Earthwork in Friarsground

Associated with Ballyhaunis Augustinian friary (MA093-063002-). In the early 1900’s Knox (1911, 334-336) recorded a series interlocking rectangular enclosures immediately to N, E and S of the friary church, which he thought might preserve the outline of earthworks or ‘baileys’ associated with an Anglo-Norman manor house (MA093-063003-) on whose foundations the abbey was traditionally said to have been built. The rectangular plots were defined by slight ditches, banks and scarps, in parts barely discernible. He gives dimensions of c. 43m N−S by 41m E−W for the plot immediately to S of the church. This plot and adjoining rectangular plots immediately to S and E were already in use as a graveyard (MA093-063004-) at that time, and still serve as such. Modern development has obliterated the outline of the rectangular plots Knox recorded to E and N of the church. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 6 July 2022