2023:321 - Kilbarron, Donegal

Archaeological monitoring was undertaken at various dates between September and November 2023 of conservation works to the historic fabric of the ruined medieval Kilbarron Church, RMP DG103-055----. The works are funded by the National Monuments Service Community Monuments (CMF) Fund 2023. Monitoring was conducted during works involving the conservation of the ruinous medieval fabric of the church which focused on the interior and exterior west gable, south wall as well as limited works to the north wall.

The removal of stones from the southern field boundary which abuts the exterior of the south wall was conducted under archaeological direction and supervision to uncover any loose stones in the vicinity of the church. The loose stone was sorted, and examined for cut stone pieces and archaeologically recorded and where possible it was reused for the masonry repairs to the church. A partial quern stone was observed within the stone wall boundary material.  Any stones that appeared to be set upright, flags or anything that might indicate that the stones were in use as grave markers or other potential archaeological features were not disturbed and were preserved in situ.

The quoin stones were repaired and reinstated on the south-western exterior of the gable wall. The window in the western gable was successfully repaired with intervention suitable for a historic masonry building of this period. The southern doorway was also successfully repaired with the consolidation of the existing stonework resulting in the discovery of the original drawbar socket.