Saving St Naul's - protecting heritage by hand in Donegal
This year's National Heritage Week theme is "Heritage at Risk", a focus reflected at St Naul's site in Co Donegal, in the condition of its stonework and in the skills needed to preserve it.
At St Naul’s historic graveyard and church in Inver, County Donegal, conservation workers are restoring the site’s stonework using traditional methods. This year, National Heritage Week’s theme of “Heritage at Risk” is evident at the site, which dates back to the Sixth Century and is associated with St Naul, a sixth-century missionary.
The site, one of 50 historic graveyards under the guardianship of Donegal County Council, faces risks due to its coastal location and exposure to erosion, tidal waters, and extreme weather events. Heritage Officer Joseph Gallagher emphasizes the importance of working with local community groups, like the Inver Heritage Group, to conserve and protect the site using best conservation practices and expert supervision.
Stonemason Brian Kerrigan applies lime mortar, a sacrificial material that allows the old stone walls to breathe and accommodate slight movement, to the masonry work. Kerrigan stresses the importance of patience and the reversible nature of the repairs. Archaeologist Kate Robb highlights the vulnerability of archaeological sites in coastal and riverine settings due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Local historian Helen Meehan notes the site’s significance as the oldest building in the parish, with Catholic and Church of Ireland burials on either side. Conservation efforts aim to preserve the site for future generations while ensuring safe access for visitors.
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