Earthwork in Ballybeg East

In low-lying boggy pasture, between Awbeg River to S and Ballybeg abbey (14379) to N. Field, bordered by river to S and road to N, contains many low undulations. Immediately S of road, and 'roughly in line with the east wall of the abbey' (O Rahilly 1994, site 11), is trapezoidal enclosure (36m E-W; 40m N-S), enclosed by low earthen bank on E and W sides and by scarp to N. Low earthen bank (Wth c. 2m; H c. 0.5m) runs from NW corner of platform to stream bed to NW (L 38m). In same field, close to bank of river and N of platform, are three irregular mounds of earth and stone (average H 1.5m). Aerial photographs (Dr D.D.C. Pochin Mould) show further earthworks in this field as shadow sites. Platform likely to be part of monastic complex; mounds near river may be result of river drainage or could be associated with mill (15228) shown in approximately this position on Down Survey (1655-6) barony map. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009