Designed landscape — formal garden in Kilcoolyabbey

On level ground under grass c. 100m W of Kilcooly Abbey (TS943-034001-). A large oval earthwork (diam. from outer bank 58m N-S; 74m E-W) has been identified on several aerial photographs (CUCAP APD 58/59 July 1966; D. Pochin Mould 6 May 1974; L. Swan no date; G. Barrett GB91.EH.34 17 July 1991) and has been interpreted as an enclosure, rath or ringwork (Stalley 1987, 39; Barrett 2010 unpublished report). It is clearly visible on the ground as an undulating raised oval area (H 0.47m) defined by scarp (H 0.2m) enclosed by a fosse (Wth 8m; D 0.2m), broad, flat outer bank (Wth crest 7.5m; Wth at base 11.5m; ext. H 0.28m) and outer fosse (Wth 4.8m; D 0.28m). A causeway feature (Wth 9.2m N-S; L 8.6m E-W) extends westward from the oval and terminates in a roughly circular raised area (dims. 17.5m N-S; 15m E-W). An estate map of 1749 shows a large oval garden with projections from both the E and W quadrants at this location (Neely 1983, 2005 Reprint, 50) and it would appear that this earthwork is in fact a slightly raised and rather elaborate formal garden. Kilcooly Abbey had been converted into a house in the late 17th/early 18th century and continued to be occupied until the present Kilcooly House was built c. 1760 (ibid.). The eastern projection is not visible and was probably levelled when a ha-ha, which runs NW-SE 16m E of the oval enclosure, was built in association with the later house. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 August 2011 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 3/2010).