Cross-slab, Aighan, Co. Donegal
In the rolling pastures near Bruckless in County Donegal stands a remarkable religious site known locally as the 'Relig'.
Cross-slab, Aighan, Co. Donegal
This ancient sacred enclosure stretches approximately 32 metres from northeast to southwest and 21 metres from northwest to southeast, surrounded by a substantial wall nearly two metres thick. The site sits dramatically between a laneway on one side and a small rock cliff on the other, its weathered stones bearing witness to centuries of devotion and pilgrimage.
The interior holds seven small cairns, with the most significant being a subcircular mound measuring roughly 4 metres by 3 metres and rising just over a metre in height. Atop this cairn rest several intriguing stones, including two slabs with distinctive U-shaped notches carved into their tops; local tradition holds that a dumbbell-shaped ‘healing stone’ was once kept in these hollows when not in use, according to Victorian antiquarian Patterson. Perhaps most striking is a cross-inscribed slab decorated on both faces with elaborate Greek bar crosses, circles, and geometric patterns, showcasing the sophisticated artistry of early Irish Christianity. The site also features St. Conall’s Bed, a curious D-shaped projection carved from the cliff face that forms a natural seat, suggesting this was once a place of contemplation and prayer.
Beyond the main enclosure lies St. Conall’s holy well, encircled by a penitential cairn containing another notched stone, indicating the site’s continued use for religious observances over many generations. The Relig served multiple sacred purposes throughout its long history; most poignantly, it became a cilín or burial ground for unbaptised children in the 19th century, a practice that speaks to both the enduring sanctity of the place and the complex religious traditions of rural Ireland. Though a bullaun stone or primitive font was reportedly removed from the site in the 1800s, what remains offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s layered spiritual heritage, where pre-Christian traditions merged seamlessly with early Christianity.





