The Stone of Lugna

More than any other monument on Inchagoill Island, the stone of Lugna has captured the attention of the most renowned archaeologists. The 5th century inscription on the stone which is still legible today read "Lia Lugnaedon Macc Lmenueh".

This is written in old Gaelic and translates as follows - "The standing stone of Lugna son of Limanin". We believe that Limanin was one of St. Patrick's sisters.

It is believed that St. Patrick and his nephew (who was also his navigator) came to Cong in the middle of the 5th century to spread the Christian faith. The Pagan druids who were very powerful people at the time had St. Patrick and his nephew banished to Inchagoill Island. This is how the island got it's name - Inis an Ghail (the Island of the Stranger). While building their church Lugna dies and was buried on the island. It is interesting to note that the stone has the shape of a boat's rudder, tying in with the theory that Lugna was also St. Patrick’s navigator. Many archaeologists claim that this inscription is the oldest Christian inscription in Europe apart from one found in the Catacombs of Rome.