What is recorded here

Gartan Ráth Cnó Graveyard holds the reputed birthplace of Colmcille, the greatest of the Donegal saints. A modern stone wall encloses grave markers and the remains of a structure known as the Abbey, while St. Columbkilles Chapel sits just south-west. The site has witnessed faith, death and memory for centuries, preserving a sacred identity that still shapes the landscape.

The early ecclesiastical site at Gartan is the reputed birthplace of Colmcille, the greatest of the Donegal saints (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 385). It presently consists of a complex of sites in and around a graveyard (DG044-017008-) enclosed by a modern stone wall. Within the graveyard are a number of grave markers and the remains of a structure known as the 'Abbey' (DG044-017001-). Just SW of the graveyard is St. Columbkilles Chapel (DG044-017005-). This is probably the chapel described in 1622 as being in repair and having a thatched roof (Royal Commission, 217).

Early medieval ecclesiastical site, 6th–9th century; associated with St. Colmcille and significant in the spread of Christianity in northwest Ireland.

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