Grave (Urn found 1924) — Cush

In rough pasture, in centre of an archaeological complex (LI048-034006/042-) located on the 'Supposed Site of Temaír Erann', which was the ancient cemetery of the Ernai tribe on Slievereagh (Sliabh Riabhach) (Westropp 1919, 9; Westropp 1917-19, 179; Westropp 1918, 111). One of three burial mounds (LI048-034010/012-), within a large field system (LI048-034001-), ringfort (LI048-034008-) lies 20m to NE. The most northerly of three bowl-barrows (LI048-034010/012-), within a large field system (LI048-034001-), ringfort (LI048-034008-) lies 20m to NE. Described by Westropp (1916-17, 465) as one of three tumuli consisting of; ‘a levelled mound (c), only a few feet high, 12 feet [3.6m] across, with a rock of conglomerate about 4 feet [1.2m] long on its base.’ Listed as Tumulus I by Ó Ríordáin (1940, 133-137) the burial mound was partially excavated in 1924 by T. Shea and the remains of an urn with cremated bone (LI048-034038-) uncovered and reinterred. Excavations of the mound (H. 0.9m; diam. 11m) undertaken by Ó Ríordáin between 1934-5, revealed a cist (LI048-034039-) and the barrow was described as following; ‘This mound was low and insignificant in comparison with T [umulus] II [LI048-034012-] and T [umulus] III [LI048-034011-]. Its maximum height over ground-level was less than 3 feet [0.9m], and its greatest diameter about 36 feet [11m]. No signs of a surrounding fosse showed on the surface but there were some upright stones at the edge of the tumulus, others of which were revealed on excavation making a total of six found in position, which represented the remains of the kerb of the tumulus’ (ibid. 133). Excavations revealed, ‘that the greater portion of it was covered by a paving of small stones packed rather closely together. This paving was at varying depths of 18 inches [0.45m] or less under the surface. On and among the stones of this paving we found scattered fragments of small deposits of cremated bones’ (ibid. 135). A possible fosse was also recorded inside the edge of the mound and ‘it did not make a complete circle, there being a gap of about one-fifth of its circumference on the northern side’ (ibid. 136). See attached plans and photos from Ó Ríordáin and Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 27 August 2021