The rectangular structure, measuring roughly 3.3 metres east to west and 2.2 metres north to south, is defined by low drystone walls that still stand between half a metre and 80 centimetres high, despite centuries of exposure to the elements. These thick walls, nearly a metre wide, would have provided substantial insulation against the harsh weather that regularly batters this exposed location. What appears to be an original doorway can still be traced in the northern wall, offering a glimpse into how the inhabitants would have entered their mountain home.

The site commands impressive views in every direction, a strategic advantage that would have allowed its occupants to survey the surrounding landscape for miles. This elevated position, whilst offering excellent visibility, would have made daily life challenging; the residents would have faced fierce winds and driving rain, particularly during the long Irish winters. The construction technique, using locally sourced stone without mortar, represents a building tradition that stretches back centuries in this part of Donegal.

Just 40 metres to the south, two circular hut sites add another layer to this mountain settlement’s story. Though these structures are even more poorly preserved than the rectangular house, their presence suggests this wasn’t an isolated dwelling but rather part of a small community that once called this windswept height home. Together, these ruins paint a picture of hardy souls who chose to make their lives in one of Ireland’s most dramatic but demanding landscapes, leaving behind only these stone footprints as testament to their existence.