Enclosure in Moymlough

In level elevated pasture; the ground falls away gradually to N giving extensive views over broad expanses of low-lying pasture and bog. A slightly raised subrectangular area (42m NNE-SSW; 23m WNW-ESE) defined on the N, E and the N half of the W side by a low bank of earth and stone (Wth 2m; int. H 0.5m; ext. H 0.75m) and elsewhere by a scarp (H 1.4m). A low kerb of stones defines the inner edge of the bank on the N side. On the S half of the E side, the bank expands to a broadly slumped irregular rise (Wth 3.4m) from which stones protrude randomly, possibly the result of recent disturbance. The N half of the enclosure has linear sides and rounded corners while the S half is more generally curving. There is a slight indentation of the scarp midway along the W side and of the bank midway along the E side. The interior is level and covered in rushes. The S half is slightly higher, the change in level being marked slightly N of centre, by a slight dip or depression (Wth c. 3m) extending across the interior. The indentation of the enclosing element and the change in the level of the interior suggest that the S half of this enclosure may have been originally circular and that the more linear N half may have been an addition. Traces of a linear field drain extend to S from the SE corner. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008