Errigal Keerogue Graveyard, Tyrone, Ireland

The graveyard at Errigal Keerogue is mainly known for the unfinished sandstone high cross that resides near the base of the medieval church that once stood on this small hill in Tyrone. The cross is 2 metres in height and less than 1 metre in diameter, in the centre of the cross is a boss/circular projection. There are rough guidelines carved around the centre of the stone and may have been done during the early stages of the carving, a crack runs through the head of the cross and this is more than likely the reason that the carving was never completed.


There is much conjecture to whether the site of Errigal Keerogue was dedicated to a Sant Chiarog in the 6th century or a later St Kieran, various different 19th century journals appear to ascribe the site to St Kieran whereas the much earlier Annals of the Four Masters describes a monastery founded by Chiarog in this area. The church remains are virtually non existent and it is believed it was destroyed in the late 14th century. There are some charmingly carved 18th century headstones dotted around the graveyard. A Sheela-na-gig once stood near the church but was removed to the Ulster museum. The view over the surrounding countryside and the intriguing cross make this a site well worth visiting if passing nearby.

GPS: 54.45865, -7.09804

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