News Release Page Title

7 March 2000

 

STEP BACK A THOUSAND YEARS IN HISTORY AT NENDRUM MONASTERY

What actually happened when Saint Patrick saw a man about a pig?

Well, the man was Machaoi (Mahee), but to find out more, staff from new DOE's Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) will be delighted to tell you if you visit Nendrum Monastery on Mahee Island this week.

In highlighting the festivities at Nendrum Monastery, EHS's Marion Meek said:

"This is a great chance to take a 1000 year step back into history. All this week, as part of the lead up to Saint Patrick's day, Nendrum Monastery will show how life looked in the year 1000.

"There are models, films, storytelling, complete with a copy of the Nendrum bell to ring on the hill. Even if you have been before, there are two new displays. Firstly, the recent discovery from the current excavation in the bay is mindboggling- an early 7th-century tide mill which provided energy to grind grain. This is the earliest dated mill in Europe.

"Secondly, we are inviting people to explore more churches in the Strangford Lough area, varying from tiny Derry Churches at Portaferry to the modern Star of the Sea in Killyleagh.

 "Extra staff will be on hand from 10am until 2pm daily. If an individual or a group want to be sure of a time slot (including later in the afternoon) please phone to arrange it. The telephone number is 028 9054 3037 or 028 9754 2547.

"All in all an enjoyable day out for all. What's more, you'll also find out what happened when Saint Patrick met the man with the pig!"

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

 

  1. Nendrum is a beautiful spot, on Mahee Island, accessible by road from the Comber-Downpatrick road, just South of Comber.
  2. New DOE's Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) issued its Events 2000 Programme at the beginning of March.This is the first of the 25 events at Historic Monuments and Country Parks planned for this year all round Northern Ireland. Ring for your copy of the brochure 028 9054 6533.
  3. EHS seeks to protect and conserve the built environment and to promote its appreciation for the benefit of present and future generations
  4. For further information, photos etc contact Marion Meek 028 9054 3048 or at Nendrum, 028 9754 2547.
  5. Marion Meek will be available for interview all week at media convenience. Please contact Philip Maguire DOE Press Office to arrange Tel 028 9054 0013 e-mail philip.j.maguire@doeni.gov.uk