TOPICS

DUNGIVEN TOWN
DUNGIVEN CASTLE
DUNGIVEN PRIORY
DUNGIVEN TOWNLANDS
BANAGHER GLEN
BANAGHER CHURCH
THE SKINNER’S COMPANY
PELLIPAR ESTATE
ACCOMMODATION
GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
FOLKLORE
SONGS OF DUNGIVEN
BOOKS OF DUNGIVEN
XTRAS

BANAGHER OLD CHURCH

The Residence

Just outside the graveyard gate is the lower part of a small rectangular building, known from the 19th Century views to have been a three storey tower with narrow windows and a door at first floor level (the present ground floor opening is not the original). Traditionally known as the Residence or The Abbey, it was believed to be the place from where St Muiredach appeared to the people. This was a strong-house, secure accommodation for the cleric and church possessions, and with a door at first level probably approached by a ladder. There is no clear evidence for its date.

Other Features

In the graveyard there is a small, rough cross east of the church and a second cross stands along the roadside to the northwest, on the town land boundary. Traditionally these are the remaining two of five crosses which once marked the boundaries of the church land here. Just outside the graveyard wall, east-northeast of the church, lies a boulder with a deep hollow, usually water-filled. This is a BULLAUN (Like the one at Dungiven), hollowed out by long use as a mortar for pounding food or other materials.

The Mortuary House

This is a small house/church like tomb that is said to be the tomb of St Muiredach. The to is said to have relics of saints stored inside it years ago. The sand and soil around it has said to have brought luck to O' Heaneys of Banagher (the saint's surname) in games, matches and legal cases.

The Location

The church is situated at a cross roads on the Carnanbann Road, very close to the Glen. (See maps)