A History of Fahan in Stone

Historians usually retrieve their information from the written word. In our tour we will demonstrate how a wealth of history has been recorded in the buildings and monuments which have survived in the village of Fahan. Grave markers from pre-Christian Ireland share space with sophisticated tombstones from the nineteenth century. Protestant and Catholic clergymen lie side by side.

We will see the tomb of Agnes Jones, a nursing pioneer and a contemporary of Florence Nightengale. Naval graves from the eighteenth and nineteenth century give testimony to the presence of the great warships that once patrolled our shores. The restored ruins of Fahan Old Church is evidence of the change of power which took place in Ireland in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. In the graveyard of ‘Fahan New Church’, built in 1822, is a memorial to those who lost their lives when the Laurentic was torpedoed in 1916 in nearby Lough Swilly. We will see a magnificent stained glass window by Evie Hone.

The highlight of our tour is Saint Mura’s Cross Slab. This impressive monument, dating from the sixth century is a reminder of the sophisticated civilisation which flourished in this area from the sixth to the fifteenth century. The Greek inscription on the cross is unique and poses questions about the origins of early Irish Christianity. After our walk we invite you to refreshments in the garden of Glebe House where we will give a short talk on our topic and will welcome questions and comments.

The event is free but donations are always welcome.

Further information can be obtained at www.fahanheritage.ie