Graveyard

The National Monuments Service's description

In 2008 a graveyard survey carried out by Karen Buckley and Laurence Dunne recorded the following details: 'The northern boundary is comprised of naturally exposed limestone bedrock interspersed with a rubble limestone wall where the bedrock is not exposed. The western and eastern boundaries are constructed from rubble limestone and capped with a projecting limestone coping. The southern boundary comprises a rubble limestone and sandstone wall with ‘cow and calf’ coping. There are two entrances located in the southern boundary; one centrally disposed pedestrian gate and an eastern stile entrance. The centrally disposed entrance consists of a locally forged iron gate set between two cut sandstone and limestone piers which are devoid of their capping. Thirty-one named tombs were recorded in varying states of preservation. Thirty-four unnamed tombs were recorded in various states of preservation. A total of 125 inscribed headstones were recorded in Clogherbrien graveyard. Fourteen unnamed headstones were recorded within the graveyard. Fifty-three gravemarkers were recorded within the graveyard. A possible grave slab (ref. no. 262) was recorded lying prone between tombs 260 and 261. It is possible that this slab may have formed the top name slab of a nearby tomb and later reused to denote the location of a grave. Two architectural fragments (ref. no’s 12 & 13) were recorded towards the eastern side of the graveyard, and have been reused as burial markers. They comprise two punch dressed blocks. Another fragment (ref. no. 218) was located on the western side of the graveyard in close proximity to the church. This fragment is only barely visible projecting above the ground. It is manifest as a chamfered slab with a central three ordered projection at right angles and although its function cannot be ascertained at present, it is certain that it came from the ruined medieval parish church (KE029-059----) of Clogherbrien'.

See attached photographs courtesy of Laurence Dunne

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 3 June 2022

References

Buckley, K. and Dunne, L. 2008 Archaeological Survey, Clogherbrien Graveyard, Tralee, Co. Kerry. Unpublished report commissioned by Kerry County Council, Eachtra Archaeological Projects.