Northwest Co. Cavan Survey. An Archaeological Survey of Northwest Cavan: the Other Burren 0955485800, 9780955485800

Table of contents :
Acknowledgements
Abstract
Introduction
The Burren Area Archaeological Survey
Methodology
Topography, Geology, & Geomorphology
Documentary Evidence
Catalogue Of Sites
Megalithic Tombs
Pre-bog Walls
Stone Rows
Standing Stones
Ring Barrows
Cairns & Mounds
Cists
Fulachta Fiadh
Promontory Forts
Ringforts: Raths & Cashels
Souterrains
Enclosures
Crannógs
Hut Sites, House Sites & Settlement Clusters
Ecclesiastical Remains
Holy Wells
Rectangular Enclosures
Boundary Stones
Castles
Sweathouses
Discussion
The Archaeology of The Burren Area
The Potential For Future Landscape-based Development
Conclusions & Recommendations
The Results of the Survey
References
Sites & Townlands List
Bibliography

Citation preview

NORTHWEST

CO CAVAN SURVEY

AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NORTHWEST CAVAN: THE OTHER BURREN

Rory Sherlock

ARCHAEOLOGICAL

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD

MONOGRAPH 01

01

NORTHWEST

CO CAVAN SURVEY

AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NORTHWEST CAVAN: THE OTHER BURREN

Rory Sherlock

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD

MONOGRAPH 1

ADS PUBLICATIONS © Archaeological Development Services Ltd. 2006

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the company Directors at Archaeological Development Services Ltd.

Published in Ireland by Archaeological Development Services Ltd Windsor House 11 Fairview Strand Fairview Dublin 3 T: (00353) 1 8531009 W: www.adsireland.ie

ISBN 0 -////-////-0

Design: Beth Van Sistine, Katie O’Mahony Print: ? Printers

NORTHWEST

CO CAVAN SURVEY

AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NORTHWEST CAVAN: THE OTHER BURREN

Rory Sherlock

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD

MONOGRAPH 1

TABLE

OF CONTENTS SECTIONS & CHAPTERS i iii 1 3 7 11 17

Acknowledgements Abstract Introduction The Burren Area Archaeological Survey Methodology Topography, Geology, & Geomorphology Documentary Evidence

27 29 55 59 63 69 73 81 89 93 97 121 125 137 141 157 163 167 171 175 179

Catalogue Of Sites Megalithic Tombs Pre-bog Walls Stone Rows Standing Stones Ring Barrows Cairns & Mounds Cists Fulachta Fiadh Promontory Forts Ringforts: Raths & Cashels Souterrains Enclosures Crannógs Hut Sites, House Sites & Settlement Clusters Ecclesiastical Remains Holy Wells Rectangular Enclosures Boundary Stones Castles Sweathouses

187 189 193

Discussion The Archaeology of The Burren Area The Potential For Future Landscape-based Development

207 209

Conclusions & Recommendations The Results of the Survey

215 216 218

References Sites & Townlands List Bibliography

FIGURES 18 23 24 25 33 34 34 37 37 38 41 42 43 44 45 47 48 50 61 61 83 83 83 84 84 85 85 86 94

Figure 1 Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Baronial map of Tullyhaw, 1609 Wedge tomb, Burren 2 Portal tomb, Burren 4 Sweathouse, Legeelan 1 Plan of wedge tomb, Burren 1 Section of wedge tomb, Burren 2 Plan of wedge tomb, Burren 2 Section of portal tomb, Burren 3 Plan of portal tomb, Burren 3 Plan of portal tomb, Burren 4 Plan of wedge tomb, Duckfield 1 Plan of court tomb, Garvagh 1 Plan of court tomb, Gortaquill 1 Plan of court tomb, Killycarney 1 Plan of court tomb, Legalough 1 Plan of court tomb, Legalough 2 Plan of portal tomb, Moneygashel 2 Plan of court tomb, Mullaghboy 1 Plan of stone row, Edenmore 1 Section of stone row, Edenmore 1 Urn from the double cist, Killycarney 3 Double cist at Killycarney 3 Single cist at Killycarney 3 Plan of cairn, Termon 1, showing cists Section of cairn, Termon 1, showing cists Plan of cist, Termon 2 Section of cist, Termon 2 Food vessels from cist, Termon 2 Plan of promontory fort, Burren 9

TABLE

OF CONTENTS PLATES ii 2 6 10 16 30 30 30 49 53 56 61 65 71 90 99 103 104 109 110 113 114 122 131 138 148 149 151 155 158 161 169 176 182 189

Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

Cashel, Moneygashel 3 Bullaun stone, Termon 6 Portal tomb, Moneygashel 2 Sandstone boulder on a limestone pedestal, Burren Townland Graveyard, Termon 5 Court tomb, Mullaghboy 1 Portal tomb, Burren 3 Wedge tomb, Burren 2 Portal tomb, Moneygashel 2 Wedge tomb, Skeagh 1 Pre-bog wall, Gortnaleg 2 Stone row, Edenmore 1 Standing stone, Gortnaleg 2 Ring barrow, Manragh Upper 1 Fulacht fiadh, Ture 3 Rath, Mullaghahy 1 Cashel, Moneygashel 3 Cashel, Moneygashel 3 Cashel entrance, Moneygashel 3 Cashel, Moneygashel 3 Cashel, Oggal 2 Cashel, Oggal 8 Souterrain entrance, Moneygashel 4 Enclosure, Mullaghahy 3 Crannóg, Termon 11 Hut site, Manragh Upper 8 Hut site, Mullaghahy 5 Hut site, Oggal 4 Hut site, Termon 9 Church and graveyard, Termon 5 Bullaun stone, Termon 6 Rectangular enclosure, Legeelan 2 Port Island on Lough MacNean Upper upon which a castle, Port 5, is located Sweathouse, Legeelan 1 Cashel, Moneygashel 3

190 191 192 201 208

Plate Plate Plate Plate Plate

36 37 38 39 40

Cashel, Moneygashel 3 Possible Cashel, Oggal 8 Vernacular architecture in Moneygashel Townland Stone row, Edenmore 1, a previously unrecorded site Standing stone within stone row, Edenmore 1

Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map Map

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Study area location Townlands within the study area Topography within the study area Water systems located within the study area Bedrock geology within the study area Megalithic Tombs Pre-bog Walls Stone Rows Standing Stones Ring Barrows Cairns & Mounds Cists Fulachta Fiadh Promontory Forts Ringforts: Raths & Cashels Souterrains Enclosures Crannógs Hut Sites, House Sites & Settlement Clusters Ecclesiastical Remains Holy Wells Rectangular Enclosures Boundary Stones Castles Sweathouses

MAPS 4 5 12 13 15 28 54 58 62 68 72 80 88 92 96 120 124 136 140 156 162 166 170 174 178

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The fieldwork programme upon which this publication is based was made possible through the initiative of the Killinagh Community Council with funding from the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and was conducted by Archaeological Development Services Limited (ADS Ltd). Great thanks are due to the local people of the Blacklion area, who were helpful in so many ways during the course of this project. A particular debt of gratitude is due to Jim Nolan, Therese Maguire, Francis Cassidy, Harold Johnston, Gaby Burns and Miriam Carlier. Thanks are also due to Jack Johnston and Anita Gallagher of the Border Counties History Collective in Blacklion, who were very helpful in the publication of an article on the survey in The Spark, the journal of the Collective. Jonathon Williams, Regional Environmental Officer, Coillte Teo., was of great assistance in site location in Unshogagh and Burren forests and Eamon Cody, formerly of the Archaeological Branch, Ordnance Survey of Ireland, was very helpful in the interpretation of the newly discovered megalithic tombs. Thanks are also due to the Head of the Department of Irish Folklore, University College Dublin, for permission to reproduce material from the Schools’ Folklore Collection and to the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland for permission to reproduce illustrations from various issues of the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. Eoin Halpin of ADS Ltd, Belfast, and Beth Cassidy and Katherina Stephens of ADS Ltd, Dublin, provided support and advice throughout the duration of the project. A special acknowledgement is due to Katie O Mahony, also of ADS Ltd., Dublin, who brought her professional skills to bear on the illustrations and on the production of the final report and, therefore, contributed greatly to the success of the project. Great thanks are also due to Beth Van Sistine whose considerable skills led directly to the visualisation and achievement of the high design standard which has been reached by this publication.

Rory Sherlock

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

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INTRODUCTION

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT This report presents the results of the Burren Area Archaeological Survey, a one-year programme of archaeological research in the Burren area of northwest Cavan.

The study area consisted of over 14,250 acres and was bounded on the west by Co. Leitrim, and on the north and east by Co. Fermanagh. The southern limit of the study area was defined by a line, following townland boundaries, which separated the area from the remainder of Co. Cavan. Following a ‘paper search’ of published and unpublished material relating to the archaeological remains in the study area, an extensive programme of fieldwalking and site survey was undertaken. In total, 123 archaeological sites were visited and recorded, 48 of which were previously unrecorded. The descriptions of these sites, together with a selection of illustrations, scale plans and sketch plans, are found in the ‘Catalogue’. The important themes in the archaeology of the area are considered in the ‘Discussion’ chapter and the potential for further heritage-based developments is also discussed.

Plate 1 (opposite) Cashel, Moneygashel 3

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INTRODUCTION THE BURREN AREA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY SURVEY METHODOLOGY TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY & GEOMORPHOLOGY DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

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INTRODUCTION

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD

THE BURREN AREA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY

THE BURREN AREA

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY The Burren Area Archaeological Survey was established in May 1998, under the auspices of the Killinagh Community Council, with funding from the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.

The project is based on the area around Burren townland in northwest Cavan and was established with a view to gaining a greater understanding of the archaeological heritage of the region and to exploring the possibilities for further heritage-based developments in the area. The contract for the survey was awarded to Archaeological Development Services Limited and the work was undertaken, over a period of one year, by the author. The origins of the project lie in the deep-rooted ties between the people of Killinagh parish and the landscape in which they live and work. The significance of the archaeological heritage of the area, and particularly of Burren townland itself, has long been recognised, but it would appear that the location of the region, in physical and political terms, has served only to hinder the achievement of the recognition it truly deserves.

Plate 2 (opposite) Bullaun stone, Termon 6

The study area of the Burren Area Archaeological Survey consists of 42 townlands covering over 14,250 acres in northwest Cavan and is defined by the county boundaries with Leitrim and Fermanagh to the west, north and east and by townland boundaries from the remainder of Co. Cavan to the south. All of the townlands in the study area lie in the parish of Killinagh, except for Derrylahan, which lies in Templeport parish.

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INTRODUCTION

Map 1

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Study area location

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THE BURREN AREA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Lough Macnean Upper

Tuam Island Leck

Teemore Lough Macnean Lower

Mullaghahy

Port Gortaquill

Tuam

Loughan

Derrynaseer

CO. LEITRIM Correvan

Kiltomulty

Thornhill or Mullandreenagh

Termon Killycarney

Ture

Kinnabo

Kiltaglassan

Lanliss Corratirrim Unshogagh

CO. FERMANAGH

Roo Oggal

Gortnaleg

Cornagee

Barran Burren

Monesk

Legalough

CO. CAVAN

Killinagh Parish (Part of) Legeelan

Manragh Upper

Manragh Lower

Moneygashel

Gowlan

Stranamart Gubaveeny

Duckfield

Tawnymakelly

Cornahaw

Skeagh

Mullaghboy

Derrylahan

Templeport Parish (Part of)

Garvagh

Edenmore

geography Study Area Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland Country Border County Border Parish Border Townland Border

2km

Map 2

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Townlands within study area

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SURVEY METHODOLOGY

SURVEY

METHODOLOGY

PAPER SEARCH The project began in May 1998. The first two months of the project were devoted to a ‘paper search’, which sought to assimilate the written evidence relating to the antiquities of the study area. Cartographic evidence and written material, published and unpublished, was examined at such sources as the National Library of Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland, the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, formerly known as Dúchas), the library of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, the library of the Royal Irish Academy, the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Irish Folklore Commission. This search was used to compile a preliminary site list and to gather material which would be of use when considering and discussing the sites in the survey area.

FIELDWORK The fieldwork aspect of the survey project was divided into two parts: prospective fieldwalking and site survey.

Plate 3 (opposite) Portal tomb, Moneygashel 2

The former task, carried out over a period of almost six months, simply involved walking large tracts of the study area on a field-by-field basis in an attempt to discover previously unrecorded sites and monuments. Over 60% of the land in the study area, totalling over 8,500 acres, was walked in this manner and a large number of new sites were discovered. In general, the most productive land type in terms of prospective fieldwalking was marginal hill land and rough unimproved pasture. In some cases, mature forest was also quite productive, though in many cases it was so dense that it was practically impassable. Few previously-unrecorded sites were discovered in areas of improved pasture, particularly in the northern part

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INTRODUCTION

of the study area close to Lough Macnean Upper. In these areas it would appear that intensive land use over many years has led to relatively high monument destruction rates and so low-status archaeological sites tend to be less likely to survive in these areas. In addition, high levels of monument awareness amongst landowners have led to most sites in areas of improved pasture being listed in the RMP and the published county inventory and so very few previously-unrecorded sites were found. A boat was used to investigate the shore and islands of Lough Macnean Upper. The site survey aspect of the project was carried out on an intermittent basis for five months and on a full-time basis for a further three. This task involved the location, identification and investigation of all archaeological sites in the study area and these were recorded (on pre-prepared record sheets), sketched and photographed. A small number of newly recorded sites were planned to scale, though the potential of this task was limited by the largely one-man nature of the project. In July and August 1998, Therese Maguire, Killycarney, worked as a field assistant under the Student Summer Job scheme and most of the scale plans for newly recorded sites were drawn during that period. In general, except in the case of newly discovered sites, the detailed descriptions of megalithic tombs given in the Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972) was relied upon, the published descriptions being checked against the current evidence.

THE CATALOGUE OF SITES The final period of the project was devoted to the preparation of this report, the core of which is the ‘Catalogue of Sites’. The ‘Catalogue’ is divided into 20 chapters, each dealing with a particular site type or group of related site types, and each is prefaced by an introduction. The survey archive, consisting of the original site record sheets, the photographic slides and the site plans and illustrations, is presently stored in the offices of Archaeological Development Services Limited in Dublin.

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SSURVEY URVEY M METHODOLOGY ETHODOLOGY

THE CATALOGUE OF SITES ENTRY LAYOUT

Situated in a rough mountain pasture on a gentle northwest-facing slope with limited views. A court tomb, Mullaghboy 1, is located c. 140m ENE.

MULLAGHBOY 2

1

STANDING STONE (POSSIBLE) INDICATED

SITE DESCRIPTION The monument is identified as a small sandstone boulder, 0.5m x 0.6m and 0.56m high, which is aligned NNW–SSE. The stone is not securely set and appears to sit on a thin layer of peat on top of a horizontal slab of

4

sandstone. The classification of this monument as a standing stone is questionable.

2

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MB2

REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 18.

5

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:6 (159,323)

3

500–600 feet OD 20669, 33279 88 4:19

1 Site Heading The sites are listed within each chapter in alphabetical order of site name and each site heading includes an icon representing the appropriate site type, a unique site name composed of the townland name and a sequential number (e.g. Barran 1, Barran 2, Monesk 1, etc.), the current site classification, the Ordnance Survey 6” map designation and a brief description of the site location and surroundings. 2 Map Code This section includes the Map Reference Number by which sites may be identified in the maps contained within this volume. 3 The Cartographic Information Information which supports the location and identification of the site is presented as follows:

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

the Ordnance Survey 6” Sheet/Plan/Trace; the site co-ordinates in centimetres from the Ordnance Survey 6” map (Eastings and Northings); the elevation of the site above Ordnance Datum (OD) in feet; the ten-figure National Grid Co-ordinate; the site number in the published Archaeological Inventory of County Cavan (where applicable); and the Record of Monuments and Places number (where applicable). 4 Site Description The site description forms the major component of each site entry. 5 References Abbreviated references in this section refer to items listed in full in the Bibliography which relate to the particular site in question.

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INTRODUCTION

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TOPOGRAPHY GEOLOGY & GEOMORPHOLOGY

TOPOGRAPHY

GEOLOGY & GEOMORPHOLOGY SURVEY BOUNDARIES The study area of the Burren Area Archaeological Survey comprises the northwest corner of Co. Cavan and extends from the Fermanagh border on Lough Macnean Upper at the north to a line crossing northwest Cavan at the south. This line follows townland boundaries and runs from Tiltinbane, the northwestern summit of Cuilcagh, at the east, to a point on the Cavan–Leitrim border close to Lough Nagloghderg on a mountain plateau at the west. The southernmost townlands in the survey area, located along this line, are Edenmore, Derrylahan, Stranamart and Gubaveeny.

TOPOGRAPHY The topography and land use of the study area is quite diverse and the area is predominantly defined by political boundaries rather than by natural features. Plate 4 (opposite) Sandstone boulder on a limestone pedestal, Burren Townland

Lough Macnean forms a natural boundary to the north and the western uplands on the Leitrim border are, to a certain extent, a natural boundary also. The Fermanagh boundary on the east, however, is an arbitrary political boundary and divides the Burren uplands from the rest of the Burren–Cullentragh–Crossmurrin plateau. Similarly, the southern boundary of the study area is somewhat arbitrary, though this does not give the same impression of dividing a natural and distinct landscape as the eastern boundary does.

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INTRODUCTION

Garvagh Lough

Map 3

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Topography within the study area

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TOPOGRAPHY GEOLOGY & GEOMORPHOLOGY

Lough Macnean Upper

Lough Macnean Lower

Garvagh Lough

2km

Map 4

Water systems located within the study area

It is interesting to note that the study area is situated on the watershed of the Shannon and Erne drainage systems, the northern part draining into the Erne system via Lough Macnean and much of the eastern and southern parts draining, partly through subterranean systems, into the Shannon system. The reputed source of the Shannon, the Shannon Pot, is located within the study area in Derrylahan townland, while a large upland lake, Garvagh Lough, would appear to feed into this via a submerged stream.

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INTRODUCTION

GEOLOGY & GEOMORPHOLOGY The bedrock geology of the area and its relationship to the distribution of archaeological sites and monuments in the area is quite interesting. The bedrock geology of the eastern and northern parts of the study area is generally carboniferous limestone and it is in these areas that the majority of archaeological sites are located. Much of the western, southern and southeastern parts of the study area have sandstone bedrock, though sandstone boulders, many of them distributed by glacial action, are found throughout the entire area. While the two most important types of bedrock in the area are limestone and sandstone, shale is also in evidence in the extreme southeastern corner of the area on the upper slopes of Tilitinbane, and millstone grit is the dominant rock type on the mountain cliffs in the western townlands of Monesk and Gubaveeny. The limestone areas of the Burren and surrounding townlands are generally free draining and in a number of townlands the bedrock is exposed to form a karst landscape. The limestone bedrock is greatly affected by natural erosion, as water works to dissolve the stone, and so in many areas the principal drainage is via subterranean channels (i.e. caves), rather than via surface streams. This landscape is sometimes defined by areas of limestone pavement, and karstic features, such as grykes, clints, swallow holes and dry valleys, are in evidence. In other areas, however, the limestone may be covered by layers of soil and/or blanket bog, though it is quite common to see swallow holes in these areas also. In many areas of Burren and surrounding townlands, large blocks of sandstone may be seen resting on small pedestals of limestone bedrock. These glacial erratics protect the limestone beneath them from erosion and so, as the surrounding area is eroded over time, the sandstone boulder is left perched on a small pedestal. The geological and geomorphological features of the Burren area are an important natural resource and, when considered in conjunction with other features, such as the related botanical resource, the archaeological sites and monuments, the Shannon Pot and the varied topography, they constitute a unique landscape with excellent potential for tourism and leisure.

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TOPOGRAPHY GEOLOGY & GEOMORPHOLOGY

Map 5

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Bedrock geology within the study area

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INTRODUCTION

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DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

A total of 76 sites of archaeological interest within the study area were noted in the Archaeological Inventory of County Cavan (O’Donovan 1995), while the archives of the Archaeological Survey of Ireland contain over eighty files relating to the study area. Much of this information is, of course, almost identical to that published in the Inventory, but some useful material, particularly on sites included on the RMP but subsequently omitted from the Inventory, was found.

MANUSCRIPTS & MAPS The various manuscripts of the Ordnance Survey, compiled during survey work in the nineteenth century, can often provide a useful source of information on archaeological sites and monuments.

Plate 5 (opposite) Graveyard, Termon 5

The Name Books for County Cavan were consulted on microfilm and information relating to the size, location, ownership, land quality and usage, notable buildings and other ‘remarkable objects’ of the townlands in the study area was extracted. In general, only the most important archaeological sites in the area are mentioned in these entries. When analysing the land quality and usage figures for the 42 townlands in the study area, it is interesting to note that just 30% of the land is described as being cultivated, the remainder being comprised of uncultivated mountain pasture and bog. The produce of the cultivated land in the various townlands is almost invariably described as flax, oats and potatoes. The Ordnance Survey letters, written by John O’Donovan in 1836, were also consulted on microfilm and the letters relating to Killinagh were copied, but these provided practically no information on sites and monuments in the area. The Ordnance Survey Memoirs for Cavan, potentially the most useful of the OS manuscripts, were also consulted, but unfortunately no material relating to the study area was found.

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INTRODUCTION

Figure 1 Baronial map of Tullyhaw, 1609.

NL1 MS 16L12: Property of the Trustees of the National Library, Reproduced with permission

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In an attempt to find detailed maps of the area that could possibly provide more cartographic information than that available on the Ordnance Survey maps, fourteen volumes of manuscript maps relating to Co. Cavan were consulted. These hand-drawn maps, generally dating to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, were usually commissioned by landowners with large holdings and often show field boundaries, buildings, plantations and other features of note in great detail. Ringforts are the most commonly illustrated monuments on these estate maps, most other site types being omitted. Unfortunately, no estate maps were found for the parish of Killinagh, though one was found for the townland of Derrylahan in Templeport parish. This map, part of a collection relating to the estate of Richard, Earl Annesley, was drawn by James Benister in 1817 and is now held in the manuscript department of the National Library of Ireland (Ms 2730). The hand-coloured map is drawn at a scale of 40 perches to an inch and shows hills, lakes, the River Shannon and the Shannon Pot, though no houses, roads or antiquities are illustrated. A facsimile of a baronial map of Tullyhaw dating to 1609, also held in the National Library of Ireland (Ms 16L12), provided some interesting information relating to the study area. While the information on the northwestern corner of the barony – i.e. the land to the northwest of the Glan gap – is less detailed than that given for other areas, Lough M Neene (Lough Macnean) is illustrated and the following inscription is found in the general study area: ‘Largie & Dowballie / beinge 3 ballibetogbce / this land is in / controversie betweene / this Countie and the / County of leytrim’. In addition

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DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

to this, a small illustration shows a sub-circular green enclosure containing a church of rectangular plan with a doorway in one of the side walls, though with no apparent roof. An inscription within this small illustration, ‘2..’, may suggest that two churches of this type were found in the area. An open circle with a small dot in the centre may represent an important ringfort or cashel. A ballybetagh was a unit of land measurement based upon the potential agricultural yield of the area and so it could vary in size depending on the quality of the land. Mallory and McNeill note that each ballybetagh was divided into four quarters and each of these held four townlands, the ballybetagh, therefore, holding sixteen townlands and being of ‘at least a thousand acres’ (Mallory and McNeill 1991, 221). Other manuscripts, or copies of manuscripts, which were consulted in the National Library of Ireland, the Royal Irish Academy and the National Archives, include the Commonwealth Survey of Cavan, an inquisition into church property in Cavan in 1609 and ‘Extracts containing information relative to the Antiquities of the counties of Cavan and Leitrim (Breifny) collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1836’. The Commonwealth Survey of Cavan was of little use, but the 1609 inquisition does give some details relating to church property in Killinagh parish in the early seventeenth century. The Ordnance Survey extracts relating to the antiquities of Breifny consist of handwritten copies of entries in the Annals and so would be of more use to the historian than to the archaeologist.

ARTICLES & PAPERS A relatively large number of articles relating wholly or in part to archaeological sites and monuments in the study area were found in such periodicals as the Ulster Journal of Archaeology, the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, the Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, the Breifny Antiquarian Society Journal, Archaeology Ireland and the Journal of the Prehistoric Society. These articles, by such noted authors as W. F. Wakeman, S. F. Milligan, P. Richardson, D. Lowry-Corry and O. Davies, were copied and proved quite useful during the course of the project. Perhaps the earliest published reference to the archaeological sites in Burren townland is found in a guide to the Lough Erne region which was published by W. F. Wakeman in 1870. The text on the fifth excursion in

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INTRODUCTION

this book describes the Burren monuments as ‘one of the most remarkable groups of Celtic antiquities remaining’ (Wakeman 1870, 133). It goes on to describe eight monuments in some detail and provides an illustration of a wedge tomb, Burren 2 (Wakeman 1870, 136–42). Wakeman makes a brief reference to these monuments in a paper on a megalithic tomb at ‘the “Bar” of Fintona’ (Wakeman 1872–3, 135) and again, in the form of a table, in a paper on the passage tomb of Knockmany in Co. Tyrone (Wakeman 1876–8, 105). Wakeman also published an account of two cairns and associated cists, at Tuam and Killycarney, which were discovered during the course of the construction of the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway in 1879. This paper was published in the Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland Journal (Wakeman 1879, 183–200) and a short note relating to the finds from these sites was also published in the Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy (Wakeman 1877–83, 151–2). The site at Killycarney was also published by Plunkett (1879–88, 71–2). William C. Borlase, in his seminal work, The Dolmens of Ireland (1897), described three tombs in Burren and one in Legalough in great detail, providing three sketches and three ground plans. While the megalithic tombs of the study area were of great interest to the antiquarian writers of the time, the sweathouses of the region were also of some interest. Seaton F. Milligan published an early paper, ‘The Ancient Irish Hot-Air Bath’ in 1889 (Milligan 1889, 268–70), where he described their use with the aid of anecdotal evidence from various parts of Ulster. He described the sweathouse at Legeelan in detail and also published an attractive sketch of it. Milligan also mentioned the megalithic tombs in Burren and went on to describe the central cashel at Moneygashel in the course of a paper on ‘Ancient Forts in County Sligo’ (1891, 574–82). Phyllis Richardson published an important paper on sweathouses between Blacklion and Dowra in 1939 and, in addition to discussing their construction and usage in general, described six sweathouses which are covered by this study. She also described a further two, in Barran and Garvagh townlands (Richardson 1939, 32–5), which were not located during this study and are not listed in the County Inventory (O’Donovan 1995). Richardson also published a paper on the cashels of Moneygashel (1938, 19–20) and this was complemented by a note on the central cashel at Moneygashel and the Grianan of Aileach in Donegal by Lady Dorothy Lowry-Corry. Lowry-Corry and Richardson also published two papers on megalithic monuments in the region and described many of the cairns and

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DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

tombs in the study area (Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 155–75; Richardson and Lowry-Corry 1940, 169–81). Oliver Davies published a short paper on ‘Killinagh Church and Crom Cruaich’ (1939, 98–104) and also mentions it in his important paper on the churches of Co. Cavan (1948, 73–118). Davies also published a twopart paper on the castles of Co. Cavan (1947, 73–100; 1948, 81–126) and described therein the castle on Port Island on Lough Macnean Upper. Breandáin Ó Ríordáin published a paper on a number of Bronze Age burials, which were discovered in Termon townland in 1955, in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (Ó Ríordáin 1957, 53–9) and this provided further evidence of Bronze Age burial in the area, complementing the evidence presented by Wakeman and Plunkett in the previous century. Other important published material was found in such works as Volume 3 of the Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972), where eleven megalithic tombs in the area are described and illustrated in great detail.

