What is recorded here

Finner Burial Ground was probably the best preserved rare ecclesiastical site in Donegal before it was destroyed without record. Its substantial oval banks, church foundations and three quarters of surviving enclosure marked a place where people had buried their dead and prayed for centuries. To lose it quietly is to remove a room from the house of memory.

Marked as a 'burial ground' (DG107-078003-) on the OS 6-inch maps. This site was destroyed without record very recently. It was undoubtedly the remains of an important early ecclesiastical site. 'Substantial banks and the foundations of a church (DG107-078002-)' were visible. Oval in shape (DG107-078001-), it would appear to have been c. 130m long E-W and c. 90m N-S. The maps show that about three quarters of the enclosing element survived. Before destruction it was probably the best preserved site of a type which is very rare in Donegal. 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

Early medieval ecclesiastical site, 7th–10th century. Likely associated with monastic activity, its destruction has resulted in significant loss of historical and archaeological evidence.

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.