Moated site

The National Monuments Service's description

This monument is annotated as ‘Monastery’ and depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as a long rectangular building (WM027-067002-) aligned N-S standing in the centre roughly rectangular-shaped enclosure with damage to the enclosing element on the E side. A field boundary running N-S intersects the SE angle of the enclosure on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map. The monastery of Clonfad was founded in this townland around the middle of the 6th century by St. Etchen (Cogan 1870, 553). The church (WM027-006005-) and graveyard (WM027-066001-) was probably built on the site of the monastery rather than the square-shaped enclosure marked as ‘Monastery’ on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map.
‘Bishop’s Grave’ (WM027-066004-) 145m to the SSW. Church (WM027-066005-), graveyard (WM027-066001-) and two high crosses (WM027-066002-/003-) 225m to SW. In pasture on low natural rise of ground with good views in all directions. Square-shaped area (dims. 42m N-S; 43m E-W) defined by a substantial earthen bank with no visible traces of an external fosse. A large portion of the ENE end of the monument has been quarried away as depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map. No visible entrance feature. No visible trace of any masonry in the enclosing bank. The four angles of the enclosure have high rounded corners similar to a moated site. Shallow depression in the NW corner of the enclosure may be the remains of quarrying. The grass-covered wall footings of the building (overall int. dims. c. 18.4m N-S; 4m E-W) depicted on the 1840 ed. OS 6-inch map are visible off centre to the E. This building is aligned on a N-S axis and was divided internally by a wall now visible as a grass-covered bank at N end. This smaller chamber at the N end of the building measured internally 4.2m N-S by 4m E-W; the S chamber measured 14,2m N-S by 4m E-W. Although depicted as a ‘Monastery’ on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map this earthwork may be the remains of a moated site or the enclosing earthwork of a medieval secular building (WM027-067002-) that is depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 09 August 2013

References

Cogan, Rev. A. 1862-70 In John F. Fowler, Joseph Dollard (eds), The diocese of Meath, ancient and modern, 3 vols. Dublin. Dollard Publishers.