UNPUBLISHED ARCHIVE MATERIAL The topographical files of the National Museum of Ireland were consulted and seven files relating to the study area were found. Four of these files relate to finds from burial cists in the area and the remainder relate to stray finds such as a beehive quern and a stone axe. A list of townlands in the study area was also cross-referenced with the topographical files of the Ulster Museum, but no files relating to the study area were found. Other sources that were consulted during the ‘paper survey’ include the files of the Geological Survey of Ireland and the manuscripts of the Irish Folklore Commission relating to County Cavan. The manuscripts of the Schools’ Folklore Collection of the Irish Folklore Commission, now the Department of Irish Folklore, UCD, provide a great amount of information relating to landscape and folklore of the country and were collected through the national schools from 1937 to 1938. Some material of interest to the study was found in manuscript IFC S 962, from the schools at Blacklion and Gubaveeny, is reproduced on the following pages.

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INTRODUCTION

Manuscript Entries from Schools’ Folklore Collection Irish Folklore Commission

BLACKLION SCHOOL IFC S 962: 108 “Archaeological – About two miles south of the village of Blacklion in the townland of Legalough – a wild mountainous district – is a ‘Giant’s Grave’. It is made up of a number of large stones standing on their ends, with one very large flat stone on top. The stone on top is so large that it would be impossible for any of the men of the present day to move it. The people in the locality state that the legend connected with it is – in days of old when Giants were supposed to roam through the land, one of them was amusing himself one day jumping across from one hill to another over a deep valley, which is to be seen in the district. He succeeded in doing so several times, then tried to jump across ‘backwards’ but failed to do so, fell into the valley, and was killed. The grave on the top of one of the hills now marks his resting place. Not far from the ‘Giant’s Grave’ is another grave constructed in the same way as the Giant’s grave, but smaller, this is known as the ‘Lady’s Grave’. I could not get any information from the old people of the locality regarding this, except that the Giant’s wife is buried there. There is also a small grave to be seen in the same place which is called the ‘Child’s Grave’. Some of the people in this district are most superstitious, they regard these graves with supernatural fear, and would not pass by them late, at night, as it is commonly believed among them that the Giant appears at certain times!”

IFC S 962: 110 “Bullaun’s Stone – A large stone in townland of Termon in a field near the shore of Upper Lough Mac Nean. Surrounded by a number of smaller stones. Called by some the ‘Wishing Stone’ as they believe that anyone who sits on the stone and wishes for something he is desirous to get, will be granted his wish. It is also called the ‘cursing stone’. Forts – Not a great many forts in the neighborhood of Blacklion – one fairly big one in the townland of Thornhill about two and a half miles from Blacklion. It is surrounded by two fairly high mounds of earth – One of the legends connected with it is that all the bushes round it sprang up in one night.”

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IFC S 962: 180 “Fairy Forts – There is a fort in the townland of Killycarney, Blacklion, Co. Cavan. It is round in shape, and there is a ditch round it. There are trees inside the ditch, and there are whins in the centre of the fort. Nobody has ever interfered with it. There is a hole in the centre but nobody ever went down to explore. There is an old story that all the trees round it sprang up in one night. Long ago the people thought that the fairies lived in it, and would not pass it late at night.” Written by Bobbie Nixon, Thornhill, Blacklion, Co. Cavan., Told by Mrs Murray, Blacklion, Co. Cavan.

IFC S 962: 253

“Stories of Giants and Warriors – In the townland of Burren, about two miles north of Blacklion, Co. Cavan, there are two very high rocks, with a deep valley between them. The story is told that one day a giant was jumping across from one rock to the other, he jumped backwards and forwards several times but at last fell into the valley and was killed. Since that this place is known as the ‘Giant’s Leap’ and near the ‘Giant’s Leap’ are some very high rocks standing on their ends with one huge rock on top, this is where the giant was buried and is called the ‘Giant’s Grave’. Written by Rupert Elliott. Told by my father, Mullaghbane, Florencecourt.

Figure 2

Wedge tomb, Buren 2 after Borlase 1897, 205, fig 193 Reproduced by permission of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland ©

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INTRODUCTION

IFC S 962: 254

“Long ago a giant lived in the townland of Burren two miles from Blacklion, Co. Cavan. One day the giant was jumping from one rock to the other, across a deep valley, and then he tried to jump backways, but he was not able, and he fell into the valley and was killed. His grave is to be seen yet, and is called the ‘Giant’s Grave’. There are two graves beside the giant’s grave. They are called the ‘Lady’s Grave’ and the ‘Child’s Grave’. The giant’s wife is supposed to be buried in the ‘Lady’s Grave’ and their child in the ‘Child’s Grave’. The giant’s grave and his wife’s grave are formed of some very big stones standing on their ends with two very large flat stones on top. The child’s grave is marked by large stones standing on their ends, but there is no stone on top. Written by Bobbie Nixon. Told by my father, Thornhill, Blacklion, Co. Cavan.”

Figure 3 Portal tomb, Buren 4, after Bolase 1897, 205, fig 203 Reproduced by permission of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland ©

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Figure 4 Sweathouse, Legeelan 1, after Milligan 1889, facing 268 Reproduced by permission of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland ©

GUBAVEENY SCHOOL IFC S 962: 278

“Here are some of the places where sweat-houses were:– At Patsy Carrigan’s, Gubaveeny, Blacklion. Patrick McGovern’s (Pat Red Mickey’s), Gubaveeny, Blacklion. Thomas McAveeney’s, Gubaveeny, Blacklion.” Heard from James Feehily, Gubaveeny, Blacklion.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

CATALOGUE OF SITES

MEGALITHIC TOMBS

ENCLOSURES

PRE-BOG WALLS

CRANNÓGS

STONE ROWS

HUT SITES, HOUSE SITES

STANDING STONES

& SETTLEMENT CLUSTERS

BARROWS

ECCLESIASTICAL REMAINS

CAIRNS AND MOUNDS

HOLY WELLS

CISTS

RECTANGULAR ENCLOSURES

FULACHTA FIADH

BOUNDARY STONES

PROMONTORY FORTS

CASTLES

RINGFORTS: RATHS & CASHELS

SWEATHOUSES

SOUTERRAINS

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 6

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M MEGALITHIC EGALITHIC T TOMBS OMBS

MEGALITHIC TOMBS

A megalithic tomb may be defined as an over-ground structure covered with a cairn, within which large upright stones and lintels form a confined space designed for the ritual deposition of human remains. There are four main types of megalithic tomb in Ireland: court tombs, portal tombs, wedge tombs and passage tombs and individual tombs may commonly be assigned to one of these types on the basis of their particular morphology. Megalithic tombs were generally built during the Neolithic period (c. 4000-2500 BC), though some continued to be built in the Early Bronze Age period (c. 2500-1500 BC). Three of the four main types of megalithic tombs are found in the study area and these provide the most important evidence for ritual activity in the area in the Neolithic period (c. 4000–2500 BC). The concentration of megalithic tombs in the study area is quite notable in relation to the general distribution in the county (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, Fig. 83), and new discoveries in recent years, such as Burren 8, Duckfield 1 and Skeagh 1, have served to further underline the apparent importance of the area in prehistoric times. All of the megalithic tombs in the study area were visited during the course of the field survey, but, as detailed descriptions of the previously recorded tombs are available (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 103–12; O’Donovan 1995, 3–12), these sites were not surveyed in detail. The published descriptions were checked against the surviving evidence and any discrepancies, particularly in the environment of the site, were noted. These published descriptions are the source for the ‘Catalogue’ entries given below, while the previously unrecorded sites were surveyed in detail.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

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Plate 6

Court tomb, Mullaghboy 1

Plate 7

Portal tomb, Burren 3

Plate 8

Wedge tomb, Burren 2

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

COURT

Court tombs have a chamber or series of chambers contained within a cairn and are defined by an open semicircular court which gives access to the gallery. The tomb is usually orientated towards the east and the cairns, where the outline may be found, are usually trapezoidal in shape. Court tombs are found almost exclusively in the northern half of the country.

PORTAL

Portal tombs are defined by the use of two tall portals to create an entrance to a simple chamber and are usually roofed by a single large capstone. Portal tombs also generally have a northern distribution, though groups of portal tombs are also found in Co. Clare and in the southeast of the country.

TOMBS

TOMBS

WEDGE

TOMBS

Wedge tombs are thought to be the latest type of tomb and consist of a simple wedge-shaped gallery covered with a circular or oval cairn. The gallery is wider at the southwest end, where the entrance is found, and an outer line of walling usually surrounds the gallery walls. The distribution of wedge tombs is quite diverse, though there is a marked western bias.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated in a small overgrown clearing on the top of Tullygobban hill in an area of mature coniferous plantation. A cairn, Burren 5, is situated c. 10m SW, while another wedge tomb, Burren 2, is situated 440m E. Two portal tombs, Burren 3 and Burren 4, are located 700m SSW and 170m SE respectively.

BURREN 1 WEDGE TOMB GIANT’S GRAVE

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BU1 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:1:3 (229,553) 800–900 feet OD 20743, 33526 14 4:3

SITE DESCRIPTION The monument consists of a ruined gallery, 7.5m long and averaging 1.5m in width, which is aligned roughly SW–NE. Five in situ orthostats and three fallen stones define the southern side of the gallery, while a further five in situ orthostats and one fallen stone define the northern side. The southern orthostats are now between 0.6m and 1.1m high, while the northern examples stand to between 0.4m and 1.25m. It is notable that a number of the orthostats now lean heavily and were probably higher originally. The western orthostat on the northern side and the two western stones on the southern side may have formed a portico similar to that seen at Burren 2. The gallery of the monument is roofed by three partly displaced slabs, one of which is broken into two large pieces. Two outer wall stones are found in situ, while other slabs around the tomb may also have originally been part of the outer wall (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 105; O’Donovan 1995, 3–4). The plan published by de Valera and Ó Nualláin (1972, Fig. 54) differs, to a considerable extent, from that published by Lowry-Corry and Richardson (1937, 169), and the authors of the later work suggest the increased vegetation around the tomb as a reason for the discrepancy. REFERENCES Borlase 1897, 201–2; de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 105; LowryCorry and Richardson 1937, 168–70; O’Donovan 1995 3–4; Wakeman 1870, 137.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

3m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 54

Figure 5

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Plan of wedge tomb, Burren 1

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

3m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 54

Figure 6

Section of wedge tomb, Burren 2

3m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 54

Figure 7

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Plan of wedge tomb, Burren 2

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

Situated in a small clearing on a hilltop in an area of mature coniferous plantation. Other wedge tombs, Burren 1 and Legalough 1, are situated 440m W and 450m SE, respectively. Two portal tombs, Burren 3 and Burren 4, are located 890m SW and 370m WSW, respectively, and a promontory fort, Burren 9, is located 310m N. A court tomb, Legalough 2, is situated 400m SE and an unclassified megalithic tomb, Burren 8, is located 360m SW.

BURREN 2 WEDGE TOMB GIANT’S GRAVE

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BU2 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:1 (271,551) 800–900 feet OD 20789, 33524 15 4:5

SITE DESCRIPTION This well-preserved monument is situated on top of a small hill close to the eastern edge of Burren townland, but the extensive views described by de Valera and Ó Nualláin (1972, 106–7) are now obscured by trees. The monument consists of a WSW–ENE orientated gallery, c. 7.5m long, which is divided by a septal stone into a long portico and a main chamber. The entrance to the gallery at WSW is marked by two slabs set 0.6m apart and this gives access to the portico, 2.5m long and 1.1m wide. The portico is constructed with two southern orthostats, 1.3m and 0.95m high, respectively, and one northern orthostat, 1.1m high. This section of the gallery is roofed with two large slabs, one of which appears to have cup-and-ring type art on its upper surface. The main chamber of the monument is divided from the portico by a 1.1m-high septal stone. The main chamber is 4.5m long and 1m to 1.3m wide. The southern side of the chamber is formed by three boulders, measuring between 0.8m and 0.95m high, while the northern side is formed by four principal stones of between 0.65m and 0.95m in height. The backstone at the eastern end of the main chamber is 0.8m high and the chamber is roofed with three large slabs (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 106–8; O’Donovan 1995, 4). The well-set stone outside the main chamber, which appears to continue the line of the northern gallery wall to the east, was compared by de Valera and Ó Nualláin (1972, 107) to similar stones at Legalough 1 and it would appear that these can also be compared to those at a newly discovered tomb in the area, Skeagh 1. Seven upright stones and a number of other fallen examples represent the outer wall of the tomb. It is interesting to note the difference between the slabs used to construct the walls of the portico and the boulders used to construct the main chamber, and this may suggest that the monument was built in two phases. Wakeman (1870, 133) described this monument as a ‘magnificent and perfect megalithic chamber’, while Borlase notes that the tomb is within sight of the tombs of Burren 1, Burren 4 and Legalough 2 (1897, 203). REFERENCES Borlase 1897, 203–6; de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 106–8; LowryCorry & Richardson 1937, 170–1; O’Donovan 1995, 4; Wakeman 1870, 136–7.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated in a small clearing in an area of mature coniferous plantation. Two wedge tombs, Burren 1 and Burren 2, are situated 610m NNE and 860m NE, respectively. A portal tomb, Burren 4, is located 580m NNE and an unclassified megalithic tomb, Burren 8, is located 520m NE. An enclosure and associated hut sites, Burren 6, 7 and 11, are located 40m N.

BURREN 3 PORTAL TOMB NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BU3 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:1:6 (214,486) 800–900 feet OD 20729, 33456 16 4:1

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SITE DESCRIPTION This monument is situated close to the southern edge of Burren townland and is identified as a small rectangular chamber, 2m by 0.65m, which is situated in a large heather-covered cairn of roughly oval plan. The cairn measures 20m E–W and 16.5m N–S and is up to 2m high. The surface of the cairn is quite uneven and it would appear that material was removed from it at some period. The chamber is formed with two portals, two sidestones and a backstone and is covered with two overlapping roofstones. The portals are c. 1.1m high (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 106; O’Donovan 1995, 4–5). Wakeman notes that a ‘fine urn’ was found in the chamber (1872–3, 135). REFERENCES de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 106; Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 165–6; O’Donovan 1995, 4–5; Wakeman 1870, 139–40; 1872–3, 135.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

3m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 58

Figure 8

Section of portal tomb, Burren 3

3m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 58

Figure 9

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Plan of portal tomb, Burren 3

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

2m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 55

Figure 10

Plan of portal tomb, Burren 4

Situated in mature coniferous forest, this monument is incorporated into a later field fence and is in close proximity to the remains of an abandoned dwelling house. Two wedge tombs, Burren 1 and Burren 2, are located 170m NW and 370m ENE, respectively. A portal tomb, Burren 3, is located 580m SSW and an unclassified megalithic tomb, Burren 8, is located 170m SE.

BURREN 4 PORTAL TOMB DRUIDICAL ALTAR

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BU4 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:1 (238,540) 800–900 feet OD 20754, 33512 17 4:4

SITE DESCRIPTION This site has suffered from interference at some period and the remains are difficult to interpret. Two large orthostats at the west, standing 2m and 2.2m high, would appear to have been the portals of the monument, while two other stones, 1.3m to 1.4m high and 1.2m to 2.65m long, which run NE from the portals, may have formed the sidewalls of the chamber. A large displaced capstone, measuring 5m by 4.2m and being 0.15m to 0.6m thick, rests on the portal at the northwest and on the ground at the east. The monument was converted into an animal shelter by the addition of stone walling and is locally known as the ‘Calf House’. Wakeman suggests that the capstone was supported by ‘four supporters about 7 feet in height’ and mentions that the ‘monument stands probably much the same as when first erected’ (1870, 138), though unfortunately he does not provide an illustration. Borlase, on the other hand, describes the monument as it is found today (1897, 202–3), and so it would appear that the conversion of the tomb to an animal shelter took place between their visits to the site. REFERENCES Borlase 1897, 202–3; de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 108–9; LowryCorry and Richardson 1937, 167–8; O’Donovan 1995, 5; Wakeman 1870, 137–8; 1872–3, 13.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

Situated on a small rise of ground in relatively open coniferous forest, this site was discovered by local people in recent years and, upon inspection by Eamon Cody of the Archaeological Division, Ordnance Survey of Ireland, was accepted as a megalithic tomb, though the visible evidence did not allow the monument to be further classified. Two wedge tombs, Burren 1 and Burren 2, are located 310m NW and 360m NE, respectively, while two portal tombs, Burren 3 and Burren 4, are located 520m SW and 170m NW, respectively.

BURREN 8 MEGALITHIC TOMB (UNCLASSIFIED) NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BU8 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:4 (243,518) 800–900 feet OD 20762, 33500

SITE DESCRIPTION The remains of this site consist of three probable orthostats, one of which has apparently fallen, a large slab which was probably a capstone, and a number of other stones which may have been part of the tomb structure or may have been cairn material. The northwestern orthostat is 0.6m high, 1.2m long and 0.3m thick and is orientated SW–NE. The fallen orthostat to the northeast of this appears to have had a similar alignment and probably touched the northeastern end of the northwestern orthostat. The fallen orthostat measures 1.2m by 0.8m and is c. 0.3m thick. The southwestern orthostat, which leans heavily outwards, measures 1.2m by 0.85m and is 0.3m thick. The capstone, which has apparently fallen from the northern orthostats, lies between the northern and southern orthostats and now rests on the edge of the southern orthostat and on the ground. It measures 2.6m long (SW–NE) by 1.65m wide and is c. 0.2m thick. One of the interesting points about this site is the strong similarity in size and form of the three probable orthostats, each being a very regular block of sandstone. The light covering of peat and vegetation which concealed this site originally was removed on the discovery of the tomb before this survey project commenced. NOTES Previusly Unrecorded.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on rough pasture with some small hillocks nearby and with views of Cuilcagh mountain and of the limestone ridge on which the Legalough tombs are situated. The wedge tomb and court tomb, Legalough 1 and Legalough 2, are situated c. 880m NW, while the dual court tomb at Kilnameel, Co. Fermanagh, is situated 400m SE.

DUCKFIELD 1 WEDGE TOMB NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

DU1

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:5 (359,458) 600–700 208985, 334361

SITE DESCRIPTION The remains of this wedge tomb would appear to have been disturbed by the construction of a small limekiln, which was built into the front of the tomb. The tomb is now identified as a gallery, defined by four stones on the northern side and two on the southern side, with what appears to be a sill stone within the gallery and a possible backstone at the east. The four stones on the northern side are all of sandstone and measure 0.65m, 0.4m, 0.45m and 0.3m high, respectively, when considered W–E. The two stones on the southern side are at the west end of the gallery and the east end of the southern side appears to be missing. The western stone on the south side is of limestone and stands 0.25m above the surrounding ground level, while the eastern stone on the south side is of sandstone and stands up to 0.65m high. It is important to note, however, that the tops of the stones are level with each other, the discrepancy in visible height being explained by the fact that the western stone is surrounded by a grassy mound. The gallery is divided by two sill stones which cross the chamber to the east of the westernmost sidestones. The southern sill stone is of limestone and is 0.45m high, while the northern sill stone is somewhat concealed. The possible backstone at the east of the gallery is 0.35m high. Three sandstone blocks within the chamber appear to be ex-situ and may originally have formed the east end of the south wall of the gallery. The outer wall on the south side is represented by three stones, one of sandstone and two of limestone, and these stand 0.35m, 0.3m and 0.2m high, respectively, when considered W–E. The outer wall on the northern side is also represented by three stones, one of sandstone and two of limestone, which stand 0.25m, 0.15m and 0.15m high, respectively. Four probable kerbstones to the east, when considered S–N, stand 0.15m, 0.3m, 0.25m and 0.15m high and further kerbstones, possibly including a 0.75m-high boulder to the north, may be concealed by a relict field wall which crosses the northern edge of the site. A large sandstone slab, 0.35m high, to the northwest may be a fallen kerbstone or part of a façade. Four probable kerbstones to the southwest, close to the limekiln, stand 0.5m, 0.15m, 0.1m and 0.3m high, while a further three probable kerbstones to the south stand 0.2m, 0.5m and 0.25m high. NOTES Previously Unrecorded.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

fiel d

wa

ll

lime kiln

3m

Figure 11

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Plan of wedge tomb, Duckfield 1

41

fen ce

CATALOGUE OF SITES

3m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 55

Figure 12

Plan of court tomb, Garvagh 1

Situated on rough pasture a short distance from the shore of Garvagh Lough. Two standing stones, Garvagh 3 and Garvagh 4, are situated 120m NW and 320m SE respectively, while another court tomb, Mullaghboy 1, is situated 790m to the west.

GARVAGH 1 COURT TOMB NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GV1 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:6:4 (245,337) 500–600 feet OD 20765,33297 42 4:7

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of an overgrown cairn, c. 20m in diameter, with a polygonal chamber at the southwest end and a series of large slabs, apparently covering stone-built chambers, in the northeast quadrant. The polygonal chamber measures 3.4m long and 2.5m wide (max.) and is constructed with three upright slabs on the northwestern side, three similar slabs on the southeastern side and a backstone to the southwest. The southeastern sidestones, when considered from the back of the chamber, are 0.8m, 0.55m and 0.6m in height, while the northwestern sidestones, considered in the same manner, stand 1.1m, 0.75m and 0.8m high. The backstone, which leans outwards, is 0.55m high. Two orthostats to the northeast of this chamber may represent the northwestern wall of another chamber, though the evidence for this is somewhat inconclusive (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 112; O’Donovan 1995, 9–10). A field wall crosses the cairn NW–SE and a number of large slabs within the cairn to the northeast of this would appear to have formed further chambers or cist-like structures. A small tree on the northeastern side of the fence has fallen in recent months and has damaged the field wall, possibly moving some of the large slabs also. REFERENCES de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 112; Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 173; O’Donovan 1995, 9–10.

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fence

MEGALITHIC TOMBS

3m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 52

Figure 13

Plan of court tomb, Gortaquill 1

Situated in scrub in an area of otherwise good hill pasture on a shoulder of Mullaghahy hill. Four cashels, namely Port 1, Port 2, Port 3 and Gortaquill 3, are located 440m NW, 310m W, 310m SW and 430m SE, respectively, while a rath, Gortaquill 2, is located 360m ESE.

GORTAQUILL 1 COURT TOMB GIANT’S GRAVE

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GQ1

SITE LOCATION

OS 1:12:5 (841,225) 300–400 feet OD 20410, 33816 43 1:2

SITE DESCRIPTION The monument consists of a gallery of two chambers, aligned NE–SW, which is situated at the northeastern end of a mound measuring c. 25m long. The entrance at the northeast is now partly concealed under a stone field wall. A court stone, 0.4m high, is found at the eastern end of the south side of the gallery and two upright stones to the northeast of the field wall may also be court stones, each being 0.4m high. The gallery, measuring c. 5m long and 1.7m wide, is divided into two chambers by a single surviving jambstone that is 1m high and extends inwards from the centre of the northern gallery wall, the other jambstone and much of the southern side of the rear chamber being no longer extant. The front chamber is defined by a large slab, 1.1m high, to the south and by two stones, 0.7m and 0.8m high, respectively, to the north. A possible entry jamb is evident in the field wall to the west. The rear chamber is defined by four stones on the northern side and by one remaining orthostat on the southern side, all being c. 0.9m in height. The backstone no longer survives in situ (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 103; O’Donovan 1995, 10). REFERENCES de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 103; Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 159; O’Donovan 1995, 10.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

fence 5m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 53

Figure 14

Plan of court tomb, Killycarney 1

Situated on reasonably good hill pasture on low ridge with views of Lough Macnean Upper to the northeast. A cashel, Killycarney 6, is located 280m ENE.

KILLYCARNEY 1 COURT TOMB GIANT’S GRAVE

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KC1 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:1 (2,139) 200–300 20502, 33730 45 2:4

SITE DESCRIPTION This site consists of the remains of a court at the east, with a gallery divided into an antechamber and two main chambers to the west. The court is quite ruined and is only identified by one or two stones to the north of the antechamber. The antechamber, 1.4m long and 1.4m wide, is defined by a single stone on each side, each being c. 0.45m high. The antechamber is divided from the eastern main chamber by a pair of jambs which are set 0.6m apart and stand 0.5m and 1m high, respectively. The eastern main chamber is 2.5m long and up to 1.6m wide. It is defined by upright sidestones and imbricated and is divided from the western chamber by a sill stone standing 0.85m high. The western chamber was at least 2m long and is defined on the southern side by a large slab, 2.6m long and 1.3m high, and on the northern side by two lesser orthostats. The western end of this chamber does not survive (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 103–4; O’Donovan 1995, 10). The 20m-long cairn described by de Valera and Ó Nualláin (1972, 103–4) as being visible to the west of the field fence which crosses the site is not evident and it would appear to have been cleared. REFERENCES de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 103–4; Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 159–60; O’Donovan 1995, 10.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

3m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 56

Figure 15

Plan of wedge tomb, Legalough 1

Situated on rough hill pasture on a broad E–W ridge with good views in a number of directions. A court tomb, Legalough 2, is situated 34m WNW, two small enclosures, Legalough 3 and Legalough 4, are situated c. 25m NW and c. 17m SE, respectively, and other wedge tombs, Burren 2 and Duckfield 1, are located 410m NW and 880m SE, respectively.

LEGALOUGH 1 WEDGE TOMB DRUIDICAL ALTAR

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

LL1 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:5 (308,529) 800–900 feet OD 20829, 33501 50 4:10

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of the remains of a gallery, 6m long, with evidence of outer walling surviving on either side. The gallery opens to the southwest and narrows from 1.7m to 1.25m in width. The southeastern side of the gallery is represented by seven orthostats, some of which are nearly hidden by vegetation, while others stand up to 0.9m in height. The northwestern side of the gallery is now represented by just four orthostats standing up to 0.75m in height, while the western stones of the line are apparently missing. The eastern end of the gallery is closed by a backstone standing 0.3m high and outside this are two buttress-like stones, which are comparable to those at the nearby wedge tombs of Burren 2 and Skeagh 1. The outer line of wall stones on the northwestern side is represented by five stones, varying in height from 0.25m to 0.75m, while the outer line on the southeastern side is also represented by five stones and these vary in height from 0.2m to 0.55m. A single façade stone survives at the southwest (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 109–10; O’Donovan 1995, 11). REFERENCES de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 109–10; Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 172–3; O’Donovan 1995, 11.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on rough hill pasture on a broad east–west ridge with good views in a number of directions. A wedge tomb, Legalough 1, is situated 34m ESE, while two small enclosures, Legalough 3 and Legalough 4, are immediately adjacent, E and c. 50m ESE, respectively. Other wedge tombs, Burren 2 and Duckfield 1, are located 400m NW and 880m SE, respectively. .

LEGALOUGH 2 COURT TOMB INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

LL2

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:1 (305,531) 800–900 feet OD 20824, 33502 51 4:9

46

SITE DESCRIPTION The site now consists of the remains of a court feature, while the gallery and cairn of the monument do not appear to survive. A small enclosure, Legalough 3, is now situated immediately east of the remains of the westfacing court feature – i.e. where the gallery of the monument was originally located – but it is quite possible that evidence for the gallery and cairn of the tomb survive under this enclosure. The entrance feature to the tomb is formed with two impressive stones, the northern one of which is now split into two parts. The northern stone stands 1.3m high, while the well-matched southern stone stands 1.15m high. The inner faces of the stones are fairly straight, while the outer edges slope downwards. A sill stone, 0.45m high, is situated between the two jambs (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 109; O’Donovan 1995, 11). The northern arm of the court does not survive, while the south side is represented by three orthostats which stand 1m, 0.9m and 1m high, respectively, though some originally may have been taller. REFERENCES Borlase 1897, 206; de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 109; Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 171–2; O’Donovan 1995, 11. .

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

bank

3m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 52

Figure 16

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Plan of court tomb, Legalough 2

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

3m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 55

Figure 17

Plan of portal tomb, Moneygashel 2

Situated on rough hill pasture at the head of a shallow valley with extensive views from SE through to SSW. Three cashels, Moneygashel 1, Moneygashel 3 and Moneygashel 5, are situated 460m NNE, 140m SW and 560m SW, respectively.

