What is recorded here

Death came fast in Gortbofinna during the Famine, forcing living people to dig holes in T. Ludgate's farm instead of using a proper churchyard. A whitethorn tree still marks that forgotten soil, standing guard over names never spoken and bodies never counted. The land remembers what men forgot, holding its breath beneath the roots while the world moves on.

Bowman (1934, 27) recorded burial ground in T. Ludgate's farm which 'was in use during the Famine period only. The site is not tilled. A whitethorn tree grows there, but no further remains are to be seen'. Exact location not known. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

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