Skreen - History

History

Saint Adomnán, the first biographer of St. Columba (Colmcille) and one of his successors at Iona, first served as abbot at Skreen Abbey, which allegedly got its name from the relics of Adomnán the abbey possessed before Vikings pillaged and destroyed it in the 9th century. Besides his Columba biography, Adomnán is known for his "Law of the Innocents." protecting women, children, and other non-combatants from war's slaughter. The Abbey, of which there is no remaining trace, was located at the site of the present Skreen C.of I. church, next to which are an old graveyard and the extensive remains of the medieval church. Within the ruin is still to be found the gravesite of Dr. Stokes' father, a 19th-century pastor of the C.of I parish. In the graveyard may be found many fine 18th-19th-century limestone box tombs, the most celebrated of which is the 1824 Alexander Black tomb, carved by "Old Frank" Diamond. After seven generations, his descendants are still in the stonecutting business on the Coast Road.

Also in the parish are the considerable ruins of Ardnaglass Castle, originally an O'Dowd, then a MacSweeney, and after the Cromwellian conquest, a Jones, then a Black possession. It is just off the Coast Road on Protestant lane. It is owned today by Mr. Gerry Clarke, who lives in the limestone stronghouse on the corner.