Mahee Island

Mahee Island
Strangford Lough (County Down)
Location
Location:	54°29’57"N, 5°38’9"W
Grid reference:	J53206375
Area:	177 acres
Data

Mahee Island is an island within Strangford Lough in County Down. It is the largest of the seventy-odd green islands of the lough, and one of the few with substantial habitation; in this case a clutch of houses along the shore.

The island is by the west shore of the lough and joined to the mainland by a road and causeways, by way of neighbouring Reagh Island

In 1841, a population of 28 was recorded on Mahee Island.

Monks and mills

An early Irish monastery stood on the island: Nendrum Monastery. The monastery was founded in the 5th century, but this is uncertain. Later, after De Courcy came to Ulster, Nendrum was repopulated by Benedictine monks, but closed at some time between 974 and 1178. The monastery church though served a parish church for the island until the site was abandoned in the 15th century. Some remains of the monastery can still be seen.

By the island shore stood Nendrum Monastery mill, which is the oldest tide mill excavated anywhere in the world.

Outside links

("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Nendrum Monastery)

• Nendrum Monastic Site - Northern Ireland Environment Agency
• 360° Virtual Tour of Nendrum Monastery — at Virtual Visit Tours Ireland