Enclosure in Ballybrennan, County Westmeath (WM032-062----)

Aerial photograph (GB91.DM.12) shows the foundations of four small irregular structures, probably hut sites (WM032-062001-/002-/003-/004-) set within a curvilinear enclosure defined by a bank. The low-level earthwork was photographed on 29th of May 1991. The above report has been compiled by Dr. G. F. Barrett and supplied to the Archaeological Survey of Ireland. In 1981 the monument was recorded as consisting of 'the outline of two substantial house sites (WM032-062001-/002-) can be seen on a gentle south facing slope. One site measures approx. 9m by 9m while the second which is sub-rectangular measures 10m approx. by 8m approx.. To the NE is the outline of a possible third house site (WM032-062003-). The house sites are enclosed by old field banks which do not appear to form regular enclosures. There are stony outcrops in the area which could be the remains of other house sites' (SMR file). The S section of this possible curvilinear enclosure is clearly visible on the aerial photograph and is indicated on the revised 25-inch edition of the OS 6-inch map but is not indicated on the 1837 edition of the OS 6-inch map. It is possible that this enclosure represents a post-medieval enclosing of the area of rock outcrop on which the house sites are located. This would explain the curvilinear shape of the field boundary as it was formed by running around the irregular shaped base of rock outcrop on which the house sites are located. On the 1837 edition of the OS 6-inch map a possible lime kiln is indicated 90m to the NNW and a cluster of dwellings indicated as 'Loughtown' are located 230m to the NW. On the revised 25-inch OS 6-inch map these buildings around 'Loughtown' are now indicated as a 'Lodge'. A holy well (WM032-060----) known as Tober Patrick is located 520m to the W. An irregular shaped enclosure (WM032-063----) depicted on the 1837 edition of the OS 6-inch map is located immediately to the N of the house sites in an area now covered with trees. It is possible that these hut sites represent a post-medieval clustered settlement associated with the nearby dwellings indicated as 'Loughtown'.