Ancient Burial Sites
Among the most ancient
survivals of human activity in the parish are those commemorating the
dead. Of these monuments the best known is Caherphuca wedge-tomb, because
of its accessibility and fine condition. But those at kildoydan South
(D1) and Knockmael East (F7) are also worth a visit. Unfortunately one
of those in Knockmael (the more northerly of the two shown on O.S. 6-inch
sheet 18) no longer exists. It was destroyed during land reclamation
in the 1980’s. A ring-barrow may be seen in the townland of Knockloaghan
and a cist-grave in Srnagalloon townland. Neither is easy of access,
so it is advisable to enquire for them locally.
Standing Stones
Only two are known in
the parish, both uninscribed, one at Carrownacloghy (B5) after which
the townland is said to be named, and the other at Knockreddan (F5).
What their purpose was it is hardly possible to say, though a story
persists that the latter, south of Boscable House, marks the burial-place
of a valuable horse owned by the Butlers of Castlecrine, landlords of
the area in the nineteenth century.
Such stones countrywide
are notoriously difficult to date. They may mark ancient boundaries,
roadways, graves or the sites of notable events, or may merely be scratching-posts
for animals. It is best to view each one individually and then judge
for oneself.
Fulachta Fiadh
Dozen of these ancient
cooking-sites have been discovered recently within the parish and many
others, no doubt, still await discovery. Horseshoe-shaped in the main,
they occur where water was readily available and consist of a mount
of burnt stones surrounding a trough in which meat was cooked by immersing
stones heated in a nearby fire, thus boiling the water. Recent reconstructions
have proved that it was a most efficient means of cooking. Excellent
examples can be seen at (D1) to (D2).
