What is recorded here

Collierstown holds a buried church and older graves on the south-facing ridge of Bellewstown. M. O hEanaigh excavated the site in 1934, revealing slab-lined burials, small skull cists, ringed pins, jet bracelets and bronze buckles before the trench was filled again. The church disappeared beneath ordinary ground, yet locals still occasionally bring up bones, keeping the dead neighbourhood alive.

Located towards the top of the S-facing slope of the ENE-WSW ridge of Bellewstown. A divided nave and chancel church (ME027-028----) was discovered in excavation by M. O hEanaigh of the National Museum of Ireland in 1934. Extended burials, some in slab-lined graves and pre-dating the church structure, were also recorded as well as small cists containing skulls, one of which was trepanned. Finds included ringed pins, jet bracelets, bronze buckles, a slate spindle whorl, and flints (SMR file). The excavations were back-filled and there is now no evidence of a structure, although locals sometimes find bones. Compiled by: Michael Moore Dat of upload: 7 August, 2014 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 33/1934).

A divided nave and chancel church, medieval in date, excavated in 1934; associated with early Christian burial practices in the region.

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