Barrow - mound barrow

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, at the S end of Bartragh Island, prominently located on top of a natural knoll utilising the steep natural fall of ground on the S, W and NW sides. At S the slope falls to the shoreline. There are excellent views S over the estuary of the River Moy and E towards Enniscrone and the S side of Killala Bay. Oblong flat-topped mound (c. 20.8m E–W; c. 16.5m N-S) defined at SE–N by compact, steeply sloping sides (H 3.65m at W, 2.6m at N), enhanced by the natural fall of ground, and on the E side by a lower but well-defined scarp (H 1.4m). The top (8.4m E–W; 5m N–S) of the mound is flattened, although when seen from a distance, particularly from W and SW, it appears as if gently domed in profile. There are slight grass-covered depressions or hollows at the edge of the mound top at SW and at N, possibly as a result of past disturbance. Medium to large-sized stones protrude randomly from the sod covering on the mound, particularly on the mid to lower levels of the S–W slope. A sloping terrace or berm-like feature is evident enclosing the base at S–NW but this may be a natural undulation. There is a cup-marked stone (MA022-118002-) embedded in the sod surface on the W half of the flat top.

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 19 September 2012