Indicated — Carrownlacka

In an area of marginal land, encompassing a mix of rough, rock-strewn pasture, and wet, boggy ground. This field system is not shown on the 1838 OS 6-inch map, but is indicated on the 1919 edition. It consists of a network of rectangular and sub-rectangular fields enclosed by drystone walls. The layout of the fields is irregular, suggesting that it grew organically or sporadically rather that being the result of a single, planned event. The walls (Wth 0.5-0.7m; H 0.5-1m) are roughly built of limestone rubble, with large boulders or bedrock outcropping occasionally incorporated into the foundation courses. The fields vary in size and shape, including long, narrow rectangular fields (c. 100-130m x 20-30m), broader rectilinear shapes (c. 50m x 60-70m), small irregular fields (c. 20m x 15m) or small, subcircular pounds or enclosures (diam. c. 15m). The shape of the more irregular-shaped fields is sometimes dictated by changes in the landscape or land quality, with walls following the natural contours of the rough, undulating terrain, or providing a demarcation between boggy and dry ground. The orientation varies, with clusters of parallel rectilinear fields on a NE–SW axis abutting clusters on a NW–SE axis, and intermixed randomly with the smaller spaces. A number of short, narrow wall-flanked passages (Wth c. 2-2.5m) connect some fields, probably used to facilitate movement of stock. Many fields are strewn with boulders and field clearance cairns. Rough grass, bracken, heather and blackthorn scrub covers much of the area. The field system post-dates a cashel (MA073-004----) located within it, and is likely to date to the 19th century. It is now subsumed into a regular grid of large, modern rectangular fields. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 15 June 2021