MONEYGASHEL 2 PORTAL TOMB NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MG2

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:2 (99,437) 600–700 feet OD 20607, 33401 54 4:17

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a large cairn of irregular form with a greatly disturbed chamber at the NNE end. The cairn is 11m long and generally 5m wide and would appear to have been rebuilt. The chamber of the tomb has been converted into an animal shelter by the insertion of small stone walls that possibly conceal some evidence for the original form of the chamber. The remains of the chamber consist of a large portal stone, a sill stone and a large slab forming the eastern side of the chamber. The surviving western portal is 1.85m in height, while the eastern portal is no longer in situ. The sill stone, situated at the rear of the western portal, is 1.2m long and 0.35m high, and the large inward-leaning slab forming the eastern side of the chamber, being at least 2.25m long and 1.7m high, is positioned behind it. The western side of the chamber does not survive, though one or both of the two slabs evident in the inserted walling at the rear of the chamber may have served as a backstone. The massive roof stone has broken into two pieces, the upper section measuring 3m by 1.5m, while the lower section measures 4.2m by 2.8m (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 110–11; O’Donovan 1995, 11). REFERENCES de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 110–11; Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 164–5; O’Donovan 1995, 11.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

Plate 9

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

Portal tomb, Moneygashel 2

49

CATALOGUE OF SITES

fence

fence

5m after de Valera & Ó Nualláin 1972, fig. 59

Figure 18

50

Plan of court tomb, Mullaghboy 1

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

Situated on rough pasture with a standing stone, Mullaghboy 2, located 150m WSW and a court tomb, Garvagh 1, situated 780m ENE.

MULLAGHBOY 1 COURT TOMB WHITE CAIRN

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MB1

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:6 (172,326) 500–600 feet OD 20687, 33286 57 4:20

SITE DESCRIPTION The site comprises the remains of a court and gallery situated at the northwest end of a trapezoidal cairn and is skirted by a farm track at the south. A number of kerbstones are evident at the southeastern end and southwestern side of the cairn and a number of other stones to the northwest may represent the façade of the tomb. The cairn stands to a maximum height of c. 1.5m and cairn material would appear to obscure some parts of the gallery. A single stone on each side of the gallery entrance represents the court of the tomb, though other stones may be concealed in situ. The northeastern court stone is 1.3m high, while that at the southwest is 0.7m high. The entry stones are set longitudinally, stand 0.9m apart and are 1m and 0.65m high. They give access to the gallery, one orthostat of which is evident at the southwest standing to a height of 0.9m. Behind this stone, a long slab, possibly a sidestone or corbel, marks the southeastern side of the gallery, and two other sidestones are evident at the southeastern end of the northeastern side of the chamber. These are exposed to heights of 1.3m and 0.55m, while another orthostatic stone, set at right angles to the outer of the two sidestones, may be another sidestone or may, indeed, be part of a side chamber. Another orthostat, standing 0.5m high, is located in the centre of the gallery and may have been part of an internal wall to divide the gallery into two rear chambers. Two large displaced slabs, measuring 2.8m by 0.9m and 1.8m by 1m, are found in the gallery and may be fallen roof stones or collapsed sidestones (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 111–12; O’Donovan 1995, 12). REFERENCES de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 111–12; Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 173; O’Donovan 1995, 12.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on a fairly level site with falling ground to the north and mature forest to the east. The tomb is located in an area of poor rushy grazing and the views are mostly impeded by higher ground, though some long-distance views can be found from the west-northwest through to the northwest.

SKEAGH 1 WEDGE TOMB NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MG2

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:6:5 (343,348) 600 feet OD 208737, 333170

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of the remains of a gallery, 5.8m long, which is flanked at either side by outer walling and some remains of a cairn. The southern side of the gallery is represented by three orthostats, though a gap between the western and central orthostats would suggest that a fourth stone was present originally. The heights of the stones W–E are 0.6m, 0.7m and 0.9m. The northern side of the gallery is represented by three orthostats, though a fourth would also appear to be missing from between the western and central stones. The western orthostat has split vertically and the two sections are now 0.2m apart at the top. The heights of the northern orthostats W–E are 0.85m, 0.5m and 0.6m. The eastern end of the gallery is partly closed by a backstone, which touches the eastern orthostat on the south side and is 0.45m high, 0.6m wide and 0.27m thick. A second backstone, which could complete the closure of the rear of the gallery, may be concealed under a grassy bump. The outer walling on the northern side is represented by two stones, 0.3m and 0.4m high, while the outer walling on the southern side is represented by one stone, just 0.15m high, though the surrounding cairn material probably masks its original height. The poorly defined grass-covered mound which would appear to represent the cairn is up to 11.5m long and local information suggests that the capstones were removed from the monument some years ago and used in the drainage of the cleared field immediately to the north. NOTES Previously Unrecorded.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

Plate 10

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

Wedge tomb, Skeagh 1

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 7

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MEGALITHIC OMBS PRE-BOG TW ALLS

PRE-BOG

WALLS

A pre-bog wall is identified as a stone wall which has been covered by peat growth in a blanket or raised bog and they are usually found through turf extraction or drain cutting. The discovery of these walls can often indicate the presence of extensive relict field systems under the bog and can provide new evidence for human settlement in areas where known prehistoric sites were previously limited to ritual or ceremonial monuments. Pre-bog walls may date to the Neolithic period and the site at Gortnaleg, together with visible evidence of relict field systems in neighbouring townlands, has the potential to shed important light on the prehistory of the study area.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Plate 11

56

Pre-bog wall, Gortnaleg 2

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MEGALITHIC OMBS PRE-BOG TW ALLS

Situated in an area of undulating blanket bog with higher ground to the east and a series of small swallow holes, which drain the immediate area, to the north-northwest. A cairn (site), Gortnaleg 1, is situated 190m ESE, a cashel, Moneygashel 1, is situated 450m SW and a standing stone, Gortnaleg 2, is situated 540m NE. The remains of this pre-bog wall consist of (i) a number of stones protruding from under a bank of peat, (ii) a number of stones apparently forming the base of the wall where the peat has been excavated, and (iii) two cairns comprised of stones which have been removed from the wall.

GORTNALEG 3 PRE-BOG WALL NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GL3 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:1:5 (137,507) 700–800 feet OD 206496, 334856

SITE DESCRIPTION Approximately ten to twelve stones (sandstone, 15cm to 60cm) may be seen under or close to the bog bank, the surface of which is 70cm above the uppermost stones. The original form of the wall is unclear at this point. A group of c. eight stones, found c. 25m NNW of (i), would appear to be situated in an area where peat has been extracted and are partly covered with a thin layer of peat and moss. This stony area, 1.4m wide and c. 3.4m long, appears to be fairly regular and is probably the base of the same wall identified at (i), the upper courses of the wall having been removed during peat extraction. Immediately east of (ii) is a small cairn of stones (sandstone, up to 60cm), and a similar, though larger, cairn is found c. 8m NNW. These stones, according to local information, were part of the wall identified at (i) and (ii) and were removed during turf cutting and placed to one side. NOTES Previously Unrecorded.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 8

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MEGALITHIC STONETROMBS OWS

STONE ROWS Stone rows are identified as three or more standing stones set close together on approximately the same line and are thought to have had ritual or ceremonial roles. The two main areas of distribution of this monument type are mid-Ulster and south Munster and they are generally assigned to the Bronze Age (c. 2500–500 BC).

NORTHWEST ORTHWEST C CO. CAVAN AVAN SSURVEY URVEY

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on rush-covered peaty land on the summit of a subsidiary hill of Cuilcagh mountain. The level nature of the hilltop means that this site is invisible until one is quite close to it, though the elevated position commands excellent medium- to long-range views from the south through to the northwest. A hut site, Edenmore 2, is located 350m SSW. The site is identified as a stone row comprised of three sandstone blocks aligned E–W.

EDENMORE 1 STONE ROW NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

ED1 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:13:3 (222,132) 1000–1003 feet OD 207482, 330826

SITE DESCRIPTION The eastern stone is 1.17m high, 0.8m wide and 0.6m thick at the base and tapers to 0.6m wide and 0.4m thick near the top. The base of the central stone is 2.03m from the base of the eastern stone. The central stone is 1.3m wide, 0.76m high and 0.21m thick at the base. The base of the western stone is 2.05m from the base of the central stone. The western stone is 1.04m high, 0.76m wide and 0.2m thick. The area around the stones is wet and rushy and machine-based peat extraction has taken place within 3m of the monument. The nearby peat would appear to be over 1m in depth and so the stones may now appear to stand to considerably less than their original height. While the site is clearly a stone row, it is notable that the west stone is out of the true line by 0.6m to 0.7m. The row does not appear to be aligned on any particular topographical feature. NOTES Previously Unrecorded.

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MEGALITHIC STONETROMBS OWS

Plate 12

Figure X

Stone row, Edenmore 1

Various views of stone rows, Edenmore 1

1m

Figure 19

Section of stone row, Edenmore 1

1m

Figure 20

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Plan of stone row, Edenmore 1

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 9

62 62

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M EGALITHICSTTONES OMBS STANDING

STANDING STONES

Standing stones are identified as single upright stones and are a common feature of the Irish rural landscape. Some standing stones have been shown, through excavation, to mark prehistoric burials, while others would appear to serve as boundary markers, waymarkers, commemorative monuments or, indeed, scratching posts for cattle. Those standing stones which have ritual or funerary associations would appear to date to the Bronze Age (c. 2500–500 BC), though it is possible that other examples are of relatively recent origin.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated in poor rough pasture a short distance from Garvagh Lough and beside a small trackway which joins the road leading to a court tomb, Garvagh 1, which is situated 120m ESE.

GARVAGH 3 STANDING STONE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GV3

SITE DESCRIPTION The monument consists of a large sandstone slab standing upright on a NW–SE axis on a fairly level site and has maximum dimensions of 1.5m high, 1.8m wide and 0.55m thick. NOTES Previously Unrecorded.

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:6:4 (231,334) 500–600 feet OD 20753, 33301

Situated in a wet field of poor mountain pasture on a northwest-facing slope, with extensive views from the west through to the north and higher ground to the south.

GARVAGH 4 STANDING STONE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GV4

SITE DESCRIPTION The monument consists of an angular sandstone block standing upright on a SW–NE axis and has maximum dimensions of 1.1m high, 1.35m wide and 0.5m thick. NOTES Previously Unrecorded.

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:6:4 (266,307) 600–700 feet OD 20793, 33274

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M EGALITHICSTTONES OMBS STANDING

Plate 13

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

Standing stone, Gortnaleg 2

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

GORTNALEG 2 STANDING STONE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GL2 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:1:3 (169,552) 700–800 feet OD 20684, 33536

Situated in a wet boggy pasture c. 20m from the edge of the Gortnaleg/Burren forest, with extensive views from the south-southwest through to the northnorthwest. A cairn, Gortnaleg 1, is situated 540m SSW. SITE DESCRIPTION The monument consists of a triangular sandstone slab standing upright on a NNE–SSW axis and has maximum dimensions of 1.01m high, 1m wide at base and 0.23m thick. The sloping side of the stone is 1.45m long and the stone would appear to be aligned, perhaps consciously, on the cairn (site), Gortnaleg 1. NOTES Previously Unrecorded.

Situated in a rough mountain pasture on a gentle northwest-facing slope with limited views. A court tomb, Mullaghboy 1, is located c. 140m ENE.

MULLAGHBOY 2 STANDING STONE (POSSIBLE) INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MB2

SITE DESCRIPTION The monument is identified as a small sandstone boulder, 0.5m x 0.6m and 0.56m high, which is aligned NNW–SSE. The stone is not securely set and appears to sit on a thin layer of peat on top of a horizontal slab of sandstone. The classification of this monument as a standing stone is questionable. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 18.

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:6 (159,323) 500–600 feet OD 20669, 33279 88 4:19

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

67

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 10

68 68

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS RING BARROWS

RING

BARROWS A ring-barrow is usually identified as an earthen monument, generally circular in plan, which is defined by a low bank and an internal fosse. The monument was used to mark the site of a cremation deposit or inhumation, usually placed in the centre of the enclosed area, and the sites are generally dated to the Bronze Age (c. 2500–500 BC) and Iron Age periods (c. 500 BC to AD 500).

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated in an area of good pasture on a level site with limited views due to higher ground to the north and south. An enclosure (site), Manragh Upper 3, is located 160m WSW and a cashel, Manragh Upper 2, is located 70m N.

MANRAGH UPPER 1 RING BARROW HACHURED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MU1

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a raised circular area enclosed by a shallow fosse and is quite difficult to examine thoroughly, due to large stacks of cut branches which are found on and around the site. O’Donovan (1995, 23) suggests that the mound has a diameter of 11.9m and a height of 0.65m. A field wall encroaches on the fosse from WNW to NE but the line of the fosse may still be observed. O’Donovan also notes that the top of the mound is largely flat-topped, except for a low, irregularly shaped rise in the centre (1995, 23).

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:6:1 (294,431) 500–600 feet OD 20810, 33398 116 4:13

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REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 23.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS RING BARROWS

Plate 14

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

Ring barrow, Manragh Upper 1

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 11

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MAIRNS EGALITHIC TOMBS C & MOUNDS

CAIRNS &

MOUNDS This chapter describes a number of stone cairns and earthen mounds which are, or would appear to be, of archaeological interest. A number of the cairns are no longer extant, since they were discovered and excavated during the course of development works, and these were found to contain burial cists. The use of stone cairns to protect various types of burial structures was common in the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods (4000–500 BC), though not all cairns identified in the study area can be assigned to these periods. Other cairns, such as Corratirrim 1 and Monesk 1, would appear to be hilltop marker cairns and may not be associated with burials. The mounds/possible cairns recorded in the study area, Legeelan 3 and Stranamart 1, would certainly appear to be artificial in construction and may be of archaeological interest.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated in an area of mature coniferous forest 10m SW of a wedge tomb, Burren 1, on the summit of Tullygobban hill. The site would appear to have commanded extensive views, but these are now obscured by the surrounding trees.

BURREN 5 CAIRN NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BU5 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:1:3 (224,541) 800–900 feet OD 20742, 33526 128 4:21

SITE DESCRIPTION This interesting site consists of a circular setting of upright stones, possibly forming a double ring in places, which would appear to be the surviving kerbstones of a cairn with a diameter of c. 4.5m. The site has been disturbed by tree planting and it is difficult in places to distinguish original cairn material from later intrusive deposits. Most of the kerbstones lean inwards and vary in height from 0.4m to 1.2m. Some small kerbstones at the southeast may have been deliberately selected and set in order to present a triangular-pointed upper edge. The interior of the circle of kerbstones has some loose stones concealed under vegetation, but it appears that much of the original cairn material may have been removed. REFERENCES Borlase 1897, 201; Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 168; O’Donovan 1995, 25; Wakeman 1870, 137. .

Situated on the summit of a small grassy hill in an area of dry limestone-based hill pasture, with some karst in evidence in the vicinity. The site, possibly the highest point in the townland, commands extensive views from the west through to the east, but is impeded in other directions by ground of similar or greater height. Two hut sites, Corratirrim 2 and Corratirrim 3, are found 160m N and 180m W, respectively.

CORRATIRRIM 1 CAIRN NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

CT1 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:14:4 (249,19) 700–800 feet OD 207751, 336023

74

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is a small hilltop cairn constructed with limestone which was probably taken from the nearby areas of karst. The base of the cairn is roughly circular in plan and is 1.5m to 2m in diameter and the cairn stands up to 1.1m in height. The cairn is possibly situated on the highest hill in the vicinity, though a number of hillocks in the immediate area are of similar height. The cairn may have been built on the northernmost of these features in order to allow it to be seen as one came uphill from the north. NOTES Previously Unrecorded.

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M EGALITHIC TOMBS CAIRNS & MOUNDS

Plate 15

Cairn, Corratirrim 1

Situated on the highest point of a small area of good hill pasture, surrounded by extensive bog and rough pasture. Tullygobban Lake lies 320m NE and the site commands moderate views in most directions, though is limited from the northnortheast through to the southeast by the Burren hills. A standing stone, Gortnaleg 2, is situated 540m NNE and a pre-bog field wall, Gortnaleg 3, is situated 190m WNW.

GORTNALEG 1 CAIRN (SITE) NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GL1 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:1:6 (161,519) 700–800 feet OD 20671, 33483 148 4:8

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is now identified as a rough hummocky area in the corner of an otherwise clear field and, although some sandstone blocks measuring up to 0.5m are visible, many stones are covered with sod. The general dimensions of the stone spread are 18.8m N–S and 9.9m E–W, but the original shape of the site in plan is unclear. A drystone wall now bounds the site to the north and west. The site is marked ‘Carn’ on the 1836 and 1876 editions of the Ordnance Survey 6-inch map and this is, in effect, the only strong piece of evidence to suggest that this site was originally a cairn. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 26.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

The precise location of this cairn is not known, as the site was excavated in 1879 during the construction of the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway. However, Plunkett describes the ‘mound’ as being ‘in the angle between the road and stream’ (1879–88, 71), while Wakeman mentions that this cairn was situated ‘a mile and ten chains’ (1.75km) from the previously excavated cairn, Tuam 1 (Wakeman 1879, 188). It would appear that the cairn was situated close to the ‘Natural Bridge’ that is marked on the OS maps.

KILLYCARNEY 2 CAIRN (SITE) NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KC2 SITE LOCATION

OS 2 NPL 152 2:30(01)

SITE DESCRIPTION The cairn, or mound, is described by Plunkett (1879–88, 71) as being 75 feet (22.9m) in diameter and 12 feet (3.66m) high, while Wakeman describes it as being 27 yards (24.7m) in circumference and fifteen and a half feet (4.7m) in height (1879, 190). Both authors note that the cairn is largely comprised of a natural glacial deposit and, whereas Plunkett suggests that this was covered with ‘small boulders to a depth of from two to three feet’ (1879–88, 71), Wakeman suggests that the natural mound was covered with ‘a stratum of soil, varying in depth from four feet six inches to two feet’ and that this was then covered with a layer of stones ‘such as are usually found in cairns’ (1879, 190). Three cists, Killycarney 3, were discovered in the cairn. REFERENCES Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 160–1; O’Donovan 1995, 27–8; Plunkett 1879–88, 71-2; Wakeman 1879, 183–200.

Situated on moderately sloping rough pasture that slopes northwards towards Lough Macnean Upper and has good views from the northwest through to the east and rising ground from the east to the northwest. A cashel, Kiltaglassan 2, is situated 380m ESE.

KILTAGLASSAN 1 CAIRN NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KG1 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:2 (110,132) 200–300 feet OD 20621, 33723

76

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a roughly oval cairn of small sandstone boulders which supports some heather and small scrub at its edges and has general dimensions 10.4m E–W and 6.4m N–S. A circular setting of stones within the cairn, at the east end, is c. 1.7m in diameter and may have been a chamber or cist. When viewed from the north, the cairn appears to have been up to 1.4m in height. No evidence was noted of a revetment or façade at the site. NOTES Previously Unrecorded.

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M EGALITHIC TOMBS CAIRNS & MOUNDS

This site is situated on low-lying wet pasture a short distance from Garvagh Lough and is generally surrounded by higher ground, though views of moderate distance may be had from the east through to the south, including Cuilcagh mountain.

LEGEELAN 3 MOUND NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

LG3 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:3 (207,404) 500–600 feet OD 207260, 333789

SITE DESCRIPTION This grass-covered mound measures 13.6m N–S and 12.9m E–W and has a maximum dimension of 16.8m NW–SE. Some small stones are evident under the short grass and so it is possible that the site is, in fact, a cairn covered with a thin sod layer. A sub-circular hollow, 2.9m wide, in the southeastern quadrant of the mound may indicate where material was removed from the mound or may, indeed, be an original feature. A shallow depression skirts the site from the west through to the northeast and this may represent a ditch around the monument, though the evidence is inconclusive. . NOTES Previously unrecorded.

This site is situated on a small hillock on a large boggy mountain plateau, with two small lakes nearby and extensive views which encompass Lough Allen, Lough Macnean Upper and Lower and Garvagh Lough. A boundary stone, Monesk 2, is situated 280m to the north on the Cavan–Leitrim border.

MONESK 1 CAIRN NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MO1 SITE LOCATION

3:6:6 (444,370) 1300–1400 feet OD 1999, 33325 154 3:24

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a small cairn of sandstone boulders (10–40cm), loosely constructed, which would appear to mark the highest point of the surrounding plateau in Co. Cavan. The base of the cairn is up to 2m in diameter and the monument stands up to 1.3m in height. Some of the lower parts of the cairn, particularly at the south, are covered with moss and possibly with peat and so it is possible that the monument is of some antiquity. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 28.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

This site is situated on rough wet heathery pasture with good views in all directions and a small stream c. 50m to the northwest. The site is identified as a small mound comprised of small pieces of sandstone, average size 5cm, which is mostly moss and heather covered, though the stone is also visible in certain places.

STRANAMART 1 CAIRN (POSSIBLE) NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

ST1

SITE DESCRIPTION The mound measures 9.1m long (NW–SE) and 5.2m wide and stands up to 1.2m high. The southeastern end of the mound may have been dug into at some period and, while the size and angular nature of the stones might suggest that the site is a fulacht fiadh, the location of the site on a small hillock and the generally oval shape would contradict this theory. The mound/cairn may be a natural feature, but on balance it appears to be artificial when compared to the surrounding topography.

SITE LOCATION

OS 3:8:2 (785,414) 300–400 feet OD 20389, 33390

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

The site of this monument is now identified as a large field of improved pasture which was originally, from cartographic evidence, divided into smaller fields. The site is no longer extant, as it was excavated in 1955 to provide material for road construction.

TERMON 1 CAIRN (POSSIBLE) NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

SITE DESCRIPTION The cairn was described by Ó Ríordáin as being ‘an irregular circular cairn of stones measuring 18 metres in diameter and approximately 2½ metres in height in the centre’ (Ó Ríordáin 1957, 53). Four stone-built cists, Termon 2, were discovered in the cairn and these were also described by Ó Ríordáin (1957, 53–9).

TM1 SITE LOCATION

REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 28; Ó Ríordáin 1957, 53–9.

OS 2:13:1 (50,92) 200–300 feet OD 2055, 133678 157 2:15(01)

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M EGALITHIC TOMBS CAIRNS & MOUNDS

This cairn was excavated during the construction of the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway in 1879 and a number of pit burials, Tuam 2, and skeletons were found in the monument.

TUAM 1 CAIRN (SITE) NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TU1

SITE DESCRIPTION The cairn is described by Wakeman as ‘an ordinary tumulus, the base of which was partially surrounded by a low rampart’ and he also mentioned that the ‘body of the mound, it should be observed, was clearly of glacial origin’ (1879, 183). REFERENCES Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 161–2; O’Donovan 1995, 28; Wakeman 1879, 183–200.

SITE LOCATION

OS 2 NPL 159 2:31(01)

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79

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Lough Macnean Upper

Tuam Island

Lough Macnean Lower

CO. LEITRIM

CO. FERMANAGH

CO. CAVAN

Killinagh Parish (Part of)

Garvagh Lough

Templeport Parish (Part of)

elevations (m) 400-450 350-400 300-350 200-250 150-200 100-150 60-100

geography Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland Country Border County Border Parish Border Townland Border

sites

Previously Unrecorded

2km

Map 12

80 80

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS CISTS

CISTS A burial cist is identified as a box-like, stone-lined grave and is usually found beneath ground level or in a stone cairn. The cists usually contain crouched inhumations or cremations and these are often accompanied by pottery or other items. Cists, through excavated evidence, are thought to date to the Earlier Bronze Age (c. 2500–1200 BC). O’Donovan (1995, 29) notes that, while most cists are found in isolation, the majority of cists in Co. Cavan were found in cairns, and this evidence is supported by the three sites in the study area. The burials at Tuam were classified by O’Donovan as cists, though the description given by Wakeman (1879, 183–4) would suggest that they may have been pit burials, where a simple pit containing cremated remains was covered with a flat slab.

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81

CATALOGUE OF SITES

KILLYCARNEY 3 CISTS (SITE) NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KC3 SITE LOCATION

OS 2 NPL 164 2:30(02)

These burial cists were found in a cairn, Killycarney 2, when it was excavated during the construction of the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway in 1879. The cists and the cairn in which they were found are no longer extant and their exact original location is not known, though Wakeman (1879, 189) mentions that the cairn was ‘immediately adjoining the track’ (of the railway line). SITE DESCRIPTION He goes on to describe two cists, the first of which had overall internal measurements of 3 feet 6 inches (1.07m) by 2 feet 4 inches (0.71m) and a depth of 1 foot 11 inches (0.58m). The stone slabs used to construct the cist were, on average, 3 inches (0.08m) thick and the internal area was divided into two compartments of unequal size. Each compartment contained an urn, one of which survived (Wakeman 1879, 194). These pottery vessels are now described as bowl food vessels and the surviving example is preserved in the National Museum of Ireland, together with a stone axe and a bone buckle or belt hook. The second cist, found 24 feet (7.32m) from the first, measured 22 inches (0.56m) by 20 inches (0.51m) internally and was constructed with four red sandstone slabs of between 2.5 inches (0.06m) and 5 inches (0.13m) thickness. It was covered with a stone measuring 6 feet (1.83m) by 3 feet 6 inches (1.07m), with an average thickness of 9 inches (0.23m) (Wakeman 1879, 194–5). This cist contained an encrusted urn and two flint implements and these objects are also preserved in the National Museum of Ireland. Wakeman (1879, 200) also notes that a third cist was found in the cairn and, though he did not inspect this feature himself, he was informed that it was empty. REFERENCES Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 160–1; O’Donovan 1995, 29; Plunkett 1879–88, 71–2; Wakeman 1879, 183–200. *Reproduced by Permission of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland ©

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS CISTS

after Wakeman 1879, 191, Fig 5

Figure 21

Urn from double cist, Killycarney 3*

after Wakeman 1879, 191, Fig 4

Figure 22

Double cist at Killycarney 3*

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

after Wakeman 1879, 194, Fig 7

Figure 23 Single cist at Killycarney 3*

83

CATALOGUE OF SITES

modern fence

A

B

C D

5m after Ó Riodáin 1957, Fig 1

Figure 24

Plan of cairn, Termon 1, showing cists*

5m after Ó Riodáin 1957, Fig 1

Figure 25

84

Section of cairn, Termon 1*

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS CISTS

50cm after Ó Riodáin 1957, Fig 2

Figure 26

50cm after Ó Riodáin 1957, Fig 2

Plan of cist, Termon 2*

Figure 27

Section of cist, Termon 2*

These burial cists were found in a cairn, Termon 1, when it was excavated to provide material for road construction in 1955.

TERMON 2 CISTS (SITE) NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TM2 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:1 (52,92) 200–300 feet OD 20551, 33678 167 2:15(02)

SITE DESCRIPTION Four cists were discovered, but three of these were destroyed before Ó Ríordáin visited the site (Ó Ríordáin 1957, 53–6). The fourth cist was described as being rectangular in shape, measuring 0.68m long internally, and tapering from 0.43m to 0.3m in width due to the inclined side stones. Each side of the cist was comprised of one slab between 0.09m and 0.14m thick, while the base of the structure was formed with one rectangular slab measuring 0.63m in length and 0.41m in width. The capstone, before being broken, measured 1.16m in length and 0.8m in width. The cist contained two food vessels that were found side by side at the northern end of the cist and were inverted over cremated remains. Some further cremated remains were found at the southern end of the cist (Ó Ríordáin 1957, 53–4). Two further cists were described as being similar to that described above and one of these contained a food vessel which did not survive. The largest cist discovered in the cairn, though not seen by Ó Ríordáin, was described as being 6 feet (1.83m) in length and approx. 2 feet (0.61m) in width and this contained three upright food vessels, each of which contained some cremated remains. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 30; Ó Ríordáin 1957, 53–9. *Reproduced by Permission of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland ©

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85

CATALOGUE OF SITES

after O’Riordáin 1957, 57, Fig 3

Figure 28

86

Food vessels from cist, Termon 2*

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS CISTS

These burial pits were found in a cairn, Tuam 1, when it was excavated during the construction of the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway in 1879.

