O'Neill Vault

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A sandstone tomb in a classical style standing on a stepped base in a sandstone flagged enclosure bounded by a low plinth wall surmounted by ironwork railings.

Fluted brackets and pediments to each face of tomb; railings ornamented with anthemion motifs alternating with spear-like finials.
Entrance gateway to enclosure faces south. Inside gateway are two large stone blocks set with iron rings for lifting and revealing access to vault below; first stone block badly fractured.
In front of the tomb and behind it, are two domical raised stone blocks perforated with holes, presumably providing ventilation to the vaults below.
The tomb has a raised shield-like stone plaque on each short face, but no inscriptions in evidence.

SETTING: The vault stands in the graveyard of Drummaul Parish Church, a short distance to the east of the church building, and is surrounded by a grassed lawn.

Historical information

Built c 1838 at a cost of £500 by Lord O'Neill as a family burial place containing niches for 18 coffins. Previously the family burial place was in a vault in the burial ground at Shane's Castle, Randalstown.

References – Primary Sources
1. OS Map 1858, Co Antrim 43.
2. Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland, Vol 19: parishes of County Antrim VI, 1830, 1833, 1835-8 (Belfast, 1993), pp 42, 63.
3. S. Lewis, A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (London, 1837), Vol I, p 518.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

This is an early 19th century mausoleum in a restrained classical style occupying a prominent position in the graveyard of Drummaul Parish Church. It is of some local associational interest due to its connection with the main family of benefactors of the church, but is of no special architectural merit.