There was some good news this week on the old church, graveyard and the Killaghtee Cross in south west Donegal.
The Killaghtee Cross itself, a gravestone from circa 650AD, is in much better condition than previously thought.
“Our belief that the weather was completely wearing away the face of the stone is in fact more of an optical illusion than fact,” a Dunkineely Community Ltd (DCL) spokesperson said.
The latest 3D imagery (below) shows that, under the patchy colours and moss, the engravings are still pronounced and clear.
Thr 3D image of Killaghtee Cross. Pic: Discovery Programme.
“This allows us some time to consider what effect the weather is having and how best to protect it for future generations. This work is ongoing.”
In terms of the church itself, there is a need for extensive work to conserve the remaining walls and windows.
However, costs do not appear to be extreme for a renovation of this type.
“We have a full schedule of works and are seeking funding already.”
In other good news, the group has been given funding to maintain the site throughout 2023, thanks to the Donegal County Council Heritage scheme and Cllr Barry Sweeney. The site has a tendency to get overgrown quickly, and needs specialist care to protect it.
This was followed by a fascinating look at the work being done on heritage conservation by the Discovery Programme, through the use of 3D imagery, presented by Anthony Corns.
Heritage Signs
Meanwhile, work continues on the design of new heritage signs for sites of interest in the local area.
Thanks to funding from the Minor Tourism Grant and Donegal County Council, the committee has been able to purchase and collect a number of lectern style display cases. These are made from recycled plastic, making them environmentally friendly and long lasting.
“A big thank you to Janet Deane, who drove to Mayo to collect them, saving the project €100s in delivery fees.”
Swifts
Our natural heritage is just as important as our history, the committee also stressed.
A big thank you to ChangeMakers, who have given us a small grant to purchase swift nesting boxes, through their Seeds of Change Programme.
Swifts are just one of the indigenous species that are struggling with human population and climate change.
“We hope to use this project to raise awareness of these animals, so watch this space.”
If you would like to join the Dunkineely Community Ltd (DCL) board and help deliver on these projects, please contact any committee member or email dunkineelycommunity@gmail.com
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