TUAM 2 PIT BURIALS (SITE) NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TU2

SITE DESCRIPTION The burials were apparently in earth-cut pits which contained some pottery sherds and cremated remains. Only one pit was intact when Wakeman visited the site and this was covered by a sandstone slab measuring 8 in. (0.2m) by 1 ft. (0.3m). The site had, in addition to an unknown number of pit burials, a “considerable number” of skeletons interred close to the surface of the mound (Wakeman 1879, 183-188) and these would appear to be later features of the monument.

SITE LOCATION

OS 2 NPL 168 NPL 2:31(02)

REFERENCES Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 161–2; O’Donovan 1995, 30; Wakeman 1879, 183–200. *Reproduced by Permission of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland ©

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

87

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 13

88

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MEGALITHIC FULACHTATFOMBS IADH

FULACHTA FIADH

Fulachta fiadh are a type of ancient cooking place, usually dating to the Bronze Age (c. 2500–500 BC), and are generally identified as a low grass-covered mound, horseshoe-shaped in plan, which is comprised of fragments of burnt stone. These monuments are usually found in wet land, often in close proximity to a stream, and so the cooking trough, usually timber or stone lined, would often fill naturally with water. The water in this trough could be boiled by placing fire-heated stones in it and meat could then be cooked in the trough in a reasonable length of time. The heated stones would shatter when placed in the water and so, when the trough was next used, it would have been necessary to clean out the shattered stone from the previous usage first. This action results in the characteristic horseshoe- or kidney-shaped mounds of burnt stone by which this monument is commonly identified. O’Donovan (1995, 31–2) lists seven fulacht fiadh in Co. Cavan, all of which were found in the southeast of the county during the construction of a gas pipeline, and so the site at Ture is important, because it may be the only known surviving fulacht fiadh in the county and the first to be discovered in northwest Cavan.

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89

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Plate 15

90

Fulacht fiadh, Ture 3

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MEGALITHIC FULACHTATFOMBS IADH

Situated in low-lying ground in the centre of a narrow east–west valley, with very limited views. An enclosure, Lanliss 1, is situated 220m ESE.

TURE 3 FULACHT FIADH NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TR3 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:14:1 (265,141) 200–300 feet OD 207884, 337343

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a large grassy mound, roughly circular in plan, which measures 13.6m N–S and 14.1m E–S. A slight hollow extends from the centre of the mound towards the southwest and this would appear to be the evidence for the trough of the fulacht fiadh. The mound is up to 1.2m high above the surrounding ground level. The edge of the mound at the east would appear to have been cut by a modern land drain, 1.6m wide at the top, and the mound may, in fact, have extended beyond this drain by a further 1.2m, though this slight rise may be upcast from the drain rather than a part of the original mound. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

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91

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 14

92

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MEGALITHIC TFOMBS PROMONTORY ORTS

PROMONTORY FORTS

A promontory fort is identified as an area situated on a cliff-edge or waterside promontory, the accessible side of which has been cut off from the nearby land by a system of banks and ditches or by a stone wall or walls. Many of these sites are located on coastal promontories, though similar sites on inland cliffs or on lake promontories are also known. O’Donovan lists just three promontory forts in Co. Cavan, each of them situated on a small lake promontory, and suggests that they may have been similar in function and date to raths and cashels. The previously unrecorded promontory fort in the study area, Burren 9, is probably best ascribed to the Early Medieval period (c. AD 500–1100) and was identified by local people. It is the only cliff-edge promontory fort known in the county, testimony to the great differences in the topography and geomorphology of the Burren area and the remainder of the county.

NORTHWEST ORTHWEST C CO. CAVAN AVAN SSURVEY URVEY

93

CATALOGUE OF SITES

edg

e

steep

crag

cliff

stone wall limit of collapse

possible outer wall

5m

Figure 29

94

Plan of promontory fort, Burren 9

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MEGALITHIC TFOMBS PROMONTORY ORTS

Situated in mature coniferous forest at the eastern edge of Burren townland with limited views to north and east over the rough grazing of Lanliss townland. An enclosure, Burren 10, is situated 25m NW, two wedge tombs, Burren 1 and Burren 2, are situated 540m WSW and 310m S respectively and a portal tomb, Burren 4, is situated 550m SW.

BURREN 9 PROMONTORY FORT INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BU9 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:1 (268,570) 700–800 feet OD 207917, 335569

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a large sub-rectangular enclosure which is bounded from the east through to the west by a substantial curving drystone wall, from the west to the north by steep limestone crag and from the north to the east by a sheer limestone cliff. The interior of the site slopes gently to the west and displays no notable features, though it is now planted with mature forest. The internal area of the site measures 27m NW–SE and 23m SW–NE. The enclosing wall has partly collapsed and has some mature conifers growing on it, but it still stands up to 1.5m high and the outer façade is visible in a number of sections. The wall is built with both sandstone blocks and flags of limestone karst and would appear to have been 3m to 4.5m wide originally. A shallow S–W depression immediately outside the wall may represent a fosse and a small number of peat-covered stones outside this would appear to be the remains of an outer wall. A number of large stones, probably the remains of a wall, were noted at the western end of the top of the northwestern crag and there was limited evidence for a small wall on the top of the northeastern cliff also. The western part of the site has, however, been affected by tree-fall in recent times and this may have significantly affected the evidence for a wall along the northwestern crag. The stepped northwestern crag and the sheer northeastern cliff are between 4m and 15m high. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

95

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 15

96

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD

MREGALITHIC TOMBS RINGFORTS: ATHS & CASHELS

RINGFORTS:

RATHS & CASHELS Ringforts are the most common type of archaeological monument in the country and are generally divided into two types: raths, which are defined by an earthen bank and external ditch, and cashels, defined by a large stone wall. Ringforts are generally circular or sub-circular in plan and are between 20m and 50m in diameter. They generally date to the Early Medieval period (c. AD 500–1100), though a number of excavated sites would appear to have long settlement histories. Other monument types, such as souterrains and hut sites, are often found in association with ringforts, and these monuments provide evidence of the widespread nature of settlement and farming in the Early Medieval period. It is interesting to note that, while just 4.5% of the sites listed as ringforts in Co. Cavan by O’Donovan (1995, 38–148) are cashels, the number of cashels in the study area as a percentage of the total ringfort number in the study area is over 80%. This dramatic difference between the county average and the figures from the study area is explained by the poor soils in the region and the wide availability of stone for building, making cashels more feasible than raths in terms of the available natural resources.

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97

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on the shoulder of a hill with higher ground to the SE and some views from the SW through to the NE.

BARRAN 1 RATH INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BA1 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:16:6 (853,30) 300 feet OD 20426, 33611 246 1:1

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of a level circular platform surrounded by an earthen bank and fosse and there is some evidence for an outer bank also. The area is generally of rough grazing and there is some scrub on the banks. The site measures 27.6m E–W and 26.8m N–S and, as the bank rises by just 0.1m to 0.2m above the internal area, the interior resembles a raised platform. The base of the fosse, which now contains some water (Jan. 1999), is between 1.1m and 2m below the top of the bank. It appears possible that the enclosing feature outside the fosse may have been a stone wall rather than a bank, though the evidence for this is inconclusive. The purpose of this feature may have been to retain the fosse, particularly where the external ground level falls away. The fosse is now c. 2.5m at the base, though it was probably deeper and narrower originally. The internal area of the rath is quite wet in places, and no internal features were noted. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 44.

Situated on an elevated site of good hill pasture close to the top of Mullaghahy hill, with good views from the ESE through to the WNW. Nearby sites include a rath, Mullaghahy 1, situated 230m NE, two cashels, Gortaquill 3 and Mullaghahy 2, situated 290m SSW and 340m SE, respectively, and two enclosures, Mullaghahy 3 and Mullaghahy 4, located 220m SE and 180m NE, respectively.

GORTAQUILL 2 RATH HACHURED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GQ2

98

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of a roughly circular enclosure, which is defined by an earthen bank and has internal dimensions of 25.5m N–S and 26.4m E–W. Some stone is evident on the bank, but this may be the result of field clearance. The bank is up to 3m wide and stands up to 1.2m above the falling external ground level at the south. There is very slight evidence of a fosse outside the bank from the east through to the southwest. A slight hollow in the southeastern quadrant may represent a collapsed souterrain, though the evidence is by no means conclusive. It is interesting to note, however, that this

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MREGALITHIC TOMBS RINGFORTS: ATHS & CASHELS

Plate 16

SITE LOCATION

OS 1:12:6 (878,217) 300–400 feet OD 20451, 33808 728 1:4

Rath, Mullaghahy 1

hollow is relatively dry when compared to the wetter southwestern quadrant and the flooded northern half (Jan. 1999). A 1.7m-wide gap in the bank at the east-southeast may represent an entrance and this theory is supported by the apparent presence of a small causeway over the remains of the fosse immediately outside. A farm track skirts the site immediately outside the bank from the southwest through to the north and the construction of this may have obliterated evidence of a fosse in this area. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 97.

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99

CATALOGUE OF SITES

KILLYCARNEY 4 RATH HACHURED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KC4 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:16:3 (881,98) 200–300 feet OD 20455, 33682 771 1:5

Situated on very poor hill pasture on the shoulder of a small hill with good views from the southwest through to the east-northeast and gently rising ground to the east-southeast. The surrounding land falls away sharply from the northwest through to the northnortheast. SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of the remains of a sub-circular rath defined by an earth and stone bank and, in some places, an external fosse. The interior of the site is generally level and measures 28.5m NE–SW and 25.8m NW–SE. The bank is generally low, c. 0.3m in height, but stands up to 1.1m externally at the west. The fosse, which is generally 2m to 4m wide, is evident from the east-northeast through to west northwest and is now waterlogged (Feb. ’99). There is little or no evidence for a fosse at the north, where the external ground level falls away sharply. A small part of the site (to the west-southwest) is cut off by a later field wall which crosses the site from ESE–WNW and access to this area is difficult, due to the amount of scrub and young forestry in the area. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 103.

Situated in an area of fairly good level pasture, though the site itself is completely enclosed in a dense thorn thicket. A cashel, Killycarney 6, is situated 220m SW.

KILLYCARNEY 5 RATH HACHURED MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KC5 SITE LOCATIION

OS 2:9:4 (50,163) 100–200 feet OD 20552, 33753 772 2:7

100

SITE DESCRIPTION The site apparently consists of the remains of a rath, though the northern limit was damaged during the construction of the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway in the nineteenth century and further damage was done during the conversion of the railway line to a roadway in the twentieth century. The site is generally inaccessible, due to the dense thorn thicket, except at the south where the bank may be seen. At this point the interior is higher than the exterior and there is no evidence of a fosse. The bank is up to 1m high and 3m wide, though its form would appear to have changed considerably over time. The internal diameter of the rath would appear, from cartographic evidence, to be c. 35m. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 103.

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MREGALITHIC TOMBS RINGFORTS: ATHS & CASHELS

Situated in an area of good hill pasture close to the summit of Mullaghahy hill, this site has good views from the west through to the north-northwest, including the western end of Lough Macnean Upper. Two enclosures, Mullaghahy 3 and Mullaghahy 4, are located 290m S and 70m S respectively; a rath, Gortaquill 2, is located 230m SW; and a hut site, Mullaghahy 5, is located 110m E.

MULLAGHAHY 1 RATH INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MH1 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:12:3 895,236) 400–500 feet OD 20469, 33828 1011 1:7

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a circular enclosure defined by a low grass-covered bank with some stone in evidence. The interior is quite level and, as the surrounding land slopes gently to the northwest, the bank is high on the inside at the east and the internal area is higher than the external ground level at the west. The internal area measures 16.9m N–S and 22m E–W and the enclosing bank is now between 1.3m and 2.8m wide. It is generally 0.3m high above the interior and is up to 0.7m high above the external ground level at the west. Five limestone blocks at the north-northeast, apparently in an arc along the outer edge of the bank, may indicate that the bank had a stone revetment or, indeed, that this site was originally a cashel, from which most of the stone walling has been removed. Notes: This site description relates to the site marked 1:7 on the county RMP and co-relates with the written description given under CV1:7 in the unpublished SMR files. It would appear that the site described by O’Donovan (1995, 127) is a different site and has been erroneously listed under CV1:7. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 127.

TURE 2 RATH (SITE) NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TR2 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:9:6 (230,159) 200–300 feet OD 20740, 33751 1163 2:26

Situated in an area of good pasture close to a stream to the north with rising ground to the south and good views from the west through to the northwest. An enclosure (site), Ture 1, is located 310m S. SITE DESCRIPTION This site has been almost completely levelled and is now identified as a level circular area with an internal diameter of c. 32m and with slight traces of a bank E–SSW. There is no evidence of a fosse and the original entrance is not recognisable. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 142.

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101

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on the brow of a small hill of poor pasture with good views in all directions. Other cashels, Barran 3 and 4, are located 410m SSE and 440m ESE.

BARRAN 2 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BA2 SITE LOCATION

OS 3:4:2 (780,598) 341 feet OD 20349, 33568 1173 3:1

SITE DESCRIPTION This site consists of the remains of a cashel, which is identified as a circular ring of stone with internal dimensions of 24.4m N–S and 26.4m E–W. Most of the stone used in the construction of the cashel wall has been removed, probably for roadmaking, and the remaining circle of stone is generally less than 0.2m in height, is up to 3.2m wide and is partly covered with vegetation. There is no evidence of internal features within the cashel and the position of the original entrance cannot be determined. One short section of the cashel wall, 3.1m long and up to 0.8m high, is found in the southeastern quadrant and, while this is comprised of a number of large blocks, it is probably not original. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 143.

Situated on poor pasture and surrounded by small hills, the views from this site are quite limited. Other cashels, Barran 2 and 4, are located 410m NNW and 250m NE.

BARRAN 3 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BA3 SITE LOCATION

OS 3:4:2 (798,556) 300–400 20370, 33524 1174 3:2

102

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of a level circular area enclosed by the remains of a stone wall which has been greatly altered from its original state. The internal diameter of the area is 29.7m N–S and it would appear that large sandstone boulders, apparently gathered through field clearance and drain excavation in the nearby field in recent years, were piled on top of the remains of the cashel wall N–SW. This action greatly altered the appearance of the cashel and the size of the original wall cannot be established with accuracy. The internal area of the enclosure is generally level, while the external ground level falls away to the south and east and rises to the west. A modern house stands c. 10m north. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 143.

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Plate 17

Cashel, Moneygashel 3

Situated on a shoulder of a northwest-facing slope with higher ground to the southeast. The site is located on reasonable pasture, though the cashel wall is mostly covered with small trees. Other cashels, Barran 2 and 3, are located 440m WNW and 250m SW.

BARRAN 4 CASHEL INDICATED MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BA4 SITE LOCATION

OS 3:4:2 (825,579) 300–400 feet OD 20395, 33549 1175 3:3(01)

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of a circular area, enclosed by the remains of a stone wall, with internal dimensions of 19.8m E–W and 23.8m N–S. The wall generally stands 0.6m above the internal ground level, though in places it is up to 1.6m high, probably due to field-clearance stones being added to it. The wall is now 3m to 4m wide at its base and its original width cannot be established with accuracy. The external ground level falls away sharply to the northwest and there is evidence of disturbance outside the wall on this side. There is no evidence of internal structures in the cashel, but a sub-rectangular hollow in the northeast quadrant may represent a collapsed souterrain, Barran 5. The position of the original entrance cannot be established from the available evidence. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 143.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

103

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Plate 18

Cashel, Moneygashel 3

This site is situated in very wet pasture and is covered with dense scrub, to the extent that it cannot be fully investigated. Another cashel, Cornagee 2, is situated 470m NE.

CORNAGEE 1 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is now enclosed by a small wall of sandstone blocks, c. 0.8m high and 0.6m wide, and it is unclear if this feature was ever of a substantial size. The maximum internal dimension of the site, from cartographic evidence, would appear to be c. 30m.

CG1 SITE LOCATION

REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 145.

OS 2:13:5 (96,48) 300–400 feet OD 20598, 33632 1183 2:1

104

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This site is situated on a low grassy ridge between two small valleys, on land of reasonable pasture. The site commands good views in various directions, but is also impeded by areas of higher ground nearby. Another cashel, Cornagee 1, is situated 470m SW, while two enclosures, Kinnabo 1 and 2, are situated 440m NE and 370m ENE, respectively.

CORNAGEE 2 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

CG2 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:2 (131,77) 300–400 20638, 33665 1184 2:2

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a sub-circular cashel defined by a substantial stone wall which encloses a raised level platform. The enclosing wall is built with large sandstone boulders and is quite similar to a number of the large field walls in the vicinity. The internal dimensions of the cashel are 18.6m N–S and 25.5m E–W and there is no evidence of internal features. A narrow gap at the east may represent an entranceway, though it is quite narrow for this purpose, being just 0.2m wide at the base and 1.2m wide at the top. The wall is somewhat collapsed, but in places the original façade is evident. It would appear to have been c. 2m wide and is generally 0.8m to 1.2m in height. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 145.

Situated on reasonable hill pasture with higher ground W–ENE and good views ESE–WSW. A cashel, Mullaghahy 2, is situated 360m E, a rath, Gortaquill 2, is situated 290m NNE and a court tomb, Gortaquill 1, is situated 440m NW.

GORTAQUILL 3 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GQ3 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:12:6 (865,189) 300 feet OD 20437, 33777 1196 1:3

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of a fairly level circular area, defined by the remains of a stone wall, with internal dimensions of 24.3m N–S. The wall appears to have been 2.6m wide and the facing stones are still visible in places. The wall now stands up to 1.2m high, though much of the fabric of the present wall may be the result of field clearance and the use of part of the cashel wall as a field boundary. A gap in the wall, c. 1.8m wide, at the south may represent an entrance, but may also be a later feature. Two large boulders are found in the northwest quadrant of the interior, but no other internal features are visible. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 146

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

105

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on fairly good pasture on a level site with rising ground to the southwest and a steep fall to the northeast. The site commands good views to the northeast and the south-southeast. A rath, Killycarney 7, is situated 230m NE and a court tomb, Killycarney 1, is situated 260m WSW.

KILLYCARNEY 6 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KC6 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:1 (32,149) 200–300 feet OD 20530, 33739 1198 2:6

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of a level sub-circular area enclosed by a grass-covered bank which would appear to cover the remains of a substantial stone wall. The internal area measures 22.6m N–S and 22.8m E–W and the enclosing wall, some stones of which are exposed at the south, would appear to have been c. 2.4m wide, though the present bank is up to 4.5m in width. A raised area in the northeast quadrant is suggested by O’Donovan (1995, 146) to be a house platform and this would appear to be a reasonable explanation for the feature. The top of this raised area measures 6.2m NNE–SSW and 3.4m WNW–ESE. The position of the original entrance to the cashel is unclear. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 146.

Situated on a moderate slope on wet rushy hill pasture with land falling away moderately towards Lough Macnean Upper to the north and sharply to a ravine and river to the east. The site commands good views W–NW and moderate views E–S, while the outlook is impeded by higher ground SW–NW. Another cashel, Cornagee 2, is located 420m SSW, while two enclosures, Kinnabo 1 and 2, are located 100m ESE and 280m SSE respectively and a cairn, Kiltaglassan 1, is located 400m WNW.

KILTAGLASSAN 2 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KG2

SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:2 (144,115) 300–400 feet OD 20658, 33706

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a D-shaped enclosure which was apparently defined by a wall originally, though much of the stone from this is no longer present and the enclosing feature now resembles a bank. The wall base is not evident at the east, where the ground falls away sharply to the river below. The interior of the site is almost level, or at least it does not slope as much as the exterior ground level. The interior of the site measures 25.2m N–S and 28.1m E–W and no evidence of internal features or the original entrance are apparent. The base of the enclosing wall would appear to have been c. 2m wide, as what are apparently facing stones may be seen at the west and the southwest. Some surface disturbance has occurred on the east side of the site, due to farm machinery passing through, and it is unclear if a wall was ever present on this side or if it has collapsed down the steep slope. NOTES Previously Unrecorded.

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Situated in a modern coniferous plantation, this site is located at the edge of a steep slope which falls away ESE towards Lough Macnean Upper. Another cashel, Loughan 2, is situated 45m SW.

LOUGHAN 1 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

LH1 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:9:4 (39,224) 300–400 feet OD 20540, 33817 1420 2:13

SITE DESCRIPTION This site, described by O’Donovan (1995, 168), who failed to locate it, as an enclosure, is a sub-circular cashel defined by a collapsed stone wall. The area is now tree-covered, but remains quite accessible. The interior of the site and much of the surrounding land slope gently to the southeast, but to the east-southeast the ground falls sharply towards the lake. The internal dimensions of the site are 20.6m N–S and 16.4m E–W and a gap, 1.3m wide, in the wall at the south may represent an entrance feature. The wall is now 2.4m to 3m wide and from 0.2m to 1.4m high above the interior, but the collapsed state of the wall and the vegetation coverage make it difficult to see any facing stones and, therefore, difficult to establish the original width with accuracy. No evidence of internal features was noted. Notes: Described by O’Donovan as an enclosure, on cartographic evidence. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 168.

Situated in a modern coniferous plantation, this site is located on the shoulder of a NNW–SE sloping hill and the surrounding land falls away at a moderate rate from east to southwest. Another cashel, Loughan 1, is situated 45m NE.

LOUGHAN 2 CASHEL NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

LH2

SITE LOCATION

OS 2:9:4 (34,211) 300–400 feet OD 205362, 338131

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of the remains of a cashel and is comprised of a collapsed stone wall which encloses a sub-circular level area or platform. The internal dimensions of the site are 14.5m N–S and 15.8m E–W and the enclosing wall is now 2.9m to 5.5m wide, up to 0.5m high above the interior and 1.4m high above the external ground level at the southeast. It would appear that much stone has been removed from the wall, possibly to construct nearby field walls, and so the wall is too collapsed, denuded and vegetated to note an entrance feature or any facing stones. The line of the wall is not easily followed from west to north due to damage caused by forest machinery. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

107

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on a level site of pasture with limited views due to the higher ground of Burren to the north and Cuilcagh to the south. A ring-barrow, Manragh Upper 1, is located 70m S, an enclosure (site), Manragh Upper 3, is located 200m SW and a number of hut sites, Manragh Upper 5, 6, 7 and 8, are located 340m NNW.

MANRAGH UPPER 2 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KC6 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:1 (32,149) 200–300 feet OD 20530, 33739 1198 2:6

SITE DESCRIPTION This site has been divided into two unequal parts by a wall running N–S and the western part, the smaller of the two, is defined by a stone wall, some parts of which may be original. The eastern part is now not enclosed, but, even though the wall has been removed, the line may be traced as a low bank. The internal diameter of the site is 28.4m and the wall enclosing the western part is c. 1m high. The original would appear to have been 1.5m to 1.8m wide at the base. A modern septic tank serving a nearby dwelling house has been constructed within the eastern part of the enclosure. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 147.

Situated in poor pasture on high ground, with good views in all directions. A portal tomb, Moneygashel 2, is situated 460m SSW and a cairn (site), Gortnaleg 1, is situated 550m NE. Another cashel and its associated souterrain, Moneygashel 3 and 4, are located 590m SW, a rectangular enclosure, Legeelan 2, is situated 470m SE and a sweathouse, Legeelan 1, is situated 580m SE.

MONEYGASHEL 1 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MG1 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:1:5 (120,478) 700–800 feet OD 20627, 33446 1207 4:18

108

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a roughly circular enclosure defined by a stone wall which encloses a level interior measuring 30.1m N–S and 26.5m E–W. The present stone wall, 0.9m to 1.2m high and 1m wide, is a later feature of the site and is built on the base of the original stone rampart. The original wall appears to have been c. 3.5m wide, though most of the stone seems to have been removed, probably for roadmaking. Orthostatic slabs are evident at a number of places in the wall and a small structure in the thickness of the wall base at the east, partly constructed with orthostatic slabs and measuring 4m by 2m, may have been a mural chamber. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 147; Richardson 1938, 19.

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Plate 19

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

Cashel entrance, Moneygashel 3

109

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Plate 20

110

Cashel, Moneygashel 3

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MREGALITHIC TOMBS RINGFORTS: ATHS & CASHELS

Situated on a fairly steep south-facing slope of rough hill grazing with good views SE–SW, including Cuilcagh mountain and the mountains east of Lough Allen. A portal tomb, Moneygashel 2, is situated 140m NE, a cashel, Moneygashel 1, is located 590m NNE, and another cashel, Moneygashel 5, with associated sweathouse, Moneygashel 6, is situated 410m SSW.

MONEYGASHEL 3 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MG3 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:2 (87,427) 500–600 feet OD 20593, 33392 1206 4:16(01)

SITE DESCRIPTION This well-preserved cashel is identified as a sub-circular area enclosed by a massive sandstone wall, which may have been reconstructed in places. The internal area of the cashel measures 24.6m N–S and 24.2m E–W, while the enclosing wall is between 2.7m and 3.3m thick and between 1.4m and 2m high internally. The cashel entrance at the east is 1.2m wide and 1.8m high and is roofed with seven slim lintels with small gaps between each one. The interior of the cashel slopes steeply to the south and a large depression at the south, just inside the wall, may be associated with a souterrain, Moneygashel 4, the entrance to which is at the base of the external face of the wall on the south side. A small rectangular drystone built structure, which is probably not an original feature of the site, is built against the inner face of the cashel wall at the northwest. It measures 2.1m by 1.9m and has a lintelled doorway at the northeast. A small gap at the base of the internal face of the cashel wall at the north, 5.5m from the doorway of the stone-built structure, is locally considered to be a water conduit and is said to have provided fresh water from a stone-lined drain to the north of the cashel. Two V-shaped flights of steps are found on the internal face of the wall at the east-northeast and west-northwest, but these are now blocked with loose rubble. An unusual feature of the site is a set of mural steps on the external face of the wall at the south-southeast which are set radially in the wall and are probably not an original feature. REFERENCES Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 163–4; Milligan 1891, 580–2; O’Donovan 1995, 147; Richardson 1938, 20.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on the shoulder of a hill of very rough grazing, with rising ground to the northwest and falling steeply away to the southeast. A portal tomb, Moneygashel 2, is visible 560m NE, and a cashel, Moneygashel 3, is visible 440m NE.

MONEYGASHEL 5 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MG5 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:1 (67,392) 500–600 feet OD 20569, 33355 1205 4:15(01)

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of the remains of a large cashel, which was once probably similar to Moneygashel 3, but which has been greatly affected by stone removal. The internal area of the cashel measures 27.2m N–S and 20.4m E–W and the enclosing wall appears to have been c. 2.8m wide and is now 0.8m to 1.2m high. The original entrance to the cashel is not discernible, though the internal and external facing stones of the wall may be seen in places. A rough sub-circular setting of stone, diameter 3.8m, which was noted in the centre of the cashel would appear to be a hay-stand and probably indicates that the site was re-used as a haggard. A sweathouse, Moneygashel 6, which was presumably constructed with stone from the cashel wall, is found within the southeastern quadrant of the cashel. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 147; Richardson 1938, 20.

Situated on good hill pasture on Mullaghahy hill, with rising ground to the north and extensive views E–W. Two enclosures, Mullaghahy 3 and 4, are located 140m NNW and 360m NNW, respectively, a cashel, Gortaquill 3, is located 360m W, and a rath, Gortaquill 2, is located 340m NW.

