Tumulus in Buffanagh

In grassland on an E-facing slope of low rising ground in upland river valley with good views in all directions. A narrow drain running NW-SE intersects the S side of the base of the mound and cuts through the mound on the southern side revealing skeletal material in the exposed face of the mound. Impressive flat-topped oval-shaped mound (top diam 19m N-S; 28m E-W; base diam. 24m N-S; 35m E-W; H 3.5m at E and 1m at W) defined by a scarp, the E face of which has been eroded by cattle poaching which has revealed some skeletal material in the face of the mound located approx. 0.8m below the top of the mound. Known locally as the “Hill of Bones” which supposedly marks the burials of some Normans who were killed in battle in the vicinity (Hassett 1990, 21). Other skeletal remains have been revealed on the S face of the mound where the drain has cut out a section of the mound (NMI file 1961). This side of the mound is now covered in trees and thorn bushes making examination impossible. Appears to be a natural gravel hillock used as a burial mound. An unlocated burial mound (TS062-147----) in Clonbrogan townland, which is immediately to the S of Buffanagh, probably refers to this monument.