Children's burial ground

The National Monuments Service's description

Lios na Ceallúnaí: This large oval enclosure (KE044-048----) was probably originally either a rath or early ecclesiastical settlement, but portion of it was later used as a calluragh burial ground (KE044-048001-)(OSNB Minard, 33; An Seabhac 1939, 176; Ashe 1954, 18). A coffin-shaped standing stone, inscribed with 2 crosses, formerly stood at the edge of the calluragh area (Ashe) but it could not be located on this occasion (KE044-048002-)

The NE part of the enclosure is traditionally regarded as the calluragh burial ground. This area measures 38.5m SE-NW x 16.4m NE-SW and is enclosed to N and E by field fences, to W by a low bank, and to S by a 1m high drop to the level of the remainder of the interior. The ground within this smaller enclosure is strewn with grass-covered stones, mostly quartz, and it also contains a sunken, rectangular foundation which Ashe interpreted as a church. The structure measures 7m x 3.8m and is aligned NW-SE. There is a probable entrance in the NW wall. A low bank extends 8.2m S from the SW corner of this feature.

The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 348. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 6 August 2013