Grave Yard

Post-1700 graveyard which was built inside the E end of the Lady Chapel of the 13th century Augustinian Abbey (KD023-016----). In 1781 a drawing of the E gable of Lady Chapel and the Augustinian abbey shows that at this time the area was not being used as a graveyard by the local people (NLI Coo 2122 TX (1) 3). The E gable of the chapel forms the E boundary of the post-1700 graveyard. The N wall of the abbey forms the N boundary of the graveyard while the S wall of the abbey represents the S boundary of the burial ground. The N face of the S wall of the graveyard has evidence of vaulted arcading belonging to the 13th century abbey. The W wall of the graveyard with its round-arched gateway appears to be the only section of post-1700 boundary wall. The graveyard consists of a small rectangular-shaped area (c. 27m E-W; c. 17m N-S) enclosed by a stone wall entered through a post-1700 round-headed gateway in the W wall. The enclosed area is higher than surrounding ground level. Table tombs, graveslab and headstones date from the 18th century onwards. (http://www.kildarearchsoc.ie/great-connell-graveyard/ Last accessed 24-05-2012) Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 23 April 2019