Hearth in Cloncarney

-'Labra Lark's Castle' is a large double-walled cashel (DG044-022001-). An area of rock outcrop is enclosed by a ruined stone wall originally up to 2.4m in width. The inner face is up to 1m in height but appears to have been rebuilt in modern times. There is an entrance to the N from 1m to 2m in width. The central area of the cashel is built on a core of rock from 2m to 3m high on the E but up to 8m high on the W. A second wall is built at a distance of 19m on the N, 12m on the S and c. 12m on the E and W, from the inner wall. It encloses an area c. 42m N-S and c. 35m E-W. This outer wall varies in width and appears to have been rebuilt in places. A number of field walls run from the outer wall, one each from the NW, W and SW and two from the S. It is not clear whether any of these is associated with the cashel. Radial walls connect the enclosing walls on the NE, N and W. The interior of the cashel is rough and heather-covered. The E half is raised c. 1m above the W half. The site is located on a NE-SW ridge in an area of rock outcrop and much overgrowth. There is higher ground to the N but good pasture is available nearby. A previous report (Fagan Bk. 9, 7) reports that 'Paved causeways, two fire hearths and cinders, also graves and a human skeleton (DG044-022002-)' were discovered inside the site. The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Date of upload: 22 September 2008