Ecclesiastical enclosure in Ashford

In flat pastureland on E bank of the River Suck just NW of Ballinasloe town. Identified by Connellan (1943a, 147) as the site of a pre-Norman ecclesiastical site called 'Tuaim Sruthra' associated with a St Raoiriu or Raoilinn. Egan (1960, 27) notes 'traces of an early enclosure' surrounding 'Templereelane Church' (GA074-011001-). This takes the form of a slightly raised platform to N of the church. Defined by a scarp (H c. 1m max.), it appears to define N sector of a large enclosure (NNE-SSW >85m, ESE-WNW c. 50m). A small low mound is visible along its line at N, and there are also traces of a short linear bank in NW quadrant. No clear trace of its line survives to S of the church. The grassed-over foundations of a wall, almost square in plan (26.5m by 27m), surround the latter: possibly delimiting a graveyard. A gap along W side probably marks the entrance. According to local information, a 'cross' was uncovered at the site some years ago. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010