The site, however, holds far deeper historical significance than this relatively modern ruin might suggest. Archaeological evidence points to this being the location of a medieval church that had already vanished by the late 17th century, with the area believed to be the site of Desertegny, an early monastic foundation mentioned in historical texts.

The graveyard itself tells a fascinating story of continuity and change. In 1940, local historian Davies noted that the original burial ground was circular, a characteristic feature of early Christian sites in Ireland, with portions extending beyond the current boundary wall behind the chapel. This was apparently the original parish graveyard, associated with a church that had been abandoned by 1693. The circular form of early Irish ecclesiastical sites often indicates considerable antiquity, possibly dating back to the early medieval period when such settlements were common across the landscape.

Today’s visitors will find the ruined Catholic chapel, which appears on the 1836 Ordnance Survey map as “R.C. Chapel”, occupying the northern section of the graveyard. Built of mortared stone and aligned northwest to southeast rather than the traditional east to west orientation, the structure represents the revival of Catholic worship in the area following centuries of suppression. While no visible traces remain of the medieval church or the early monastery of Desertegny, the layered history of this sacred space; from early Christian foundation through medieval parish church to post-Penal Laws Catholic chapel; makes it a compelling testament to the endurance of faith and community in rural Donegal.