What is recorded here

Two damaged bullaun stones at Killaghtee Old Church in County Donegal, reported by Conaghan in 1977 but never located again, hint that repeated striking wore hollows in rock for prayer or marking time. The church stood beside good pasture and a nearby sea-shore, used until 1826, when a new parish church replaced it. People may have struck the stones before burial, in joy or despair, leaving water-filled cups behind. Forgetting their exact spot did not erase the shape of that devotion.

Killaghtee Old Church (DG098-013001-): Described in the Civil Survey of 1654-6 as in reparation, the church at Killaghtee continued in use until 1826 when the present Church of Ireland parish church was built (Leslie 1940, 86-7). Adjacent to the church is a graveyard (DG098-013004-). To the SW of the church and inside the graveyard is a cross-inscribed slab (DG098-013002-). Conaghan (1977, 57) reported 'two damaged bullaun stones (DG098-013003-) at the church' but these were not located in the course of the survey. The site is located on good pasture land with the sea-shore a short distance to the SW. 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/ revision: 20 May 2010

Likely dating to the early Christian period, the bullaun stone may have been used for ritual purposes, such as the preparation of holy water or as a site for pilgrimages. Its association with the nearby church suggests a continuity of sacred use in the landscape.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.