Graveyard

The National Monuments Service's description

Ballyseedy church ruins (KE038-021----) in NW corner of graveyard which has been extended to the S with Ballyseedy C. of I. church (NIAH Reg. No. 21303801) in centre of modern graveyard. Rectangular-shaped graveyard (dims. c 29m N-S x 78m E-W) depicted on 1841 ed. OSi 6-inch map.
Graveyard described in 2008 (Buckley and Dunne 2008, 2-4) as follows; 'Ballyseedy graveyard comprises two sections; an older graveyard within which is the ruined medieval parish church, and a new, modern extension to the north within which is a recently restored Church of Ireland Church that dates from c. 1870. There are separate entrances for each section along the eastern boundary wall and there is no formal access point between the two areas once inside the graveyard. The western boundary of the modern area is formed by a cement rendered wall as well as a rubble sandstone wall to the west of the church. Barbed wire also sits on top of the concrete wall in places which also extends to form the southern boundary. The northern boundary also forms the southern boundary of the older area of the graveyard, and comprises a rubble limestone wall in a poor state of repair. The eastern boundary is constructed of rubble limestone and sandstone stone capped with modern concrete. A slight batter was also discernible along this boundary. Two entrances are located in the eastern boundary: one is currently in use while the other is located towards the southern end and is blocked up.
The older area of the graveyard is bounded by a limestone rubble wall over 2m high to the north which is overgrown with ivy in places. The southern boundary is also of the same construct and is irregular in height due to collapse etc. The entrance gate is located in the eastern boundary. The western boundary was inaccessible due to the presence of tombs and the overgrowth of brambles at the western end of the graveyard.
Access/egress to the modern area is gained through a double cast-iron gate set between two cut-stone sandstone and limestone piers capped with a modern concrete capping. A turnstile is located to the immediate south of the entrance gate. Access/egress to the older graveyard is gained through original wrought iron gates set between two large square limestone and sandstone piers. A turnstile is located to the immediate south of the entrance gate'.

See attached photographs courtesy of Laurence Dunne

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 26 January 2022

References

Buckley, K. and Dunne L. 2008 Archaeological Survey, Ballyseedy Graveyard, Tralee, Co. Kerry. Unpublished report commissioned by the Heritage Office, Kerry County Council.