MULLAGHAHY 2 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MU2 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:12:6 (904,191) 300–400 feet OD 20479, 33781 1209 1:9

112

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is an unusual figure-of-eight shaped cashel situated on a level site, though the external ground level falls away to the southwest. The larger sub-circular western part of the enclosure measures 21.7m E–W and 24.8m N–S and the wall is up to 3.9m wide, and in some places up to 0.6m high. The sub-rectangular conjoined enclosure to the east measures 12.8m E–W and 25.6m N–S. The enclosing walls are quite collapsed but are still clearly visible and are comprised of small limestone rocks and some larger sandstone boulders, probably acquired through field clearance. The interior of the enclosure supports a considerable amount of hazel and whitethorn scrub and no internal features are visible, though limestone bedrock is evident in places. The position of the original entrance cannot be established. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 147.

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MREGALITHIC TOMBS RINGFORTS: ATHS & CASHELS

Plate 21

Cashel, Oggal 2

Situated at the time of the survey in dense mature coniferous forest which has been felled in recent years. Rising ground is found to the southeast and falling ground to the north-northwest. A hut site, Oggal 1, is located 40m N, a cashel and nearby hut site, Oggal 3 and 4, are located 100m SSW, an enclosure, Oggal 6, is located 200m NW and two house sites, Oggal 5 and 9, are located 130m SSE.

OGGAL 2 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

OG2 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:16:6 (871,19) 400–500 feet OD 20485, 33601 1431 1:11

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a large sub-circular enclosure defined by the substantial remains of a stone wall and has internal dimensions of 26.2m N–S and 20.5m E–W. The interior of the cashel slopes gently to the northwest and the southeastern quadrant appears considerably lower than the rising external ground level. The inner and outer facing stones of the enclosing wall are visible in places and these suggest that the original width was c. 3m. The stone spread from the collapsed wall is now up to 8.5m wide and averages 1.2m in height. A hollow in the northern quadrant of the internal area may represent a collapsed souterrain, though it may also be a filled-up swallow hole. A number of substantial field walls radiate from the exterior of the cashel walls and it is possible that these are contemporary with the cashel. Notes: O’Donovan (1995, 169) describes this site as an enclosure and notes that the interior is raised, but it is best described as a cashel with a sunken interior. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 169.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

113

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Plate 22

Cashel, Oggal 8

Situated in a dense mature coniferous plantation, with higher ground to the south-southeast and falling ground to the northwest. A cashel, Oggal 2, is situated 100m north NE, two house sites, Oggal 5 and 9, are situated 70m ESE and an enclosure, Oggal 6, is situated 240m NW. A hut site, Oggal 4, is situated c. 6m NNE.

OGGAL 3 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

OG3 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:16:6 (867,10) 400–500 feet OD 204808, 335901

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of a roughly oval-shaped cashel defined by a collapsed yet clearly substantial stone wall, and the internal area, which slopes slightly to the north-northwest, measures 22m N–S and 17.3m E–W. A simple field wall, c. 1m high, has been built on top of the collapsed cashel wall in order to re-use the site, presumably as an animal enclosure, though the stone spread of the original wall is up to 5m wide. There is some evidence of an entrance at the north-northeast, though this indistinct feature may be associated with the later field wall rather than with the cashel wall. A number of substantial field walls radiate from the exterior of the cashel walls and it is possible that these are contemporary with the cashel. The lower exterior ground level at the northwest gives the cashel a somewhat raised appearance. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

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MREGALITHIC TOMBS RINGFORTS: ATHS & CASHELS

Situated in an area of rough pasture with gently rising ground to the east and falling ground to the northwest, with limited views of Lough Macnean Upper to the north-northwest. A house site, Oggal 7, is situated 260m NE and two further house sites, Oggal 5 and 9, are situated 340m NE. Another cashel, Oggal 3, is situated 290m NE.

OGGAL 8 CASHEL (POSSIBLE) INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

OG8 SITE LOCATION

OS 3:4:3 (850,568) 400–500 feet OD 204617, 335588

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a sub-circular or possibly oval enclosure defined by a stone wall and may originally have been a cashel. The internal dimensions of the site are 34.7m N–S and 28.3m E–W. A very large amount of stone surrounds the enclosed area NE–S and this feature, now surmounted by a simple field wall, would appear to have been a substantial cashel wall prior to its collapse. A simple field wall bounds the remainder of the site, though remnants of a cashel wall could be preserved in a slight bank-like feature under this. A number of small cairns and long mounds of stone within the enclosed area may represent internal features, though they are probably field clearance debris. The field wall on the bank is up to 1.9m wide and the bank of stones itself is up to 7.7m wide at the southeast. The site is located in an interesting area of small stone-walled fields, but there is evidence that extensive modern field clearance has also taken place in the vicinity. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

Situated on relatively good pasture close to the shore of Lough Macnean Upper, c. 400m W, with some higher ground to the southeast. A sweathouse, Port 1, is situated 200m NW, while two cashels, Port 3 and Port 4, are situated 190m SE and 370m SE, respectively.

PORT 2 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

PO3 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:12:2 (797,243) 200–300 feet OD 20365, 33835 1211 1:13

SITE DESCRIPTION This large cashel is roughly oval in plan and is covered with dense whitethorn thickets, which render detailed examination difficult. The longest internal dimension is c. 37m NW–SE, though this figure may be an underestimate due to the inward collapse of the enclosing wall. A large spread of stone, up to 8.20m wide and 1.5m high, indicates that the original wall was quite substantial. A well-defined entrance at the northwest, 2.3m wide, may be original, but it may also have been altered or may be a later feature. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 148.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

115

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on relatively good pasture close to the shore of Lough Macnean Upper, c. 400m W, with some higher ground to the southeast. A court tomb, Gortaquill 1, is situated 300m E , while two cashels, Port 2 and Port 4, are situated 190m NW and 140m SE, respectively.

PORT 3 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

PO3 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:12:5 (809,225) 300–400 feet OD 20377, 33815 1212 1:14

SITE DESCRIPTION This site is identified as a roughly circular grass-and-moss-covered bank, apparently comprised mostly of stone, which indicates the line of the original cashel wall. Some large slabs and sandstone boulders are noted in the bank and these may be in situ remnants of the wall. The internal dimensions of the cashel are 27.4m N–S and 24.4m E–W. Two slabs set on edge at the west-northwest may, considering their radial setting and the 1.5m gap between them, represent the original entrance to the site, but the evidence for this is inconclusive. There is no apparent evidence of internal features, but, considering the uneven nature of the wall base and the width, up to 7.5m, to which it now extends, such features may be difficult to distinguish. The interior of the site slopes gently to the west and is divided in two by a modern wire fence running E–W. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 148.

Situated on relatively good pasture with extensive views SSE–NNW and rising ground to the E–NE. A court tomb, Gortaquill 1, is situated 300m NE and other cashels, Port 2, Port 3 and Gortaquill 3, are located 360m NW, 140m NW and 520m ESE respectively.

PORT 4 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

PO4 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:12:5 (816,207) 300–400 feet OD 20384, 33799 1213 1:15(01)

SITE DESCRIPTION The remains of this site consist of a low grass-covered bank of stone, roughly circular in plan, which indicates the line of the original cashel wall. It would appear that most of the stone from the wall was removed, probably for roadmaking, and the surviving bank, while being 1.5m to 3m wide, is in places so indistinct as to be practically unmeasurable. The internal dimensions of the enclosed area are 34.7m E–W and 35.5m N–S. At the southeast are the remains of what appears to be an entrance feature, mistakenly identified by some writers as a megalithic tomb (Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 157–9). It is comprised of three orthostats of up to 1.35m in height, one on the northeast side and two on the southwest side, with a gap of c. 1.15m between. It is interesting to note that none of the modern field boundaries respect the line of the cashel wall. No evidence of internal features was noted within the cashel, though the movement of modern machinery across the site may have obliterated this. REFERENCES de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972, 137; Lowry-Corry and Richardson 1937, 157–9; O’Donovan 1995, 148.

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD

MREGALITHIC TOMBS RINGFORTS: ATHS & CASHELS

This cashel has been levelled since O’Donovan visited it in 1988 and the site is now only identified by a number of small banks and hollows of irregular form. A sweathouse, Termon 8, is situated 200m SW, a hut site, Termon 9, is situated 120m S and a cairn (site) and associated cist (site), Termon 1 and Termon 2 respectively, are situated 70m W.

TERMON 3 CASHEL INDICATED MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TM3 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:1 (55,92) 300 feet OD 20560, 33679 1214 2:16

SITE DESCRIPTION O’Donovan (1995, 148) notes that the site consists of a ‘raised oval area (int. dims. 32.3m ENE–SSE; 18m NNW–SSE) enclosed by a substantial although largely collapsed drystone wall’. He also notes that the original entrance is not recognisable and that the site is densely overgrown. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 148.

This cashel is situated on fairly good land, on the shore of Lough Macnean Upper and is on the edge of the landscaped area of the Blacklion Golf Club property. Another cashel, Tuam 4, is situated 590m ESE.

TUAM 3 CASHEL HACHURED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TU3 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:9:2 150,285) 100–200 feet OD 20657, 33883 1215 2:21

SITE DESCRIPTION The remains of the site consist of a large stone wall, now in a very collapsed state, which surrounds an oval area of fairly level ground measuring 41.4m N–S and 30.2m E–W. The stone rampart survives well at the north and northeast and the remains of a smaller wall may be followed along the west side, where the proximity of the lake, c. 5m away, would probably have meant that a less substantial wall would suffice. The wall is generally not extant at the east and south and it appears that large volumes of stone have been removed from here, probably for roadmaking. The wall at the north is up to 8.00m wide and over 1.00m high, but it is quite difficult to establish the original width, due to the amount of collapse in the area. It would appear that large quantities of bulldozed material have been dumped onto the edge of the site at the south and east and quite a number of young deciduous trees have been planted in or around the site. There are no internal features evident and the location of the original entrance was not established. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 148.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

117

CATALOGUE OF SITES

This cashel is situated on reasonable pasture, with the shore of Lough Macnean Upper located c. 280m N and another cashel, Tuam 3, situated 590m NW.

TUAM 4 CASHEL HACHURED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TM4 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:9:3 (210,256) 100–200 feet OD 20716, 33854 1216 2:22

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a circular enclosure, defined by the remains of a stone wall, with internal dimensions of 28.5m E–W and 23.8m N–S. The interior of the site is quite level, with the result that the external ground level is higher at the west and north and lower at the east and south. The surviving base of the enclosing wall is rarely more than 0.4m high and is generally 2m wide. There are no internal features evident, but a gap in the wall at the south may represent the original entrance. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 148.

This cashel is situated on reasonable pasture, but it is surrounded on three sides, SE–NNE, by dense mature coniferous forest immediately outside the cashel wall. A rectangular enclosure and associated hut site, Unshohagh 2 and 3, are located 310m NNW, a cashel, Oggal 2, is situated 380m WNW, a cashel and associated hut site, Oggal 3 and 4, are situated 400m W and two house sites, Oggal 5 and 9, are located 340m W.

UNSHOGAGH 1 CASHEL INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

UN1 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:4 (25,5) 400–500 feet OD 20525, 33588 1219 2:29

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a circular enclosure defined by a stone wall with internal dimensions of 23.2m N–S and 25.15m E–W. The internal area is grass-covered with some thorn scrub around the edges. The wall would appear to have been robbed of most of its stone, probably for roadmaking, though in most areas the large basal boulders remain in situ. The original wall appears to have been 3.4m wide, but SE–SW has been rebuilt to serve as a field boundary and now measures 1m to 1.65m in height and c. 0.9m in width. The position of the original entrance cannot be established, due to the poor survival rate of the original wall and the high level of vegetative cover. The only internal feature of note at the site is a small shallow depression in the northwest quadrant, close to the inner face of the wall, which measures c. 4m in length and 1.2m in width, and may represent a collapsed souterrain, though the evidence is not sufficient to classify it as such. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 148.

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MREGALITHIC TOMBS RINGFORTS: ATHS & CASHELS

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119

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 16

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS SOUTERRAINS

SOUTERRAINS A souterrain is identified as an underground chamber or series of chambers, usually constructed with drystone walling, which served as a place of refuge or storage and are often found in association with ringforts, though isolated examples are also known. Souterrains are thought to date to the eighth and ninth centuries AD and are quite common in east Ulster, their distribution being fairly sparse in Co. Cavan (Mallory and McNeill 1991, 195, Figs. 6–14). O’Donovan (1995, 149–53), however, lists many more souterrains in the county than are illustrated by Mallory and McNeill, though most of these, including that at Barran 5, are only possible sites, generally identified by a hollow in the interior of a ringfort or cashel.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Plate 23

122

Souterrain entrance, Moneygashel 4

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS SOUTERRAINS

Situated in the northeastern quadrant of a cashel, Barran 4, in an area of reasonable hill pasture. The site is identified as a sub-rectangular hollow in the otherwise level interior of the cashel.

BARRAN 5 SOUTERRAIN (POSSIBLE) NOT MARKED MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BA5

SITE DESCRIPTION The hollow measures 7.6m N–S and 3.7m E–W and is up to 0.6m deep. Some small limestone rocks are exposed in the sides of the hollow and it appears possible that the hollow represents a collapsed souterrain. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 149

SITE LOCATION

OS 3:4:2 (825,579) 300–400 feet OD 20395,33549 1223 3:3(02)

MONEYGASHEL 4 SOUTERRAIN NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MG4 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:2 (87,427) 500–600 feet OD 20593, 33392 1260 4:16(03)

Situated at a well-preserved cashel, Moneygashel 3, this souterrain has been blocked for some time and only the entrance, located at the base of the external S face of the cashel wall, is now available for inspection. SITE DESCRIPTION This lintelled entrance is now 0.4m wide and 0.2m high, though it appears to have originally been higher, perhaps c. 0.4m. An inaccessible, partially blocked, area of the souterrain, extending 1.7m under the cashel wall, would appear to be stone built and lintelled. Richardson (1938, 20) states that the souterrain ran radially under the cashel wall and would appear to suggest that the souterrain is no longer intact, stating ‘its roof stones were discovered at one time’ and that the ‘hollow in which the souterrain lies seems purposely quarried out’. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 149; Richardson 1938, 20.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 17

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS ENCLOSURES

ENCLOSURES This section contains information on a group of circular or sub-circular enclosures which cannot be assigned with confidence to more specific categories such as raths or cashels, but which are apparently archaeological monuments nevertheless. The sites in the study area are usually identified as a circular or sub-circular enclosure defined by an insubstantial stone wall, though some are defined by low earth-and-stone banks. In some cases, these enclosures are found in proximity to other sites, such as raths, cashels and hut sites, and are possibly contemporary with them.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

This monument is situated in dense coniferous forest, therefore the general aspect of the site cannot be established. A portal tomb, Burren 3, is situated 70m SSW and a number of hut sites, Burren 7 and Burren 11, are situated within the enclosure.

BURREN 6 ENCLOSURE INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BU6 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:1:6 (218,495) 800–900 feet OD 20732, 33464 1284 4:2

SITE DESCRIPTION This large sub-circular enclosure is defined by a collapsed stone wall and is quite difficult to investigate, due to the dense tree cover on and around the site. It measures 33.1m N–S and 44.3m E–W internally, while the enclosing wall is up to 2m wide and c. 0.4m to 0.6m high. The internal area is generally level, but a number of large sandstone boulders are evident. A group of hut sites, Burren 7, was recorded in the northern quadrant and a single hut site, Burren 11, was recorded in the southern quadrant. A number of old field walls radiate outwards from the enclosure and these may be contemporary with the site. Notes: This site was not located by O’Donovan (1995, 156). REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 156.

This enclosure is situated in a modern mature coniferous plantation 40m to the northwest of, and below, the inland promontory fort, Burren 9, and is located on a fairly level site, with rising ground to the southeast and falling ground to the northwest.

BURREN 10 ENCLOSURE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BU10 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:1 (265,574) 700–800 feet OD 207880, 335603

126

SITE DESCRIPTION The sub-rectangular enclosure is defined by a partly collapsed stone wall, now up to 1.8m wide and 0.2m to 0.5m high, and has internal dimensions of 15m E–W by 9m N–S. The only internal feature of note in the enclosure is an unusual ridge of stone running across the centre. A possible hut site is located just outside the southern edge of the enclosure, but the inconclusive nature of the evidence meant that this was not recorded individually. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS ENCLOSURES

Situated on a northwest-facing slope of poor wet mountain pasture, with good views from the west through to the north and rising ground to the south.

GARVAGH 2 ENCLOSURE INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GV2 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:6 (224,298) 600 feet OD 20746, 33263

SITE DESCRIPTION A small sub-triangular enclosure defined by a simple wall of sandstone boulders, with internal dimensions of 14.5m N–S and 15.6m E–W. The internal area is generally uneven and slopes to the north-northwest and there is vague evidence for internal features. A gap in the enclosing wall, 1.4m wide, at the west end of the north wall probably represents an entranceway. The enclosing wall is up to 0.8m high and 0.6m wide. In general, the enclosure is of uncertain age and may not be an antiquity. The remains of a central-door stone-built rectangular cow byre are located c. 20m to the east. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

Situated on a northwest-facing slope of reasonable hill pasture, though the site itself and some of the surrounding land is covered in dense vegetation. Other enclosures, Kinnabo 2 and Kinnabo 3, are located 180m S and 280m E, respectively, while a cashel, Kiltaglassan 2, is located 110m WNW.

KINNABO 1 ENCLOSURE INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KN1 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:3 (166,113) 300–400 feet OD 20673, 33701 1396 2:8

SITE DESCRIPTION This large sub-circular enclosure is defined by a large stone wall and appears to measure c. 60m N–S by c. 50m E–W, though the density of the vegetation in the interior renders inspection impossible. The enclosing wall is accessible from the exterior at the east and appears, in its collapsed state, to be c. 5m wide and 1m high, suggesting that it was once quite a substantial feature. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 166.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on reasonable hill pasture with extensive views from the west through to the northeast, this enclosure is defined by the scant remains of a stone wall now covered by moss and briars. Other enclosures, Kinnabo 1 and Kinnabo 3, are located 180m N and 320m NE, respectively.

KINNABO 2 ENCLOSURE INDICATED MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KN2 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:3 (167,92) 300–400 feet OD 20676, 33679 1397 2:9

SITE DESCRIPTION The internal area is generally level, while the external ground level falls away to the south and west. The internal area measures 15.5m E–W by 14.1m N–S and the remains of the wall are generally less than 0.3m high and less than 1m wide. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 166.

Situated on good hill pasture on the shoulder of Ture hill, with extensive views from the southwest through to the north. Other enclosures, Kinnabo 1 and Kinnabo 2, are located 280m E and 320m SW, respectively.

KINNABO 3 ENCLOSURE INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

KN3

SITE DESCRIPTION This site, described by O’Donovan as being ‘densely overgrown with vegetation’ (1995, 166), has been generally cleared and now survives as a grass-covered sub-circular bank, with a small amount of the vegetation surviving at the northeast. This vegetation protects a short section of the original enclosing wall, though this is in such a collapsed state that it was not possible to take accurate measurements. The internal diameter of the enclosure is 20.8m E–W.

SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:3 (197,111) 300–400 feet OD 20705, 33699 1398 2:10

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REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 166.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS ENCLOSURES

This site was not located during the course of the field survey and it would appear that it was probably removed during land clearance work which took place in the area in recent years.

LANLISS 1 ENCLOSURE (SITE) INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

LA1 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:14:1 (298,135) 300–400 feet OD 20813, 33727 1400 2:11(01)

SITE DESCRIPTION The site of the enclosure appears to be c. 80m WNW of a hut site, Lanliss 2. O’Donovan suggests that the site consisted of a ‘raised circular area (int. diam. 27.2m) enclosed by a substantial but partly collapsed drystone wall. Original entrance not recognisable. A curving stone wall connects the west sector of this site to the northeast of a small subrectangular raised area (int. dims. 16.4m northwest–northeast; 8.7m northeast–southeast). This is enclosed by a rampart similar in morphology to the circular enclosure. Again original entrance not recognisable. Densely overgrown with vegetation’ (O’Donovan 1995, 167). REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 166-7.

This site is immediately adjacent to the remains of a court tomb, Legalough 2, and is situated on the top of a ridge of heathery grazing with good views from the east through to the southwest. A wedge tomb, Legalough 1, is situated 25m SE and another enclosure, Legalough 4, is situated 40m SE.

LEGALOUGH 3 ENCLOSURE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

LL3 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:1 (299,519) 300–400 feet OD 20673, 33701 1396 2:8

SITE DESCRIPTION This roughly circular enclosure has internal dimensions of 8.1m N–S and 7.9m E–W and is defined by a poorly preserved stone wall. The enclosure appears to be sited where the gallery of the court tomb was originally located. The enclosing wall is 1.6m to 2.4m wide and is up to 0.7m high and there is no evidence of an entrance, except for the entrance feature of the court tomb at the west of the enclosure. The interior of the enclosure has no features of note, though it is quite possible that some evidence for the court tomb gallery exists beneath the site. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

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CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated close to the eastern end of a small ridge of poor hill pasture, on which a wedge tomb, Legalough 1, a court tomb, Legalough 2, and an enclosure, Legalough 3, are also situated, at distances of 17m NW, 40m NW and 45m NW, respectively.

LEGALOUGH 4 ENCLOSURE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

LL4

SITE DESCRIPTION This small sub-circular enclosure, with internal dimensions of 4m N–S by 4.1m E–W, is defined by a small irregular bank that is apparently comprised of stone with a covering of moss and grass. There is no evidence of an entrance and it is debatable whether this site is, in fact, a small enclosure or a large hut site. The only internal feature of note is a small orthostat, 0.7m by 0.15m by 0.4m high, which is fairly well set in the internal area. The purpose of this feature is uncertain.

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:5 (306,513) 800–900 feet OD 208301, 335005

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

Situated on a level site that is overlooked on a number of sides by higher ground. A cashel, Manragh Upper 2, is located 220m NE and a ring-barrow, Manragh Upper 1, is located 160m ENE.

MANRAGH UPPER 3

ENCLOSURE (SITE) INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MU3

SITE DESCRIPTION This site is no longer extant and O’Donovan (1995, 168–9) notes that is was levelled in the early 1980s. It would appear to have had a diameter of c. 25m. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 168–9.

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:6:1 (277,424) 500–600 feet OD 20795, 33392 1423 4:12

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS ENCLOSURES

Plate 24

Enclosure, Mullaghahy 3

Situated on a level plateau of good hill pasture with extensive views SE–WNW. A cashel, Mullaghahy 2, is situated 140m SSE, another enclosure, Mullaghahy 4, is situated 220m N, a rath, Mullaghahy 1, is situated 290m N and a hut site, Mullaghahy 5, is situated 310m NNE.

MULLAGHAHY 3 ENCLOSURE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MH3 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:12:6 (861,198) 300–400 feet OD 204715, 337958

SITE DESCRIPTION This small sub-circular enclosure is defined by a low grass-covered bank, which may be of stone or earth and has internal dimensions of 11.9m E–W and 14.6m N–S. The bank is up to 2m wide and, in places, up to 60cm in height above the external ground level. There is no evidence of a fosse and, though there are some small humps in the internal area, there is no clear evidence of foundations. REFERENCES Previously unrecorded.

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131

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on level ground close to the summit of Mullaghahy hill, with extensive views S–N, impeded by the hill from N–S. A rath, Mullaghahy 1, is situated 80m N, a cashel, Mullaghahy 2, is situated 360m SSE, another enclosure, Mullaghahy 3, is situated 220m S and a hut site, Mullaghahy 5, is situated 160m NE.

MULLAGHAHY 4 ENCLOSURE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MH4

SITE LOCATION

OS 1:12:6 (858,218) 400–500 feet OD 204690, 338183

OGGAL 6 ENCLOSURE INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

OG6 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:16:6 (850,30) 800–900 feet OD 208301, 335005

SITE DESCRIPTION This sub-circular enclosure is defined by a grass-covered bank, apparently comprised of stone, which encloses an area measuring 16.5m NW–SE and 15.5m NE–SW. The bank is up to 3.8m wide and is up to 70cm high above the external ground level. There is a large gap in the bank WNW–N and there is no evidence of a fosse. A 2m-wide gap in the bank at the southeast may represent the original entrance. Some small humps are visible in the otherwise level interior, but these do not appear to represent structural foundations. A number of relict field boundaries and field clearance cairns are evident in the immediate vicinity of the site. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

Situated in dense hazel and thorn scrub on the edge of a mature Coillte coniferous plantation. A cashel, Oggal 2, and a hut site, Oggal 1, are situated 200m ESE and another cashel, Oggal 3, is situated 240m SE. SITE DESCRIPTION This large sub-circular enclosure is defined by a stone wall which encloses a fairly level area measuring 30.9m N–S. A number of sandstone boulders and piles of small stones within the interior may represent internal features or may simply be evidence of clearance. The enclosing wall, generally comprised of sandstone boulders, is in notably good condition and is up to 1.4m high and averages 1.2m wide. The wall is not well preserved on the north side, where the interior ground level is considerably higher than that outside. Notes: The site described here is that marked on the SMR map as CV1:10, though the description given in O’Donovan (1995, 169) under Inv. No. 1430 does not appear to relate to the site discussed above. NOTES O’Donovan 1995, 169.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS ENCLOSURES

Situated in rough low-lying pasture, with generally poor views. Another enclosure, Roo 2, lies c. 15m SSE.

ROO 1 ENCLOSURE INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

RO1 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:16:4 (733,64) 200–300 feet OD 20299, 33646 1442 1:16

SITE DESCRIPTION This roughly circular enclosure is now bounded by a low stone wall, 1.5m to 2.m wide, which is built with medium-sized sandstone blocks, which were probably gained through field clearance. The interior of the enclosure is slightly raised and is covered with a dense growth of whitethorn, rendering an accurate internal measurement impossible. At the north-northeast the perimeter appears to have followed the line of a limestone outcrop. An entranceway was not recognisable. The internal diameter, from cartographic evidence, would appear to be c. 24m. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 170.

Situated in rough low-lying pasture, with generally poor views. Another enclosure, Roo 1, is situated c. 15m NW. This roughly circular enclosure is now defined by a low grass bank E–WSW and by the remains of a stone wall WSW–N–E.

ROO 2 ENCLOSURE INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

RO2 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:16:4 (736,62) 200–300 feet OD 20302, 33643 1443 1:17

SITE DESCRIPTION The interior of the enclosure is notably lower than the surrounding area and is prone to flooding. The base of the wall survives where old field boundaries run along the line of the rampart and here a number of large boulders would suggest that the wall may have been quite substantial originally. The internal area of the site measures 29.4m N–S and 33.9m E–W and no internal features are visible. The original entranceway is not recognisable, due to the poor survival of the enclosing wall. Notes: The interior of the enclosure is, as mentioned above, notably lower than the surrounding area, though O’Donovan (1995, 170) mistakenly describes it as being raised. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 170.

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133

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on reasonable pasture, c. 20m from the shore of Lough Macnean Upper and 50m from the graveyard, Termon 5.

TERMON 4 ENCLOSURE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

SITE DESCRIPTION A small sub-circular enclosure, defined by a stone wall, with an internal diameter of c. 10m. The internal area is filled with bushes and is at a lower level than the surrounding land. The wall is between 0.6m and 1m high and between 0.8m and 1m wide.

TM4 SITE LOCATION

REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 171.

OS 2:9:5 (95,198) 100–200 feet OD 20594, 33792 1449 2:19

Situated on a shoulder of a north-facing slope of hill pasture with a sharp fall of ground to the north and rising hazel scrub-covered ground to the south. Extensive views NW–E with a rath (site), Ture 2, visible 320m N.

TURE 1 ENCLOSURE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

SITE DESCRIPTION This site has been generally levelled, though very slight evidence of the bank and ditch may be seen on the north side of the site. No accurate measurements were possible, though cartographic evidence would suggest that the enclosure had a diameter of less than 20m.

TR1 SITE LOCATION

REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 171.

