Bonamargy Abbey, Franciscan friary ruins in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Bonamargy Abbey is a Franciscan friary ruin situated where two rivers meet, featuring a two-story gatehouse, church remains, and a preserved altar. The different structures show how this type of religious center was organized in medieval times.
The friary was founded in 1485 by Rory MacQuillan and passed to the MacDonnell clan in 1588 following territorial disputes in the region. This transfer marked a major shift in local power during the late medieval period.
The burial vaults hold remains of several Ulster Earls and other regional leaders who shaped local history. Walking through these preserved vaults gives a sense of the friary's role as a final resting place for the area's most powerful families.
The grounds are open year-round and located just east of Ballycastle town center along a coastal road. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since pathways can be uneven and the ruins are spread across the ground.
Medieval manuscripts including works by religious scholars were discovered inside an oak chest during excavations in the 1800s. These rare documents reveal how important the friary was as a center of learning.
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