Bonamargy Friary

Bonamargy Friary is situated in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, off the Cushendall Road on the approach to Ballycastle. The name Bonamargy means ‘foot of the Margy River’, the river formed by the joining of the Cary River and Shesk Rivers.
It is a late Franciscan foundation established in 1485 by Rory MacQuillan. It is said that the first battle between the warring MacDonnell and MacQuillan clans was fought on nearby land. At the main entrance to the friary is a small, two storey gatehouse which opens into a store and workroom. Well worn steps lead directly to the dormitory above. Traces of an altar can still be found in the adjoining church, and the locked vaults hold the remains of the celebrated chieftain, Sorley Boy MacDonnell, and several of the earls of Antrim.Culture Northern Ireland
Perhaps the Friary’s most famous resident was the 17th century prophet and recluse Julie MacQuillen. Known as ‘The Black Nun’, MacQuillen wished to be buried at the entrance of the chapel so that she might be trodden under the feet of those who entered. A worn Celtic cross (rounded with a hole in the centre) marks her grave at the west end of the main church.
Bonamargy Franciscan Friary is a State Care Historic Monument in the townland of Bonamargy, in Moyle District Council area, at grid ref: D1268 4086. The area surrounding the state
care monument of Bonamargy Friary is a Scheduled Historic Monument, at grid ref: D1268 4087.
==See also==
* Abbeys and priories in Northern Ireland (County Antrim)
== References ==
== External links ==
*The Northern Ireland Guide: History and pictures of Bonamargy Friary
*View of Friary ruins and cemetery
*Image of the Friary's interior
*Image of Julie MacQuillen's grave
Category:Franciscan monasteries in Northern Ireland
Category:Religion in County Antrim
Category:1485 establishments
Category:Religious organizations established in the 1480s
Category:Ruins in Northern Ireland
Category:Christian monasteries established in the 15th century