What is recorded here

Megalithic tombs in Doire Uí Fhríl were destroyed in 1843 and 1844, their great flat slabs taken for building while decayed bone and sea shells vanished into ordinary use. Thomas Fagan recorded what remained only because he arrived in 1845, after the ridge had given up its oldest chambers. The place is certain in its loss: two long beds, called Dermot and Grania's Bed in local story, reduced to fragments and forgetting.

Thomas Fagan (1845-8) recorded the destruction, in the few years before his visit to this townland in 1845, of two 'ancient sepultures' of the type commonly called 'Dermot and Grania's Bed'. One was 1 3/4 miles (c. 2.8km) S of the road from Dunfanaghy to Falcarragh. The other was 1 mile (c. 1.6km) W of this. Both were on the S side of a long hill ridge running SW-NE close to the long, south-eastern boundary of this large townland. The eastern site, removed in 1844, was reportedly 18 feet (c. 5.5m) long by 4 feet (c. 1.2m) wide and built of great flat slabs. A few pieces of decayed bone were allegedly found here. The western site, said to be of similar construction, was destroyed in 1843, and the slabs with which it was constructed were used for building purposes. Sea sand and shells were found in the structure. These sites appear to be additional to that known as 'Munterdoney's Grave', also in this townland, the next to be described. The nature of these sites must remain uncertain. Fagan 1845-8, book 3, 23. The above description was published in the 'Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland. Volume VI, County Donegal.' Compiled by: Eamon Cody (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). Date of upload: 22 September 2008

Megalithic tomb, likely a portal dolmen, dating to the Neolithic period. Its destruction in the mid-19th century highlights the loss of early prehistoric monuments in the region.

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.