Graveyard

The National Monuments Service's description

An archaeological survey undertaken in 2011 by Headland Archaeology Ltd. at Kilmurry Burial Ground, Cordal, Co. Kerry on behalf of Kerry County Council described Kilmurry Church (KE040-098----) and graveyard (KE040-098001-) as follows; 'The graveyard is located on a relatively level area and is sheltered from the main prevailing winds by the surrounding higher ground. The church ruin survives in poor condition and is heavily overgrown with ivy. The boundary walls surrounding the graveyard are of roughly dressed mortared rubble stone with roughly dressed rubble stone coping. For the most part the walls appear in good structural repair with the only area of concern the south‐western corner. Here the rounded corner is in poor condition and is collapsing outwards (towards the road). Access to the graveyard is through an entrance flanked by two stiles located in the north‐western corner of the graveyard. The primary entrance consists of a pair of tooled limestone block square‐profile piers which are surmounted by roughly dressed flagstone capping. The piers support a recent set of double‐leaf wrought‐iron gates. The piers survive in good condition and have been recently repointed. The second method of entry consists of a pair of historic stiles which flank the primary entrance. The southern most stile is a stepped stile. It comprises of projecting flagstones protruding from the wall at both the east and west elevations that form steps to give access over the wall. This stile is in good condition but is seldom used as the other two entrances offer an easier more accessible method of entry. The second stile is a ‘V’‐shaped stile and is located at the northern side of the primary entrance. This stile is frequently used and survives in good condition' (Hanbidge 2011, 15-16).

See attached plan and photographs courtesy of Headland Archaeology Ltd.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Robert Hanbidge

Date of upload: 22 April 2022

References

Hanbidge, R. 2011 Archaeological Survey of Kilmurry Burial Ground, Cordal, County Kerry. Unpublished report by Headland Archaeology Ltd. for Kerry County Council.