Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, May 2011. 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...
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Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, May 2011. 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. Famed in poetry, song, myth and magic there are nine Glens of Antrim, each endowed with an evocative name and each weaving its own special magic. Lush, green secret places with the sound of water alternately softly swirling, then falling in dramatic torrents, the nine Glens delight the senses. Entwined with their rich beauties are equally diverse and magical stories, combining the colourful history, myth and the traditions of the communities within the glens. For decades travellers stayed away from the sectarian violence, but since the end of'The Troubles' more and more people start discoving the beauty of Belfast and the Antrim Coast Causeway. Photo by Frits Meyst/Adventure4ever.com
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