Keeloge

Area

307,966 m² (30.8 ha, 76.1 acres)

Buildings

20 buildings touch it, 4,176 m² on the ground

Zoning

No zone of a development plan covers it in the national zoning. Outside zoned towns and villages, the county development plan's rural policies apply.

Townland

Keeloge

Planning applications on this parcel

No planning application touches this parcel in the national file, which goes back to 2010.

Source: National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Applicants are not shown.

Designated sites

No designated site (Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, Natural Heritage Area or proposed one) touches this parcel.

Recorded monuments around it

This parcel is in the zone of notification of 19 recorded monuments.

• OF008-067 Water mill - unclassified
  Description

  A drawing of the fields to the W of Durrow Abbey House (OF009-005002-) drawn by Reverend Sterling de Courcy Williams in 1899 shows the 'probable site of mill' which may have been the location of a pre-1700 mill (De Courcy Williams 1899, 223, 232). See attached drawing taken from De Courcy Williams 1899. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 30 April 2014

• OF009-005001 Castle - motte
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. The motte castle was built in 1186 by Hugh de Lacy, lord of meath who was killed at Durrow after the construction of this earth and timber castle. This event was described in the Annals of the Four Masters, which recorded that ‘after having finished the castle of Durrow, [Hugh de Lacy] set out, accompanied by three Englishmen, to view it. One of the men of Teffia, a youth named Gilla-gan-inathar O'Meyey [gutless lad], approached him, and drawing out an axe, which he had kept concealed, he, with one blow of it, severed his head from his body; and both head and trunk fell into the ditch of the castle. This was in revenge of Columbkille’ (O’Donovan 1856, 71-2). Situated on a slight rise of ground on the landscaped demesne of Durrow Abbey House which was probably built on site of a medieval stone castle (OF009-005002-). Durrow church (OF09-005013-), graveyard (OF009-005009-) and high cross (OF009-005010-) are 180m to the ESE. The 19th century country house marked on the OS 6-inch maps as ‘Durrow Abbey’ is located 60m to the NE. The motte is located within the landscaped grounds of Durrow Abbey House with pathways encircling the base of the motte and a walled garden area immediately to the W as shown on the 1908 ed. OS 25-inch map. Aerial photographs taken in 1973 (GSI N 535/6) indicated that the motte castle may have been constructed inside the ecclesiastical or monastic enclosure (OF009-005003-) of Durrow monastery. A sketch of the demesne drawn by Rev. Sterling De Courcy Williams in 1899 indicates that the motte was built on the line of the monastic enclosure in a similar fashion to the motte castle (OF039-003009-) at the monastery of Seir Kieran (OF039-003001-). The monument consists of a large steep sided flat topped mound or motte (H 8m; diam. at base 43m, top diam. 22m) which is heavily overgrown making examination difficult. There is no evidence of an enclosing fosse or bailey with the remains of 19th-century wall encircling the top of the mound. This wall has an arched entrance at E which leads into the interior of the summit where there is a large depression almost 1m deep. This may be the site of a destroyed gazebo with its enclosing wall (ITA Survey 1942), probably erected by the occupiers of the nearby country house in the 19th-century. The 1908 ed. OS 25-inch map depicts a small stone structure annotated as S.H. or Summer House on the summit of the motte. It would appear from the surviving remains that the Anglo-Norman motte castle was converted into a landscape feature in the 19th century by the residents of Durrow Abbey House. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 22 April 2014

