St Columbkilles Ch. — Toraigh

At about the mid point on the S side of Tory Island is a settlement called West Town clustered around a small bay. This settlement includes within it and close to it the remains of the early ecclesiastical complex on the island (National Monument number 24). The available literature seems to refer to several structures and monuments no longer visible. In particular the Civil Survey of 1654-56 (Simington 1937, 114) refers to 'five churches almost ruined' only one of which seems to survive. Literary references to Tory appear to begin in the 7th century and continue throughout the early and later medieval period indicating its ecclesiastical nature (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 46). There is no visible trace of the church named 'St. Columkilles Church' named on the various editions of the OS 6-inch map. It appears to have been located to the SW of the graveyard but it is not possible to identify with certainty the 'ruin' referred to on the OS 3rd. edition of the 6-inch map. 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 this instance the entry has been revised and updated. Revised by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 13 March 2013