Ardkill Childrens Burial Ground — Derreen (ballysteen Ed)

On a SE-facing slope in pasture, offering wide views. Hachured and named ‘Ardkill Children’s Burial Ground’ on first (1842) and Cassini (1920) editions of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Burial ground’ in the RMP (1996). This subcircular children’s burial ground (int. diam. 16m) is defined by a modern stone wall (int. H 1m; ext. H 1.5-2m) with vertical coping. There is a gate and stile at the SSE. Eight graves are visible in the grass-covered interior of the burial ground, marked by horizontal graveslabs. Another grave is visible in outline, just W of the centre where there is a cut-stone cross (H 1.5m) on a circular plinth incorporating steps on the E side. This monument has been said to mark the grave of a 12 year-old daughter of local landlord Cornelius O’Brien (1782-1857). There are also two modern headstones dated 1965 and 1976. In the E of the burial ground are four roughly parallel E-W running grass-covered collapsed walls. The SW quadrant has been levelled and cleared.   Compiled by: Gearoid Conroy and Conn Herriott   Date of upload: 6-10-2015