Ecclesiastical enclosure in Kiltoom

Possibly the site of the Early Christian monastery of Ceall Tóma/Tuama founded by Ninnidh Láimhiodhan of the Ceinéal Laoghaire whose feastday fell on the 13th of November (Masterson 1998, 43-4; Ó Riain 2011, 516). The curve of the field fence to the E of graveyard (WM007-008001-) possibly indicates the presence of an Early Christian ecclesiastical enclosure (Swan 1988, 21). Present remains consist of a poorly preserved low earth and stone sub-rectangular shaped mound (approx. dims 7m E-W x 2.75m N-S; H 0.6m). There is a hint of some low earthworks to the S and E and in particular traces of a curving bank which extends away from the mound, curving SE to meet the projecting corner of the E field boundary. No surface remains visible of a church (WM007-008----) or graveyard. Cultivation ridges aligned NE-SW can be seen running across the site. Two fields to the E there is a possible holy well, marked Toberawaugh (WM007-130----). Compiled and revised by: Caimin O’Brien Date of revised upload: 21 February 2017

Ecclesiastical enclosure in Kiltoom is a possible early-medieval ringfort associated with the monastery of Ceall Tóma/Tuama, traditionally founded by Ninnidh Láimhiodhan of the Ceinéal Laoghaire. Local tradition and historical references suggest its connection to early Christian monastic activity and may have later become associated with fairy folklore common to such sites in Irish tradition.