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Tulach Dubhghlaise
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Temple Douglas
Tulach Dubhghlaise, Mound of the Dark Stream
Dubhghlaise, al. Dubhghlais, 'Black Stream,' in Tir Luighdheach in
Cineal Conaill; it is given as in Magh Iotha in the Salamanca Lives of
the Saints (v. Onom.); probably identical with Tulach Dubhglaise now
Temple Douglas (popularly Dooglas), mid-way between Gartan and
Letterkenny which tradition points to as the place where Columcille was
baptised; v. Ra. LXXI.
A Tulach or burial mound was constructed in ancient Ireland to
connect between the the living and the other world. Tulach Dubhghlaise,
Mound of the Dark Stream, is famous for being the place where Colmcille
(St. Columba) was baptized. It is believed he was baptized by Saint
Crunathan who is recorded to be his foster father and teacher. Colmcille
was born not far from here at the monastic site at Gartan. It seems
probable that Colmcille received his early education at Tulach
Dubhghlaise.
Also present in the graveyard at Temple Douglas is a
16th century medieval church rebuilt by Manus O'Donnell on the location
of an even earlier church.
The most interesting feature of the
church is the window which is unique in Donegal. In the north eastern
corner of the graveyard is the ruins of the Abbots house which was much
earlier than the church. A turas used to take place here and the
stations were, the cairns at the abbot's house, Tobar Douglas holy well
near the graveyard, Tobar na Suil which is on Cnocatee, and Colmcille's
Footsteps, said to be the area where he took his first steps. Although
this site may not be the most attractive visually, it is historically
significant for those studying the life of Colmcille.
Adhamnán, biographer and successor of Columba as Abbot of Iona, wrote the following:
One night, as Colmcille's foster father, Cruithneachán by name, a priest who had lived a blameless life, was returning home from the church after the portús, he saw that the whole house was ablaze with light, and a light like a torch hung over the child's face as he slept. He trembled, and bowed his face to the ground, for he understood that the grace of the Holy Spirit was being poured out from heaven upon his foster son, and he stood there in astonishment.
Templedouglas
Townland
An area of about 10 hectares (26 acres)
encompassing the burial ground and neighbouring farmland, within the
Templedouglas electoral division of Donegal.
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Source
Sources for this article include:
Jim Dempsey; text (part) and photography, with thanks
Any contributions will be
gratefully accepted
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