2012:146 - Donaghmore, Derry

Testing was conducted on the site of a proposed extension and associated works at Donaghmore Church Hall, Castlefin, Co. Donegal. The Church Hall is located to the east of Donaghmore Church and Graveyard (DG079-017001 and DG079-017002), which is believed to be the site of Domnach Mor Maige Itha, an early foundation, associated with St Patrick (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 33). St Cairnech - whose principal church was at Clonleigh (DG071-002005-), located approximately 10km to the north-east, is also associated with Donaghmore and a holy relic called the Miosagh, the shrine of which is on display in the National Museum of Ireland (Ó Floinn 1995, 129-30).

The L-shaped test trench measured 3m in length, 1m in width and between 0.2-0.35m in depth. The topsoil consisted of mid to dark brown sandy clay containing small stones, and building rubble. The subsoil was yellowish-grey clayey gravel. No features, finds or deposits of archaeological consequence were observed in this trench. However, several post-medieval/modern finds were recovered from the topsoil, including pieces of carved stonework, clay ridge tiles, window glass, painted plaster, slates, iron nails and pieces of cast iron gutters potentially from the old school that was on the site or from the original hall (prior to several refurbishments over the years). A number of other modern ceramics, pieces of metal, glass and what appears to be the remains of a cat or other small mammal, were recovered from the topsoil. A large amount of the topsoil was sieved on site, but this also produced no archaeological finds.

Sources
Gwynn, A. & Hadcock, R. N. (1970). Medieval Religious Houses: Ireland. London.

Ó Floinn, R. (1995). Sandhills, Silver and Shrines: Fine Metalwork of the Medieval Period in Donegal. In W. Nolan et al. (eds), Donegal History and Society. Geographical Publications, Dublin.

John Cronin and Associates, 28 Upper Main St., Buncrana, Co. Donegal