Church, Cashel, Doe Castle, Co. Donegal
In the small village of Cashel in County Donegal, visitors can find a remarkable piece of 17th-century craftsmanship housed within a 19th-century chapel.
Church, Cashel, Doe Castle, Co. Donegal
The chapel of ease, a simple church built in 1852 to serve parishioners who lived too far from the main parish church, contains an octagonal baptismal font that predates the building by nearly 170 years. Standing just over a metre tall, this font bears the date 1684 carved into its surface, marking it as a survivor from an earlier place of worship that once stood in the area.
The font itself is a study in contrasts and careful stonework. Its octagonal basin and base are crafted from white limestone, featuring symmetrical moulding that speaks to the skill of its unknown creator. The shaft connecting these elements is made from grey slate, creating a subtle visual distinction between the font’s components. This combination of materials was likely practical as well as aesthetic; both limestone and slate were readily available in the region and offered durability for what would have been a frequently used liturgical object.
This font represents one of many archaeological treasures documented across County Donegal, offering a tangible connection to the religious practices of late 17th-century Ireland. Its preservation within the later chapel demonstrates how communities often incorporated older sacred objects into newer buildings, maintaining continuity with their spiritual heritage whilst adapting to changing times and circumstances.





