St Catherine’s Church is situated in a quiet and secluded part of Killybegs, hidden away from the bustling harbour town. The earliest parts of the church are thought to date to the early 15th century and it is believed that it may have contained some of the remains of St Catherine’s Friary, founded by MacSwiny Bannagh for the Franciscan Third Order Regular. It is oldest stone building in Killybegs and was converted for protestant worship in 1615 after the establishment of the Borough of Killybegs. In 1622 it was described by the Royal Commission as ‘newly re-edified and well repaired’. It is believed it was abandoned during the Eleven Years War or the Confederacy from 1642-52. The church was recorded as being ‘repaired’ at the time of the Down Survey in 1654-56. The church continued to be used throughout the 17th and 18th century, only being abandoned in 1829 when the new church, St Johns, was built. The graveyard has some highly ornate grave markers and headstones, with the earliest legible one dating back to 1685. I didn’t have time to visit St Catherine’s Well which is nearby but would certainly recommend a visit to the church if passing through this part of Donegal.
GPS: 54.62865, -8.44392