What is recorded here

In 1943, Ó Ríordáin cut through the earth at Barrow and found cremated bones hidden beneath three stone slabs. The dead had refused ordinary soil, demanding stone armor against time and forgetting. That much is clear. What is less certain is whether the barrow marked a king, a saint or a family line lost before writing existed. The bones did not need a name to deserve protection. They needed someone strong enough to stack stone above them and walk away.

This site is situated at the top of a large pastoral field. It consists of a circular mound enclosed by a well-defined inner fosse and earthen bank. It had an overall external diameter of 37m. The inner circular area is platformed and the external height above the fosse varies between 1m-1.8m. The internal diameter E-W of the inner area measures 14m, while the external diameter measures 17.8m. The width of the fosse on average measures 5m. The surrounding earthen bank measures between 4m to 6m in width at the base of the bank, the external height of the bank measures 1.2m, while the internal height above the fosse measured 1.6m. From the N through E to SE the outer bank has been completely levelled and the fosse is difficult to determine. There are two breaks in the outer bank, one to the SE, the other SW, both of which measure c 2m in width. This could possibly be the site that Ó Ríordáin partly excavated (1943). He noted some stones that were possibly the remains of a kerb. Some cremated bones were found and they would appear to have been protected by three stone slabs. Also found were two flint flakes. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 100. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 2 August 2013

A Neolithic ring-barrow; significant as a rare and well-preserved example of an early funerary monument with defensive or ritual features.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.