What is recorded here

Half a mile up the raw north slope of Glencolumbkille, a long stone cairn rings a hidden well and lifts a narrow cross-slab into the mountain air. The slab bears simple incised bars on its west face, marking water that people have drawn for cleansing or courage since before written memory. It is not a grand cathedral but a small knife-edge of devotion, still cutting through pasture and rain.

A holy well (DG080-002001-) (Ó Muirgheasa, No. 30) dedicated to St. Columbkille is surrounded by a penitential cairn (DG080-002002-) 30.8m N-S × 7.8m E-W and 1.4m high. Standing on top of this cairn is a cross-shaped slab (DG080-002003-), .93m high × 0.2m wide (arms .3m) and 0.05m to .1m in thickness. On the NW face and lower part of the shaft beneath the arms is an incised geometric bar decoration. The site is located on rough pasture in mountainous terrain half way up the N slope of Glencolumbkille valley. 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

The cross-slab in Bíofán likely dates to the early medieval period, associated with Christian worship and pilgrimage linked to St. Columbkille. It may have functioned as a focal point for prayer or penitential rituals at the holy well.

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