What is recorded here

Half-hidden beside the Shannon in Astee West, the children’s burial ground keeps its small shape intact from the 1840s to today. The name Oorla still points to babies and young ones laid to rest there, while two old raths watch from nearby. Fr. O’Keeffe remembered it as a sacred child-place, not a forgotten patch of grass.

This sub-rectangular enclosure is marked on the 1841-42 and 1914 OS maps. It is situated NE of two raths, and the River Shannon lies immediately to the N. According to Fr. O’Keeffe (Asdee) it was the site of a burial ground (KE002-036002-). ‘Oorla, signifies a burying place for children.’ (OSNB) The above description is derived from Toal C. (compiler) ‘The North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority. (1995) no. 839. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 4 October 2013

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