228 [Proc. B. N. F. C, 



On 22nd June, to 



GLENAVY AND RAM'S ISLAND. 



The third excursion was made on Saturday, June 23rd, to 

 Glenavy and Ram's Island. The popularity of the route 

 selected was well indicated by the numerous party who found 

 themselves rattling along by the nine a.m. train for Glenavy 

 Station. From thence they made their way, some on cars, but 

 the majority on foot, along the pleasant country lanes which 

 lead down to Sandy Bay, and in due time were bowling along, 

 in the stout fishing boats, before a stiff breeze, for the island. 

 Landed there, a meeting was held, the President of the Club, 

 W. H. Patterson, Esq., M.R.I. A., presiding, when new members 

 were elected, announcements made, and prizes offered for the 

 best botanical collection made on the island. 



Ram's Island, originally Inis-Garden, does not figure much 

 in history, but is thought by Dr. Reeves to be the place, some- 

 where in the vicinity of Lough Neagh, which under a nearly 

 similar name, is several times mentioned in the old MSS. 

 There is another reference in an old document to '' the church 

 at Lenneuy (Glenavy) with the chapel." This chapel is 

 thought by Dr. Reeves to have been possibly, or probably, on 

 this island. The sole relic at present to be seen is the round 

 tower ; but if we are to believe the teachings of archaeology as 

 now generally interpreted, wherever we find the round tower, 

 there will also be found the other marks of an early ecclesias- 

 tical settlement — the small church, the accompanying grave- 

 yard, or the saints' house. Of the graveyard there is now no 

 indication, though traces were some years ago reported still 

 visible ; and though the church or oratory has vanished. Dr. 

 Reeves thinks there probably was one. A few excavations 

 might, as in so many other cases, bring to light both. It may 

 be noted that islands have in many instances been selected for 

 the early Christian stations. The round tower is not by any 

 means perfect, but about forty-two feet are still standing. The 



