Maghera

One mile north of the town is a single-chamber megalithic tomb known as Tirnony dolmen. The portals surrounding the tomb are five feet tall. The town dates back at least to the 6th century to the church founded by Saint Lurach. Standing upon the site of the church, the present day ruins of St. Lurach's Church date back to the 10th century (see Maghera Old Church). They include, over a doorway, a relief of the crucifixion, possibly the oldest in Ireland. The crucifixion lintel is reproduced in the contemporary Catholic church, St Mary's. The old church and town were burned in the 12th century. Afterwards, Maghera became the seat of the Bishop of Derry with a cathedral church. In 1246 its…