 Movilla was founded by St. Finnian in 540 A.D. Movilla's St. Finnian should not be confused with another famous saint by the same name who founded a famous monastery and center of learning in Clonard.
Movilla was one of Ulster's most important monasteries. There was a famous school of learning on the site by 543 A.D., which was attended by many famous saints, most notably St. Columba. By the time it was attacked and burned by the Vikings in 824 A.D., it had grown considerably in size and had extensive craft workshops creating a wide range of bronze, glass and, other products.
It was refounded in the 12th Century by Augustinian Canons with the help of St. Malachy in 1135. The Augustinians remained at Movilla until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1542.
Today, the remains of the monastery are mostly of the 15th Century building and are close to the present church in Newtownards, Northern Ireland.
About Movilla (Magh Bile)
Wikipedia: Movilla Abbey
Discover Northern Ireland: Movilla Abbey
New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia: Diocese of Down and Connor
Wikipedia: Finnian of Moville
New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Finnian of Moville
Wikipedia: Saint Malachy
Wikipedia: Augustinians
Journey to Movilla (Magh Bile)
Movilla is located one mile east of the town of Newtownards on the south side of the B172 in the northern part of County Down in Northern Ireland.
Map Reference: J5074
Visitors Information
Visitors information may be found at the geograph.ie website. General tourist information may be found the Discover Northern Ireland: County Down website.
Additional Photos of Movilla (Magh Bile)
Ruins of 15th Century Church at Site of St. Finnian's 6th Century Monastic School at Movilla
Ruins of 15th Century Church at Site of St. Finnian's 6th Century Monastic School at Movilla
Ruins of 15th Century Church at Site of St. Finnian's 6th Century Monastic School at Movilla
Graveslabs in Wall at Movilla
Graveslab on Wall at Movilla
Ruins of 15th Century Church at Site of St. Finnian's 6th Century Monastic School at Movilla
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