- Early Christian settlement in tranquil location - in the middle of Lough Erne.
- One of the few round towers you may actually climb.
- Unique in having two round towers next to each other (... well, almost).
- Access only by boat.
- Devenish Island was an ecclesiastical center for centuries - today several ruins and an impressive round tower remain.
- Irish monks may have chosen Devenish for its secure location - even today access is by boat only.
- Apart from public toilets there are no facilities on the island - so don't miss the last boat!
Devenish is quite a small island and around half an hour's stay will show you all sights and let you take in the small (but very informative) museum as well. If you know your Irish ecclesiastical and architectural history, proceed from the pier to the round tower immediately. If you are a bit iffy, brush up your knowledge in the museum first.
What makes Devenish unique is the fact that two round towers were side by side here - a fact you will more than likely not notice until you stand at the top of the steps leading up to the only round tower you can see. Looking down you'll notice the fundament of a second tower. Unfortunately we do not quite know why they are there and what happened here ...
Devenish's standing tower, however, is one of the few round towers you can actually climb. If you are fleet of foot and hand, the ladders leading up are steep (but save).
The remaining ruins are disused church buildings, impressive but maybe not overwhelming. Also take note of the numerous gravestones both above and below the round tower. They are interesting in their own right, though the weather and time wasn't too kind to most of them.
