Historic Buildings Record · Northern Ireland
Ballaun/Font
Dungiven, Causeway Coast and Glens, Northern Ireland
The record
- Designation
- Record only (not listed)
- Grade
- Record Only
- Type
- Archaeological Site
- Date of construction
- Pre 1600
- Address
- Ballaun/Font, Graveyard, Priory Lane, Dungiven, Co Londonderry, BT47 4PF
- Townland
- Dungiven
- Council
- Causeway Coast and Glens
- Country
- Northern Ireland
- Coordinates
- 54.91745, -6.92059
- Date of survey
- 24 May 2000
- HB reference
- HB02/06/011 D
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 4 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1881 "Ireland to Illustrate the Military Condition of the Country." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
The Department's description
Exterior description and setting
A large stone about ½ a cubic metre in size with a large circular hole cut in the top of it. The hole is about 300mm diam and the same depth. Water is deposited in the hole. It is difficult to identify the stone but probably sandstone. O.S. Memoirs states granite. It is situated in the boundary hedge of the graveyard bordering the entrance path and not far from the entrance gates. It is partially hidden by vegetation from which hangs scraps of rags and other bits of clothing.
Historical information
This stone is probably a ballaun formerly used for grinding corn. It is now a place resorted to by those wishing to get “cures” for various ailments and on departure leaving a part of an article of clothing. The cure of warts is one sought. The O.S. Memoirs refers to it as “a granite font of rude workmanship”. It is within the ground of the Schedule Monument in State Care No Ldy 31.15.
References
Primary Sources
O.S. Memoirs of Ireland – Parishes of Co Londonderry IV 1824, 1833-5 p. 58, 107
Ed. by Angelique Day & Patrick McWilliam – QUB
Secondary Sources
McCloskey (1788-1876) Statistical Reports of Six Derry Parishes 1821 p. 85
Rowan Buildings of Ireland North West Ulster p. 266
Criteria for listing: architectural interest
Not listed
Criteria for listing: historic interest
Not listed
Evaluation
An interesting stone, not of any visual significance, but a visual reminder of the customs of the people of the Parish of Dungiven in the past and present. It is most likely a ballaun but could have served other purposes in and around the Priory.
Nearby in the register
- Graveyardunder 1 mi
- Cooey na Gall MonumentMemorialunder 1 mi
- Priory Plantation House ( Remains of)Religious Houseunder 1 mi
- Standing Stoneunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.