Ecclesiastical enclosure in Grange (bargy By., Kilmore Ed)

Situated on a level, low-lying landscape, with the slight valley of a small S-N stream c. 140m to the E. The parish church of Kilmore (WX052-002002-), probably of early origin, is within a large rectangular graveyard (WX052-002003-) defined by masonry walls. An aerial photograph (CUCAP: AVK 66) from 1968 shows the cropmark of a circular ecclesiastical enclosure (diam. c. 90m) defined by a narrow fosse feature, which is only visible SE-SW of the church in the field on the S side of the E-W public road. The enclosure probably does not include the W and N parts of the graveyard, but would extend into the field to the E. It is not visible at ground level in pasture. Archaeological testing (11E0314) in the field immediately E of the graveyard identified the fosse of the ecclesiastical enclosure (Wth 3m) extending N-S (L 57) 23m from the graveyard wall. It also uncovered evidence of settlement features including pits and a ploughed out burnt mound as well as what may be numerous drains associated with a field system. Prehistoric and medieval pottery was recovered as well as struck flints. (Stafford 2011; excavations.ie 2011:624) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 18 February, 2014 Amended: 23 November 2020