OS 2:13:3 (227,128) 400–500 feet OD 20735, 33716 1455 2:25

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS ENCLOSURES

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

135

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 18

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS CRANNÓGS

CRANNÓGS A crannóg may be defined as an artificially constructed island which formed the basis for a habitation site and they generally date to the Early Medieval period (c. AD 500-1100), though some may have continued to be occupied for many subsequent centuries. The crannóg is one of the most common archaeological sites in the lakelands of the north midlands and south Ulster. They were usually constructed on small lakes and consist of a timber structure, possibly resting on a small rock or stone base, upon which a small number of structures were built. A survey of Fermanagh crannógs, carried out in 1977 by Claire Foley, is discussed by O’Sullivan (1998, 129) and he notes that, while the crannógs were centrally placed in the smaller lakes, they were usually situated close to the shore in sheltered bays and inlets on larger lakes, such as Lough Macnean. This trend would appear to be replicated on the Cavan side of the lake, where the two possible crannógs are located in sheltered bays. It would appear that most crannógs date to the Early Medieval period, though they almost certainly have a considerably longer period of usage. They are generally considered to be similar in function and usage to ringforts, though they were probably more defensive in nature. It should be noted that the shoreline close to a crannóg may also be of archaeological interest, as early cartographic evidence, such as the seventeenth-century map by Richard Bartlett published by O’Sullivan (1998, 171), shows lakeside settlement, which is probably associated with the crannóg. .

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137

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Plate 25

138

Crannóg, Termon 11

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS CRANNÓGS

Situated on Lough Macnean Upper, close to the shore of Teemore and Leck townlands, this site is located in a small bay on the east side of Copse Point.

TEEMORE 2 CRANNÓG (POSSIBLE)

SITE DESCRIPTION It is identified as a small circular island of stone, c. 10 across, which may be the base of a crannóg.

NOT MAKRED MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TE2 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:8:6 NPL 174 feet OD 20457, 33899

Situated in Lough Macnean Upper, close to the shore of Termon and Kiltaglassan townlands.

TERMON 11 CRANNÓG (POSSIBLE) NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TM11

SITE DESCRIPTION This site is identified as a small island comprised of stone, which is submerged at times of high-water levels but appears to be up to 15m across and 1m high during the summer (O’Donovan 1995, 189). REFERENCES O’Donovan., 189.

SITE LOCATION

OS 2:9:5 NPL 174 feet OD 20647, 33788 1603 2:32

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139

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Lough Macnean Upper

Tuam Island

Lough Macnean Lower

CO. LEITRIM

CO. FERMANAGH

CO. CAVAN

Killinagh Parish (Part of)

Garvagh Lough

Templeport Parish (Part of)

elevations (m) 400-450 350-400 300-350 200-250 150-200 100-150 60-100

geography Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland Country Border County Border Parish Border Townland Border

sites

Previously Unrecorded

2km

Map 19

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS HUT SITES, HOUSE SITES & SETTLEMENT CLUSTERS

HUT SITES

HOUSE SITES & SETTLEMENT CLUSTERS

Hut sites are one of the simplest forms of archaeological monument found in the Irish landscape and are generally identified as a small circular or sub-circular setting of stone, which represents the base of the wall of the hut, though in some cases the site is identified by a small circular grassy bank. Hut sites are often found in association with raths and cashels, though quite a number of previously unrecorded isolated examples were discovered during fieldwork in the study area. It is quite possible that many of these isolated hut sites were associated with transhumance or ‘booleying’ and it is interesting to note that, although eighteen sites are listed, they are found in a total of just nine townlands, suggesting that these areas may have been particularly important lands for summer pasture. House sites are identified as rectangular or sub-rectangular monuments, are generally larger than the hut sites and are defined by settings of stone or by peat-covered banks. The three house sites identified in the study area were found in close proximity to each other in Oggal townland, which also has a number of cashels and hut sites. It is difficult to suggest a date for these house sites on the basis of the morphological evidence and they may date to between the Early Medieval period (AD 500–1100) and the post-Medieval period (AD 1600–1800). The simpler hut sites are even more problematic and may date to as early as the Neolithic period. The possible settlement cluster in Termon townland may be comprised of up to six rectalinear structures, though some of the monuments resemble turf storage structures and it is possible that the entire complex of monuments was used for this purpose. In addition to the hut site listed here, there is some evidence for hut sites/small enclosures in the Legeelan plateau, southwest of Burren forest, while there may also be house sites in Duckfield. However, because of the problematic nature of the remaining evidence, these possible sites have not been listed or definitely classified.

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141

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated in dense coniferous forest in the northern quadrant of Burren 6, a stone-walled enclosure. Another hut site, Burren 11, is found within the southern quadrant of the same enclosure, c. 30m from this site.

BURREN 7 HUT SITES NOT MARKED MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BU7

SITE DESCRIPTION This site consists of three conjoined hut sites situated immediately inside the northern wall of the enclosure. The hut sites are identified by three conjoined circles of stone, with maximum dimensions of 2.1m, 2.4m and 4m. The wall bases are 0.4m to 0.6m high and are now generally covered with moss and peat.

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:1:6 (214,485) 800–900 feet OD 207321, 334651

BURREN 11 HUT SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

Situated in dense coniferous forest in the southern quadrant of Burren 6, a stone-walled enclosure. Another hut site, Burren 7, is found within the northern quadrant of the same enclosure, c. 30m from this site. SITE DESCRIPTION This simple circular hut site has a maximum internal dimension of 2.4m and is situated immediately inside the south wall of the enclosure. The site is identified by a rough circle of moss-covered boulders.

BU11 SITE LOCATION

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

OS 4:1:6 (215,483) 800–900 feet OD 207325, 334621

142

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS HUT SITES, HOUSE SITES & SETTLEMENT CLUSTERS

Situated in coniferous forest near the southern edge of Burren townland. An enclosure, Burren 6, which has two hut sites, Burren 7 and Burren 11, is situated 320m NW.

BURREN 12 HUT SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

BU12 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:4 (237,461) 800 feet OD 207547, 334419

SITE DESCRIPTION This hut site is recognised as a sub-circular setting of sandstone boulders, now covered in moss, with internal dimensions of 2.6m N–S and 3.1m E–W. The surrounding area appears to have been of reasonably good hill pasture before afforestation, though limestone karst is in evidence in some areas. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

Situated in an area of good hill grazing, with much exposed limestone and extensive views W–E. A cairn, Corratirrim 1, is located 160m S and another hut site, Corratirrim 3, is located 240m SW.

CORRATIRRIM 2 HUT SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

CT2 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:14:4 (248,34) 700–800 feet OD 20773, 33619

SITE DESCRIPTION The stones are generally sandstone boulders of up to 0.6m in length and are arranged in a single line. The internal dimensions of the larger part of the structure are 3.1m N–S and 3.25m E–W, while the smaller part measures 2m N–S and 2.3m E–W. The longest overall external dimension is 5.8m SE–NW. The location of the original entranceway is unclear, due to the ephemeral nature of the wall. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

143

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated in an area of good hill grazing, with much exposed limestone karst in the vicinity. A cairn, Corratirrim 1, is located 180m E and another hut site, Corratirrim 2, is located 240m NE.

CORRATIRRIM 3 HUT SITE NOT MARKED MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

CT3

SITE DESCRIPTION This hut site is identified as a circular setting of stones, some covered with a grassy bank, which has internal dimensions of 6.5m N–S and 5.7m E–W. The wall base is comprised of both limestone and sandstone blocks up to 1.m in size and, where collapse has occurred, the stone ‘bank’ is up to 2.2m wide. The original entranceway is not recognisable and a modern wire fence runs across the site E–W.

SITE LOCATION

OS 2:14:4 (232,18) 700–800 feet OD 207551, 336005

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

This interesting hut site is situated on rough hill pasture, and other hut sites, Edenmore 3, are situated 190m W, while a stone row, Edenmore 1, is situated 360m NNE.

EDENMORE 2 HUT SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

ED2

SITE LOCATION

SITE DESCRIPTION The site consists of a figure-of-eight shaped structure and is partly built with drystone walling, which is relatively well preserved, and also uses a natural crag or boulder to define one side. The use of a natural hollow between the boulders gives the structure a sunken appearance, and a single lintel remains in situ over the narrow gap between the two parts of the structure. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

OS 4:13:3 (218,99) 900–1000 feet OD 20740, 33048

144

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS HUT SITES, HOUSE SITES & SETTLEMENT CLUSTERS

This complex of hut sites is situated in a relatively small boulderstrewn area on a hillside of rough mountain pasture. Another hut site, Edenmore 2, is situated 190m E and a stone row, Edenmore 1, is situated 400m NE.

EDENMORE 3 HUT SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

SITE DESCRIPTION The hut sites are identified as small circular settings of stone, 1.5m to 3m in diameter, which are apparently distributed in a random manner in the boulder-strewn area. Up to five huts are in evidence, and there is slight evidence of collapsed walls between some of the sites.

ED3 SITE LOCATION

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

OS 4:13:3 (199,101) 900 feet OD 20720, 33048

Situated in fairly dense hazel scrub on a hillside strewn with mosscovered boulders. The ground level falls away sharply to the north and rises steeply to the west and south. Lough Macnean Upper may be glimpsed through the tree cover to the northeast, but otherwise the view is obscured. An enclosure (site), Lanliss 1, is located 80m WNW.

LANLISS 2 HUT SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

LA2 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:14:1 (294,128) 300–400 feet OD 20823, 33723

SITE DESCRIPTION This large hut site is identified as a circular setting of moss-covered stones, with internal dimensions of 5.6m N–S and 5.2m E–W. The internal area is generally level and there is inconclusive evidence for an entranceway at the east-northeast. The wall stands to an internal height of 80cm in places and appears to have been 1.2m thick. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

145

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated in a sheltered site on poor hill grazing, with wet land to the east and somewhat drier limestone hill pasture immediately around the site and to the west. The site is sheltered by a limestone crag to the west and other small hills in the vicinity. Cuilcagh mountain is visible to the south and there are also views into Co. Fermanagh to the northeast. The four other hut sites in the townland are located between 260m and 370m W–SW.

MANRAGH

UPPER 4 HUT SITE

NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a sub-circular setting of stones with internal dimensions of 4m N–S and 4.7m E–W. The wall, comprised of limestone blocks up to 1.2m in length and of sandstone boulders up to 0.8m, would appear to have been 1m to 1.7m wide. There are possible entrances at the east and northeast.

MU4

SITE LOCATION

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

OS 4:2:5 (304,473) 600–700 feet OD 20823, 33453

Situated in a small hollow running NE–SW across the south-facing slope of the northern part of the townland. The area supports good hill grazing, with some exposed limestone bedrock, and the hut sites of Manragh Upper 6, 7 and 8 lie between 8m and 70m SW.

MANRAGH

UPPER 5 HUT SITE

NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

SITE DESCRIPTION This hut site is identified as a small square setting of stones with internal dimensions of 1.6m N–S and 2m E–W. The enclosing wall is c. 50cm wide, is comprised of both sandstone and limestone and survives to between 50cm and 80cm in height, except at the east, where the entrance was probably located.

MU5 ORDNANCE SURVEY

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

OS 4:2:4 (276,466) 700–800 feet OD 20799, 334448

146

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS HUT SITES, HOUSE SITES & SETTLEMENT CLUSTERS

Situated in a small hollow running NE–SW across the south-facing slope of the northern part of the townland. The area supports good hill grazing, with some exposed limestone bedrock, and the hut sites of Manragh Upper 7 and 8 lie between 6m and 55m SW, while the hut site of Manragh Upper 5 lies c. 8m NE.

MANRAGH

UPPER 6 HUT SITE

NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MU6

SITE DESCRIPTION The scant remains of this hut site are represented by a simple, apparently sub-rectangular, setting of stones with internal dimensions of 1.4m N–S and 2m E–W. This site was probably quite similar to Manragh Upper 5, but very little of this structure survives. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:4 (275,463) 700–800 feet OD 207992, 334440

Situated in a small hollow running NE–SW across the south-facing slope of the northern part of the townland. The area supports good hill grazing, with some exposed limestone bedrock, and the hut site of Manragh Upper 8 lies c. 40m SW, while the hut sites of Manragh Upper 5 and 6 lie between 6m and 15m NE.

MANRAGH

UPPER 7 HUT SITE

SITE DESCRIPTION This hut site is identified as a sub-circular setting of stones, almost exclusively of sandstone, with internal dimensions of 2.4m N–S and 3.1m E–W.

NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

MU7 ORDNANCE SURVEY

OS 4:2:4 (274,463) 700–800 feet OD 207985, 334431

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

147

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Plate 26

Hut site, Manragh Upper 8

Situated in a small hollow running NE–SW across the south-facing slope of the northern part of the townland. The area supports good hill grazing, with some exposed limestone bedrock, and the hut sites of Manragh Upper 5, 6 and 7 lie between 40m and 70m NE

MANRAGH

UPPER 8 HUT SITE

NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MU8

SITE DESCRIPTION This structure, perhaps more a hut than a hut site, is D-shaped in plan and is built primarily with sandstone blocks, though a small amount of limestone is used in the upper courses. The walls stand to between 1.1m and 2m high and the interior measures 2m NW–SE and 3m NE–SW. The internal area is covered with loose stone, which has presumably fallen from the walls. The walls are generally 60cm wide and a clearly defined entrance, 50cm wide, is found at the northeast end of the northwest wall.

SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:4 (272,461) 700–800 feet OD 207954, 334392

148

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS HUT SITES, HOUSE SITES & SETTLEMENT CLUSTERS

Plate 27

Hut site, Mullaghahy 5

Situated close to the summit of Mullaghahy hill on good hill pasture, with extensive views SE–N. The view N–SE is somewhat impeded by the hill at close range, but long-range views are good here also. A rath, Mullaghahy 1, is situated 110m W, a cashel, Mullaghahy 2, 440m S, and two enclosures, Mullaghahy 3 and 4, 320m SSW and 150m SW, respectively.

MULLAGHAHY 5 HUT SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MU5 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:2:4 (276,466) 700–800 feet OD 20799, 334448

SITE DESCRIPTION This site is identified by a grass-covered bank and has internal dimensions of 2.8m E–W and 3.2m N–S. The bank would appear to have some stone within it and is up to 2.5m wide, apparently due to slump. It stands 50cm above the internal ground level and an entrance, 1.1m to 1.4m wide, is found at the southeast. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

149

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated in a mature coniferous forest, with rising ground to the south and falling ground to north-northwest. The site may have had good views in this direction, but the present tree cover renders this difficult to establish. A cashel, Oggal 2, is located 50m S.

OGGAL 1 HUT SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

OG1 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:16:6 (853,25) 400–500 feet OD 20486, 33605

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a circular setting of moss-covered stones with internal dimensions of 3.6m N–S and 3.95m E–W, although accurate measurements are difficult, due to the collapsed nature of the wall. In general, the wall is now between 0.2m and 1.1m high and between 0.6m and 2.2m wide. An orthostatic stone, 55cm x 28cm x 80cm high, set radially in the wall at the north-northeast, may represent an entrance portal. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

Situated in mature coniferous forest c. 6m north-northeast of a cashel, Oggal 3, and within a network of stone field walls.

OGGAL 4 HUT SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

OG4

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a relatively well-preserved circular hut site constructed with sandstone boulders and has internal dimensions of 2.05m N–S and 1.95m E–W. The walls, which stand up to 1.3m high internally, are quite well built and a rebuilt section at the northeast may indicate the position of the original entrance. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

SITE LOCATION

OS 1:16:6 (866,11) 400–500 feet OD 204808, 335923

150

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS HUT SITES, HOUSE SITES & SETTLEMENT CLUSTERS

Plate 28

Hut site, Oggal 4

Situated on very rough, wet hill grazing on a north–facing slope, with extensive views W–ENE and rising ground to the south. A cairn and cist (site), Termon 1 and 2, are located 160m NNW, a cashel (site), Termon 3, is located 160m N, a sweathouse, Termon 8, is located 170m WNW and a possible settlement cluster, Termon 10, is located 250m S.

TERMON 9 HUT SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TM9 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:1 (53,76) 300–400 feet OD 20558, 33660

SITE DESCRIPTION This hut site is identified as a small sub-circular wall base with an internal diameter of 2m. The wall is now up to 0.8m high and 1.2m wide, although its original form is uncertain, due to collapse. The interior of the site may, in fact, be square in plan rather than circular, but the evidence for this is inconclusive. There is a possible entrance at the east-southeast. A number of other features are evident in the immediate vicinity, most notably a turfdrying structure to the west. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

151

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated in mature coniferous forest, within a stone-walled rectangular enclosure, Unshogagh 2. Another hut site, Oggal 1, lies 310m WSW.

UNSHOGAGH 3 HUT SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

UN3

SITE DESCRIPTION This hut site, situated c. 4m from the west wall and c. 18m from the south wall of the rectangular enclosure, is identified as a small circular setting of stone with internal dimensions of 1.6m N–S and 1.9m E–W. In some places the wall stands to a number of courses and to a height of up to 0.85m. The wall appears to have been c. 50cm thick, although accurate measurement is difficult, due to collapse.

SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:3 (14,37) 400–500 feet OD 20514, 33620

OGGAL 5 HOUSE SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

OG5 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:16:6 (875,5) 400–500 feet OD 204889, 335865

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

Situated on a level site in dense coniferous forest, with rising ground to the southeast and the forest boundary c. 20m to the south-southwest. Another house site, Oggal 9, is located c. 10m NE, while a cashel and hut site, Oggal 3 and Oggal 4, are situated 90m NW. SITE DESCRIPTION The site is identified as a rectangular peat- and moss-covered bank which has developed on the few remaining foundation stones. The site is quite similar in plan to a typical vernacular house of the area, being a simple rectangular structure divided internally into two rooms of unequal size, the larger having opposed doorways, and so it appears possible that this house site may date to the later Medieval or post-Medieval periods. The larger room measures 5.6m long and 2.8m wide, while the smaller room measures 2.8m long and 2.1m wide. The long axis of the structure runs SW–NE and the banks of peat-covered stone are generally 0.6m wide. The overall length of the structure is 10.9m. A turf-drying structure lies c. 5m to the southeast and a small circular stone enclosure lies c. 5m to the northeast. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

152

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS HUT SITES, HOUSE SITES & SETTLEMENT CLUSTERS

Situated on a fairly level site in rough heathery pasture, with coniferous forest to the north and east and good views to the west. Two house sites, Oggal 5 and Oggal 9, are located 100m NE, while a cashel and hut site, Oggal 3 and Oggal 4, are situated 110m NNW. A possible cashel, Oggal 8, is located 250m SW.

OGGAL 7 HOUSE SITE NOT MAKRED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

OG7 SITE LOCATION

OS 3:4:3 (871,585) 400–500 feet OD 204843, 335782

SITE DESCRIPTION This sub-rectangular structure appears to be somewhat similar to Oggal 5 and Oggal 9, though this example may have been built in two phases. The long axis of the structure runs E–W and the larger part at the eastern end measures 5.75m long and 2.4m wide, while the smaller western part, apparently circular in plan, measures 1.7m in diameter. If the western part is indeed circular in plan, it appears possible that this site was originally a circular hut site that was later extended to the east. A separate stone enclosure with an internal diameter c. 6m is found c. 4m to the north-northwest. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

Situated on a level site in dense coniferous forest, with rising ground to the southeast and the forest boundary c. 30m to the south-southwest. Another house site, Oggal 5, is located c. 10m SW, while a cashel and hut site, Oggal 3 and Oggal 4, are situated 90m NW.

OGGAL 9 HOUSE SITE NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

OG9

SITE DESCRIPTION The site, which is quite similar to Oggal 5, is identified as a rectangular peat-covered bank which has developed on the remaining foundation stones. The doorways evident at Oggal 5 are not in evidence here and this site is somewhat larger. The long axis runs SE–NW and the overall length is 10.5m. The internal dimensions of the larger room are 5.65m by 4m, while the smaller room measures 2m by 2.5m.

SITE LOCATION

OS 1:16:6 (874,6) 400–500 feet OD 204895, 335887

NOTES Previously unrecorded.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

153

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated close to the brow of a north-facing slope, with extensive views from west-northwest through to the east. The area is of generally poor heathery grazing and 20m S are the remains of a central-entry rectangular stone byre. A hut site, Termon 9, is situated 250m N.

TERMON 10 SETTLEMENT CLUSTER NOT MARKED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TM10 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:4 (53,52) 400–500 feet OD 20559, 33638

SITE DESCRIPTION This site is comprised of a group of six rectilinear structures in close proximity to each other on an exposed site and, though some would appear to be turf-drying structures, others may be house sites. All of the structures are defined by very low sandstone walls and are between 7.3m and 12.3m in length and between 1.8m and 2.1m in width. Most of the structures would appear to be unenclosed at the eastern end and some of these may be turfdrying structures, but some, particularly that at the northeast of the group, would seem to have four sides and so may be house sites. In general, the exposed nature of the site is not typical of settlement location in this area, despite the fact that a wind-prone site may have been of assistance when drying turf. This does not, however, entirely rule out the possibility of this being a settlement site. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

154

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS HUT SITES, HOUSE SITES & SETTLEMENT CLUSTERS

Plate 29

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

Hut site, Termon 9

155

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 20

156

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MEGALITHICREMAINS TOMBS ECCLESIASTICAL

ECCLESIASTICAL REMAINS

One of the best-known types of archaeological site in the country is the ruined medieval parish church and graveyard, and a number of other site types are commonly found in association with these monuments, including bullaun stones and stone carvings. The parish church of Killinagh is situated in Termon townland and has a graveyard, multiple bullaun stones and a holy well nearby. The church at Termon is said to represent a monastery, founded by Saint Brigid and Saint Laighne in the early sixth century (Davies 1939, 98; Gwynn and Hadcock 1988, 393), while Archdall notes that in 1590 a ‘Hospital at Kileynagh was endowed with one cartron of land valued at 12d.’ (Gwynn and Hadcock 1988, 353).

NORTHWEST ORTHWEST C CO. CAVAN AVAN SSURVEY URVEY

157

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Plate 30

158

Church and graveyard, Termon 5

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MEGALITHICREMAINS TOMBS ECCLESIASTICAL

Situated on reasonably good pasture land close to the shore of Lough Macnean Upper. A holy well, Termon 7, is situated 120m WSW, a small enclosure, Termon 4, is situated 100m NE and a multiple bullaun stone, Termon 6, is situated 180m NE.

TERMON 5 CHURCH & GRAVEYARD CHURCH (IN RUINS) & GRAVEYARD

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TM5 SITE LOCATION

OS 2:9:5 (90,193) 100–200 feet OD 20590, 33782 1702 2:18

SITE DESCRIPTION The simple rectangular church is situated on a small rise of ground and is orientated E–W. It is in a reasonable state of preservation, except that the central sections of the north and south walls stand to only half their original height and the upper part of the west gable is missing. The internal dimensions of the building are 20.85m E–W and 5.9m N–S. The east window is a three-light round-headed window with lightly recessed spandrels on the exterior and a simple hood moulding. This moulding is not correctly positioned over the window and this may suggest that the window was reconstructed at some period. Two simple one-light windows are positioned opposite each other in the north and south walls of the church and serve to provide additional light to the east end of the church. These windows are also round-headed and it is interesting to note that the sill of the south window appears to be re-used, suggesting it may have been taken from an earlier structure. It would appear that two opposed windows also served the west end of the church, but the one in the south wall has not survived well. The well-preserved window in the north wall is a simple lintelled, undecorated one-light example. It would appear that the doorway was probably in the north wall and it is possible that some parts of the doorway to an above-ground vault in the church interior may be originally from the church doorway. The church interior has, in addition to the large vault, a number of erect headstones and perhaps more than a dozen horizontal slabs. A series of beam-holes in the north and south walls at the west end of the church would appear to be associated with a gallery. Two unusual triangular stones on the exterior of the north wall have recessed edges and are of uncertain significance. Burial at the site would appear to be confined to the church interior or the separate graveyard situated c. 10m NE. The enclosed graveyard has a mixture of upright and horizontal memorials, quite a number of the upright examples dating to the later eighteenth century. The earliest date noted on an upright slab is 1744, but it is possible that some of the horizontal slabs may be older. The graveyard is filled with memorials, some of which are simple unmarked stones and some of which date to the twentieth century. REFERENCES Davies 1939, 98–101; Davies 1948, 98; Lowry-Corry 1939, 102–4; O’Donovan 1995, 208–9; Richardson and Lowry-Corry 1940, 170.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

159

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated c. 20m from the shore of Lough Macnean Upper and 180m from the church and graveyard, Termon 5.

TERMON 6 BULLAUN STONE BULLAN’S STONE

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TM6

SITE DESCRIPTION The monument is comprised of three large stones grouped together which have a total of 16 bullauns. The largest boulder (maximum dimension 1.5m) has 11 hollows or bullauns in its upper surface. These are now each provided with a rounded sandstone boulder, which is probably a relatively recent feature and is directly related to the ‘cursing stones’ theory of local folklore. The other two stones are found at the north side of the large boulder and have four bullauns and one bullaun, respectively, each with its own later rounded stone.

SITE LOCATION

OS 2:9:5 (95,207) 100–200 feet OD 20598, 33798 1703 2:20

160

REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 209; Lowry-Corry 1939, 103–4.

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MEGALITHICREMAINS TOMBS ECCLESIASTICAL

Plate 31

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

Bullaun stone, Termon 6

161

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 21

162

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MEGALITHIC OMBS HOLYTW ELLS

HOLY WELLS The veneration of spring wells is one of the oldest practices in Irish Christianity and many ‘holy wells’ are known throughout the country. Quite a number of these wells are located in proximity to ecclesiastical remains and many are featured on penitential rounds or stations. In most cases the well is devoted to a particular saint and many relics and offerings are commonly found around the well. Most wells are also thought to have certain curative powers. The only holy well noted in the survey area, Termon 7, was, unfortunately, infilled in recent years and could not be located in the dense undergrowth.

NORTHWEST ORTHWEST C CO. CAVAN AVAN SSURVEY URVEY

163

CATALOGUE OF SITES

164

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD

MEGALITHIC OMBS HOLYTW ELLS

Situated c. 110m SSW of a medieval church, Termon 5.

TERMON 7 HOLY WELL TOBERBRIDE

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TM7

SITE DESCRIPTION This well was apparently c. 4m in diameter and was enclosed by a low drystone wall, now infilled (O’Donovan 1995, 221). Notes: Not located. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 221.

SITE LOCATION

OS 2:9:4 (75,188) 100–200 feet OD 20578, 33780 1778 2:17

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

165

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 22

166

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS RECTANGULAR ENCLOSURES

RECTANGULAR ENCLOSURES

This section contains information on two sites which cannot be classified under more diagnostic headings, but which are themselves quite dissimilar. The monument at Legeelan is quite enigmatic and it is uncertain if it is an antiquity, while that at Unshogagh has a substantial stone wall and a hut site in its interior and may be contemporary with the more typical circular cashels in the immediate vicinity.

NORTHWEST ORTHWEST C CO. CAVAN AVAN SSURVEY URVEY

167

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Situated on the brow of a hill of poor heather grazing with extensive views ENE–W. A sweathouse, Legeelan 1, is situated 100m south.

LEGEELAN 2 RECTANGULAR ENCLOSURE INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

LG2 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:2 (148,435) 706 feet OD 206619, 334110

SITE DESCRIPTION This unusual site is comprised of a large bank which encloses a roughly rectangular area on three sides, the fourth side being defined by a farm track. The interior of the site appears to be generally lower than the external ground level, suggesting the bank material may have been excavated from the interior. The enclosed area measures 25.2m N–S by 7m E–W. The large flat-topped bank appears to be mostly comprised of earth, though some stones are visible also. The bank is between 1.3m and 2m high internally, between 0.95m and 1.7m high externally, and between 4.3m and 5.1m wide. There is evidence of a stone revetment on the south side of the bank exterior and there is also some evidence of a fosse or drain outside the bank at this location. The interior of the enclosure slopes to the south and the south end is prone to flooding. The precise function of this site is unclear and it is possible that it is not an antiquity, but it has been included due to its interesting morphology. NOTES Previously unrecorded.

