Set on the southeastern slopes of Glendoon Hill overlooking the River Swilly, this early ecclesiastical settlement combines the practical needs of a modern cemetery with the preservation of remarkable medieval stonework. The site underwent significant tidying in 1968, transforming what was once a grassy rectangular mound into a carefully constructed stone cairn that now serves as an open-air museum for the graveyard’s collection of ancient carved stones.

The cairn itself has become a repository for Conwal’s impressive collection of medieval grave slabs and cross stones, showcasing the artistry of early Irish stone carvers. Among the treasures are six upright slabs bearing cruciform designs, one featuring a human figure, and three plain uninscribed stones. Five additional cross slabs rest loose on the cairn, whilst three recumbent cross slabs have been permanently set into its structure. Of particular note is slab DG053-029020, measuring 70cm by 64cm, which preserves the worn outline of what appears to have been a wheeled cross, a distinctive design element in early Irish Christian art. Twelve other grave slabs complete the collection on the cairn; eleven are plain and uninscribed, some trapezoidal in plan, whilst one dates to the late 19th century.

Beyond the cairn, the graveyard contains the ruins of an old church and a holy well, both integral parts of this ancient religious landscape. The combination of these features; the church ruins, the holy well, and the remarkable collection of carved stones; creates a tangible link to Ireland’s early Christian period, when such sites served as centres of worship, learning, and community life. The fact that Conwal remains an active graveyard adds another layer to its significance, as modern burials continue alongside monuments that have stood for over a millennium.