Ray Church, Medieval church and national monument in County Donegal, Ireland
Ray Church is a medieval church ruin in County Donegal positioned where two rivers meet. The building displays rectangular architecture with wide round-arched windows, and contains a large stone high cross now anchored to the interior wall for safekeeping.
The church was founded in the 6th century by Saint Fionnan and became an important religious center in the region. It later endured conflict during military campaigns in the 17th century that left deep marks on the community.
The high cross here served as a focal point for Christian worship and pilgrimage in early medieval times. Visitors can observe today how such crosses shaped religious practice and how this location drew people seeking spiritual connection.
The ruins sit roughly 2.5 kilometers northeast of Falcarragh village and are accessible by foot. The high cross is secured inside the church walls, making it easy to view up close without concern for damage.
A mass grave called Lag na gCnámh holds the remains of people killed during a 17th-century attack on the community. This somber memorial serves as a reminder of the violence that touched this region during that troubled era.
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