The Anchorite in a Stone-Blog
The Anchorite in a Stone
One of the Seven Wonders of Fore ‘The Anchorite in a Stone” also known as the Hermit’s Cell sits overlooking the Valley.
The original 15th Century tower of this extraordinary building housed Hermits up to the 17th Century. The last known Hermit to live in the cell was Patrick Belgin who took a vow for religious reasons never to leave the cell. The Hermits that resided here would have relied on the locals to bring them food and water, so as not to breach their vow. Patrick is believed to have been the last known Hermit in Ireland and perhaps in Europe.
The extended square chapel was adapted as a resting place for the Nugent family with the last additions of a Chancel commissioned in the 19th Century by Lady Rosa Greville. This part of the building is known as the Nugent-Greville Mausoleum.
Just across the way lies Fore Abbey where the Benedictine Monks would distill “Uisce Beatha” the first foundations for Irish Poitín!
Why not spend a day in Fore, discover the Seven Wonders & take a tour of Fore Distillery!
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