One of several holy wells once found in the locality, the well at Doonerin is unique in that is located on the seabed of Drumcliffe Bay and visible and accessible only at low tide. It is traditionally visited by the faithful on the 9th of June, St Columcille’s feast day, when its waters are taken as a cure for a range of ailments.
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Rathcormac Fort
Situated on a ridgeline overlooking Rathcormac, on privately-owned farmland, is the large ráth, or ringfort, from which the village takes its name. Local folklore links this ráth to Cormac, a descendent of the legendary lovers Diarmuid and Gráinne who are associated in story with Benbulben and its wild boar. Though the date of this example…
Constance Markievicz Statue
Located in Rathcormac park is a statue of Countess Constance Markievicz (1868-1927), Irish nationalist, suffragette, politician, and champion of the poor. Born Constance Gore-Booth, the daughter of local land owner Sir Henry Gore-Booth, she spent her childhood living in nearby Lissadell House, before moving to London and later Paris to study art and where she met her…
St. Columba’s (Drumcliffe) Church
Built in 1809, St. Columba’s Church stands on the site of the monastery founded in 575CE reputedly by St. Colmcille (Columba) in atonement for the Battle of the Books which occurred nearby at Cooldrumman (Cúl Dreimhne) in 560CE. Few traces remain of the monastery, which existed until the end of the 16th century, except for…
The Round Tower
The stumped remains of an 11th century round tower, rising to a height of only nine metres, stands to the west of Drumcliffe Church, and the High Cross. The only example of a round tower to be found in Sligo, Drumcliffe Round Tower was originally a much taller structure, possibly up to 30 metres in…
Drumcliffe High Cross
In ancient times, Drumcliffe was referred to as Druim Cliabh na gcros, or Drumcliff of the crosses, due to the number of high crosses found there. While most were probably made of wood, at least some were stone and one of these remains fully intact at Drumcliffe. The standing undecorated shaft of another high cross…