Field system in Kilmainham (headford),kilmainham (kells Upper By., Teltown Par.)

Situated on the flood-plain of the River Blackwater, on the S bank. An area of about 8.5 ha (c. 21 acres) contains small rectangular fields (dims c. 40m x. c. 30m) defined by banks (Wth 3-5m; max. H 0.6m) and fosses or hollow-ways (Wth c. 5-10m), or scarps (H 0.5-2m). A mound (diam. 14m E-W; 12m N-S; H 1m) is incorporated into the NE angle of one field. An aerial photograph (CUCAP: ASV 66) shows some of the fields as cropmark features defined by banks with ditches on either side. The stone house (ME017-023----) is at the centre of the system and is probably contemporary with it. The fields are so regular that it is possible that it represents a designed landscape associated with the house. A bank (L c. 80m; Wth of top 4.5m; H at S 1.4m) extending NW from the house has a hollow way (Wth of top 10m; D at S 1m) on its S side. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of revised upload: 22 June 2016