Mound in Lacknacoo

Marked 'St. Columbkille's Stones' on the OS 6-inch maps, this site is traditionally believed by some to be the location of the birth of Columcille.* The site consists of a mound (DG044-021001-), almost oval in plan, 8m N-S and 5m E--W, .5m high. On the N half of the mound is a U-shaped setting of stones open to the N and 4m N-S by 2.5m E-W. Abutting the SE edge of the stone setting is a subcircular slab (DG044-021002-) 2m x 1.7m x .12m. The upper surface of the stone has a number of cupmarks c. 0.1m in diameter. Kinahan (1889, 284) suggested that the cupmarked stone may have been a cover for the U-shaped setting. The site is located on the crest of an E-W ridge with good views to N and S. A modern cross has been erected nearby. *But see Churchtown (DG044-017001-). 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

A Neolithic mound; associated with a tradition linking it to the birthplace of St. Columbkille, though its original function may be funerary or ceremonial.