Standing stone in Liafin

A standing stone c. 2m high × 0.95m wide; NE-SW. Situated on rough pasture land overlooking Lough Swilly. 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 No archaeological significance NGR 23279 43719 Excavation Licence No. 05E0608 Pre-development testing was carried out on 7 June 2005 at a site in advance of its development at Liafin townland, Buncrana, Co. Donegal. The proposed development, the construction of a single-storey dwelling with septic tank, was located within the constraint area for a standing stone. The monument was 14m from the proposed access road/driveway and 50m away from the proposed dwelling. Three trenches were excavated along the access road/driveway and through the proposed dwelling, septic tank and percolation area. The trenches measured 150m, 14.7m and 16.1m long, 1.5-1.8m wide and 0.1-0.6m deep. Below the topsoil were orange/grey/brown plastic sandy clay, orange/brown plastic silty clay and orange/brown friable silt loam. The three types of natural subsoil were sterile. The testing exposed two land drains and crossed a backfilled test-pit. One sherd of modern pottery was recovered from the topsoil. The testing revealed nothing of archaeological significance (Excavations Bulletin 2005). Richard Crumlish, 4 Lecka Grove, Castlebar Road, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo.

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, this standing stone may have functioned as a territorial marker, ceremonial monument, or astronomical alignment feature. No specific folklore or detailed local tradition is recorded for the site.