Graveslab (present location) in Castledoe

At Doe castle. located on the exterior N face of the tower adjoining the SW corner of the keep (DG026-023001-). This 16th century trapezoidal tomb slab was brought here from the nearby graveyard (DG026-024003-) in 1968. It is carved with an elaborate cross; the head comprises an interlace centre-piece with seven radiating spear-shaped terminals. The shaft is decorated with a double band interlace pattern and rises from a Calvary of five steps which encloses the sacred monogram I.H.C. On the left of the shaft are carved, a bird and three animal figures (including a bull?) and, on the right, three interlace designs, a vine-leaf pattern and (now broken) an animal figure. The slab is damaged and the date and inscriptions on the right-hand edge and 'the date may be 1544 [M] CCCCCXXXXIIII, . . . and the name of the sculptor MADONIUF ORAVAITY [ME] FECIT' (1903, 139). The name of the person for whom it was carved is indecipherable but it was assuredly for one of the McSweenys of Doe. 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