The grounds are huge and abound with history. You can only be struck by the character of the place. Especially considering the modern sprawl approaching the Abbeys walls.

sm milligan

August 29, 2023

Movilla was associated with Saint Finian in the 6th-century. As with many early monasteries, it was plundered by Vikings in the 9th century, but was refounded as an Augustinian abbey in the Norman 12th century and survived until the suppression of religious houses in the 1540s.

It has the best collection of 13th Century coffin lids with foliate crosses in the Province. These are built into the inside north wall. Only one stone from the Pre-Norman period survives; it is marked with “Or do Dertrend”, “pray for Dertrend”.

Later structures include the ruins of a 13th century church which was rebuilt in the 15th-century. A really fascinating stop.

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Elevation 50 m

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Monday 27 October

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Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Movilla, Ards, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

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