Discover Devenish Island: the heart of the fermanagh lakelands
Just a 20-minute journey from Belmore Court & Motel lies one of Ireland’s most mystical and historically significant islands..
Devenish Island is nestled in the sparkling waters of Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This 150 acres island, although small, holds a wealth of history waiting to be explored. Dotted with ancient monastic ruins dating back to the 6th century, Devenish Island offers visitors a chance to step back in time and imagine life during early Christian Ireland, surrounded by the tranquility of the Fermanagh Lakelands.
So come along for the journey as we drift back through the centuries and reveal why Devenish Island should top your must-see list of places in Northern Ireland.
The earliest inhabitants: 10,000 years of history
While the first recorded settlement on Devenish Island dates back to the 6th century AD, archaeological evidence indicates people lived there long before Saint Molaise arrived. Mesolithic stone tools discovered here suggest it was inhabited during the Middle Stone Age as early as 8000 BC. The island’s proximity to the lake and fertile land made it an ideal spot for Ireland’s early hunters and gatherers to settle.
Traces of an early Christian ringfort have also been found on Devenish, hinting at activity between the Iron Age and the early medieval period. But it was only with the arrival of Saint Molaise in the late 6th century that the island became home to the monastery and religious community that brought it great significance!
Saint Molaise and the Great Monastery
Saint Molaise was a prominent figure in early Irish Christianity who founded over 150 churches and monasteries across Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Around 580 AD he chose Devenish Island as the location for one of his most famous monasteries, drawn by its peaceful isolation on the secluded lake.
Under Molaise’s leadership, Devenish became a renowned centre of Christian learning and scholarship, pivotal in spreading the faith across Ulster. Known as “Devenish of the Assemblies,” it became the most important of Lough Erne’s many island monasteries, attracting pilgrims and parishioners for over a thousand years, even after Molaise died in 563 AD.
At its peak in the 8th-10th centuries, the Devenish monastery was home to over 1000 monks and scholars, making it a beacon of learning during Ireland’s Golden Age of monasticism. The island served as a stopping point on the ancient pilgrim route to Croagh Patrick, cementing its spiritual significance across medieval Ireland.
surviving viking raids and medieval decline
By the beginning of the 9th century, Devenish Island had become one of the wealthiest and most influential monasteries in Ireland. But its prominence also attracted unwanted attention, particularly that of Viking raiders who led targeted attacks and burned Devenish twice over a century between 822 – 923 AD.
Despite this, the monastery remained one of Ulster’s most important religious centres for over a thousand years, with both Culdee and Augustinian communities operating side by side until the Reformation officially ended their mission in 1603.
18th century revival and modern conservation
After centuries of neglect, Devenish Island saw renewed interest in the 18th century from antiquarians exploring and documenting Ireland’s medieval sites. Conservation efforts began on the monastic ruins, ensuring their survival to modern times.
In 1810, James Ussher, the Protestant Archbishop of Armagh, took up residency on Devenish in the House of the Lower Lough Erne. He excavated and researched the island’s archaeology, compiling detailed accounts of Devenish’s early Christian history.
The island entered a new phase in 1886 when a wealthy landowner purchased Devenish and transformed it into a private family residence. Kellett renovated the island’s buildings and gardens, hosting lavish parties on Devenish attended only by society’s elite.
The island’s ownership later passed to the Le Fanu family, who continued conservation work in the 20th century before ultimately selling most of Devenish to the State.
In 1967 the island was designated as a National Nature Reserve to protect its ancient monuments and diverse wildlife habitats. Today, Devenish Island remains under government care as a protected historic site, remaining open to visitors, and continues to safeguard its thousand-year-old Christian heritage for future generations to explore and enjoy.
Most recently, in 2022, the site underwent 3 months of conservation work in a £122,000 Department for Communities project!
Exploring Devenish Island's Ancient Treasures: Ruins & monuments
Now that we’ve explored some of its long and storied history, let’s take a closer look at the captivating ancient ruins and monuments that make Devenish Island such a special place:
round tower
One of the island’s most iconic landmarks, the imposing round tower stands nearly 100 feet high on an elevated site overlooking the rest of Devenish. It’s considered one of the finest surviving round towers in Ireland. Although there are no precise records of the towers construction, it likely dates back to the 10th/11th century.
The round tower can often be entered and explored; However, it’s important to note that the tower is not always open to the public and it’s recommended to check for opening times before your visit.
Teampull mór
Irish for ‘the Great Church’, Tempull Mór was built in the 12th century, the ruins of which allow you to return to Devenish’s heyday as an ecclesiastical centre. Ornate Romanesque arches at the entrance of the church and a beautiful lancet window on the south wall remain, as well as a stone coffin in the north west corner known as St Molaise’s bed. Fun Fact: Laying in this medieval coffin is reputed to cure sickness!
This site holds even greater religious significance due to the remnants of an 8th-century church beneath the current Teampull Mór.
The atmospheric graveyard around Teampull Mor contains tombs, mausoleums, and monastic remains going back to the early medieval period.
These ruins are located on the lower section of the island, closest to the pier.
St Mary's Augustinian Priory
Built between the mid-15th and early 16th centuries, St Mary’s Augustinian Priory features a church, tower, and small cloister
the rare high crosses
Two high crosses remain standing on Devenish, the Latin Cross and the Celtic Cross.
The Latin Cross: This 9th century cross is extremely rare and ornamented with unique spiral and fretwork patterns, one of only two of its kind left in Ireland!
The Celtic Cross: An intricately carved 15th-century stone cross that visitors consistently describe as “magnificent”
The island preserves archaeological landscapes integral to the monastic settlement, including fish traps, cobble surface roads, and early field systems, and contains countless other archaeological treasures to see and learn of on your visit!
