Grave Yard

Located on a slight rise of ground with good views in all directions. Ballinrath Castle (OF011-032----) located 590m to WSW and Ballykilleen ringfort (OF011-035001-) 950m to E. Roughly square-shaped graveyard (approx. dims. 40m N-S; 38m E-W) enclosed by a stone wall of recent construction. The W gable of a medieval church (OF011-034001-) is all that survives standing in the centre of this graveyard. The graveyard contains post-medieval memorials mainly dating from the 19th century onwards. Grass-covered low banks and scarps which may represent the remains of small enclosures or field system (OF011-034003-) can be seen outside the graveyard wall. Excavation licence no. 05E0614 Monitoring of a proposed development by Brian Halpin of National Archaeological Services on a domestic garage and a single-lane driveway, at Ballinakill, Edenderry, was carried out on 19 June 2005. The site works involved the removal of all topsoil down to the subsoil in the development area using a track machine with a 1m-wide flat toothless bucket. Nothing of an archaeological nature was noted. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 24 July 2014