Millstone quarry in Templetown

Situated in the inter-tidal zone with sea-cliffs (H c. 10m) rising over it to the E. This is a rock platform of Old Red Sandstone conglomerate with four millstones in the process of being extracted (diam. 1.4-1.5m). There are two extracted but unfinished millstones nearby. Locally it is said the rising tide was used to expand wooden wedges in the rock to separate out the rough-outs, and they were floated off on barges. The date is not known, but the earliest reference is 1736 (Colfer 2004, 127-8) and it was still operating in the early 19th century (Lewis, 1837. vol. 1, 628). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 5 February 2014