Altar — 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). This is named 'Altar' on the 3rd ed. OS 6-inch map. It appears to have been dedicated to St. John (Getty 1853) but may have been moved a bit to the E when it was, rebuilt some time in the 20th century. The altar consists of a collection of stone fragments and stray pieces gathered together on a slight platform. There are 13 pieces cemented in position and 3 other loose pieces resting on them. 1. A granite block 1m x 0.5m x 0.3m. On one face is a simple cross in relief (DG006-002006-). 2. A circular cross-base (DG006-002007-) with a socket, diameter 0.8m x 0.4m in height. At the centre of its flat top is a cross-shaped socket 0.4m x 0.3m x 0.1m wide. Wedged in this is a flat shaft of stone 0.6m high x 0.35m wide. The top is broken. On one face is part of a cross in slight relief. Resting on the socket and against the shaft is a cross fragment 0.8m in height. Part of one arm is broken off. There are rounded recess angles at the cross corners and carved in relief is a human figure. The whole figure is very blunted but it can clearly be seen to have outstretched arms and a hood or cowl about the head. 3. A block of granite 0.58m sq. x 0.66m high. A pear-shaped socket opens on to one face of the stone. Wedged in it is a slab 1.17m high x 0.23m x 0.03m. 4. A rectangular block 0.84m x 0.23m x 0.4m high. A notch 0.09m x 0.03m x 0.12m deep is cut on one side. Nos. 5, 6, 8, 11 and 12 are blocks of stone of no apparent significance. 7. A broken, decorated slab. Maximum length 1m x .53m wide. The decoration is now only faintly visible but was recorded by Westropp (1905, 6). 9. A stone trough 1.4m x 0.62m x 0.26m high. A smaller associated stone (Getty 1853) is missing. 10. A faded decorated slab 1.75m x 0.5m x 0.05m. It seems to be the second stone recorded by Westropp (1905, 6). 13. A rectangular stone 1m x 0.5m partly underlying No.2. A rectangular cut has been made on one side. A quern-stone and another enigmatic cut stone lie loose on this altar. 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 (no. 1620) has been revised and updated. Revised by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 13 March 2013