Ray Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ray Church |
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Teampall Ráithe
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 Ray Church
Location in Ireland
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| 55°08′51″N 8°04′14″W / 55.147379°N 8.070682°W | |
| Location | Ray, Falcarragh, County Donegal |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Church of Ireland |
| Previous denomination | Catholic |
| History | |
| Founded | 6th century AD |
| Founder(s) | St. Fionnán |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | inactive |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Raphoe |
Ray Church is an old church and a National Monument in County Donegal, Ireland. It is a very important historical site.
Contents
Where is Ray Church?
Ray Church is located about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) northeast of Falcarragh. It stands near where the Yellow River and Ray River meet.
A Look at Ray Church's Past
Early Beginnings
A saint named Fionnán started this church in the 6th century. That's over 1,400 years ago! The church was built next to the Ray River. This river was an old border between two important families, the Cenél Luighdech and Cenél Duach. Some important church leaders from the 7th century came from the Cenél Duach family. Ray Church was likely their main church.
The Famous High Cross
Ray Church is home to the largest early medieval stone cross in Ireland. It's called a high cross because it's very tall and decorated. Local stories say that another famous saint, Columba, made this cross. He supposedly made it on a mountain called Muckish. The story says he wanted to take it to Tory Island. But Saint Fionnán found Columba's special book, and in return, Columba gave the cross to Ray. However, experts believe the cross was actually made later, in the late 8th century.
A Time of Trouble
Sadly, the church was badly damaged in the 17th century. Soldiers working for Oliver Cromwell destroyed it. A very sad event happened during a Sunday church service. Many people who were praying there died in what is known as the Massacre of Ray. The people who died were buried together in a large burial place. This place is called Resting Place of the Bones (Lag na gCnámh).
The Cross's Journey
Around 1750, a big storm knocked down the high cross. It lay broken in the graveyard for many years. But in the 1970s, a group called the Office of Public Works fixed it. Now, it stands tall again for everyone to see.
What You Can See There
The Church Building
The church building is shaped like a rectangle. It has wide windows with rounded tops.
The High Cross
The famous high cross is called St Colm Cille's Cross. It is very tall, standing about 5.56 meters (18.2 feet) high. It is also wide, measuring about 2.26 meters (7.4 feet) across. The cross is made of a type of rock called slate. Its design was inspired by another famous cross, Saint John's Cross, which is on Iona island.
Other Features Nearby
Close to the church, you can also find a special stone called a basin stone. There is also a tall standing stone.
