Devenish Parish is one of a total of 37 parishes in the Diocese of Clogher. It is situated to the east of Lower Lough Erne in the north of County Fermanagh encompassing at least 20 islands of various size. A portion of the North-East of the parish lies in County Tyrone. It contains about 26,000acres on the mainland and 525 acres on the islands. Approximately 700 households are served by Fr. Michael McGourty P.P. and Canon Gerard Timoney P.E. Click ->here<- to see the Map of Clogher Diocese.
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The parish name is taken from Devenish Island on Lower Lough Erne, site of one of Ireland's most famous monasteries. Devenish is usually translated to mean 'Ox Island'! The island is L-shaped, about 70 acres in area and two and a half miles north of Enniskillen. It was here that St Molaise founded his monastic settlement in the sixth century that comprised a monastery, 2 churches, an oratory and one of the finest round towers in the country. From the early 18th century the parish area was initially known as Derryvullan. (See "Diocese of Clogher Parochial Records" Vol. 2 1920-Rev. J.E. McKenna) In the early 1830's the name was changed to 'Whitehill' as the parish priest's house was adjacent to St Molaise Church in the townland of Whitehill South. The parish name of Devenish was adopted in 1955.
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Sacred Heart Church - Irvinestown |
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The Sacred heart Church is located on the Lisnarick road opposite the old workhouse at the foot of Rehill park. |
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St Molaise Church - Whitehill |
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The St Molaise Church is located on the Lettermoney Road - Whitehill, just of the main Irvinestown to Enniskillen (Mossfield) road. |
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