Fahan is the site of the ancient Abbey of St. Mura. Founded in the early 7th century, it has been used for religious activities for over 1000 years.
Sited in the graveyard is the interesting St. Mura’s Cross/Slab. Local tradition states that this stone, in the shape of an ordinary gravestone, marks the saint’s grave. Decorated on both sides and inscribed with interlacing patterns displaying a high level of craftmanship and skill, it is hard not to be impressed with the standard of workmanship.
Located in the walls of the graveyard are two artefacts associated with the old abbey, an inscribed Greek cross and a stone though to be a holy water font.
Unfortunately many of the original treasures of this Abbey were removed - the shrine of St. Mura’s Bell, a highly ornate work of gold, silver and precious stones, is now in a private collection in England.
Other items are in Scandinavia, but fortuantely the original holy water font is in Inishowen in the Catholic Church at Lagg.
Location Map
September 28th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Hello!
I just wanted to let you know that St Mura’s bell shrine is not in private hands. It’s on display at the Wallace Collection, a public museum in London.