• OF009-005002 Castle - unclassified
  Description

  National Monument in State Ownership & Guardianship No. 313. The 18th century house built by the Stepney family of Durrow was known as Durrow Castle which indicates that it was probably built on the site of the stone castle of Durrow that is mentioned in 1562 when the lands of Durrow were leased to Nicholas Harberte. The 18th century house was renamed Durrow Abbey House when a new 19th century mansion was built by Lord Norbury. This house was badly damaged by a fire and was replaced by the current Durrow Abbey House. In 1562 the medieval stone castle of Durrow is described as 'a ruined castle' and was listed in an inquisition taken of the lands of Durrow in 1569 (FitzPatrick and O'Brien 1998, 101). After the dissolution of the monasteries, the lands of Durrow monastery were initially leased to Con O'Mulloy, the late prior of Durrow which included the 'site of the priory (OF009-005008-), lands of Dorrowe, Newton, and Taghtillyn [Tihilly], rectories of Kylbryde, Ballygroder, Fryvenaghe, Kilpallyge, and Dorrowe. To hold for 21 years at a rent of 5 marks' (Nicholls 1994, 58). The lands were then leased to Nicholas Harbert who in 1567 needed 'strongholds and castles well manned' in order to protect his lands from Irish attack and as a result he set about building two 'warrlyke castles for him and his sonnes to inhabit in' (Loeber 1991, 13). The precise location of these two 16th century stone castles has not been identified within the townland of Durrow Demesne. It is possible that the present Durrow Abbey House was built on the site of one of the 16th century castles. The Stepney family who lived at Durrow until the turn of the 19th century acquired the house through marriage with Philip Rawson a descendant of Sir Edward Herbert (De Courcy Williams 1897, 143). In the early 19th century the house was sold by the Stepney family to Lord Norbury. The Ordnance Survey Field Name Books of 1837-40 recorded that ‘The castle of Durrow, was levelled to the ground by the Stepneys about 60 years ago [1780s]’. The OS letters recorded that around the year 1780 'extensive ruins of the castle of Durrow were extant immediately to the north of the moat (OF009-005001-), but that these walls were pulled down by the Stepney family to build a mansion-house, which still exists, but much enlarged and amplified by the present Lord Norbury' (De Courcy Williams 1897, 128). This house belonging to Lord Norbury was substantially destroyed by fire and in 1897 it was recorded that 'one wall of it only remaining, where it was connected with the amplifications which O'Connor speaks of as being effected by Lord Norbury, which amplifications now form the present mansion-house of Durrow Abbey' (ibid.). The present Durrow Abbey House was described by the Nationl Inventory of Architectural Heritage as a 'detached L-plan multiple-bay two-storey over basement Jacobean Revival style house, built between 1837-43, with breakfront tower and gable to north elevation and canted bays to eastern projecting bay and southern bay, courtyard buildings to rear. Built on the site of the eighteenth-century house and set within grounds of Durrow Abbey demesne' (www.buildingsofireland.ie). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 22 April 2014

• OF009-005004 Enclosure
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. There was no surface evidence of an enclosure in the area marked on the aerial photographs. This was an area of marsh land an unlikely location for an enclosure, there were many 19th century field drains in this field which may have showed up on the aerial photos. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF009-005005 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  A monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Colum Cille whose original name may have been Criomthann was descended from a branch of the Ceinéal Conaill of Donegal (ibid., 211). He established a monastery at Iona in Scotland and is the earliest known founder of a church outside of Ireland (ibid., 212). Over sixty churches claim to have been founded by Colum Cille many of which have no historical documentation to support their claims (ibid., 213). On the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map the holy well depicted as 'St. Columbkille's Well' is shown located in a field c. 85m to the SW of 'St. Columbkille's Island'. On the revised 1908 ed. OS 25-inch map the well is shown at a different location. On this map the holy well is depicted in the centre of 'St. Columbkille's Island'. A small grove of trees are shown standing in the area where the holy well is depicted on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map. It is possible that between 1838 and 1908 the original holy well was abandoned and a new pattern was later established at a spring well located in 'St. Columbkille's Island' and this well then became known as 'St. Columbkille's Well'. Holy well dedicated to St Colum Cille of Iona, Scotland. The well is located on flat poorly drained area enclosed by a semicircular water-filled trench depicted as St. Columbkille's Island on all editions of the OS 6-inch maps. Site of early Christian monastic enclosure (OF009-005001-), church (OF009-005013-), graveyard (OF009-005009-) and high cross (OF009-005010-) to S. The present well is enclosed by a late 19th or early 20th century stone built hut constructed with small boulders of granite and limestone with four steps leading down to the well. The water varies in depth from 0.2m to 0.75m deep. Just above the entrance to the well there is a slab with an inscription of recent origin with iron cross and votive offerings embedded into the top of the roof. In 1942 (ITA Survey) it was recorded that a local pattern was held at this well every year on the 9th of June the feastday of St Colum Cille. The pattern to the holy well is still being carried out here every year. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 22 April 2014

