Mote — Ballykilleen (coolestown By.)

Large bi-vallate enclosure (OF011-035001-) consisting of a central flat area raised well above the surrounding ground surface and delimited by two large fosses and an intervening bank. Some evidence for an outer bank. Entrance gap with ramp at E. Small earthen mound (H. c. 3.5m; Dims at top 1m x 8m) outside line of inner fosse would appear to have been built by the Marquis of Downshire c. 1825 (O'Flanagan 1927 34). The bank is very wide and flat-topped and was probably landscaped at the same time. Described in the OS Letters of 1838 as 'In Ballykillan [see Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly pp.28 ] Townland in this parish, there is a moat, which was planted about twelve years ago by the Marquis of Downshire, to whom a small moat 12 yards = 36 feet by 8 yards = 24 feet in extent, being of an oblong form and made in the foss on the west side of the large moat, owes its erection. On the summit of this small moat is a cavity made by persons who were digging into its centre for treasure, of which they are said to have dreamed; and in this cavity lie some stones thrown up during the process of digging, which circumstance indicates the moat to be composed of stones and earth. How preposterous to go search for treasure in a monument erected merely for curiosity at so late a period! The large moat is about 40 yards = 120 feet in diameter, and is surrounded with a ditch 4 yards = 12 feet wide at bottom, and with a foss 230 or 240 yards = 690 or 720 feet in circumference. Not far from this moat to the west is another of small size, which is likewise under plantation.' (O'Flanagan 1927, vol. 1 34). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011