CEMETERY

In high ground, overlooking Stradbally to the North. All visible headstones are post 1700 AD. According to the History of the Queens County 'Ougheval is still a favourite place for interment, and used by many of the old families of Stradbally and its neighbourhood' (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 324). Mentioned in the History of the Queens County as 'A square and tasteless stone wall has been built to enlarge the graveyard's dimesnions; but it has detracted, also, from the former archaeological and scenic interest of this place' (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 324-5). Roughly D-shaped graveyard (int. dims. 103m N-S; 109m E-W) enclosed by a stone wall with church in centre of graveyard and lych gate in N quadrant. The circular enclosure (LA019-003003-) defining the graveyard was removed by the Poor Law Guardians and replaced by a modern square one (ibid.). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

A local ancient tomb; wider significance not recorded.