Church

The National Monuments Service's description

Killymard Old Church (DG099-001001-): In 1622, the parish church was in ruins (Royal Commission, 214). Subsequently repaired or rebuilt, it continued in use until a new church was built at Ballydevitt in 1829 (MacHugh 1959, 167). The ivy-covered ruins, 12.50m by 5.50m internally, comprising a W gable, a portion of the E gable and sections of the N and S walls, are built of rubble. The W gable, standing almost at full height, preserves the remains of a bell-cote and flue-like shaft in its upper section; presumably for a bell-rope. A ragged gap with some facing is all that survives of the central doorway. The S wall (max. height 1.5m) and N wall (max. height 2.3m) are featureless. Part of the latter and the E section of the former, with adjoining E gable return, have been removed to accommodate burial plots. Only the lower courses of the interior NE corner of the church survive. Traces of plaster on the interior and sections of the exterior rendering remain. The church is enclosed in a graveyard (DG099-001003-) containing modern grave slabs, the earliest noted of which was dated 1809. A carved stone (DG093-008----) head probably depicting a bishop is at present preserved in Ballydevitt Church but is said formerly to have stood together with a second head (now lost) on the gate posts of the graveyard surrounding Killymard Church.

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: 22 September 2008