Structure, Drumlee, Co. Donegal
In the rolling countryside of County Donegal, a curious stone enclosure sits quietly on a small platform along the western slope of a north-south ridge.
Structure, Drumlee, Co. Donegal
The site at Drumlee consists of a circular wall, mostly intact except where a modern field boundary has cut through its northern section. Though the wall is broken here, keen eyes can still trace the faint outline of the bank continuing its arc beyond the interruption. The western side presents an interesting variation; here, an outer wall appears, turning southward to meet another field wall. What might be an original entrance can be spotted in this section, marked by a single standing stone, or ‘jambstone’, alongside a deliberate gap in the masonry.
The interior of the enclosure reveals intriguing features that hint at its possible purpose. A low, rectangular foundation sits roughly in the centre, oriented east to west, whilst a smaller circular structure hugs the inside of the eastern bank. The ground within shows considerable rock outcrop with only shallow soil coverage, now partially covered with rough grass. Local tradition holds that this was once an ecclesiastical site, with the rectangular foundation marking the spot of an ancient oratory, though archaeological evidence for this specific interpretation remains elusive.
The defensive or boundary walls show careful adaptation to the natural landscape; notably, the outer wall appears only on the western approach, as the natural drop on the other sides would have made additional fortification unnecessary. This practical approach to construction, combined with the site’s commanding position on the ridge, suggests its builders had a keen understanding of both defensive positioning and efficient use of materials. Whether religious or secular in nature, the enclosure at Drumlee stands as a testament to the organisational capabilities of its early medieval builders.