Settlement deserted - medieval

The National Monuments Service's description

National Monument No. 617. Situated on the SW downslope of Croghan Hill with a church and graveyard (OF010-010006/007-) immediately W and a fortified house (OF010-010003-) nearby to SW. The remains of this deserted settlement of probable medieval date comprises a large rectangular enclosure (dims. 36m N-S x 45m E-W) defined by grass-covered wall-footings (Wth 3m) to which a series of additional enclosures are adjoined on its N, E and S sides. Grass-covered banks in the E part of the interior of the main enclosure indicate that it may have been divided internally at some stage. An annexe with entrance on its E side (Wth 3m) attached to the S side of the main enclosure may also be a later addition. Its W half overlain by a later field wall. To S of this there are the remains of a possible rectangular house site (int. dims. 12m N-S x 2.5m E-W). An oval-shaped area (dims. 17m N-S x 27m E-W) enclosed by a bank (Wth 3m) and intersected by a modern road on its N side, lies to N of the main enclosure and a burial mound (OF010-010002-) or motte surrounded by a wide shallow fosse, is situated at E. Approximately 200m E of this again there are the remains of a square enclosure (int. dims. 12.5m N-S x 10.5m E-W). In the 1940s unburnt animal bone and pottery was discovered in an area which had been quarried to S of the village.
Present remains consist of four enclosures and a mound, possibly of earlier date. There are numerous rock quarry holes. The enclosures are widely spaced, three are rectangular in shape and are defined by low stone walls. The fourth is circular and is defined by a low earth and stone bank. The date of these features is unknown. Located on the southern slopes of Croghan Hill. Present remains consists of several enclosures all of which seem to be adjoined to the main rectangular shaped enclosure which measures internally 36m N-S x 45m E-W and is enclosed by grass covered walls which measure 3m wide. This main enclosure appears to have been altered and may have been divided internally via the presence of grass covered banks in the eastern interior of the enclosure. Another later addition to the site may have been the annexe on the southern side of the enclosure. There is an entrance feature present on the E side of the enclosure which measures 3m wide. A field wall now destroys the western section of this enclosure. To the N of the site there is another oval shaped enclosure intersected by a modern road on its N side. This enclosure may have originally had an internal diameter of 17m N-S x 17m E-W with an external enclosing bank 3m wide. To the E of the main enclosure there is a burial mound (OF010-010002-) which has a wide shallow fosse. To the S there is what appears to be the remains of a possible rectangular house site with internal dimensions of 12m N-S x 2.5m E-W. Further E approx. 200m away are the remains of a square enclosure which has internal dimensions of 12.5m N-S x 10.5m E-W. Possible medieval village associated with the nearby tower house (OF010-010003-) with church and graveyard (OF010-010006/007-) to the S. Davies (ITA Survey 1942) discovered some unburnt animal bones and pottery which had been revealed by quarrying to the S of the village.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 23 May 2011

References

Irish Tourist Association. Surveys undertaken in the 1940s for the Irish Tourist Association (now Fáilte Ireland) relating to ‘Natural features, antiquities, historic associations etc.' Extracts from these surveys were copied into the Topographical files of the Office of Public Works and these have been incorporated into the Sites and Monuments Record files (National Monuments Service).