Children's burial ground

The National Monuments Service's description

Gallaunakilleen and Children's Burial Ground / Gallán an Chillín (KE089-010003-): This site, also known locally as Pairc an Chillín, is located NW of Killeenleagh Bridge on the S bank of the River Inny. It consists of an overgrown ceallúnach and a small cairn with a cross-inscribed ogham stone standing on it. On the second edition of the OS map, a curving field boundary, c. 50m in diameter, is depicted enclosing the site from N through E to S. This boundary may relate to an early enclosure. The ceallúnach, located in the e portion of the site, is a heavily overgrown raised area of rectangular plan, 18m NW-SE x 10m NE-SW. It is occupied by a large number of uninscribed grave-markers and is defined along its SW limits by a low scarp.
A short distance to W is the low cairn and cross-inscribed ogham stone (KE089-010002-). The former rises to a height of 1.05m and is sub-circular in plan; 6.8m NW-SE x 6.2m NE-SW. It is locally reputed to mark the grave (KE089-010004-) of Liar Dearg (IFC Schools' Collection). The ogham stone stands 1.45m high, and measures .35m x .07m at base. It is of regular rectangular elevation and it inclines strongly to S. Its dexter angle bears an inscription which reads:
DOVATTAC AV(I] . . . ILEH
The first T is difficult to discern because of the rough quartz surface on the edge of the stone. Spalling of the edge has also removed some of the notches of the first I. The area preceding the second I is also eroded. There is a very neatly executed, encircled Maltese cross on the upper face of the stone. The grooved circle does not quite attain compass-drawn perfection, nor do the arcs of the unevenly recessed cross which throws the four background truncated petals into relief. If not a natural feature, the small curve which extends from the sinister side of the upper arm of the cross may represent the rho element of the chi-rho symbol.

The above description is derived from O'Sullivan, A. and Sheehan, J. (compilers) 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University press. (1996), no. 957. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 12 June 2013