Bonamargy Friary

Bonamargy Friary is situated in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, off the Cushendall Road on the approach to Ballycastle. The name Bonamargy means ‘foot of the Margy River’, the river formed by the joining of the Cary River and Shesk Rivers.

It is a late Franciscan foundation established in 1485 by Rory MacQuillan. It is said that the first battle between the warring MacDonnell and MacQuillan clans was fought on nearby land. At the main entrance to the friary is a small, two storey gatehouse which opens into a store and workroom. Well worn steps lead directly to the dormitory above. Traces of an altar can still be found in the adjoining church, and the locked vaults hold the remains of the celebrated chieftain, Sorley Boy MacDonnell, and several of the earls of Antrim. [ [http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article.aspx?co=16&ca=25&to=&sca=23&articleID=797 Culture Northern Ireland] ]

Perhaps the Friary’s most famous resident was the 17th century prophet and recluse Julie MacQuillen. Known as ‘The Black Nun’, MacQuillen wished to be buried at the entrance of the chapel so that she might be trodden under the feet of those who entered. A round holed cross marks her grave.

Bonamargy Franciscan Friary is a State Care Historic Monument in the townland of Bonamargy, in Moyle District Council area, at grid ref: D1268 4086. [cite web | title=Bonamargy Friary | work=Environment and Heritage Service NI - State Care Historic Monuments | url=http://www.ehsni.gov.uk/state_care_monuments_2007.pdf | accessdate=2007-12-04] The area surrounding the statecare monument of Bonamargy Friary is a Scheduled Historic Monument, at grid ref: D1268 4087. [cite web | title=Bonamargy | work=Environment and Heritage Service NI - Scheduled Historic Monuments | url=http://www.ehsni.gov.uk/scheduled_monuments1to31mar07.pdf | accessdate=2007-12-04]

References

ee also

* Abbeys and priories in Northern Ireland (County Antrim)

External links

*The Northern Ireland Guide: [http://www.thenorthernirelandguide.co.uk/bonamargy-friary-ballycastle History and pictures of Bonamargy Friary]
* [http://www.northantrim.com/images/bonamargie6.jpgView of Friary ruins and cemetery]
* [http://ni_towns.tripod.com/ballycastle/holestone_friary.jpgImage of the Friary's interior]
* [http://www.northantrim.com/images/bonamargie7.jpgImage of Julie MacQuillen's grave]