Field system in Kilcurly (kenry By.)

Three terraced areas running from E-W are defined by four linear or sinuous earthworks (approx. L. 170m E-W; Wth 40m) or lynchets of possible medieval date although this dating is uncertain. The curving nature of the lynchets along with the curving or sinuous form of the field boundary to N may indicate that these earthworks represent the remains of medieval cultivation. Situated in field immediately E of two enclosures (LI012-153--/152-) and one ringfort (LI012-130----) which are visible on Google earth aerial photograph taken 05/02/2009 may be the remains of a medieval settlement. A children's burial ground (LI012-069----) lies 240m to S, with the site of a medieval chapel (LI012-068----) 480m to SW. Earthworks (LI012-151----) 730m to SW may be the remains of a substantial dwelling depicted on the 1657 Down Survey map. The lynchets possibly represents the remains of medieval cultivation associated with the medieval chapel (I012-068---) of 'Kilkerill' [Cill Choireallaigh/Kilcurley] which is shown standing beside a substantial dwelling with a second building to S that are depicted on the 1657 Down Survey map of Kenry Barony (NLI, MS 718). The ridge and furrow ridges visible on Google earth aerial photographs may represent the remains of post-1700 field systems. The lands of Kilcurly were described in a land grant of 1587 when they were described as containing 'In Kilcoill, alias Kill Kryle, 3 Messuages, 2 Cottages, 24a. arable, 6a. pasture, & underwood, and the foundation of a Watermill [LI012-150----], & other lands containing ½ a Plowland' (Dunraven 1865, 253). See attached Google earth aerial photograph taken 05/02/2009 showing lynchets running across the field in an E-W direction. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Dr. Rob O'Hara Date of upload: 18 February 2020