At the heart of this National Monument lies an 18th century Church of Ireland building, surrounded by a modern graveyard. Archaeological evidence suggests this Protestant church was built atop the foundations of a much earlier Christian site, maintaining a continuous tradition of worship that stretches back to Ireland’s early medieval period.

The complex’s most remarkable features are its collection of intricately carved stones, which offer glimpses into the artistic traditions of early Irish Christianity. In the southeastern corner of the graveyard, visitors can find the famous ‘Marigold Stone’, a carved monument that has captured imaginations for generations. Even more impressive is the group of sculptures positioned just outside the graveyard’s northeast corner, visible from the roadside. Here, a high cross takes centre stage, flanked by two stelae; carved stone pillars that serve as silent sentinels to the north and south of the cross.

Located on the eastern slopes of Crocknakilladerry Hill, the site enjoys a commanding position overlooking the Glentogher river valley on the outskirts of Carndonagh town. The relatively fertile land here would have made it an attractive location for early Christian settlers, who often chose their sites with both spiritual and practical considerations in mind. Today, this ancient religious centre continues to serve the community whilst preserving some of Ireland’s most important early Christian stone carvings for future generations to study and admire.