• OF009-005006 Cross - High cross
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). There is a fragment of the shaft (L. 0.51m; Wth 0.4m; T 0.26m) of a possible high cross cemented into the S end of the W wall of the graveyard (OF009-005009-), this piece appears to have come from the shaft of a high cross and has interlace decoration on its visible side. The missing cross head described below and the fragment of the shaft cemented into wall of graveyard may belong to the same cross. The cross-head is now housed in Dublin, in the National Museum of Ireland (IA file, IA/29/1988). In 1974 the head of this high cross was removed from the monastery at Durrow. Described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 82-3) as following: 'a cross-head of sandstone stood for centuries on top of the gable of the now disused Protestant church (OF009-005013-) to the east of the main cross (OF009-005006-). It fell to the ground in the late 1950s, after which it was placed on a base just south of the church. In 1974 it was, apparently, removed to Durrow Abbey nearby, in the grounds of which the old monastic site lies. The cross-head is 43cm high, 68cm across the arms, and the lower part of the shaft has a maximum width of about 20cm. The arms expand markedly at the terminals, and it seems unlikely that the cross originally had a ring. The ends of the arms are probably not decorated. EAST FACE : (?) DAVID AS SHEPHERD. A figure stands with a crook in its left hand, and there may be a sheep with turned-back head to the right. Above the figure's head there is what is probably an angel, on the analogy of panel S3 of the Cross of the Scriptures at Clonmacnois. The figure is most likely to represent David as Shepherd, the presence of David in such a position at the centre of the cross-head being rendered quite likely in view of the David interpretation suggested here for the scene at the centre of head of the Tall Cross at Monasterboice. The arms are decorated with interlace. WEST FACE : THE CRUCIFIXION - Christ is shown in a tight-fitting garment, stretching his arms out at right angles. Stephaton and Longinus are indicated as busts beneath Christ's arms, though their attributes are not shown. At the end of the arms there is a whirl from which serpent-headed animals emerge. Above Christ's head, a bird flies upwards to the left.' The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 23 April 2014

• OF009-005007 Cross
  Description

  A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Marked on the OS 6-inch map as the 'Socket Stone' which appears to be the base of a small cross. It is situated to the SSE of the medieval church (OF009-005013-) outside the graveyard (OF009-005009-) wall. This pyramidal shaped stone (H 0.6m; 0.25m x 0.2m x 0.15m) acted as the base of a small cross which was located on top of the W gable of the church (OF009-005013-) and is now located in the National Museum of Ireland. The base of the cross was known locally as 'the headache stone' (De Courcy Williams 1897, 135). See attached image of cross taken from De Courcy Williams 1897. Limited archaeological investigations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd. under licence No. E3161 at Durrow as part of the ongoing conservation works at the National Monument on behalf of the OPW (Collins 2009, 449). Two trenches, measuring some 200m in length, 0.5m in depth and 0.5m in width, were excavated by mini-digger at either side of the avenue to Durrow House. Approximately half of the avenue’s length is within the zone of archaeological potential for the complex. These trenches are proposed for future service conduits for the church structure which now houses the high cross (OF009-005010-). The trenches were sealed with varying modern stony surfaces for the avenue, which was underlain by the natural parent material of reddish-orange/brown compacted sandy clay. According to aerial photographic evidence for the site, the avenue bisects a circular enclosing element for the early medieval monastery (OF009-005003-). However, the two trenches dug did not reveal any information on this element. It is likely that this feature does remain subsurface and the depth of the trenches dug did not reach it. Human remains were located at the western end of the southern trench. They were located outside the current graveyard (OF009-005009-), though inside the likely enclosing element of the monastery. Furthermore they lay to the north-east of a high cross base (OF009-005007-), locally known as the ‘socket stone’. The human remains were examined in situ and found to be previously disturbed, though likely to have been articulated when buried. The remains were orientated east–west with the heads to the west, in the Christian tradition. The minimum number of individuals was estimated at three adults. It was agreed that these remains could be left in situ, protected under the proposed conduit route. A short trench was dug across the avenue at its western end to connect the two trenches with service trenches dug in the previous season. All trenches were then lined with plastic and backfilled. During the winter of 2006, a tree fall occurred immediately outside and to the north-west of the graveyard. When the area was inspected it was found that human bone had been exposed. During this season’s works, this exposed area plus the tree root ball itself were investigated. A large quantity of human bone was revealed. Upon examination it was found that most of this human bone was disarticulated and that the root action of the tree had further disturbed the remains. The human bone which remained in the ground was recorded and preserved in situ. The human bone and soil which had been entangled in the tree roots was excavated and retained for further study (Collins 2010, 402). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 08 November 2011

