacular views.
Also situated on the island are the walls of the Oratory of Saint Molaise who established the monastery in the 6th century, on a pilgrim route to Croagh Patrick.
Devenish Island can be found just outside Enniskillen, County Fermanagh approximately 1 and half miles by car, followed by a short boat trip.
For more details on boat tours to Devenish contact: Fermanagh Tourist Information Centre T: 028 6632 3110
While in the area why not visit another local island, White Island, which can be accessed via ferry which leaves from Castle Archdale Country Park.
Regions - wales
Denbigh Castle
Denbigh Castle is one of the castles built by King Edward I of England during his conquest of Wales. It stands on a rocky promontory above the small town of Denbigh.
The site of the castle was probably occupied from the early Christian period, with the possibility that a native Welsh fortress was built on the site and was being used as a royal centre immediately before the building of the current stone castle. The current stone castle was begun by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, to whom King Edward had granted the territory, shortly after the defeat of the last native Welsh prince in 1282. The original plan of the castle consisted of a long span of curtain walls with irregularly spaced projecting, half round towers with two gateways. These original walls now form the town walls. The current castle was divided from the rest of the enclosed area by a newer set of more massive walls in the style of Caernarfon Castle, including the unique three-towered gatehouse that is its most striking feature. Although there is no hard evidence to prove it, it is widely believed that the architect responsible for these walls was the king's Master Mason, Master James of Saint George. The castle is also the home of one apparation of the "Grey Lady".
Denbigh Castle is one of the castles built by King Edward I of England during his conquest of Wales. It stands on a rocky promontory above the small town of Denbigh.
The site of the castle was probably occupied from the early Christian period, with the possibility that a native Welsh fortress was built on the site and was being used as a royal centre immediately before the building of the current stone castle. The current stone castle was begun by Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, to whom King Edward had granted the territory, shortly after the defeat of the last native Welsh prince in 1282. The original plan of the castle consisted of a long span of curtain walls with irregularly spaced projecting, half round towers with two gateways. These original walls now form the town walls. The current castle was divided from the rest of the enclosed area by a newer set of more massive walls in the style of Caernarfon Castle, including the unique three-towered gatehouse that is its most striking feature. Although there is no hard evidence to prove it, it is widely believed that the architect responsible for these walls was the king's Master Mason, Master James of Saint George. The castle is also the home of one apparation of the "Grey Lady".
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