Leacht

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 drystone walls each c. 1m wide and 0.8m high 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-) but may alternatively be the remains of a small drystone enclosure. In the NE quadrant of this structure there are the remains of a low rectangular flat-topped rubble cairn known as an 'altar' (DG022-002007-) which may be the remains of a leacht (ext. dims. 1.75m E-W by 2.8m N-S; H 0.5m). The rectangular shaped leacht is defined by a series of low orthostats set on edge forming a rectangular area which is infilled with smaller stones and appears to have been roofed by a series of capstones (L 1.05m; Wth 0.39m) of which only one survives in situ. On the W edge of the leacht there is a pillar stone (DG022-002002-), (dims. H 0.85m × T .26m to .33m). On the W face of the pillar stone a plain Latin cross (DG022-002004-) has been hollowed out of the surface of the stone which gives the cross a sunken appearance. Beside this slab and lying on top of the leacht 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. 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 arrangement of the leacht and the enclosure enclosure is similar in layout to the leacht and enclosure known as Ollamurray on the island of Inishmurray, Co. Sligo (O'Sullivan & O Carragain 2008, 298-313).

O'Sullivan, J. & O Carragain, T. 2008 Inishmurray monks and pilgrims in an Atlantic landscape.

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: 22 September 2008