County: Sligo Site name: RELICKORAN, Inishmurray
Sites and Monuments Record No.: SMR 4:1-4:8 Licence number: 99E0381
Author: Jerry O'Sullivan
Site type: Burial ground
Period/Dating: Multi-period
ITM: E 556745m, N 854070m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 54.433335, -8.666672
The cemetery enclosure at Relickoran is likely to be of medieval date. It contains two altars, or leachta—one within the main enclosure and one within an adjoining smaller enclosure—and associated cross-inscribed slabs. Like the neighbouring women's cemetery, it is on an eroding cliff edge. The southern sector of the enclosing wall has been destroyed, and both of the altars have been partly cast down by the sea. Excavation of the seaward half of the site commenced in August 1999; a further season of work is proposed in 2000.
The superstructure of the altar, or leacht, in the main enclosure contained many modern inclusions and had evidently been rebuilt within the last 100 years or so. The structure was gradually reduced to reveal a primary or basal level of erect, edge-set flags with a soil and rubble core (this was not fully excavated in 1999). Two small cross-slabs were found adjacent to the structure, one lying within a rubble spread where the altar had partly collapsed on its south side.
A well-laid pavement of rough flags made a circuit of the main enclosure at the inner wall face. A cross-pillar set within the paving was standing close to the eroding cliff edge and, consequently, was removed to the old schoolhouse, where other carved stones from the island are curated by Dúchas.
Small fragments of human skeletal remains were found throughout the main enclosure, and some grave fills were tentatively identified. None of these was excavated, however, and it is not clear whether the graves respect the pavement and altar or pre-date them. Further excavation in 2000 will aim to clarify this.
Within the smaller, adjoining enclosure the altar consisted of massive stone blocks. This structure appeared to be substantially intact (i.e. there was no evidence for rebuilding). Human skull fragments were found within the base, although it is not yet clear whether these represent a deliberate deposit or simply bones introduced by burrowing birds or small animals.
This work was commissioned by Dúchas and undertaken by Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division. It is likely that Dúchas will reconstruct the enclosing walls and altars in situ and attempt consolidation of the cliff face thereafter.
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