Barrow - stepped barrow

The National Monuments Service's description

Surveyed in 2013 and described by McGuinness (2014, 39-40) as following: 'Well-preserved stepped barrow comprising a subcircular mound (Diam. 10.8m N-S x 10.8m E-W) with flattish top and shallow sloping sides erected on top of a larger, flat-topped, subcircular mound (Diam. 27.5m N-S x 34.9m E-W), which slopes down gradually to natural ground level, such that there is a ‘step’ around the uppermost mound. As upper mound is not located centrally on lower platform, being located closer to NE than SE side, step varies greatly in width, being 1m at N, 2.4m at S, 3.6m at W and 4.8m at E; the narrow step on N side is not clearly evident as a flat area. Upper mound rises up to 1.9m above step on N side, and overall height of monument reaches up to 4m at S. An additional low ‘step’ at base of monument on N side appears to relate to the construction of field fence on this side. Upper mound has large boulders or rock outcrop visible around the edges and on top, apparently representing the natural topography; this, and the fact that there is no ditch visible around this substantial monument, strongly suggests that it, like many other Westmeath barrows, has been shaped from a kame or other pre-existing glacial landform. Thorn trees are growing on and especially around the edge of the monument except for a short arc of perimeter on SE side. Monument is located on a local eminence in good pasture, and would have good views all round but for trees.'

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 Unpublished survey funded by Westmeath County Council in association with Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society.