7. The Priory of Dungiven

Image courtesy of Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services

Project Attributes

Project:

Royal Connections

Owner:

CCGBC Museum Services

Date:

6th March 2023

The priory stands on the site of early churches founded in the 5th and 7th centuries. The O’Cahans invited the monks of the Augustinian Order to found a monastery here in the early 1100s.

Within the priory is a magnifi cent tomb, said to be that of Cooey-na-Gal O’Cahan, decorated with images of gallowglasses, Scottish mercenaries. Sons of Scottish and French nobility and royalty came here to be educated both academically and militarily.

The legendary, Finvola the Gem of the Roe, is interred somewhere in the surrounding graveyard.

Directions

The Priory is signposted at the east end of Dungiven off Chapel Road. Turn onto Priory Lane where limited car parking is available. The Priory is approx. 400m down a gravel and concrete path with a footbridge over the new A6 dual carriageway.

The site can also be accessed from Bleach Green.

Co-ordinates: 54.9174, -6.9217

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This project is receiving financial support via the District Council Good Relations Programme.