A Donegal medieval church has been selected for inclusion in the Adopt a Monument scheme.
Killaghtee old church and cross is one of five heritage sites selected for the Heritage Council’s programme.
Located in Dunkineely Killaghtee church is thought to date from the 12th Century. However the cross is much older, dating back to around 650AD.
Dunkineely Community Ltd wish to preserve the cross which has deteriorated over recent decades. Their plan is to work with stakeholders to conserve and maintain the site for future generations.
It has been included in the Adopt a Monument programme alongside four others – Inniskeen Motte in Monaghan, Dunmanogue church and graveyard, Kildare, Baltimore ringfort in Cork and St James’ church and graveyard in Kerry.
The scheme offers communities expertise, mentoring and support to help them to care for their local heritage.
Following a call for applications in September, more than 40 community groups applied to adopt a monument in their locality. The five sites were chosen following a selection process that involved the National Monuments Service, the Discovery Programme, a community archaeologist, and Abarta Heritage.
Working in partnership with communities and state bodies, Adopt a Monument offers communities a way of promoting pride in Ireland’s past as well as opportunities to develop and understand the story of a locality, participate in community development and boost tourism.
Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan, said she was looking forward to working with the five chosen community groups.
“We received more than 40 applications from energised community groups across Ireland. Each of the sites is unique and represents important aspects of Ireland’s heritage. We are really looking forward to working with the communities to uncover the stories of their sites,” Ms Teehan sai
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