Enclosure, Cashelmore, Clonbeg Glebe, Co. Donegal
Co. Donegal |
Tucked away in the townland of Clonbeg Glebe in County Donegal lies an intriguing archaeological feature known locally as 'The Devil's Sentry Box'.
This circular stone enclosure caught the attention of archaeologists during the comprehensive Archaeological Survey of County Donegal in 1983, when fieldworkers carefully marked it on their maps with pencil annotations, noting both its distinctive local name and its physical characteristics. The enclosure at Cashelmore represents one of many such structures scattered across the Donegal landscape, though few carry such an evocative moniker.
The name 'Devil's Sentry Box' hints at the folklore that often attaches itself to ancient monuments throughout Ireland, particularly those whose original purpose has been lost to time. These circular enclosures, typically built from dry stone walls, served various functions throughout history; some were defensive structures, others were used for keeping livestock, and many were associated with early Christian or pre-Christian ritual sites. The fact that this particular example warranted special notation during the 1983 survey suggests it possesses distinctive features that set it apart from similar structures in the region.
Archaeological surveys like the one conducted in Donegal serve as crucial records for understanding Ireland's built heritage. The handwritten pencil marks on those 1983 fieldwork maps represent more than simple cartographic notation; they capture a moment when archaeologists stood before these ancient stones, documenting not just what they saw, but also preserving the local names and stories that give these monuments their cultural significance. The Devil's Sentry Box at Cashelmore continues to stand as a testament to the generations who built, used, and mythologised these enigmatic structures across the Irish landscape.