Ecclesiastical site in Cornamucklagh — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Killansnamh monastery stood opposite Narrowwater Castle, leaving behind a low stone platform on the ridge beside the Newry River. About 150 years ago, people still laid unbaptised infants to rest there, treating the forgotten church as a mercy when formal doctrine failed them. The flat stones may have marked a chapel, a courtyard or a burial ground, but the act of returning suggests the site still felt holy long after its name faded.

The following description is derived from both the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1986) and the 'Archaeological Survey of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1991). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Situated on E side of a natural ridge to the SW of the Newry River and consisting of a sub-rectangular low platform of stones (max. dims. 20m N-S, 17m E-W, H 0.35m). It is reputedly the site of the monastery of Killansnamh which is said to have stood opposite Narrowwater Castle (CLAJ 1908, 73). About 150 years ago (i.e. c. 1837) some remains of the abbey were still to be seen and it was customary to inter unbaptised infants there. (CLAJ 1914, 232)

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