Burial ground in Curraheen (aghnameadle Par.)

On a break of slope which drops off to the W, in undulating hilly terrain, overlooking a valley to the E with land rising beyond, in pasture. There are good views to the N and N, but limited to the E by peaks S and SW of Devilsbit Mountain and limited S and W by rising ground and by hills, including Knockanora, beyond. The enclosure is known locally as a burial ground. A sub-rectangular enclosure (dims. c. 18m N-S; 45m E-W), defined by a low earthen bank (ext. H 0.46m; int. H 0.22m; Wth at crest 2.2m; overall Wth 3.4m) along the N and E sides, which has been reduced to gradual scarp (H 0.52m; Wth 2.5m) towards the W end. A heap of deposited slate stone, partially overgrown by nettles and brambles, obscures the S edge where the enclosure meets the boreen. The SW-W edge is defined by a scarp (H 1.26-1.3m) which continues to drop with the natural break in slope. A boreen runs roughly E-W along the S side of the enclosure and may have partially truncated it. The enclosure is largely grass covered, though this has been eroded by cattle at the W end, exposing the very stony composition of the scarp. Within the E portion of the enclosure there is a grass-covered cairn (TN028-100----) (H 0.83m; overall dims. 7m N-S x 9m E-W; Wth at crest c. 3m), with some stones protruding. At the E end of the cairn, below the crest, there is an upright rectangular slab (TN028-099----) which is decorated on the W face with a figure and on the E face and S side with scroll/spiral motifs. There is an ogham inscription on the upper NW angle. See attached photographs: TN028-098----_01 Google Earth satellite image (imagery date 20 June 2017) TN028-098----_02 Google Earth satellite image (imagery date 20 January 2020) TN028-098----_03 General view from NE TN028-098----_04 General view from NW TN028-098----_05 Interior from E Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 8 February 2023