Graveslab, Castledoe, Co. Donegal
On the north face of a tower at Doe Castle in County Donegal, visitors can find a remarkable 16th century tomb slab that tells a story of medieval Irish craftsmanship.
Graveslab, Castledoe, Co. Donegal
This trapezoidal stone monument wasn’t originally part of the castle; it was moved here from a nearby graveyard in 1968 for preservation. The slab features an elaborate carved cross with an intricate design: its head displays a central interlace pattern surrounded by seven spear-shaped points radiating outward like a star, whilst the shaft below showcases a double band interlace pattern rising from a five-stepped Calvary base that frames the sacred monogram I.H.C.
The artistry extends beyond the central cross, with fascinating details carved on either side of the shaft. To the left, you’ll spot a bird alongside three animal figures, one of which appears to be a bull, whilst the right side features three interlace designs, a vine-leaf pattern, and what was once another animal figure, now damaged by time. Though weathered and partially broken, some inscriptions remain visible along the right edge, including what may be the date 1544 (written in Roman numerals as MCCCCCXXXXIIII) and the sculptor’s signature reading “MADONIUF ORAVAITY [ME] FECIT”, meaning “Madoniuf O’Ravaity made me”.
Whilst the name of the person commemorated by this graveslab has been lost to time, historians believe it was carved for a member of the McSweeney family, who held Doe Castle for centuries. The McSweeneys were gallowglass; elite mercenary warriors who came from Scotland to serve Irish chieftains and eventually established their own territories throughout Donegal. This tomb slab stands as a testament to their wealth and status in medieval Irish society, as well as the skilled stoneworkers they commissioned to create such elaborate memorials.