Welcome to our Website
 |
| St Catherine's Church, Killybegs |
With this new website on St Catherine's
Church and Graveyard, the
trainees from the FAS Killybegs Local Training Initiative (LTI) will continue
with their efforts to create an awareness and interest in the conservation of
these historic and important ruins.
St Catherine's Church and Graveyard is situated in
Killybegs Co Donegal. The Parish of
Killybegs takes its name from the early monastic cells known as the “Little Churches”.
Tradition represents the town as
dedicated to St Catherine, as its patron from the sixth century, when the
“Little Churches” or early monastic “Cells”, were first erected. The ruins of the present church are possibly
the remains of St Catherine's friary, founded by Mac Swyne, chief of Banagh, for
the Third Regular Order.
 |
| Headstones and Ferns |
In this website we are going to try and raise awareness of the church
and its declining condition due to over a hundred years of neglect. In doing this we will hopefully make the
conservation of what is left of the church a reality. We will also be providing history on the
church and the Saint it was built for.
Each
Friday we will produce an article including facts on the Church's history and
connecting legends, as well as the life of its patron Saint, St Catherine of Alexandria.
 |
| Fininsion 1703 |
In 1986 a partial survey was undertaken of the graveyard, by Felix O
Neill. From 2002 onwards the Local
Training Initiative carried out historical research and published a book on St Catherine's Church and Graveyard. The sales from this book enabled the Killybegs
Local Training Initiative to commission a report by John Cronan and Associates.
This report outlines structural problems
of the church and details the necessary steps that if carried out correctly
will lead to a successful conservation of the Church and Graveyard so they will
be enjoyed for generations to come.
If you have any questions or want to find out more detailed information about
St Catherine’s Church and Graveyard please feel free to drop a comment on our
site.
