Ecclesiastical enclosure in Reachlainn Uí Bhirn

The remains on Rathlin O'Birne Island have been described by Walsh (1983) and Herity (1995). The enclosure is polygonal in shape and undoubtedly of multi-period construction in relation to its constituent parts. In this regard, Herity (1995, 89-92) distinguishes at least three phases in the development of the site and proposes an earlier ‘enclosure’ at the south-east which surrounded the oratory (DG089-018005-) with the two houses (DG089-018006- and 07-) forming part of its boundary. This was followed by the addition of a trapezoidal space to the north (the ‘northern, outer enclosure’) which was finally enlarged by a further ‘extension of the primary area’ to the west incorporating the knoll. These three areas correspond with the ‘inner enclosure’ described by Walsh (1983, 59) and followed here. This enclosure connected by two walls to an outer irregular crescentic enclosure (Walsh 1983, 55, Fig. 18). This inner enclosure measures c. 40m from north to south and 40m from east to west. The wall, which is mostly in ruins, is principally composed of rubble and shingle although some large stones were used as facings, particularly at the south-east. In general only the footings of the wall are visible, but the better preserved sections indicate that it was never very substantial. Within or forming part of this enclosure wall are a holy well (DG089-018002-) at the north-east, two stone huts or cells (DG089-018006-; (DG089-018007-) and an oratory (DG089-018005-) at the south-east, a probable church (DG089-018001-), a possible kiln (DG089-018009-), the foundations of two rectangular buildings (DG089-018010-; (DG089-018011-), nine cross-inscribed slabs (DG089-018014- to (DG089-018022-) and a number of flat slabs and three upright slabs that probably marked graves. Part of the inner enclosure is sited on a slight natural rise within the shallow depression. From this rise the ground falls away to the east and to the south-west entrance. There is a clear division of the enclosure by a cross-wall into an upper (west) and lower (east) terrace. The cross wall incorporates a leacht (DG089-018012-) on which sits a cross-slab (DG089-018016-0). The main entrance to the enclosure is at the south-west. To the east of the entrance the enclosing wall is represented by collapse and footings. To the west a large scatter of collapse with a central depression may be the remains of a stone hut or cell (DG089-018013-). Two field walls abut the fragmentary remains of the enclosure on the north-west and a third wall curves towards it from the north. The latter is essentially a revetment of transversely laid rubble and oblong shingle forming the north-east boundary of a fairly level terraced field. The west boundary of this field, also a ruined wall, has an interior fosse along its east side. 1.5m wide by 0.5m deep, which drains the water-logged or marshy area to the south-west. Two wells are incorporated in the enclosing wall near its north-eastern corner. That to the west is delimited by an oval setting of stones now level with the collapsed wall. The eastern well, the holy well (DG089-018002-), is set in a regularly built, flag-roofed, well-house, open to the north-east. The gap between the two wells may have served as another entrance providing access to the shore 60m to the north. A stone, 1.6m long by 0.3m high, abuts the south-west corner of the holy well and partly blocks the opening; its function is unclear. The enclosure wall is best preserved on the east and here the interior face survives 0.7 to lm high. See plan in Walsh (1983, 55, Fig 18). Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 2 February 2014