Leacht in Bayswell

Associated with the medieval church (KK008-066001-) and graveyard (KK008-066002-), which, according to the OS Letters (1839) is known as 'Teampall na Ratha' or the church of the rath, probably in reference to the ringfort (KK008-142----) 30m N of the church (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 1, 116-17 (39)). At time of inspection in 1987 the graveyard was heavily overgrown with vegetation. In a description of the graveyard, Carrigan (ibid.) mentions that, 'Within the churchyard wall there is also a great leacht [KK008-066005-] or monumental heap of loose stones, but tradition is silent as to its origin'. This may be the mound (dims. 3m N-S; 7m E-W; H 0.5m) noted during the field inspection at the E end of the S side of the graveyard wall, though the sketch plan suggests that this mound is outside rather than within the graveyard.

Linked to early Christian tradition, the site is associated with Teampall na Ratha, suggesting a connection to a ringfort and possibly a monastic settlement. While no specific saint is mentioned, such sites were often linked to local holy figures and used for prayer, pilgrimage, and healing rituals.