What is recorded here
Childrens Burial Ground in County Mayo, Ireland is a hidden court tomb where unbaptised babies were laid to rest. The earth keeps no visible graves, and gorse, brambles and hawthorn still choke the stones. What is certain is the intention: a separate place for the smallest deaths. What is missing is the shape of each life, erased by time and vegetation.
In a court tomb (MA039-020001-). Indicated on the 1838 OS 6-inch map as ‘Burying ground’ and on the 1930 edition as ‘children’s burial ground’. The court tomb, was used as a burial ground for unbaptised babies. There are no obvious traces of graves. The court tomb is largely obscured by gorse, brambles and hawthorn bushes.
Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy
Date of upload: 13 September 2019
A Neolithic court tomb, dating to approximately 3000–2500 BCE, repurposed in a later period as a burial site for unbaptised infants, reflecting both ancient ritual practices and medieval Christian funerary traditions.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
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