What is recorded here

On Inishtrahull, Ireland’s most northerly point, a missing bullaun stone vanished from The Grave behind the old school. The remaining upright slabs, rock face and flat Mass Rock suggest a hidden chamber where water, prayer or memory still moves.

On the N side of the island, behind the old school, is a feature known as 'The Grave' (DG002A001001-). It consists of a series of upright slabs (height c. 0.75m) forming two sides of a square c. 4m x 4m. The third side is formed by the face of rock outcrop which the feature adjoins; the fourth side is open. Internally against the W slab-wall are two flat slabs horizontally laid. These flat slabs are known locally as the Mass Rock (DG002-001003-). A flat stone nearby has a depression resembling a bullaun. This bullaun stone appears to be missing as it is no longer visible inside the enclosure. Inishtrahull island is about 6 miles NE of Malin Head and is the most northerly point of Ireland. 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

Likely dating to the early medieval period, the bullaun stone may have been used for ritual purposes, possibly as a holy water basin associated with Christian or pre-Christian traditions. Such stones are often linked to local folklore involving healing or spiritual practices.

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