early Christian
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St Columba is also associated with Mullagh Hill within the Roe Park Resort near Limavady. Here was held the convention of Drumceat in 575AD. Aedh 'King of Ireland' called the meeting to resolve tensions between the Ui Neill (then known as the Cenel Eoghain) and the Irish kingdom in Scotland of Dal Raita. The result was financial independence for Dal Raita and the retention of the bards.
Nearby is a wonderfully atmospheric holy well also associated with the saint. Buildings in this period were made from timber from the plentiful forests. But, when, in the 11th century, they were replaced in stone, churches replicated the ceremonial form of their predecessors. Thus, buildings had steeply pitched roofs with projecting corners like timber posts and projecting roofs had decoration taking the form of crossed rafters. Such stone buildings in the valley are now ruinous, but at Banagaher and Bovevagh are two mausoleums for funding saints that are in the same style. Projecting corners can also be seen at the base of the ruined church at Banagher. . |
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Mullagh Hill
Holy Well within Roe Valley Country Park
Saint's tomb, Boveagh Church
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