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Marked as a circular embanked enclosure (ext. diam. c. 25m) on the 1837 and 1914 eds of the OS 6-inch map, and situated on a rise on the N bank of the W-E Boyle river just as it leaves Lough Key, c. 40m from the river and c. 30m SW of the ecclesiastial residence (RO006-013002-). It may be an integral part the surrounding field system (RO006-012002-).
Geophysical survey identified a rectangular platform (dims c. 20m x c. 20m; H 1-1.5m) amidst a complex of structures, and excavation conducted during 2005-2007 revealed this to be a rectangular enclosure defined by a faced drystone wall (Wth 1.2-1.5m) with an outer fosse (Wth 1.9-2.1m; D 0.45-0.6m), and a second fosse outside this. Rubble from the wall, which was probably spread in the 14th century, included five decorated Romanesque stones (RO006-012003-), originally from a doorway or window of a church which may lie at a deeper level. The enclosure contained E-W burials (RO006-012004-) in at least two levels, and at least 150 individuals were recorded. Radiocarbon dates range from c. AD 660 to AD 1275 but it is unclear if burial was continuous (Read 2010d, 48-9). A building (RO006-012005-) was discovered just W of the enclosure, clearly post-dating the abandonment of the burial ground (ibid, 60-1). Prehistoric lithic material was also recovered in disturbed contexts (ibid., 52) including a barbed and tanged flint arrowhead from a feature cut by the fosse around the enclosure at NW. (Read at al. 2005; Read 2008e; 2010c; 2011d)
Compiled by: Michael Moore
Date of upload: 20th June 2011
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