Situated in mature coniferous plantation with rising ground to the southeast. A hut site, Unshogagh 3, is located within the enclosure and two cashels, Unshogagh 1 and Oggal 2, are located 300m SSE and 310m SW, respectively.

UNSHOGAGH 2 RECTANGULAR ENCLOSURE INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

UN2

168

SITE DESCRIPTION The site is comprised of a large rectangular area enclosed on three sides by a substantial stone wall, the fourth side, at the north, having apparently been removed. A sub-circular enclosure, located c. 5m N of the rectangular site, is probably not an antiquity and was probably constructed with the stone from the north wall of the rectangular site. The rectangular enclosure measures 21.4m E–W and 24m N–S (to present termination of the east and west walls). The walls are comprised of sandstone boulders (average 40–60cm) built in an uncoursed manner and are between 0.6m and 1.2m high and between 1.25m and 1.5m wide. Internal features include a hut site (Unshogagh 3) and a number of other wall bases, which may represent internal subdivisions or other structural foundations.

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MEGALITHIC TOMBS RECTANGULAR ENCLOSURES

Plate 32

SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:4 (14,40) 400–500 feet OD 20514, 33620 1456 2:28

Rectangular enclosure, Legeelan 2

The sub-circular enclosure to the north, enclosed by a wall 0.7m to 1.3m high and 0.6m wide, measures 12m N–S and 13.4m E–W internally. The poor standard of construction of the enclosing wall would suggest that this site may not be an antiquity but a relatively recent animal enclosure. The narrow area between the rectangular enclosure and the sub-circular enclosure, where the north wall of the former apparently once stood, has been used in the past for machine access to the forest and so is deeply rutted and waterlogged. Notes: Not located by O’Donovan (1995, 171). REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 171.

NORTHWEST CO. CAVAN SURVEY

169

CATALOGUE OF SITES

Garvagh Lough

Map 23

170

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M EGALITHICSTTONES OMBS BOUNDARY

BOUNDARY STONES

This monument, a natural boulder with a number of small stones on top, serves to mark the boundary between counties Cavan and Leitrim in an area of rough, unenclosed mountain grazing.

NORTHWEST ORTHWEST C CO. CAVAN AVAN SSURVEY URVEY

171

CATALOGUE OF SITES

172

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD

M EGALITHICSTTONES OMBS BOUNDARY

This monument is identified as a large sandstone boulder, which is situated on a high mountain plateau on the Cavan–Leitrim border, with a cairn, Monesk 1, situated 280m S and a small lake, Lough Naglogderg, 150m SW.

MONESK 1 BOUNDARY STONE BOULDER

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MO1

SITE DESCRIPTION The boulder is up to 3.8m long and 1.85m high and has a flat but sloping upper surface. A large piece of the boulder, covering half of the upper surface, has become detached from the main boulder but remains in situ and a stone wedge is evident between the boulder and the flake at the north. Between ten and twenty pieces of sandstone, 10cm to 30cm in size, have been placed on top of the boulder to identify it as a landmark.

SITE LOCATION

OS 3:6:3 (439,395) 1300–1400 feet OD 19991, 33352 1893 3:23

REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 245.

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Garvagh Lough

Map 24

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CASTLES The only castle in the study area, that on Port Island in Lough Macnean Upper, is directly comparable to another castle in Cavan, Clogh Oughter castle in Lough Oughter. Both are circular keeps on small lake islands and, though the castle on Port Island has not survived as well as Clogh Oughter, it would appear that the early-thirteenth-century date for Clogh Oughter, derived through architectural and excavated evidence, may be applicable to Port Island also.

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Plate 33

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Port Island on Lough MacNean Upper upon which a castle, Port 5, is located

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Situated on a small island on Lough Macnean Upper, the remains of this circular castle are covered in dense vegetation.

PORT 5 CASTLE INDICATED

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

PO5 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:8:4 (764,309) 100–200 feet OD 20330, 33904 1850 1:6

SITE DESCRIPTION Only the battered base of the castle wall survives and this, according to Davies (1947, 83), is 4½ feet (1.37m) thick and survives to a maximum height of 6 feet (1.83m). Davies also notes the presence of three deep recesses with loopholes and surmises that the doorway must have been on the first floor. He notes an internal diameter of 22½ feet (6.86m) and mentions that a small rectangular building on the west is not bonded to the main structure (1947, 83). When the island was visited during the course of fieldwork for this survey, the vegetation was almost impassable and a large amount of clearing was needed to investigate the building with any degree of comfort. This site may be that mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters under the year 1499, when ‘Meleaghlin, the son of Morough, who was son of Teige Mac Rannall, who was son of Randal (O’Rourke), was taken prisoner by Con Canach, the son of Teige, who was the son of Tiernan O’Rourke, and by John the son of Tiernan O’Rourke, and they conveyed him to Inis Ochta, an island on Loch-Mac-Nen. Rory, the son of Torlogh Maguire, attacked the island, on which they were, slew the two sons of O’Rourke and brought Mac an Chaoich Mac Flannahadh and his son and Meleaghlin, the son of Morogh, home to his house. O’Donnell (Hugh Roe) however afterwards ransomed them, and the Castle of Leitrim was given up to O’Donnell by Meleaghlin the son of Morogh.’ REFERENCES Davies 1947, 83; O’Donovan 1995, 227.

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Garvagh Lough

Map 25

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SWEATHOUSES The stone-built free-standing sweathouse is a field monument particularly associated with northwest Cavan and neighbouring parts of Leitrim, although they are also recorded in parts of Roscommon, Fermanagh, Sligo, Donegal, Tyrone and Derry (Weir 1989, 10–3; Milligan 1889, 268–70; Richardson 1939, 32–5). They are generally circular in plan, with a low doorway on one side and a stone roof comprised partly of corbelling and closed with a lintel. In most cases the exterior of the structure is covered with earth, probably to secure the roof structure and to prevent the escape of heat during use. While some would appear to have been constructed without mortar, other examples show evidence of its use. Small chimneys are evident at some sites, though the interior of many sweathouses is difficult to investigate due to evidence of animal occupation. In order to use a sweathouse, one had to light a turf fire in the structure and allow it to burn for several days. When the fire had died down, the ashes were raked out and the floor covered with rushes. A number of people then entered the sweathouse and the doorway was blocked up. After a given length of time sweating in the retained heat of the structure, the occupants emerged and immersed themselves in the cold water of a nearby stream or pool and then retired to bed (Richardson 1939, 32), thereby completing the ‘cure’. This process was said to be a cure for rheumatism and many other ailments. A total of six sweathouses were recorded during the course of the survey, although Richardson (1939, 33–4) describes two others, in the townlands of Barran and Garvagh, which were not located during fieldwork.

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Situated at the base of a short, steep, east-facing slope, which is boulder strewn and overgrown. The entrance to the structure faces southeast towards a sloping rushy field. Another sweathouse, Gubaveeny 2, is situated 1km SSE.

GUBAVEENY 1 SWEATHOUSE SWEAT HO

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GU1 SITE LOCATION

OS 3:11:3 (648,289) 400–500 feet OD 20212, 33242 1871 3:18

SITE DESCRIPTION A circular sweathouse, constructed with sandstone, it was built into the rising ground to the northwest. The walls are almost entirely intact, but the roof has collapsed. It is unclear whether the roof was properly corbelled or if the large slab now lying on the floor was originally a capstone. The interior measures 2.2m E–W and 2m N–S and the walls stand up to 1.85m above the present floor level. The lintelled entrance at the southeast was 65cm wide and 65cm high, but the stones used to support the lintel subsequent to its fracture make the entrance seem narrower than it was originally. There is a small field drain c. 5m from the entrance and this may have been used as a plunge pool, though this is uncertain, due to disturbance caused by re-excavation in the area. Notes: The description given in the County Inventory (O’Donovan 1995, 240) suggests that the roof is intact, and so it appears that the descriptions of Gubaveeny 1 and 2 were confused. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 240; Richardson 1939, 34.

Situated on a southeast-facing slope of reasonable pasture, overlooking a poorly drained area to the southeast. Another sweathouse, Gubaveeny 1, is situated 1km NNW.

GUBAVEENY 2 SWEATHOUSE SWEAT HO

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

GU2

180

SITE DESCRIPTION This well-built sandstone structure is in excellent condition and is built into the face of a field wall that runs across the slope. The southeastern façade, in which the entrance is situated, is straight, while the rear of the structure is curved. The interior measures 1.68m E–W and 1.82m N–S at ground level, while the entrance is 55cm wide and 60cm high. The interior of the structure is not circular at ground level (see plan) but becomes almost circular, as it is corbelled just below roof level. The walls rise to c. 1.3m and at this height the internal dimensions of the structure are 1.35m E–W and 1.47m N–S. The roof is comprised of two layers of three slabs each (see sketch) and the highest roofing slab is 1.6m above floor level. The

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SITE LOCATION

OS 3:12:4 (705,202) 200–300 feet OD 20273, 33152 1872 3:19

floor appears to be roughly paved but is now largely covered with a fine sandy deposit, which apparently comes from the sandy lime mortar used in the wall construction. A small opening (5cm x 2cm) above the doorway, just below roof level, may be a smoke outlet. Notes: The description given in the County Inventory (O’Donovan 1995, 240) suggests that the roof has collapsed, and so it appears that the descriptions of Gubaveeny 1 and 2 were confused. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 240; Richardson 1939, 35.

Situated beside an old farm trackway on poor hill pasture. The land falls away to the south and there are extensive views SE–W. A small abandoned farmstead is situated c. 15m away and a rectangular enclosure, Legeelan 2, is situated 100m N.

LEGEELAN 1 SWEATHOUSE SWEAT HO

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

LG1 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:3 (156,433) 600–700 feet OD 20663, 33398 1873 4:11

SITE DESCRIPTION A small, well-preserved sweathouse, roughly circular in plan, which is built into the side of a south-facing hill, the structure is built with sandstone, is c. 2m high externally and is covered with light vegetation. The internal dimensions are 1.3m N–S and 1.4m E–W and the interior is up to 1.55m high. The lintelled entrance at the southwest is 50cm high and 50cm wide. The internal walls are roughly built, possibly with lime mortar, and, although they taper slightly, the roof is not corbelled but is capped with a single large slab. The stonework over the doorway may have been rebuilt and this would explain the lack of vegetation in this area. A small external buttress, on the left of the doorway, may have provided shelter for the entrance. REFERENCES Milligan 1889, 268; O’Donovan 1995, 240; Richardson 1939, 34.

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Plate 34

182

Sweathouse, Legeelan 1

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Situated within the southeastern quadrant of a cashel, Moneygashel 5, in an area of generally poor hill pasture. Two other cashels, Moneygashel 1 and Moneygashel 3, are located 1km and 430m NE, respectively, while another sweathouse, Legeelan 1, is located 1km ENE.

MONEYGASHEL 6 SWEATHOUSE SWEAT HO

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

MG6 SITE LOCATION

OS 4:5:1 (67,392) 500–600 feet OD 20570, 33354 1877 4:15(02)

SITE DESCRIPTION This large, roughly circular sweathouse is situated close to the inner edge of the cashel wall and appears to be completely intact. It is constructed with sandstone that was probably sourced from the now denuded cashel wall and appears to stand to c. 1.9m in height. The external diameter appears to be 4m to 5m, but access to the interior was not possible due to evidence of animal occupation. Richardson (1939, 35) noted an internal dimension of 5 feet (1.52m), an internal height of 6 feet (1.83m) and also noted that the roof is corbelled inwards from a height of ‘5½ ft. above the floor’ and is ‘closed by two large slabs’. A small protrusion of the wall to the left of the doorway is similar to that seen at Legeelan 1 and may have been built to shelter the doorway. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 241; Richardson 1939, 35.

Situated in a grove of birch and hazel trees on a small plateau close to the shore of Lough Macnean Upper (25m NNW). A cashel, Port 2, is situated 220m SE.

PORT 1 SWEATHOUSE SWEAT HO

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

PO1 SITE LOCATION

OS 1:12:2 (784,257) 100–200 feet OD 20349, 33853 1878 1:12

SITE DESCRIPTION This intact sweathouse is built with sandstone blocks and stands on the line of a collapsed field wall. The exterior is covered with moss and other vegetation and the structure has an external height of c. 1.85m. There would appear to be 10–15cm of earth on the roof of the structure, which may have accumulated due to the vegetation or which may have been put there deliberately. The lintelled entrance at the east-northeast is 45cm wide and c. 60cm high and the wall would appear to be 50–60cm deep at this point. Access to the interior of the structure was not possible, due to evidence of animal occupation. Richardson (1939, 35) notes that the structure has an internal diameter of 4 feet 9 inches (1.45m), an internal height of 6 feet (1.83m) and that the roof is ‘closed with two flat stones’. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 241; Richardson 1939, 35.

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Situated in dense tree cover at the base of a north-facing slope. A hut site, Termon 9, is situated 150m E, a cairn/cist site, Termon 1 and 2, lies 160m NE and a cashel site, Termon 3, lies 200m NE.

TERMON 8 SWEATHOUSE SWEAT HO

MAP REFERENCE NUMBER

TM8

SITE LOCATION

OS 2:13:1 (40,81) 300 feet OD 20543, 33664 1879 2:14

184

SITE DESCRIPTION This well-preserved circular sweathouse is situated in a very wet tree-covered area and has an external height of c. 2m. The lintelled entrance at the east is 40cm high and 70cm wide and appears to be larger than average. Access was not gained to the interior, due to evidence of animal occupation, but Richardson (1939, 35) gives internal dimensions of 6 feet 4inches (1.93m) by 5 feet 11 inches (1.8m) and an internal height of 6 feet (1.83m). She also notes that the roof is closed by one slab and that a series of holes in the wall at a height of 2 feet 6 inches (0.76m) above the floor are probably smoke flues (1939, 35). The area to the southeast of the sweathouse is very wet and may originally have been the site of a plunge pool. Notes: O’Donovan (1995, 242) suggests that this structure is ‘largely destroyed’ and therefore must have failed to locate the site in the dense vegetation. REFERENCES O’Donovan 1995, 241-2; Richardson 1939, 35.

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THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE BURREN AREA The study area of the Burren Archaeological Survey is quite large when compared to the size of Burren townland itself and encompasses a wide range of landscapes and monument types. The core of the study area is defined by the karst landscape of Burren, while other areas feature drumlins with poor-quality pasture, post-glacial lowland pasture and areas of mountain and bog. The most important aspect of the archaeological heritage would appear to be the concentration of megalithic tombs in the upland area around Burren townland, although two megalithic tombs are also found close to Lough Macnean.

Plate 35 (opposite) Cashel, Moneygashel 3

The area around Garvagh Lough, including Burren, contains 13 megalithic tombs in an area of less than 8 km² (including Kilnameel court tomb in Co. Fermanagh), and this significant concentration, which includes court, portal and wedge tombs, forms a very important resource in the cultural heritage of the region. This is complemented by other types of prehistoric monuments, such as cairns, standing stones, a stone row and a pre-bog field wall, which are found over a wider area and provide evidence of continuity of settlement in the area from the Neolithic into the Bronze Age. Newly discovered monuments recorded during this project have generally served to underline the importance of the prehistoric archaeology of the area and, while newly discovered megalithic tombs have given further depth to the rich archaeological resource, the recording of new site types in the area, such as a stone row, a fulacht fiadh, a promontory fort and a pre-bog wall, has given this resource further breadth and provided greater scope for further research.

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DISCUSSION

Plate 36

Cashel, Moneygashel 3

While the prehistoric monuments of the study area form the most important part of the archaeological resource, it is notable that the most common type of monument in the study area is the Early Medieval ringfort, over 80% of these being cashels. This figure, as noted in the ‘Catalogue of Sites’, compares to a county-wide average of just 4.5% of ringforts being cashels. The exceptionally high incidence of cashels in the study area clearly relates to the geomorphology of the region, where soils are poorer and stone more widely available than in much of the remainder of Co. Cavan. In general, however, the cashels in the study area have not survived well, with the notable exception of Moneygashel 3, and so the possibilities for further research in this area are somewhat more limited than among the prehistoric monuments. The medieval buildings in the study area, namely an island castle, Port 5, and a parish church, Termon 5, are generally unexceptional, though the possibility that the church stands on the site of an earlier monastery does provide some interest. The sweathouses of the area are, to a certain extent, representative of a monument type found over a wider area and, while they are generally difficult to date accurately, are usually points of considerable interest with visitors to the area. Other interesting stone-based features occurring in this landscape include U-shaped enclosures (possibly turf-drying/storage structures) and small pit-like limekilns. More than a dozen U-shaped structures have been noted in the study area, commonly on exposed hillsides or close to settlement clusters. As yet these monuments have not been closely dated.

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Plate 37

Possible Cashel, Oggal 8

One of the most interesting aspects of the landscape of the Burren and surrounding townlands is the proliferation of relict field boundaries, generally consisting of dilapidated and vegetation-covered stone walls, which provide evidence of settlement in the area on a large scale. It is notable that some of the stones used in the construction of the walls are sandstone glacial erratics. Some of these have been split artificially, thus providing extra material. These walls were noted in such townlands as Burren, Corratirrim, Legeelan, Moneygashel, Duckfield, Legalough, Lanliss and Gortnaleg and were generally not recorded during the course of this project, due to constraints of time and manpower, but they are, nevertheless, of considerable importance and may be of archaeological interest. The relationships between these walls and other sites, such as hut sites, megalithic tombs, cashels and enclosures, are potentially of great interest. In general, the original focus of this project was the townland of Burren, and, while other nearby townlands, such as Corratirrim, Legalough, Manragh Upper, Duckfield and Moneygashel, may now be considered to be complementary to Burren, the project focus has not moved from the eastern part of the study area. The northern part of the study area, while having a considerable number of archaeological monuments, is unexceptional when considered in its wider context. The western and southern parts of the study area, containing the large townlands of Derrylahan, Gowlan, Stranamart, Cornahaw, Gubaveeny, Monesk and Correvan, have just two cairns, a boundary stone and two sweathouses between them, though they cover over 4,300 acres in total. This almost complete lack of monuments over a wide area would appear to be directly related to the poor land quality in these areas.

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THE POTENTIAL FOR

FUTURE LANDSCAPEBASED DEVELOPMENT While the primary aim of this project was to conduct an archaeological survey of the study area and present a report on the results, the author was also asked to consider the possibilities for further developments in the area. In archaeological terms, the focus of the study area remains Burren townland, though a number of contiguous townlands should also be considered relevant. The heritage of the study area is, however, by no means confined to the limits of the archaeological heritage and other aspects, such as the geology and geomorphology, the flora and fauna and the vernacular architecture, should also play a part in any developments in the area which seek to provide public access to the landscape. In order to consider the possibilities for future tourism developments in the study area, one must firstly consider the extent of the existing tourism infrastructure.

Plate 38 (opposite) Vernacular architecture in Moneygashel Townland

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PUBLIC ORIENTATED HERITAGE TOURISM The Cavan Way The most important tourist facility in relation to the archaeological monuments of Burren and surrounding townlands is the Cavan Way, a 26kmlong way-marked walk which runs from Blacklion to Dowra and passes through the study area townlands of Tuam, Ture, Corratirrim, Burren, Legalough, Duckfield, Manragh Upper, Tawnymakelly, Legeelan, Gowlan and Derrylahan. This splendid walking route provides the visitor with access to excellent scenery and an unspoilt landscape while passing through areas of lowland pasture, karstic hill grazing, blanket bog, coniferous forest and drumlin hills. A number of significant archaeological sites are on the route of the walk, including a portal tomb, Burren 4, and a wedge tomb, Burren 2, and the route also visits the Shannon Pot. The Cavan Way is generally recognised as one of a series of long-distance way-marked walking routes in the country, though the number of walkers on the route, through anecdotal evidence, would appear to be relatively small.

The Cuilcagh Mountain Walks Another exciting product is a selection of walking routes, devised and published by the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and marketed as the Cuilcagh Mountain Walks, which are centred around Cuilcagh mountain and consist of ten walks in counties Cavan and Fermanagh. Each walk is published on a separate card, which are sold together in a plastic folder, with additional cards provided to present accessible introductions to the geology, archaeology, folklore, flora and fauna of the area. Four of these, walks, 7, 8, 9 and 10, are within the study area and provide a number of interesting routes for the visitor: Walk 7 is a 12km circular route which follows the Cavan Way from Blacklion through Burren to Duckfield and then returns, via Kilnameel and the Marlbank road, to Blacklion. The notable archaeological sites of Burren 4, Burren 2 and the court tomb at Kilnameel (Co. Fermanagh) are noted in the literature, though the wedge tomb, Burren 2, is mistakenly identified as a passage grave. Walk 8 is a 14–15km circular route which follows the Cavan Way from Blacklion through Burren to the Shannon Pot and then returns to Blacklion by road via Cornahaw cross, Gowlan cross and Cornagee. The wedge tomb, Burren 2, is again wrongly identified as a passage grave, but the sweathouse at Legeelan is also mentioned.

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Walk 9 is a 4km circular walk, the Garvagh Lough Loop, and follows the minor roads around Garvagh Lough from its starting point at Gowlan church. The various megalithic tombs along the way, Garvagh 1 and Skeagh 1, are not mentioned, but the sweathouse, Legeelan 1, is mentioned once again. The walker is also informed that a small detour may be taken to see the cashels at Moneygashel, particularly Moneygashel 3. Walk 10 is a 17km circular route which runs from the Shannon Pot car park to Cornahaw cross, Gowlan cross, Mullaghboy and Edenmore before rejoining the Cavan Way and returning to the Shannon Pot. The cashels at Moneygashel are referred to, but the court tomb at Mullaghboy is not mentioned.

The Cuilcagh Scenic Drive This 80km drive, also devised and published by the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, takes a circular route around Cuilcagh mountain, starting and finishing at the Cladagh Bridge in Co. Fermanagh. The route follows the Marlbank Scenic Loop and then continues into Blacklion. From here it goes through Cornagee to Gowlan cross and then, via Cornahaw cross and Glangevlin, to the Glan Gap and back to the Cladagh Bridge via Swanlinbar. The focus of the drive is, of course, the geology of the area, though the cashels at Moneygashel are mentioned briefly.

Development of Walks, Cycles and Drives In general, the existing tourist infrastructure in the Burren area, in terms of walks and drives at least, is relatively well organised. The fact that the Cavan Way passes through the heart of the study area is of immense benefit and the four routes in the Cuilcagh Mountain Walks which relate to the study area give an example of the scope for further development. The potential to develop a package of walks in the greater Burren area is considerable and these could be designed to present the walker with the maximum opportunity to visit places of archaeological, geological, architectural and botanical interest. Walks such as these would require careful planning, with due consideration being given to matters such as access, site preservation and management, route signposting and car parking. A number of options may be considered when walking routes are being devised:

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‘Catch-All’ Route A ‘catch-all’ route could be designed to provide access to a wide variety of environments and areas of interest, including archaeological sites, geological and geomorphological features, areas of botanical interest, examples of vernacular architecture and areas of forest, hill pasture and blanket bog. Chronological Route A route or routes, whether singularly or combined, could be designed to lead the walker through a series of archaeological and architectural sites in broad chronological order. Such a route could begin, for example, with a megalithic tomb and continue on to a standing stone, a cashel, a sweathouse, a limekiln and a traditional cottage. The known archaeological monuments in townlands such as Burren, Legeelan, Moneygashel, Garvagh, Gortnaleg and Mullaghboy, together with fine examples of vernacular architecture in townlands such as Moneygashel, Garvagh and Skeagh, would provide a great number of options when a walk of this type is being devised. ‘Type-Based’ Route A route could, alternatively, focus on a particular site type, or group of related site types, and a series of these walks, each dealing with a different site type, would allow visitors to choose a walk which would be of particular interest to them. This type-based format would have an advantage over the chronological format, from an educational aspect, in that the visitor would probably become quite familiar with the particular site type they chose to visit. On the other hand, a type-based format may not have the broad appeal that the chronologically based format, with its many different site types, would have. The possibility of establishing routes of both formats is probably a good compromise and the clear contender for the type-based route or routes are the megalithic tombs. The presence of a considerable number of court, portal and wedge tombs within walking distance of each other is a very important resource and a walking route which would link most or all of these monuments would be a fascinating development. One of the most interesting aspects of such a development would be the chance afforded to visitors to see and compare a number of different examples of the same tomb type. The wedge tomb, Burren 2, for example, is in an excellent state of preservation and would be an ideal starting-point for a walk encompassing Burren 1, Legalough 1, Duckfield 1 and Skeagh 1, whereby the walker could see a variety of tombs of similar design but of varying detail and states of preservation. Such a walk, or series of walks, would almost certainly be of interest to school and university field trips, as well as to the general visitor. A geological walk or a walk encompassing various examples of vernacular architecture would also be viable options in the specific interest type format.

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The extent to which the walking route is marked and the manner in which information is disseminated are also worthy of consideration. The simplest arrangement, which would also have the least impact on the environment, would be to produce a walking guide of reasonable quality with appropriate maps and text to assist walkers in their understanding and interpretation of the sites visited. This method would not require the installation of signposts or on-site information boards, although – as with all types of walking route suggested – public access would need to be secured and appropriate measures taken to protect the sites and their environments from disturbance. It must be understood that long-term access will involve long-term responsibility for management, upkeep and preservation of the sites. A different approach to the development of walking routes would involve the production of very simple literature outlining the route to be followed, while the walker would follow a way-marked walk and the detailed information on the various sites would be presented by way of on-site information boards. This method would have a limited effect on the environment, particularly if the types of signpost and information board used were carefully controlled. A further development of this style of walking route would involve the development of the sites themselves in order to present the available information in a clear and more complete fashion. This step would probably involve excavation and site conservation at archaeological sites, while examples of vernacular architecture could be restored and presented in a ‘living’ way. This level of development would clearly involve considerable time, planning and expenditure and should only be undertaken when a clearly defined management plan is in place and the long-term future of the sites is secure. One of the attractive points relating to the development of circular walking routes of varied focus and length is the potential for economic benefit to the local community. It is clearly preferable, for example, in local terms, for a group of walkers to follow Walk 8 of the Cuilcagh Mountain Walks, where they follow the northern half of the Cavan Way and then return to Blacklion, than for them to continue on to Dowra, as this is likely to benefit businesses in the immediate area. The development of a cycling route in the area is another possible avenue for future development, though the possibilities for this are more limited than in the area of walking routes. It is clearly preferable to keep all cycling routes on the public road network, as trail or off-road cycling would almost certainly have an adverse effect on the environment, particularly for walkers and land users. The limitations thus imposed would affect the number of

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sites available to the cyclist, though on a long circuitous route of, for example, 40 kilometres it would probably be sufficient to highlight six to eight points of interest where the cyclist could stop. One important consideration in relation to cyclists is the natural terrain of the area, where, for example, the hill between Blacklion and Cornagee, the shortest way to the Burren area by public road, is very steep and could not be cycled by most people in ascent and would be quite dangerous in descent. In general, therefore, it would appear that a cycling route in the greater Burren area would be difficult to plan, although, if a suitable and interesting route was found, it would certainly be a worthy addition to the tourist infrastructure of the area. While the Cuilcagh Mountain Drive passes through the area on an 80kilometre cross-border route, the development of a similar route within the greater Burren area is limited by scale and by the current infrastructure. It would appear that the development and promotion of the existing route, perhaps with additional information provided on archaeological sites close to the route and with access to such sites facilitated, would be a positive development. The proposed cross-border re-development of the road link between Manragh and the Marlbank Scenic Loop, if sensitively developed, would have considerable potential.