• OF009-005008 Religious house - Augustinian canons
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. No abbey building is depicted on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map. The revised 1908 ed. OS 25-inch map depicts ‘St. Columbkille’s Abbey (Site of)’ as being located in the NW quadrant of Durrow graveyard (OF009-005009-). The present late 18th century C of I church (OF009-005013-) standing in the SE quadrant of the graveyard may have been built on the site of the Augustinian Abbey church which was founded in the 12th century on the site of the sixth century monastery reputedly founded by St Colum Cille. The Augustinian abbey dedicated to St Mary was founded in the 1140s by Murchadh Ua Maoil Sheachlainn, high king of Midhe, who died at Durrow in 1153 (Ó Riain 2011, 67; Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 174). In 1541 the Abbey was converted into a parish church and was restored in the 18th century and again in 1802. No surface traces remain of the ecclesiastical enclosure (OF009-005003-) (Orpen 1907, 140) or of the Augustinian abbey (Hadcock 1964, 128). (Crawford 1913, 262-65; Lionard 1961, 95-169; Moran 1966, 289; Harbison 1970, 205-6; Barrow 1979, 176). In 2006 limited excavations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd at Durrow under licence No. CO02, E3161, as part of the ongoing conservation works at the National Monument, on behalf of the OPW. Three areas were investigated. Two were dug around the church in order to facilitate the rendering of the structure and ducting. The third area was around where the high cross (OF009-005010-) had stood. (It was moved for conservation reasons inside the church (OF009-005013-) structure.) Nothing of an archaeological nature was discovered in the first two areas; two skeletons were left preserved in situ. An area around where the cross had stood measuring 5m by 5m was opened to address the following research questions: Was the cross in its original position? What was it sitting on? Was there an earlier cross? Further information was required on the context of a cross slab excavated by De Paor in 1954: did it cover a grave, for instance? The excavation around the cross site showed that burial had occurred to the north, south and east of the cross base. Seventeen individuals were excavated, along with much disarticulated remains. Initial examination suggests that all the burials were late in date, probably none earlier than the 18th century. The cross appears to have been in its original (early medieval) position, in that all burials respected the location of the cross base. The cross rested on a layer of redeposited boulder clay, which contained a few fragments of animal bone. There was no evidence of an earlier timber cross at this location, nor was there any evidence of burial beneath the cross. The excavation results would suggest that the cross slab found by De Paor did not cover a specific grave but may have been placed to the east of the cross in order to ‘close’ that area from any further burial – perhaps placed there in the 19th century. Finds from the excavation included coffin nails and fittings, holy medals and a few shroud pins. Nothing of clearly early medieval date was recovered. A series of radiocarbon dates is proposed for the site, including the animal bone fragments recovered from beneath the cross base, which should provide a firm sequence for burial at the site and a date for the redeposited layer beneath the cross (Bennett 2009, 449). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 22 April 2014

