Visitors to Devenish Island are enjoying a truly historical experience this summer, welcomed by a period monk in full costume, offering a unique insight into ancient life on the island.
It's a first for the island and for those who haven't yet had the chance to meet him, the Early Christian monk will return to the monastic site every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm until 9th September.
Eileen Curry of the DOE's Environment and Heritage Service explained the significance of such an outing: "This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to learn what life was really like for a Cistercian Monk on Devenish – from what he ate and drank to the music he enjoyed, the crops he grew, where he slept and cooked and the intricacies of his faith – and all directly from 'the man himself'.
"The Living History event at Devenish Island – literally designed to bring history to life - is part of a series of living history enactments at historical sites across Northern Ireland, providing the chance to experience ancient life and culture at the very heart of its origins."
For the most part of the Summer the principal Monk to entertain tourists has been London-born Fred Williams who now resides in Galway. He has been spending his weekends travelling to the island and entertaining visitors with his extensive knowledge.
"It started when the new ferry, St Molaise, was built and when it was launched this year the Environment and Heritage Service thought it would be a good idea to have Saint Molaise there to launch the vessel," Fred explains.
"Someone for the DOE Department of Environment and Heritage got in touch with my daughter Lynne who runs Irish Arms, a company that organises living history events. She came along and got a Saint Molaise representative and from there the Environment and Heritage Service said it would be a great idea to have a monk on the island during the weekends for the summer to carry out the role of St Molaise or a monk."
And the introduction has proved a success.
"We have got very good feedback from visitors - they approach the ferry or motor boat they really and get quite a pleasant shock to see a monk among the ruins. When they come off the boat I greet them and carry on the long tradition of hospitality associated with Devenish Island."
Fred says his role is to represent the continuous life of an early Christian monk.
"I welcome visitors and explain the attractions of the island such as climbing the tower, the views from North, South, East and West and invite people to walk around the ruins before going to the interpretation centre where there is a mural showing the monastery in its heyday along with its vast agricultural holdings and further information on the walls. I answer questions and ultimately humanise the life of the monastery and put into perspective the various aspects of social and cultural life right through to the present day."
Fred said he has truly enjoyed the experience and the visitor interaction.
"I love it, the visitor feedback has been great. People come up and thank me and say they came to look around the ruins but that the presence of a Monk made it all come to life."
And for Fred himself, the experience has been truly rewarding.
"I love spending my weekends here and when on the rare occasion the sun shines, it is beautiful. It offers such a release and a relief from the hurly burly of modern day life."
All events held on EHS sites are free of charge and further details are available by contacting EHS on 028 9056 9290, 028 905 69280 or www.ehsni.gov.uk.
