Gardeenrossalia — Rossalia

On a gentle N-facing slope overlooking Aughinish Bay to the N. Indicated with a dashed line and named ‘Gardeenrossalia’ on the 1842 ed. of the OS 6-inch map with the addition of ‘Burial Ground (Disused)’ on the 1915 ed. A small village (of c. 20 houses) is indicated in the fields to the E on the 1842 ed., but this was no longer in existence by the 1915 ed. Listed as ‘Burial Ground’ in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996). A largely unenclosed rectangular area (L 14.2m E–W; 13m N–S) defined by small unmarked headstones (fieldstones and some small flags) some of which occur in N–S lines. The S end is defined by a folly-like structure: a thick rubble wall (L 12.6m; Wth 3.8m; H 3m) faced with unworked mortared stone, partially collapsed on its S and W sides and ivy covered on its upper surface. A wall (L 2m; Wth 1.6m; H 0.6m) runs perpendicularly northwards off the large thick wall. This may be the remains of a destroyed or never-finished wall intended to enclose the burial ground. A holy well dedicated to St Patrick is located c. 300m to the SSE. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 15 December 2020