• OF009-005009 Graveyard
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). This rectangular shaped graveyard encloses many headstones belonging to the 18th and 19th century and unmarked headstones of unknown date. The western wall has three early Christian cross-slabs (OF009-005011-; 005015-/ 005016-) attached to it along with a fragment of a high cross (OF009-005006-). The C of I church (OF009-005013-) is located in the centre of the graveyard. Bishop Dopping’s Visitation Book of 1682-85 described the churchyard at Durrow as at that time enclosed or ‘fenced’ in by a stone wall (Ellison 1975, 5), however the present graveyard wall appears to date from the 19th rather than the 17th century. The high cross (OF009-005006-) has been moved from the graveyard and is now housed inside the C of I church which has been recently conserved by the OPW. The mullion (H 0.53m) of a twin-light window of late medieval date can be seen in the NW quadrant of the graveyard. The mullion has a glazing groove (Wth 0.01m) on both sides, this stone probably came from the medieval church of Durrow. The hood moulding (diam. 0.66m; H 0.25m) of a narrow single-light (Wth 0.11m) round headed window has been inserted into the centre of the W graveyard wall. The hood moulding has terminals decorated with a four leaf floral motif, one of which no longer survives. In 2006 limited excavations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd at Durrow under licence No. CO02, E3161, as part of the ongoing conservation works at the national monument, on behalf of the OPW. Three areas were investigated. Two were dug around the church (OF009-005013-) in order to facilitate the rendering of the structure and ducting. The third area was around where the high cross (OF009-005010-) had stood. (It was moved for conservation reasons inside the church structure.) Nothing of an archaeological nature was discovered in the first two areas; two skeletons were left preserved in situ. An area around where the cross had stood measuring 5m by 5m was opened to address the following research questions: Was the cross in its original position? What was it sitting on? Was there an earlier cross? Further information was required on the context of a cross slab excavated by De Paor in 1954: did it cover a grave, for instance? The excavation around the cross site showed that burial had occurred to the north, south and east of the cross base. Seventeen individuals were excavated, along with much disarticulated remains. Initial examination suggests that all the burials were late in date, probably none earlier than the 18th century. The cross appears to have been in its original (early medieval) position, in that all burials respected the location of the cross base. The cross rested on a layer of redeposited boulder clay, which contained a few fragments of animal bone. There was no evidence of an earlier timber cross at this location, nor was there any evidence of burial beneath the cross. The excavation results would suggest that the cross slab found by De Paor did not cover a specific grave but may have been placed to the east of the cross in order to ‘close’ that area from any further burial – perhaps placed there in the 19th century. Finds from the excavation included coffin nails and fittings, holy medals and a few shroud pins. Nothing of clearly early medieval date was recovered. A series of radiocarbon dates is proposed for the site, including the animal bone fragments recovered from beneath the cross base, which should provide a firm sequence for burial at the site and a date for the redeposited layer beneath the cross (Collins 2009, 449). Further limited archaeological investigations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd. under licence No. E3161 at Durrow as part of the ongoing conservation works at the National Monument on behalf of the OPW (Collins 2009, 449). Two trenches, measuring some 200m in length, 0.5m in depth and 0.5m in width, were excavated by mini-digger at either side of the avenue to Durrow House. Approximately half of the avenue’s length is within the zone of archaeological potential for the complex. These trenches are proposed for future service conduits for the church structure which now houses the high cross. The trenches were sealed with varying modern stony surfaces for the avenue, which was underlain by the natural parent material of reddish-orange/brown compacted sandy clay. According to aerial photographic evidence for the site, the avenue bisects a circular enclosing element for the early medieval monastery. However, the two trenches dug did not reveal any information on this element. It is likely that this feature does remain subsurface and the depth of the trenches dug did not reach it. Human remains were located at the western end of the southern trench. They were located outside the current graveyard, though inside the likely enclosing element of the monastery. Furthermore they lay to the north-east of a high cross base, locally known as the ‘socket stone’. The human remains were examined in situ and found to be previously disturbed, though likely to have been articulated when buried. The remains were orientated east–west with the heads to the west, in the Christian tradition. The minimum number of individuals was estimated at three adults. It was agreed that these remains could be left in situ, protected under the proposed conduit route. A short trench was dug across the avenue at its western end to connect the two trenches with service trenches dug in the previous season. All trenches were then lined with plastic and backfilled. During the winter of 2006, a tree fall occurred immediately outside and to the north-west of the graveyard. When the area was inspected it was found that human bone had been exposed. During this season’s works, this exposed area plus the tree root ball itself were investigated. A large quantity of human bone was revealed. Upon examination it was found that most of this human bone was disarticulated and that the root action of the tree had further disturbed the remains. The human bone which remained in the ground was recorded and preserved in situ. The human bone and soil which had been entangled in the tree roots was excavated and retained for further study (Collins 2010, 402). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 08 November 2011

