This vanished structure, noted simply as ‘Church in ruins’ on historical records, was situated close to the water’s edge, its exact location marked only by the archaeological designation DG026-024003. By the time the second edition of the Ordnance Survey 6-inch maps was produced, the church had completely disappeared from the landscape, leaving behind only its memory in archaeological surveys.

The site forms part of Donegal’s rich tapestry of archaeological features, which span from the Mesolithic period through to the 17th century. Its proximity to Doe Castle, a formidable tower house built by the MacSweeney clan in the 16th century, suggests this church may have served the local community during the castle’s heyday. The graveyard that once surrounded it likely continued in use long after the church itself fell into ruin and eventually vanished.

Today, visitors to the area can explore the dramatic coastline where this lost church once stood, though they’ll need a keen eye and perhaps some local knowledge to identify the exact spot. The site represents one of many forgotten ecclesiastical ruins scattered throughout Donegal, each telling a story of communities that once thrived along Ireland’s northwest coast. While the stones have long since been carried away or crumbled into the earth, the location remains recorded in the county’s archaeological survey, a testament to the layers of history that lie beneath the Irish landscape.