Barrow - mound barrow

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated in forestry plantation on Knockdrin Demesne. Monument depicted on Larkin's 1808 map of Co. Westmeath. Described in 1980 by the ASI as 'a wide low mound of earth and stones, surrounded by remains of a wide shallow fosse. The mound was approx. 2m in heights and measures approx. 18m in diam. The surface is uneven the result of fairly recent disturbance. The top is wide and flat with a slight modern depression in the centre. Sited on the summit of a hill OD 555', with wide views of the surrounding countryside' (ASI File 03/03/1980).
Surveyed in 2012 and described by McGuinness (2012, 28) as following: ‘Large circular mound (Diam. 24.5m N-S x 24.5m E-W) with low, rounded profile, capped by a trigonometrical station (168m OD), in coniferous plantation on flattish summit of prominent hill of Knockdrin.   Site is well-preserved but covered with mature fir trees, several stumps of larger, much older trees, and a thick, springy layer of pine needles; a slight depression near centre of mound may indicate a collapsed chamber.   Height of mound above surrounding ground ranges from 1.7m on SE side to 2m on SW side.   Given its size and location, this may be a passage-tomb, although it is unclear whether it is composed primarily of earth or stone, and no kerbstones or other diagnostic features are visible.   Frewin Hill (WM011-133----) would be visible across Lough Owel to W but for trees'.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by David McGuinness.

Date of upload: 23 February 2015

References

McGuinness, D. 2012 The prehistoric burial mounds and related monument of County Westmeath. Part I - Preliminary account of the monuments in the Lough Owel Area (Barony of Corkaree and part of Barony of Moyashel & Magheradernon). Unpublished survey funded by Westmeath County Council in association with Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society.