Field system in Rathmoylan

Situated in pasture on a plateau around Rathmoylan church (WA027-041001-) overlooking an E-W stream to the N, and originally covering c. 1.5 ha. Described by Reade (1868-9, 228, 231) and Power (1890-1, 477) as comprising four or five platforms, rectangular or oval in form. Reade depicted an oval embanked enclosure (WA027-039001-) (ext. dims. c. 25m NE-SW; c. 20m NW-SE) that is also marked on the 1925 ed. of the OS 6-inch map. This was described in 1980 as a D-shaped enclosure (dims. c. 18m NW-SE; c. 7m NE-SW) backing onto a NW-SE field bank (SMR file). The earthworks were removed c. 1983 when several middens (WA027-039002-) containing pottery, probably of late medieval date including sand-marked cooking ware, were noted together with evidence of metal-working (WA027-039003-) in the form of slag and what might be a spearhead (Decie 1983, 57). The base of a pot quern from the site is kept at a nearby farmhouse. Decie (1983) Old Waterford Society Survey, Decies, No. 24, 42-57. Power, Rev. P. (1890-91) The ancient ruined churches of Co. Warterford. JRSAI 20-21, 475-82. Reade, Rev. G. H. (1868-9b) Proceedings. JRSAI, vol. 10, 209-43. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Waterford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 10 June 2011