Burial Ground for Children & Strangers

Just above HWM on W side of the island and immediately S of the old school. When visited in August 1984, it was recorded that the graveyard was known locally as Reilig Fhínse. All that remained were a number of small set stones, some of which were threatened by erosion, along with faint traces of an earthen bank that possibly demarked the W limits. Though specified as a CBG on 1st ed. of OS 6-inch map, it was named simply as 'Burial Ground' on 2nd ed. (1899), and Robinson (1985, 48, 49-50) recorded the tradition 'that one of the first settlers here, a woman of the Mac Donnchas', was buried there. On a revisit in April 2014 as a result of reports of storm damage to island, it was noted that only a few set stones were evident, mainly in the NW corner of the graveyard; otherwise the interior was uneven with bumps and hollows. There was a storm beach immediately to the W of the graveyard and, according to local information, this side of the site is being eroded away as a result of storms and on occasion bones are washed out and are visible among the boulders on the beach. However, none were visible on the day of the revisit. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Revised by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 22 April 2014

A medieval Christian burial ground, likely associated with a now-destroyed chapel or settlement. Its significance lies in reflecting early ecclesiastical activity and local burial practices in a coastal island setting.