dungiven priory and house

Dungiven Priory is one the oldest churches in Co. Derry. The earliest part is believed to be the nave erected in the12th century. It was reinforced in the 14th century with a highly decorated tomb, insertedin the wall. The tomb contains six stone Gallowglasses (Scottish mercenaries). There is an effigy of a knight, who is traditionally believed to be Cooey na nGall O'Cahan, a member of the O'Cahan's, a local ruling family in the Middle Ages. The chancel arch and the north door of the nave were refurbished in the 17th century, and the foundations were excavated in 1982. At the western end is the foundation of an O'Cahan tower house.