What is recorded here
Two bevelled medieval blocks sit outside the Ramelton parish church, holding a lion biting a vine-leaf and two opposing beasts with conjoined heads. They may have come from Tullyaughnish Old Church, yet their true origin and purpose remain unknown. A parallel carving exists at Magherabeg Friary, suggesting a shared regional craft rather than a unique local miracle. The lions and beasts do not explain themselves; they only refuse to be forgotten.
Outside the door of the Church of Ireland parish church in Ramelton are two medieval carved blocks. Both bear relief carving of 15th/16th century character and their upper sections are bevelled and dressed. Though believed to have been removed from Tullyaughnish Old Church (DG046-005002-) their original provenance and function are unknown. One bears the representation of a lion passant reguardant biting a stylised vine-leaf; another vine-leaf projects from its bifurcated tail. Two opposing beasts sejant with conjoined cat-like head guardant are carved on the other block; both tails terminate in a stylised vineleaf. There is a parallel carving from Magherabeg Friary at St. Ernans House (DG019-002 and DG036-033).
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
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
Places near here
St. Paul's Church of Ireland Churchchurch/chapel · 10 yd
Gannon Memorialmonument · 213 yd
Tullyaughnish Old Church GraveyardGraveyard · 237 yd
European BeechEuropean Beech · 617 yd
Bawn in RathmeltonBawn · 644 yd
Drummonaghan WoodForest recreation place · 1210 yd
Carnhill Stone Ringfort near the Ruined ChurchFairy fort / stone ringfort · 1.7 mi
Ardnaree Raised Fairy FortFairy fort / earthen ringfort · 1.9 mi
Fort Stewart in RuinsBawn · 3.0 mi
Mullanadee ShoreBeach / strand · 5.1 mi
RathmullanOfficial bathing water · 6.3 mi