ASSOCIATION WITH ST PATRICK
Whether the tradition that connects Saint Patrick with the site is old and ancient, or one of numberless products of the fertile Irish imagination, is a question that cannot be settled with certainty. No ancient and trustworthy document speaks of the Saint as having visited Lough Derg. On the other hand it must be remembered that the Itinerary of Saint Patrick, constructed by TÃrechán about the year 700AD, brings the Apostle into the district of Donegal. There is mention of a number of churches founded by Saint Patrick in this area. It is possible that the Patrick interrupted his missionary labours in South Donegal and retired for a spell of prayer and penance into a cave on the lonely lake.
Patrick is reputed to have left a disciple by the name of Dabheoc or Davog in charge of this area. His name survives in the nearby townland of Seadavog (Davog's seat). For centuries the whole locality was called Termon Davog.
Download the Confession of St. Patrick & his letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus (154KB PDF)
See Saint Patrick Centre for more information on St Patrick.
