Children's burial ground

The National Monuments Service's description

Described by O'Sullivan and Sheehan (1996, 334, no. 1041) as a poorly preserved semicircular cairn of small stones (max. L 6m; H 0.6m) in an area of heavy overgrowth. On a subsequent inspection in 2000, it was found that the area had been cleared of overgrowth. The clearance has uncovered kerbstones delineating an oval area (c. 8m E-W; c. 6m N-S) containing 10-15 simple upright uninscribed grave-markers (H c. 0.4-0.5m) and several others which have fallen. The grave-markers are surrounded by numerous loose stones. Mature trees line the W perimeter of the burial ground. A cross-slab (KE064-010001-) was found in the NE corner of the burial ground during the clearance works. According to local information, unbaptised babies and children up to the age of 14 years were buried here in the 18th and 19th centuries. Immediately to the N of the burial ground is a cairn of stones, possibly a penitential cairn (KE064-010002-), on which two mature trees grow.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 30 May 2011