Discover Alone ← Back to nearby map

← Back to the nearby map

Grave Yard — Rahugh

Graveyard

Why this matters

A 7th- to 9th-century early Christian graveyard, likely associated with St. Hugh’s holy well and cross-slab nearby, indicating a significant medieval ecclesiastical site.

View my places

Overview

Grave Yard — Rahugh is recorded as Graveyard in Westmeath. Situated atop low rise of ground in undulating countryside with good views in all directions. Early Christian cross-slab (WM038-039----) known locally as the ‘Headache Stone’ 160m to SW and St. Hugh’s holy well (WM040-004----) 210m to SSE.

Who made it and when

The saved account records: The graveyard is enclosed by a post medieval stone wall from NNE-E-S-W-WNW, and from WNW-N-NNE by a low broad earthen bank which may represent the remains of an ecclesiastical enclosure (WM038-041002-) of the monastery founded in the 6th century by Aodh [Hugh] of Rahugh [Ráith Aodha].

How it was made and used

The saved account records: A rectangular annexe enclosed by the post-medieval stone wall of the graveyard was added on to the N side of this enclosing bank.

What was found

The saved account records: Aodh [Hugh] of Rahugh [Ráith Aodha] reputedly founded a monastery here in the 6th century (Walsh 1957, 288).

What remains

The saved account records: 60m WNW-ESE) partially enclosed by post-medieval stone wall with entrance gate at NE and stile to N of entrance.

Why it mattered

Grave Yard — Rahugh matters because the source ties graveyard to this exact landscape and preserves evidence that a bare map name loses. The saved account adds: Early Christian cross-slab (WM038-039----) known locally as the ‘Headache Stone’ 160m to SW and St. Hugh’s holy well (WM040-004----) 210m to SSE.

History checked 15 August 2026 against the named sources below.

No photo yet

Add the human story, a picture, a first-hand message or a missing place.

Earn 5 points after the picture is checked and accepted.

Add a pictureAdd its storyTalk or ask a questionAdd a new place

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.

Conversation about this place

Questions and messages sit beneath the source record. They are checked before appearing.

No questions or messages yet.

Ask a question or join the conversation