Sweat House

Reported (28-9-2021) by Mr Aidan Harte, Project Co-ordinator, Leitrim Sweathouse Project. Named ‘Sweat House’ on the Cassini edition of the OS 6-inch map, but not recorded on the earlier, first edition (c.1835). Abutting the outer edge of the poorly preserved enclosing wall of a cashel (LE003-016001-) at E. A rectangular area (L 2.4m E-W; Wth 1.4m) is defined by large, low (H0.67m) earthfast boulders and slabs, with a possible entrance at E. A small, roofless structure – possibly a farm outbuilding or a very small dwelling (also recorded on the Cassini edition of the OS 6-inch map) - stands c.10m to the S. See attached image: LE003-016003-_1 View from east with grassed-over cashel (LE003-016001-) enclosing wall behind, taken on 10-8-2021. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 4 November 2022

A sweat house, traditionally used for ritual purification through steam and heat, often associated with pre-Christian practices and later incorporated into Christian traditions; such sites were sometimes linked to healing rituals or saintly veneration in local folklore. The presence of the structure in Keeloges suggests a continuity of ritual use in the landscape, though specific saintly or folkloric associations for this site remain undocumented.