This ancient monument appeared on both the second and third editions of the Ordnance Survey’s 6-inch maps, serving as a cartographic landmark for generations before its removal in 1979. The stone’s position on this modest elevation would have commanded views across the surrounding countryside, a common characteristic of prehistoric monuments that often occupied prominent yet accessible locations.

The standing stone’s documentation forms part of the comprehensive Archaeological Survey of County Donegal, compiled in 1983 by Brian Lacey and his team of archaeologists. This exhaustive survey catalogued field antiquities spanning from the Mesolithic period through to the 17th century, providing crucial records of monuments that might otherwise fade from memory. Standing stones like the one at Manorcunningham typically date from the Bronze Age, roughly 2500 to 500 BCE, though precise dating remains challenging without excavation evidence.

Whilst the physical stone no longer graces its hillside location, its presence in the historical record offers valuable insights into Donegal’s prehistoric landscape. These solitary monuments, whether marking ancient boundaries, burial sites, or serving ritual purposes, represent some of Ireland’s most enigmatic archaeological features. The Manorcunningham stone joins countless other lost monuments across Ireland; casualties of agricultural improvement, development, or simple neglect, their absence serving as a reminder of the fragility of our archaeological heritage.