Monkstown Graveyard – King Fergus
Monkstown Abbey used to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ulster. And according to tradition, it is where Fergus, the Ulsterman who became the first King of Scotland, was buried over 1500 years ago.
The story goes that Fergus suffered from leprosy, and in AD 501, he travelled back to Monkstown, hoping to find a cure for his affliction. His boat got caught in a storm and sank near the entrance to Belfast harbour. Fergus drowned and his body was washed up near Whitehead, and he was buried at Monkstown Abbey.
However, other stories say that the body of King Fergus was originally found and buried at Ballymanock however was later moved to Monkstown.
The site was in operation from the 5th Century until the late 1950’s, with the last burial being in 1959.
Knocknagh Monument
The Knockagh Monument in Greenisland is the best spot for unparalleled panoramic views of Carrickfergus, Belfast and across Belfast Lough to North Down. Located on top of Knockagh Hill, above the village of Greenisland, Knockagh Monument is a War Memorial initially erected in remembrance of the men from County Antrim who had died in the First World War (1914-1918).
Although the foundation stone was laid in 1922, the monument was not completed until 1936. After the Second World War (1939-1945), it was dedicated in remembrance to those from County Antrim who also died in the Second World War (1939-1945).
The site is 390m (1230 feet) above sea level and is the largest war memorial in Northern Ireland. The monument is a 110-foot (34 m)-high basalt obelisk and is a replica of the Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park, Dublin, although is exactly half the height.
The Monument's inscription was adapted from the hymn “O Valiant Hearts" by John S. Arkwright. It reads:
“NOBLY YOU FOUGHT, YOUR KNIGHTLY VIRTUE PROVED
YOUR MEMORY HALLOWED IN THE LAND YOU LOVED.”
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