Field system in Achonry

In pasture, on a gentle NE-facing slope. The remains of relict field systems lie to the N and S of Achonry graveyard (SL032-188003-). The fields are mostly rectangular in shape, ranging in size from 12m x 15m to 83m x 30m, but some are D-shaped or irregular. The field boundaries are comprised of scarps, low earthen banks (Wth c. 3m), and parallel lines of limestone slabs with an earthen core. The best-preserved group of fields is that to the S of the graveyard. Crossing it is a disused road (Wth c. 6m) (SL032-188005-), cut into the slope on its SW side and bounded by a low earthen bank (Wth 3m; H c. 0.25m) on its NE side; it extends NE for c. 17m before turning SE where it can be traced for a further 90m. There is a similar field system (SL032-047004-) at Abbey Court friary, c. 3.5km to N. A second field system (SL038-016002-) lies c. 1km to SE in the same townland. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008