Walking across Devenish Island today, it’s inspiring to imagine the monks, scholars, and pilgrims who once passed through these same spaces over a thousand years ago. These rare surviving ruins offer a tangible connection to Ireland’s early medieval period and the legendary saints and scribes who found sanctuary on this small island.
Legendary Associations:
Beyond Saint Molaise, Devenish Island is steeped in legend with intriguing ties to other famous figures of Irish history and myth. The most well-known is Saint Patrick himself, who was said to have visited Devenish in the 5th century AD to confer with Molaise. The two saints quarrelled over the proper timing for Easter celebrations in the famous conflict where Molaise defiantly threw his copy of the Scriptures into Lough Erne until the lake miraculously returned it unharmed. Other legends link Devenish to figures like Connall Cael, the foster son of Ireland’s mythical warrior Cuchulainn.
The island’s mystical aura persists today with tales of a magical storm-summoning bell hidden somewhere in its depths by one of the medieval monks. With such legendary associations spanning over 1500 years, it’s easy to see why Devenish captures the imagination!
Wildlife and Conservation:
While Devenish Island treasures its Christian heritage, it is also designated as an essential nature reserve protecting diverse ecosystems and wildlife. The island contains a National Nature Reserve managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency covering 75 acres of varied habitats. Heath, grassland, saline lagoons, reedbeds, and shoreline fringe the ruins, overlooked by scenic woodlands and the ancient trees within the Augustinian Abbey’s walls. Devenish provides a sanctuary for monastic history and Northern Ireland’s exceptional biodiversity.
best ways to explore devenish island
One of the greatest advantages of staying at Belmore Court & Motel is our unrivalled location for accessing Devenish Island. From our central Enniskillen location, you’ll find yourself closer to Devenish Island than any other accommodation in the area
Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly family outing, prefer expert-guided commentary, or fancy the freedom of captaining your own vessel, there’s a perfect option waiting.
regular ferry service: Mv kestrel
Enjoy a scenic cruise across the Fermanagh Lakelands, with live commentary providing insights into the island’s history and significance throughout the journey. During this 1h 45min round trip, you will disembark on Devenish Island to explore for yourself.
- Departs from Round ‘O’ Jetty
- Expert crew navigate through Portora Lock gates whilst providing entertaining historical commentary
- Spot wildlife including the colourful Kingfisher and waterside creatures
- Fully-licensed bar offering refreshments, snacks, tea, and coffee
- Dog-friendly tours (pets must remain on leads)
- Toilets on board
Private Guided Tours: Erne Water Taxi
Experience guided expertise, as each journey is accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, bringing the stories and history of Devenish Island to life. Choose from the Yellow Water Taxi seating up to 8 people, and the new Island Discovery seating up to 12!
- Flexible departure times to suit your schedule
- Quick 15-minute journey to the island
- Intimate group sizes
- Although more pricey, this is perfect for those seeking more personalised experience
Self Exploration: wee red boats
For the ultimate freedom to explore Devenish Island at your own pace, and discover hidden corners of the Fermanagh Lakelands, check out the iconic “Wee Red Boats. A scenic 30 minute journey to the island.
- Purpose-built for rental by Erne Boat Hire
- Comfortably accommodate up to six adults
- Located at Regal Pass Jetty
- Just an 11-minute walk from Belmore Court & Motel
- Buoyancy aids and fuel provided
4 Hour Session – £65
Tuition available for inexperienced boaters – no experience required!
Conclusion:
Devenish Island remains one of Northern Ireland’s most magical and spiritual places over 1400 years since Saint Molaise first arrived. This secluded island monastery survived Viking raids, medieval decline, and centuries of neglect before its atmosphere and ruins were preserved to become the inviting retreat it is today. Wandering among Devenish’s ancient churches, carved crosses, and imposing round tower, you can vividly imagine what drew monks and pilgrims here across the centuries.
Beyond its awe-inspiring early Christian ruins, legends swirl around Devenish with ties to famous saints and mythical figures. The island also shelters a diversity of wildlife as a protected nature reserve. Easy to access and explore, Devenish offers an escape into nature, history, and legend that you’ll always remember. Whether admiring the skill of early Irish masons or spotting seals along the shore, Devenish Island promises a journey back through time to immerse you in Ireland’s formative centuries of Christianity.
faq's
- Peak Experience: July-August for full amenities, hourly ferry service, and extended opening hours
- Quieter Exploration: September weekends for fewer crowds and peaceful contemplation
- Weather Considerations: All water-based services are weather-dependent, so check conditions before departure
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring ancient ruins
- Camera for capturing stunning views from the round tower
- Picnic lunch to enjoy in the island’s peaceful surroundings (perfect for Wee Red Boat adventures)
- Light jacket, as it can be breezy on the water
- Sense of wonder for experiencing 1,400 years of history
- The MV Kestrel can accommodate visitors with limited mobility, though there’s no direct wheelchair access
- The Island Discovery offers wheelchair access
- Hard-topped paths connect boat docks to main ruins views
- Visitor centre facilities available during peak season
Unbeatable Location and Convenience
- Central Hub: Short Distance to all Jettys
- Walking Distance: 11 minute walk to the Wee Red Boats
- Free Parking: Secure parking for guests
Award-Winning Accommodation
- 4-Star Quality: Tourism Northern Ireland and AA certified accommodation
- Room Variety: Standard self-contained rooms, Superior rooms, and Executive suites
- Modern Comfort: All rooms feature high-quality amenities and stunning views
- Sustainability: EV charging points available for eco-conscious travellers
Individualised Service
- Personal Touch: Family-owned business with over 30 years of hospitality experience
- Flexible Service: We can help arrange your island adventure and coordinate with tour operators
