Barrow

Depicted as a small mound on all editions of the OS 6-inch map, located 180m N of Kilconfert Church (OF010-021002-) and Castle (OF010-021001-). This possible burial mound or barrow is now levelled and is not visible at ground level. There are no surface remains visible, site was described in 1942 as a 'Fort' and located at the, 'base of [a] valley [that] is marshy, probably peaty land, with restricted view. Good pasture on slopes around. Probably surrounded by a fosse nearly filled, 8' [2.4m] wide. The bank of clay is in part[ly] denuded. It rises sharply 3' [0.9m] outside and up to 1' [0.45m] inside. A ring of old thorns grows on it. Centre level; fort circular. Int.[ernal] diam.[eter] 18' [5.5m]. The site is odd for a fort, but I do not think that it is a crannog or a plantation' (ITA Survey 1942, SMR File). In 1981 the monument was described as, 'This site has been levelled. There is nothing to indicate what type of site it was. It was situated on flat rushy land which is poorly drained' (SMR File 1981). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 23 December 2011

A bowl barrow, likely dating to the Early Bronze Age; its significance lies in its typological association with early funerary practices in the region.