• OF009-005010 Cross - High cross
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Colum Cille whose original name may have been Criomthann was descended from a branch of the Ceinéal Conaill of Donegal (ibid., 211). He established a monastery at Iona in Scotland and is the earliest known founder of a church outside of Ireland (ibid., 212). Over sixty churches claim to have been founded by Colum Cille many of which have no historical documentation to support their claim (ibid., 213). Until recently the Durrow high cross stood in the W quadrant of Durrow graveyard (OF009-005009-) a short distance to the W of the W gable of the C of I church (OF009-005013-) as depicted on all editions of the OS six-inch maps. The high cross has been moved from this location and is now housed inside the C of I church which has been recently conserved by the OPW. A 3D model of the high cross can be downloaded from Offaly County Council website at www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Heritage/Archaeology/3D_Surveying_of_Archaeological_Monuments/ In 2006 limited excavations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd at Durrow under licence No. CO02, E3161, as part of the ongoing conservation works at the national monument, on behalf of the OPW. Three areas were investigated including an area around where the cross had stood measuring 5m by 5m was opened to address the following research questions: Was the cross in its original position? What was it sitting on? Was there an earlier cross? Further information was required on the context of a cross slab excavated by De Paor in 1954: did it cover a grave, for instance? The excavation around the cross site showed that burial had occurred to the north, south and east of the cross base. Seventeen individuals were excavated, along with much disarticulated remains. Initial examination suggests that all the burials were late in date, probably none earlier than the 18th century. The cross appears to have been in its original (early medieval) position, in that all burials respected the location of the cross base. The cross rested on a layer of redeposited boulder clay, which contained a few fragments of animal bone. There was no evidence of an earlier timber cross at this location, nor was there any evidence of burial beneath the cross. The excavation results would suggest that the cross slab found by De Paor did not cover a specific grave but may have been placed to the east of the cross in order to ‘close’ that area from any further burial – perhaps placed there in the 19th century (Collins 2009, 449). The Durrow high cross was described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 79-82) as following; 'The complete monolithic cross is 3.16m high, 1.39m across the arms, and the shaft is 46cm wide and 31cm thick at the bottom. It rests on a base which measures 1.30m by 1.10m at ground level, and which is 38cm high. The sides of the base are slightly convex, and have a step hear the top. The base has grooved lines forming a base-line above which are the frames of two undecorated panels-two each on the broader faces, and one each on the sides. The cross has a roll moulding around the edges, and the smaller roll mouldings framing the panels come in from each side between the panels and double back on themselves without meeting in the centre. This moulding has a number of small horizontal grooves, best seen on the north side. The head has a smaller moulding inside the roll moulding on the edges. EAST FACE Shaft Plinth : Due to its heavily worn condition, the subject matter of the plinth is difficult to ascertain. On the left there is what could be the head of a ringed cross on a possible shaft, or a lamb with ringed head, but the nature of the small ring on the right is more enigmatic. In the centre there may be a human figure flanked by an animal or bird, or it could be two centaurs face to face, but identification is very uncertain. E1: THE RAISED CHRIST - A figure of Christ in the upper centre of the panel has an angel on either side of the head. His feet rest on the knees of two long-robed figures in profile who are seated opposite one another beneath him. They hold an open book between them, and represent Apostles, almost