Development of an Interpretative Centre The development of walks, cycle routes and scenic drives in the Burren area may be considered as low-level development and would require relatively low maintenance. Such developments would also be of limited economic benefit to the area, so the possibility of creating an interpretative centre or similar development should, therefore, be investigated. The development of a dedicated centre to organise, promote and control public access to Burren and the surrounding townlands is, perhaps, the most ambitious form of development to consider. This development would necessarily be closely related to the development of Burren as a public amenity and would require a large-scale feasibility study and development plan. Such a centre could: • Serve as an administrative and ideological focus for landscapebased heritage developments in the wider Burren area. • Be a focal point for visitors to the area. • Provide visitor amenities such as tourist information, a restaurant, toilets, car parking, etc.

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• Serve as the information and educational nerve-centre of the project, where tour guides would be based, informative video/ slide presentations could be made, public lectures and seminars could be held, etc. • Provide a central resource point for specialists working in the area and for local workers engaged in various site maintenance and access creation projects. Other interpretative/visitor centres, such as those at the Céide Fields in Co. Mayo and the Skellig Experience on Valentia Island in Co. Kerry, provide examples of how such developments can be designed to blend in with the local environment, thereby minimising the effect on the landscape which is being celebrated and, indeed, providing a worthwhile and valuable addition to the locality. The format of information dissemination used in the Skellig Experience is, in fact, quite interesting when one considers the possibilities of a similar development in the Burren area. The centre is focused on four distinct themes relating to the Skelligs, each of which is of interest in its own right and all of which combine to present the visitor with a rich and fascinating experience. The themes covered are the Early Medieval monks and their monastery, the lighthouses and their keepers, the sea-birds of the rocks and the underwater life in the surrounding ocean. This approach to information dissemination could be used in the Burren area, with such themes as the megalithic tombs and the environment in which their builders lived, the cashels of the area and their role in Early Medieval society, the geology and geomorphology of the area, the botany of the karst landscape, the vernacular architecture of the area and the lifestyle of the population a century ago. A different approach to this topic would be to present the information in a chronological sequence, similar to that seen at the Céide Fields, though the unifying theme in Burren would be stone rather than peat. The formation of the bedrock geology and the later changes to the geomorphological landscape would form the background to the presentation, while the interaction between man and the stone of the area would be a common thread in the discussion of the megalithic tombs, standing stones, cairns, cashels, sweathouses, limekilns and the vernacular architecture. The greatest difficulty to be considered in the planning of a heritage or interpretative centre for the Burren area is the location of the development. Ideally, such a structure would be located within the Burren forest, but a number of problems are immediately apparent.

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The development of a heritage/interpretative centre in the Burren forest would, in itself, greatly change the environment of the forest and surrounding lands. The need to provide adequate access, signposting, car parking, toilet and associated sewage facilities, etc., would almost certainly have a detrimental effect on the environment of the area. The Burren plantation is a commercial forest owned by Coillte Teoranta and is due for clear-felling within the next few years. While it is hoped that the work of felling and replanting will be carried out with due consideration for the archaeological and geological landscape, it is clear that the appearance of the Burren plantation will be greatly affected by this work. It could also be argued that the archaeological monuments in the Burren area could suffer from the proximity of an easily accessible public amenity and would, therefore, require greater protective and conservation measures. One of the most interesting options relating to the development of an interpretative centre in the greater Burren area lies in the possibility of locating the development in an existing structure. The area has a considerable number of derelict houses, most with associated outbuildings, and these range in size from small two-roomed cottages to larger two-storeyed buildings. The existing structures in Burren townland are in a very poor state of preservation and would require reconstruction rather than restoration. Other structures, particularly in Moneygashel and Skeagh, are in relatively good order and could be restored at a reasonable, yet significant, cost. Moneygashel has two notable complexes of vernacular buildings, which are of great interest from an architectural point of view and are laid out in radically different ways. The complex nearest the road has a wellpreserved two-storeyed house with a series of outbuildings laid out in a random pattern around a small yard, while the complex to the northwest of the well-preserved cashel has a simple vernacular cottage and a small number of ancillary buildings laid out in a linear arrangement. The standard of stonework in both complexes is quite high, and the latter complex also has the remains of a horse-driven churn in one of the buildings. Three potential structures are found in the townland of Skeagh and these consist of a single-storeyed vernacular house, in poor structural condition, with associated ancillary buildings and a horse-driven churn, and two two-storeyed buildings, in reasonable, though semi-derelict, condition. These structures could also be restored for use as a public facility, though the standing remains do not have the same potential as those in Moneygashel and infrastructural access to Skeagh is, at present, so difficult as to render the restoration of these buildings unfeasible.

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Plate 39

Stone row, Edenmore 1, a previously unrecorded site

RESEARCH AND EDUCATION While the possibility of developing commercial or semi-commercial facilities for tourism in the Burren area is an exciting prospect, a number of other avenues of development are also available.

Archaeological Research The production of this report, based on evidence gathered during eight months of fieldwork in the study area, may be seen as providing a baseline for further developments in the Burren region. Over 125 sites were visited and surveyed and approximately 40% of these were previously unrecorded. While a large part of the study area may be discounted when considering possible areas of further research, the eastern part of the study area, centred on the townlands of Burren and Moneygashel, has a number of interesting possibilities for detailed archaeological research. These possibilities lie in the areas of survey and excavation, but, while a focused survey project could operate with little background resources, it is unlikely that a programme of excavation could be easily organised or would reach its full potential without considerable planning and organisation. In general, the possibilities for detailed archaeological research in the area are as follows:

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DISCUSSION

Survey Large-scale survey A large-scale survey project could be established, with the aim of producing scale plans of all the sites listed in the ‘Catalogue’ section of this report. This would require a team of surveyors using electronic surveying equipment and a number of other workers to clear vegetation from many of the sites in advance of the surveyors. This ambitious project would be quite expensive and the high cost would almost certainly not be justified by the results. Detailed survey A modified form of this project would involve the selection of a particular site type or types for detailed survey and this could produce valuable results. The two most obvious areas of investigation in this regard are the megalithic tombs and the cashels of the area. The fact, however, that most of the megalithic tombs in the area have been planned to scale and published, with detailed written descriptions, in the third volume of the Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland (de Valera and Ó Nualláin 1972) would suggest that a new survey of these monuments would be of limited value and would not be justifiable. A detailed survey of the cashels listed in the ‘Catalogue’, considering the very high occurrence of these monuments in the study area, would be of great interest, but would have a number of difficulties. The poor state of preservation of many of the cashels would indicate that excavation might produce more cost-effective results, as a survey of the visible remains at many of the sites would produce little evidence. The dispersed nature of the cashel distribution in the study area would also tend to widen the focus of the core area and concentrate resources on areas other than the immediate hinterland of Burren. A third potential area of investigation is the many relict field walls which are evident in Burren and the surrounding townlands. A considerable amount of work has already been done in this area by Gaby Burns, with the assistance of Jim Nolan, and this work has served to highlight the importance of the agricultural aspect of the region, whereas most of the earlier writers who considered the area dealt with the ritual and ceremonial monuments.

Extending the core area Another possible area of development in terms of archaeological survey would be to extend the core area of the project eastwards into Co. Fermanagh. The area through which the Marlbank Scenic Loop passes is part of the same limestone plateau that includes Burren and surrounding townlands. A fieldwalking and rapid survey project, similar to that upon which this report is based, could produce interesting results and serve to heighten awareness of the cross-border archaeological and geological landscape of the Burren–Cullentragh–Crossmurrin plateau. The limited area of such a project, and the experience gained in

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the course of this survey, would suggest that a survey of this type could be conducted over a period of about four months and could produce useful results, compatible with this report, in a cost-effective manner.

Geophysical investigation Another type of field survey that could be considered is geophysical investigation. A wide variety of techniques are available, the most common being resistivity, ground-probing radar and magnetic gradiometry. These methods of investigation require specialised equipment and trained personnel, but can identify underground features with considerable accuracy without excavation. The most obvious use for such methods of investigation in the survey area lie in the many grasscovered mounds which are evident in the lowland pasture area close to Lough Macnean Upper. These mounds, predominantly in the townlands of Tuam, Kiltaglassan and Termon, are probably of glacial origin, though the discovery of a number of cists during the construction of the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway in 1879 would suggest that other cists may be present in the extant mounds. The survey grid needed to discover more of these cists, or actually to discover anomalies which may be cists, would need to be quite small and so this form of site survey would be quite time-consuming and expensive. The results of such a survey would require experienced analysis and would be of limited use to the general public, unless the sites were subsequently excavated.

Palaeoenvironmental studies Through the use of pollen studies of lake sediments, it may well be possible to reconstruct an image of the ancient landscape and climate conditions. This would involve a specialist endeavour but might well produce exciting data by means of which the study of the landscape and heritage features could be further explored. Underwater survey A simple, small-scale method of survey, which might yield interesting results, would involve using divers to investigate the possible crannógs on Lough Macnean Upper and could also involve investigation of the area around Port Island, the location of an early castle.

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Excavation The possibilities for archaeological excavation in the study area are almost limitless and are constrained only by matters of budget, access and permission from the licensing authorities. Such excavations should, however, be carefully planned, have a clear goal and be carried out to the highest professional standards. It is strongly recommended that archaeological excavation should only be carried out when a detailed plan for the development of the Burren area is in place and, preferably, when a multi-faceted research project is under way. Some possible avenues of investigation are as follows: The many relict field walls and hut sites in the Burren area could be of considerable interest, and a project involving survey and excavation in a similar landscape in Co. Clare has produced interesting results (Jones and Gilmer 1999). This project involved the excavation of field walls and associated structures and determined relative dating sequences from the pedestal height of limestone bedrock concealed under the walls, a method independently suggested by Gaby Burns and Jim Nolan in Co. Cavan. The excavation of a megalithic tomb or tombs is an exciting, if not entirely new, proposal. A considerable number of megalithic tombs in the country have been subjected to research excavation and the benefits derived from excavating a number of other examples in the Burren area must be assessed. A number of tombs, including Burren 3, Duckfield 1, Garvagh 1 and Mullaghboy 1, would appear, on the basis of surface evidence, to be prime candidates for excavation, but the proposal to excavate a megalithic tomb which is not in danger of destruction must be given careful consideration. Such a proposal would, of course, necessitate the reconstruction of the tomb in situ. However, any such reconstruction involves a degree of subjectivity, and thus misinterpretation is always a possibility. Another interesting avenue for development in terms of excavation lies in the large-scale excavation of a cashel or group of related cashels in the study area. The poor survival rate of many of these sites means that they are considerably less significant in the landscape than they were originally and the public appreciation of such sites as Moneygashel 1 and Moneygashel 5 would be greatly enhanced by their excavation, conservation and interpretation.

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The excavation of an early modern settlement, possibly in conjunction with the restoration of a vernacular building or complex of buildings, would also be of considerable interest.

Outdoor Education Centre An Outdoor Education Centre (OEC) for school groups is a viable proposal for the Burren area, providing another interesting avenue of development. The existing OEC at Gortatole in Co. Fermanagh uses the natural resources of the Burren area on a regular basis and so children from all over the Western Education and Library Board region get an opportunity to learn and develop a multitude of skills in a unique environment. The idea of developing a centre in the Burren area to provide similar opportunities to children from the Republic of Ireland is an interesting one, though careful planning would be needed, as it is difficult to see how a tourist-orientated interpretative centre and an OEC could co-exist and flourish in such a small area. One interesting point, however, in relation to the locations discussed above for an interpretative centre, is that the remote buildings in Skeagh, while being unsuitable for a tourist-orientated interpretative centre, might prove quite suitable for a residential OEC. As in the case of the interpretative centre, it would seem more appropriate to locate an OEC in one of the townlands surrounding Burren rather than in the forest itself, and it would also be preferable, where possible, to use existing structures rather than to construct new buildings.

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RECOMMENDATIONS THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY

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During the course of this project, the following work was completed: • The study area, comprising 42 townlands and covering over 14,250 acres in northwest Cavan, was identified and a complete desk-based survey was carried out. This sought to find and collate all references relevant to the archaeology of the study area, and so written material and cartographic sources, published and unpublished, were consulted. An extensive programme of prospective fieldwalking was carried out over c. 8,500 acres of the study area. • A total of 123 archaeological sites were visited and recorded, a considerable number of which were found through fieldwalking and a total of 48 of which were not recorded on the county Register of Monuments and Places and are not listed in the Archaeological Inventory of County Cavan (O’Donovan 1995). In addition, six sites which were listed by O’Donovan (1995), but were not visited or located by him, were found and surveyed. • Scale plans were drawn of the wedge tomb at Duckfield, the stone row at Edenmore and the promontory fort at Burren. • A short article on the work of the survey was published in The AngloCelt, the local newspaper in the area, while a longer illustrated article was published in The Spark, the journal of the Border Counties History Collective.

Plate 40 (opposite) Standing stone within stone row, Edenmore 1

• The previously known and newly discovered archaeological sites were visited during a number of on-site meetings with John Williams, Environmental Officer, Coillte Teoranta, in both Burren and Unshogagh forests. • In general, therefore, the fieldwork and paper search elements of the project were quite successful and served to illustrate how an in-depth programme of field research in a limited area, supported by the evidence gained from documentary sources, can produce many new additions to the archaeological record and can, therefore, contribute greatly to the appreciation and understanding of the local landscape.

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POTENTIAL FOR HERITAGE TOURISM The potential for further developments in the Burren area, as outlined above, may be divided into opportunities for heritage tourism and opportunities for further research and associated educational initiatives. Walking Routes The potential to develop way-marked walks and heritage trails in the Burren area is considerable and the existence of the Cavan Way in the area would almost certainly be of assistance to those wishing to develop further walks. The four walks in the Cuilcagh Mountain Walks package are excellent examples of the various possibilities available and these routes, or similar, could form the basis of a number of new walks. As discussed in the previous chapter, these walks could be laid out on a multi-disciplinary basis, on a chronological ‘journey through time’ basis, or a site type basis. Large areas of the Burren and surrounding townlands, particularly Gortnaleg, Moneygashel, Legalough, Duckfield, Corratirrim, Lanliss and Skeagh, have little or no population and so would be ideally suited to the development of environmentally sensitive walking routes. The potential to develop cycle routes or scenic drives in the study area is quite limited and such developments would not appear to be as suitable for the area as walking routes and heritage trails. The development of short- and medium-distance walking routes and heritage trails in the Burren and surrounding townlands, encompassing archaeological, geological, geomorphological, botanical and architectural points of interest, should be investigated in detail, with due consideration being given to such points as access, site protection, relevant publications and visitor car parking. Interpretative Centre The development of an interpretative centre in the Burren area would be of great benefit to the region and would serve as a focal point for further developments in the area. The Burren/Moneygashel area is unique, in being a ready-made heritage landscape. All the key elements for developing heritage, history or nature trails already exist in the wealth of geological, archaeological and environmental resources available in this locality. It is recommended that a heritage centre or interpretative centre should not be developed in the Burren forest, but the development of such a centre in a neighbouring townland is quite possible. It is recommended that a feasibility study should be undertaken before development commences and that such a development would be situated in an existing structure, preferably one of architectural merit, in order to minimise impact on the landscape. The future developments at the Market House in Blacklion, under the auspices of Killinagh Community Council, may provide an interim base for a visitor-orientated resource centre.

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The potential development of a heritage centre or an interpretative centre in the Burren area is an exciting prospect and would ideally serve as a medium-term aim in a long-term development project.

POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER RESEARCH AND ASSOCIATED EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVES While this report is based on an extensive programme of fieldwork in the greater Burren area, the potential for further research is considerable. A survey project established to produce detailed scale plans of all archaeological sites in the study area would be unjustifiable when one considers the potential results and the probable level of expenditure. A survey project established to conduct detailed surveys of a particular site type could, however, be quite worthwhile, though the results of such a project should be integrated into heritage trail, publication and visitor centre developments in order to maximise their potential. Survey The proposal to extend the survey area into Co. Fermanagh, to include the eastern part of the Burren–Cullentragh–Crossmurrin plateau, is quite interesting and, in light of recent fieldwalking discoveries in this area (personal communication from J. Nolan), could produce important results which could be integrated with the results of the Burren area study to broaden our understanding of a very important geological and archaeological landscape. The potential of geophysical survey techniques, unless used in conjunction with archaeological excavation, is quite limited and so this method of field investigation would not appear to be a suitable avenue for development in the Burren area. The possibility of an underwater survey in Lough Macnean Upper, to investigate the possible crannógs and the area around Port Island, is of interest, but this area is removed from the Burren and surrounding townlands and the need to focus future developments on this core area would suggest that such a survey would not be viable. The most interesting proposal for further research in terms of an archaeological survey would involve the extension of the study area eastwards, to include the remainder of the Burren–Cullentragh–Crossmurrin plateau. This development could bring an important cross-border aspect to the project and could serve to highlight the unified nature of the archaeological landscape. The detailed survey of a particular site type in the Burren area, such as megalithic tombs or cashels, would also be of considerable interest.

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Palaeoenvironmental Studies & Excavations The establishment of further archaeological research in the form of palaeoenvironmental studies and some focused excavation in the Burren area could be of great benefit. The information gained through such a programme would provide a considerable amount of material for dissemination through publications, public lectures and seminars, audio/visual presentations and other media, and the excavations themselves would also bring considerable publicity to the region, both in terms of the general public and the academic community. The opportunities for pollen analysis of sediments from the lake bed and deposits of peat may be worth investigation, as information on the ancient landscape and its climatic conditions would greatly enhance the data already gathered from the monument survey exercise. A programme of research focused on the many relict field walls, associated hut sites and ritual monuments could be of considerable interest and could serve to greatly increase our understanding of the area as a cohesive archaeological landscape. The excavation of a number of Early Medieval cashels would be a large-scale project and could be considered as a second phase, to be undertaken after the successful completion of the prehistoric programme. An excavation associated with the reconstruction of a vernacular building – e.g. for the purpose of creating a visitor centre – would also be of interest. The establishment of a programme of archaeological research would be of great benefit to the wider development of the area and a number of interesting avenues of study are evident. It is recommended, however, that such a programme of research should only be established as part of an ongoing multifaceted series of projects which have the support of a longterm development plan. Outdoor Education Centre The development of an Outdoor Education Centre in the Burren area is another possible avenue of progress and, if the project received sufficient funding from the local authority, the county Vocational Education Committee and the Department of Education, it could be a successful and worthwhile venture. The physical and cultural landscape of the Burren area is of great importance and certainly deserves greater recognition than it currently achieves. The development of an Outdoor Education Centre in the Burren area would appear to be a proposal worthy of further investigation and analysis.

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REFERENCES SITE & TOWNLANDS LIST BIBLIOGRAPHY

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SITE &

TOWNLANDS LIST

TOWNLAND

SITE

Barran 1 Barran 2 Barran 3 Barran 4 Barran 5 Burren 1 Burren 2 Burren 3 Burren 4 Burren 5 Burren 6 Burren 7 Burren 8

Rath Cashel Cashel Cashel Souterrain (possible) Wedge tomb Wedge tomb Portal tomb Portal tomb Cairn Enclosure Hut sites Megalithic tomb (unclassified) Promontory fort Enclosure Hut site Hut site

Burren Burren Burren Burren

216

9 10 11 12

Cornagee 1 Cornagee 2 Cornahaw Corratirrim 1 Corratirrim 2 Corratirrim 3 Correvan Derrylahan Derrynaseer Duckfield 1 Edenmore 1 Edenmore 2 Edenmore 3

Cashel Cashel (No site recorded) Cairn Hut site Hut site (No site recorded) (No site recorded) (No site recorded) Wedge tomb Stone row Hut site Hut sites

Garvagh Garvagh Garvagh Garvagh

Court tomb Enclosure Standing stone Standing stone

1 2 3 4

TOWNLAND

SITE

Gortaquill 1 Gortaquill 2 Gortaquill 3 Gortnaleg 1 Gortnaleg 2 Gortnaleg 3 Gowlan Gubaveeny 1 Gubaveeny 2

Court tomb Rath Cashel Cairn (site) Standing stone Pre-bog wall (No site recorded) Sweathouse Sweathouse

Killycarney 1 Killycarney 2 Killycarney 3 Killycarney 4 Killycarney 5 Killycarney 6 Kiltaglassan 1 Kiltaglassan 2 Kiltomulty Kinnabo 1 Kinnabo 2 Kinnabo 3

Court tomb Cairn (site) Cists (site) Rath Rath Cashel Cairn Cashel (No site recorded) Enclosure Enclosure Enclosure

Lanliss 1 Lanliss 2 Leck Legalough 1 Legalough 2 Legalough 3 Legalough 4 Legeelan 1 Legeelan 2

Enclosure (site) Hut site (No site recorded) Wedge tomb Court tomb Enclosure Enclosure Sweathouse Rectangular enclosure Mound Cashel Cashel

Legeelan 3 Loughan 1 Loughan 2

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TOWNLAND

Manragh Lower Manragh Upper Manragh Upper Manragh Upper Manragh Upper Manragh Upper Manragh Upper Manragh Upper Manragh Upper Monesk 1 Monesk 2 Moneygashel 1 Moneygashel 2 Moneygashel 3 Moneygashel 4 Moneygashel 5 Moneygashel 6 Mullaghahy 1 Mullaghahy 2 Mullaghahy 3 Mullaghahy 4 Mullaghahy 5 Mullaghboy 1 Mullaghboy 2

Oggal Oggal Oggal Oggal Oggal Oggal Oggal Oggal Oggal Port 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SITE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

(No site recorded) Ring-barrow Cashel Enclosure (site) Hut site Hut site Hut site Hut site Hut site Cairn Boundary stone Cashel Portal tomb Cashel Souterrain Cashel Sweathouse Rath Cashel Enclosure Enclosure Hut site Court tomb Standing stone (possible) Hut site Cashel Cashel Hut site House site Enclosure House site Cashel (possible) House site Sweathouse

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Port Port Port Port

2 3 4 5

SITE

Cashel Cashel Cashel Castle

Roo 1 Roo 2

Enclosure Enclosure

Skeagh 1 Stranamart 1

Wedge tomb Cairn (possible)

Tawnymakelly Teemore 1 Termon 1 Termon 2 Termon 3 Termon 4 Termon 5 Termon 6 Termon 7 Termon 8 Termon 9 Termon 10 Termon 11 Thornhill /Mullandreenagh Tuam 1 Tuam 2 Tuam 3 Tuam 4 Ture 1 Ture 2 Ture 3

(No site recorded) Crannóg (possible) Cairn (site) Cist (site) Cashel (site) Enclosure Church and graveyard Bullaun stone Holy well Sweathouse Hut site Settlement (possible) Crannóg (possible) (No site recorded) Cairn (site) Cists (site) Cashel Cashel Enclosure Rath (site) Fulacht fiadh

Unshogagh 1 Unshogagh 2 Unshogagh 3

Cashel Rectangular enclosure Hut site

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REFERENCES

BIBLIOGRAPHY Borlase, W. C.

1897, The Dolmens of Ireland, vol. 1, London.

Davies, O.

1939, ‘Killinagh Church and Crom Cruaich’, Ulster Journal of Archaeology, ser. 3, vol. 2, 102–4.

——

1947, ‘The castles of County Cavan’, part 1, Ulster Journal of Archaeology, ser.3, vol. 10, 75–100.

——

1948, ‘The castles of County Cavan’, part 2, Ulster Journal of Archaeology, ser. 3, vol. 11, 81–126.

——

1948, ‘The churches of County Cavan’, Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland Journal, ser. 7, vol. 18, 73–118.

de Valera, R., and Ó Nualláin, S.

1972, Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland, vol. 3, Dublin.

Gwynn, A., and Hadcock, R. N. 1988, Medieval Religious Houses of Ireland, Dublin. Johnson, G. Jones, C., and Gilmer, A. Lowry-Corry, D. ——, and Richardson, P.

Mallory, J. P., and McNeill, T. E.

218

1998, Archaeology and Forestry in Ireland, Kilkenny. 1999, ‘Roughan Hill, a Final Neolithic/Early Bronze Age landscape revealed’, Archaeology Ireland, no. 47, 30–2. 1939, ‘Notes on the traditions and early history of the parish of Killinagh’, Ulster Journal of Archaeology, ser.3, vol. 2, 102–4. 1937, ‘Megalithic monuments in the parish of Killinagh, Co. Cavan, with notes on some in the parish of Killesher, Co. Fermanagh’, Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland Journal, ser. 7, vol. 7, 155–75. 1991, The Archaeology of Ulster from Colonization to Plantation, Belfast.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Milligan, S. F.

1889, ‘The ancient Irish hot-air bath’, Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland Journal, ser. 4, vol. 9, 268–70.

——

1891, ‘Ancient forts in County Sligo’, Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland Journal, ser. 5, vol. 1, pt. 2, 574–82.

O’Donovan, P. F.

1995, Archaeological Inventory of County Cavan, Dublin.

Ó Ríordáin, B.

1957, ‘Bronze Age burials at Termon, near Blacklion, Co. Cavan’, Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, vol. 87, 53–9.

O’Sullivan, A.

1998, The Archaeology of Lake Settlement in Ireland, Dublin.

Plunkett, T.

1879–88, ‘On some sepulchral remains found at Killycarney, Co. Cavan’, Royal Irish Academy Proceedings, ser. 2, vol. 2, 71–2.

Richardson, P.

1938, ‘The cashels of Moneygashel, Co. Cavan, with a note by D. Lowry-Corry on the central cashel at Moneygashel, and on the Grianan of Aileach, County Donegal’, Ulster Journal of Archaeology, ser. 3, vol. 1, 19–21.

——

1939, ‘Sweathouses between Blacklion and Dowra, County Cavan’, Ulster Journal of Archaeology, ser. 3, vol. 2, 32–5.

—— 1940, ‘Some further megalithic discoveries in the counties of Cavan and Lowry-Corry, D. and Leitrim’, Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland Journal, ser. 7, vol. 10, 169–81. Wakeman, W. F.

1870, Lough Erne, Enniskillen, Belleek, Ballyshannon and Bundoran, with Routes from Dublin to Enniskillen and Bundoran, Dublin.

——

1872–3, ‘The “Giant’s Grave” at the “Bar” of Fintona’, Royal Histori cal and Archaeological Association of Ireland Journal, 12, 134–8.

——

1876–8, ‘The megalithic sepulchral chamber of Knockmany, County Tyrone’, Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland Journal, 14, 95–106.

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1877–83 [letter to the secretary, RIA], Royal Irish Academy Proceedings, ser. 2, vol. 3, 151–2.

——

1879, ‘On some recent antiquarian discoveries at Toam and Killycarney, near Blacklion, Co. Cavan’, Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland Journal, ser. 4, vol. 5, pt. 1, 183–200.

Weir, A.

1989, ‘Sweathouses: Puzzling and disappearing’, Archaeology Ire land, vol. 3, no. 1, 10–13.

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NORTHWEST CO CAVAN SURVEY AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NORTHWEST CAVAN: THE OTHER BURREN

The landscape of northwest Cavan is rich in archaeological remains and sites of geological interest. The upland topography of the area links it closely, in geographic and social terms, to parts of the neighbouring counties of Fermanagh and Leitrim rather than with the remainder of Cavan. The wealth of the archaeological heritage in the area prompted Killinagh Community Council to initiate a one-year archaeological survey, funded by the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation that was undertaken by the author on behalf of Archaeological Development Services Limited. The study area was loosely centred on the townland of Burren, to the south of Blacklion village; it extended to the Fermanagh border in the east and north and to the Leitrim border in the west. Though relatively small in size, the study area included a diverse landscape of poorly drained mountain and bog, good lakeside and hill pasture, exposed limestone pavement and extensive areas of mature coniferous forest. Over 60% of the land in the study area, approximately 8,500 acres, was walked on a field-by-field basis. This intensive field walking resulted in the discovery of 48 previously unrecorded archaeological sites. The ‘new’ sites included megalithic tombs, standing stones, a stone row, a fulacht fiadh (a type of site previously unknown in the area) and a variety of house sites, hut sites and enclosures. These, together with the many previously known tombs and other sites in the region are testament to human presence in the rugged landscape of northwest Cavan for millennia.

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