Enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

Two previously unrecorded enclosures (WM024-059002-) were revealed by geophysical prospection around St Patrick’s Bed (WM024-059----) (Schot 2005; 2011). The larger of the two enclosures can be traced as a shallow curving depression to the S of St Patrick’s Bed, and was shown by geophysical survey to encircle the monument. It is evidenced as a narrow, circular band of enhanced magnetic values, 0.5-1m in width and 35m in diameter, with suggestions of a second, concentric arc running 3-4m inside it. The enclosure was also mapped by resistance survey as a discontinuous ring of low resistance values. Its geophysical signature and relatively narrow width suggest it is likely to comprise the palisade trench of a timber enclosure. There are hints of a gap on the E side of the enclosure, as well as a more clearly-defined gap (1-2m wide) at the S. Two parallel (low resistance) lineations, spaced 3-4m apart, extend southwards from the latter gap, suggesting this to be a formal entrance feature. St Patrick’s Bed is located just N of the centre of the enclosure, which also overlaps with a smaller – and possibly earlier – enclosure (WM024-059002-) of similar form (Schot 2016).

Compiled by: Dr. Roseanne Schot

Date of upload: 08 May 2019

References

Schot, R. 2005 Geophysical survey report: The Hill of Uisneach. Co. Westmeath. License No. 03R090. Unpublished Report. National Monuments Service. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Schot, R. et. al. 2016 Conservation Plan for the Hill of Uisneach, Co. Westmeath – Part 1: Assessment of Cultural Significance, with contributions by D. Drew and R. Sherlock.

Schot, R. 2011 From cult centre to royal centre: monuments, myths and other revelations at Uisneach. In R. Schot, C. Newman and E. Bhreathnach (eds), Landscapes of cult and kingship, 87–113. Dublin.