Carrowmore
Monastic Site/High crosses
Very little remains of the sixth century monastic site believed to be founded by St Chonas, the second husband of St Patrick’s sister Darerca. The site is now divided by a roadway, with a high cross on each side of the road. On the day we visited it was impossible to access the field on the east side of the road, because it was the lambing season. This field contains the cross pictured below which bears christ and an angel in low relief. About forty yards south of the cross lies a bullaun stone inscribed with a cross.
The west side of the road contains some evidence of the original monastic enclosure. The main feature on this side of the road is a large slender high cross. Although the arms are short this cross is still very impressive. To the north east, next to the road is a decorated cross slab. and beyond that is a holy well associated with this site. We will have to revisit to see the bullaun and cross slab.
Situated: From Carndonagh on Inishowen, take the R244 east for approximately 4 1/2 kiolometres. Drive straight through Gorey and take the 2nd right turn. The crosses can be see on either side, about 250 metres up this road.
Discovery Map 3: C 5156 4573. Last visit April 2010.
Longitude: 7° 11' 20" W East Cross.
Latitude: 55° 15' 21" N
Photos: Jim Dempsey and Deb Snelson.
Looking north