Errigal Truagh Medieval Church & Graveyard

Errigal Truagh Medieval Church and Graveyard is among the oldest religious sites in Ulster, with evidence suggesting its use for worship dates to Early Christian times. Its medieval graveyard is renowned for its distinctively carved 18th century headstones. Close by is a holy well that attracted generations of pilgrims until the 19th century.

The church is dedicated to Saint Mellan or Muadan. The graveyard has one of the most important collections of decorated headstones in Ireland. The headstones are carved in a distinctive South Ulster style. Many of the headstones feature the five mortality symbols – skulls, long bones, coffins, bells and hourglasses.

It’s medieval graveyard is renowned for its distinctively carved 18th century headstones.
Visitors can also see a holy well that attracted generations of pilgrims until the 19th century.
The church is dedicated to Saint Mellan or Muadan. The graveyard has one of the most important collections of decorated headstones in Ireland. The headstones are carved in a distinctive South Ulster style. Many of the headstones feature the five mortality symbols – skulls, long bones, coffins, bells & hourglasses.

The graveyard at Errigal Truagh is important for the great number of decorated slabs for the many members and descendants of the MacKenna family, Lords of Truagh.

All their slabs carry their coat of arms with a stag. The MacKennas (originally Mac Cionaodha) are a branch of the Southern Ui Neill and the first MacKenna, according to a legend, was Hugh MacKenna, a nobleman from the Kells area. He was hunting a big stag when he caught and killed him at a spot which is now in the north of county Monaghan. The local chieftain invited him over at his camp as a guest and here Hugh fell in love with the chieftain’s daughter. He married her and remained in that area where his descendants outnumbered other local clans.
The stag in the coat of arms is a reminder to that event.

There are also many grave slabs for the Conlans and Connellys, with the motto “Cum Copia Splendor”.
In the same graveyard there is also a ruinous church facing to the east (85°) with only the east and west gables still standing. There’s also a large family tomb with a fine decoration with angels blowing trumpets.