The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) confirmed visitors to Inch Abbey this summer will have the opportunity to explore the site with a Medieval Cistercian Monk.
NIEA Warden James McEvoy explained: “Each weekend throughout the summer, visitors to Inch Abbey will have the chance to not only soak up the wonderful atmosphere but understand what life was like for monks in this picturesque medieval abbey.
“The guided tour will help bring alive the remarkable history of this site.”
The Cistercian abbey was founded in 1180 by John de Courcy who led the Anglo-Norman invasion of East Ulster three years earlier. Built near the River Quoile, the abbey sits about three quarters of a mile outside of Downpatrick on the road to Belfast.
Visitors can make their visit even more memorable by catching a vintage steam train to the abbey from the railway station in Downpatrick.
The guided tour is being held at Inch Abbey as part of NIEA’s ‘Living History’ weekends across a number of historical sites in Northern Ireland. Entry is free.
Notes to Editors:
1. To find out more about this event telephone 028 9054 3030
2. These weekends will run from 20/21 June until 12/13 September, 12.00pm – 4.00pm.
3. For media inquiries please contact the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003 or out of hours call the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 0769971 5440 and your call will be returned.
