Earthwork in Abbeyshrule

In pasture, immediately to the N and NE of the Cistercian abbey (LF023-113----) and bordered by the Inny River from WSW–NNE. A series of earthworks are visible on aerial photographs (SMR file). Some appear to be fields and two roughly square-shaped examples proved on inspection to be two conjoined, slightly raised platforms defined by low scarps (H 0.5–0.6m), with a slightly raised internal rim in parts. A shallow depression (Wth 2m) partly separates the more southerly platform (17.5m NE–SW; 16.5m NW–SE) from the adjoining one (17.8m NE–SW; 10.5m NW–SE) at NW. At the W corner of the NW side of the N platform a few stones protrude randomly from the scarp but elsewhere the scarp is sod-covered. Cultivation ridges are visible within another raised subrectangular plot or field (c. 45m ENE-WSW; c. 40m NNW–SSE) to the SW of these platforms. Between it and the platforms are two slightly sunken, flat-based rectangular areas (dims. S example c. 31m NW–SE; 8m NE–SW) separated by a low bank/scarp. All of these features are bordered on the SE side by a major water channel/ditch that traverses the field on an ENE–WSW axis, and continues into the field to the NE, apparently diverting water from the nearby river for use in this area. The water channel appears to be a double one consisting of a sunken area (Wth 12–13m) in which a central flattened bank or spine (Wth 5m) of dry ground separates two parallel drains or channels (Wth 3–4m). Another water channel, less clearly defined, appears to pass close to the NW side of the N example of the conjoined platforms, and water also appears to have been held in, or channelled through, the sunken rectangular features which border the SW side of both platforms. This suggests the possibility that the conjoined platforms may mark the site of a mill, associated with the abbey, and that the water channels served variously as the headrace and tailrace. Another possibility is that the sunken rectangular features immediately to the SW of the conjoined platforms, may have been fishponds, again associated with the abbey. Approximately 5m to the N of the conjoined platforms, and separated from them by the course of the N water channel, there is another raised subrectangular area (c. 24m NNW–SSE; c. 10m ENE–WSW). It is more irregular in outline and appears to have been somewhat disturbed, or to have had field-clearance debris dumped on its E and N sides. A linear feature (L c. 190m), running NE–SW, noted on the photographs in one of the fields to the NE of the abbley, can be traced at ground level only in parts as a barely discernible, flat-topped linear rise (Wth c. 3–3.5m). Its destination in the NE direction is unclear. At its SW end it may have lead to the abbey. The date of the field system is uncertain. It is possible that some of the features noted relate to post-medieval drainage works. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 23 January 2013