certainly Peter and Paul. E2 : A panel of interlace forming circular devices. E3 : THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC - Abraham is shown in profiel on the left, with his sword over his right shoulder, and holding up in his left hand an enigmatic object best interpreted as the fire. On the right is his son Isaac, whose left knee is on the ground. Isaac holds an axe above the altar in his left hand, and his right is placed just above the altar. A rope around his body holds the wood for the sacrificial fire on his back, and above him is the angel which holds the hind leg of the ram in front of him. Head Centre: (?) THE LAST JUDGEMENT - Christ stands in centre wearing a long robe with slightly diagonal folds at the waist. In his left hand he holds a cross-staff, and in his right a sceptre with a head blossoming out into a spiral foliate ornament on each side. Above his head is the lamb in a circle. He stands on an interlace, presumably symbolising clouds. On the right there is angel with folded hands, and on his left a seated angel blowing a pipe. At the end of the pipe there is a single human head, the significance of which is not clear. South arm : DAVID PLAYING THE LYRE - David is seated, facing towards Christ, and placing his hand on a lyre resting on his lap. His left knee protrudes in an anatomically curious fashion. The frame at the end of the arm bears an upright panel of interlace, with volutes above and below. North arm : DAVID SLAYS THE LION. - David has his left knee on the back of the lion whose jaws he pulls asunder with his hands. In front of him, in the contraction of the arm, there is a lamb with upright neck which presumably belongs to this scene rather than to (?) THE LAST JUDGEMENT. The frame at the end of the arm is similar to that on the south arm, except that the interlace is more tightly meshed. Top : A square panel has a rounded boss in each corner, on one of which interlaced decoration is preserved. Emerging from them are some animals which bite one another in the centre, and others with their heads on the outer periphery of the bosses. Above this panel is the roof, decorated with an imitation of shingles. The ring : The ring has roll mouldings on the edges, framing panels of animal interlace in the lower left and upper right segments, and fretwork with spiral terminations in the lower right segment. The nature of the decoration in the upper left segment is not clear. Attached to the inner surface of the ring are the cylinders, the ends of which are decorated with a round boss surrounded by a circle of pellet decoration. SOUTH SIDE Shaft Plinth : On the plinth two winged animals are seen in profile, contorting the neck so that the head is almost frontal. The animals stand opposite one another under a tree. The right-hand animal seems to grasp the stem of the tree with its right front paw. S 1 : EVE GIVES THE APPPLE TO ADAM. - Cain, with sharply pointed nose and dressed in a tunic with wavy hem at knee-level, is shown in profile on the left. He holds up a curved club with which he strikes the head of his brother Abel, who is shown in a frontal pose, wearing a long robe with rope-like front, and placing his hands on his lap. S 3 : DAVID AS KING - David, seated frontally and wearing a flowing moustache and interlaced beard, holds a sword up over his right shoulder and a shield with central boss in his left hand. By his side, two upright animals put their heads on his lap. Head Underside of ring : Snake and heads - The sunken panel in the centre has a snake - with its head and tail on top and its back decorated with pelleting - which coils its way among three human heads. It is flanked by a pa

And 9 more.

Designated sites: National Parks and Wildlife Service. Recorded monuments: Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Works at or in relation to a recorded monument need two months' written notice to the National Monuments Service (National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, section 12).

Registered freehold land, Tailte Éireann, CC BY 4.0. A parcel is the land of a title, not an address. The owner's name is in the Land Registry of Tailte Éireann: a copy of the folio can be ordered on landdirect.ie, for a fee.