Cross

The National Monuments Service's description

'Kilblaney Burial Ground' (DG022-002005-) consists of a subrectangular enclosure c. 25m E-W and c. 15m N-S defined on three sides by a wall and on the fourth by a cliff edge. Near the centre of the graveyard are three walls each c. 1m wide forming a rectangle, 4m N-S and. 5m E-W internally, open to the W end. This is said to be the remains of a 'church' (DG022-002001-) or small drystone enclosure. In the NE quadrant of this structure is a low rectangle of stones known as an 'altar' which is a possible leacht (DG022-002007-). On the W side of the 'altar' or leacht is a cross- inscribed slab (DG022-002002-), .85m × 0.26m to .33m. On the W face of the slab is carved a plain Latin cross. Beside this slab and lying on top of the 'altar' there was a quern-stone that has since been moved to the maritime museum in Greencastle.
Just N of the entrance on the W side of the graveyard is a small, stone cross (DG022-002004-) supported by one half of a stone socket. There are many grave markers in the enclosure which is situated on a cliff edge overlooking the entrance to Lough Foyle. A recent site inspection could not find any evidence of the cross which is now located in an area of scrub vegetation which made it impossible to locate the monument. According to the local landowner a second slab decorated with scrollwork located to the N of the possible church was removed from the site in recent times and its current location is unknown.

The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated.

Date of upload/revision: 20 January 2011