Childrens Burial Ground in Termons

Children's Burial Ground: A circular enclosure is depicted at this location on the first edition of the OS map, and is described as 'an earthen fort and burial ground for children' in the OSNB (Drummod, 7). The site overlooks Lough Currane from the SE facing slope of a ridge. The present remains arc disturbed and difficult to interpret, occurring beneath a tangled mass of overgrowth and trees. The following account of the site is partly based on Henry's description of it (1957, 133-5). A ruined rampart encloses an oval-shaped area, 27m N-S x 23m E-W, and features a possible entrance at E which is marked by two upright slabs. Incorporated into the enclosing element at S are the foundations of a circular hut (KE098-002004-), 3.35m in internal diameter. Cutting through the N sector of the enclosure is a modern E-W field boundary, on whose S side is a platform, trapezoidal in plan. This stone-built structure is entered through two erect slabs, set 1.2m apart, at SE. On its W end stood a slab (KE098-002003-), .9m high, with a linear Latin cross on its E face. This was furnished with a bar terminal on its upper shaft. On the W face of the slab was a poorly preserved Latin cross, which may have featured a reversed chi-rho monogram. This cross slab cannot now be located, and may be the stone referred to at this site by Windele in 1848, who also noted that stations took place at the site during Easter (R1A MS 12 C 11). and Sheehan, J. (compilers) 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University press. (1996), no. 973.