Walking through History

The village of Fahan nestles in the shelter of the hills on the eastern shore of Lough Swilly in Co Donegal. The quiet harbour and rich farming land has ensured that it has been a suitable place for human habitation since time immemorial.
The relics of the inhabitants evident in the are bear witness to this. The prehistoric fort of Grianan of Aileach overlooks the site of a monastery founded by Saint Colmcille in the 6th century. The first abbot of the monastery, Mura gives his name to the village – Fathain Mura. This was a centre of learning for 800 years until its destruction in the 16th century. Although it is now a cemetery, the site hosts numerous artifacts from the era, including the magnificent Saint Mura’s Cross. The Plantation of Ulster and the subsequent settlement of the district by the Ascendancy is evident from the proliferation of Big Houses and the numerous graves from the 17th to the 20th century. The most famous of these being the grave of nursing pioneer Agnes Jones.
Fahan New Church (1822) boasts a stained-glass window by Evie Hone while the Rectory was the home of hymnist Frances Alexander.
On Sunday 24th August, as part of Heritage Week, we invite you to come on a leisurely guided walk through this fascinating area. The walk is suitable for all ages and lasts about one and a half hours beginning at the Church of Ireland Car Park at 2.30 pm.

Wear footware suitable for walking in field. For further information see: www.fahanheritage.ie