Barrow - mound barrow

The National Monuments Service's description

Surveyed in 2013 and described by McGuinness (2014, 61) as following: 'Severely eroded tumulus, once circular or oval as marked on the OS 6” map but now dramatically eaten away to expose deep soil on all sides, apparently by grazing animals and subsequent weathering, giving the appearance of a berm surrounding a central column of soil, preserved only due to the shelter and root-support afforded by thorn trees. Intact central part of mound rises up to 2m above berm on SW side; overall height of central part of mound over external ground, that is to say ground level beyond the berm, is 2.6m on N side. On account of its current state, diameter of mound is unobtainable but can be estimated as 16m+. Where it has been damaged and its material exposed, it can be seen to be predominantly earthen with some small stones. Outer edge of mound and surrounding berm is best defined on E half; on NW side of mound and partly eating into its perimeter is an irregular shaped pit (13m x 12m), possibly an old quarry. Monument is located on a low hilltop in pastureland with excellent view to N and NE, Frewin Hill being prominent to NE; views to E, S and W are currently blocked by trees. A long fence comprising a bank and ditch, the line of which can be traced for over 2km on the OS 6” map, runs NW-SE past SW side of mound and from OS 6” map appears to have originally clipped or passed over edge of mound, although poor current state of mound precludes knowledge of its original extent on this side. This fence forms the townland boundary with Parcellstown to S and was presumably oriented on the tumulus when laid out'.

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

Date of upload: 23 February 2015

References

McGuinness, D. 2014 The prehistoric burial mounds and related monuments of County Westmeath. Part II - Monuments in central Westmeath (Barony of Rathconrath and parts of baronies of Moygoish, Moycashel, and Moyashel & Magheradernon). Unpublished survey funded by Westmeath County Council in association with Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society.