Antiquities
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Antiquities in Ballycroy parish, from Irish Tourist Association Survey, 1942
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Entrane to tomb at Drumgollagh from Irish Tourist Association Survey, 1942 for Ballycroy parish.
There are numerous antiquities in the parish of Ballycroy and detailed descriptions are provided in the survey. The list comprises the following:
- Wedge-shaped megalithic tomb at Castlehill
- Megalithic cist grave at Castlehill
- Megalithic tomb at Claggan
- Megalithic tomb at Drumgollagh
- Cross-inscribed stone at Kildun
- Cross-inscribed stone at Castlehill
- Church at Fahy:- Detailed architectural description provided. Surveyor thinks it dates from 16th or 17th century. In the adjoining graveyard the tradition of leaving clay pipes on the graves still survived at the time of the survey.
- Fahy or Doona Castle:- Located close to the church, in a very ruinous state. Just fragments of walls survive - not enough architectural details to allow reliable dating of the building. Local tradition associates the castle with Granuaile but the surveyor believes it would have been built before her time. According to the historian Knox, author of the History of Mayo, it was once occupied by Don Alonso de Leyva, one of the leaders of the Spanish Armada.
- Temple Eunna:- May be from the 8th or 9th century. No details survive. According to local tradition, founded by a follower of St. Patrick.
- Holy Well at Bunmore:- Located beside Temple Eunna. Not known locally which saint was originally associated with the well. Up to 20 years prior to the survey a pattern of sorts was held on the 15th of August. There was a tradition of women visiting the well regularly during pregnancy to help ensure a safe delivery. There is a description of the rituals carried out at the well.
Numerous sketches and photographs of the antiquities were included with the survey. The sketches may be viewed by clicking on the following link: Ballycroy antiquities, sketches
The photographs are listed below. Clicking on the title will display the photograph.
Megalithic tomb, Claggan
Holy well near Temple Eunna, Bunmore
Wedge-shaped megalithic tomb, Castlehill
Cross-inscribed stone at Castlehill
View of tomb at Claggan showing fallen capstone
Temple Eunna, Bunmore
Wedge-shaped megalithic tomb, Castlehill
Cross-inscribed stone at Castlehill, east face
Close-up of upper cross at Castlehill
Cross-inscribed stone at Kildun
Cross-inscribed stone at Castlehill, west face
East window with ogee head, Doona church