2026:016 - Tuite Mausoleum, Ballynacargy, Churchtown, Westmeath

This project involved the archaeological monitoring of conservation works to the Tuite Mausoleum. These works were carried out on behalf of Westmeath County Council. The Tuite Mausoleum is located within the Recorded Monument (WM010-012001, Graveyard next to WM010-012, Church, all within WM010-012002, Ecclesiastical Enclosure). The works were carried out under an S12 notification (ref. NM02649/2025) and archaeological license (25E0951). No archaeological material was found or impacted upon by the works.

Tuite Mausoleum was constructed on top of a burial vault that was incorporated into a grass mound to all sides. The tabernacle monument sits on a stepped plinth which was in poor condition on all sides due to root disturbance from a yew tree that stands next to the monument to the northeast. The roots were treated and removed. However the carved limestone steps had become dislodged from the base over time and required consolidation. Initially, the shrivelled tree roots were left in place as these are the most likely cause of the damage. Two of the stones were missing and may have been kept aside elsewhere in the graveyard for safe keeping and to facilitate the mower. Grass had encroached in the gaps along with ivy and herbaceous plants so that there was considerable mortar loss.

The conservation works were successfully carried out without impacting the burial vault. No ground excavation was undertaken within the graveyard and no human remains were discovered during the works. The plinth steps to the mausoleum were successfully reinstated in accordance with the specific conditions set out by the NMS without any negative impact. It transpired during the works, that the tabernacle monument was not supported by the stepped plinth, therefore the systematic temporary removal of the limestone steps did not destabilise the monument.

It was noted during the works that a yew tree on the north-east side of the monument had caused the stepped plinth to be disturbed and uprooted. It was recommended that, as part of the maintenance schedule, this tree and its root system be closely monitored and kept in check to ensure the monument’s continued preservation and minimise future impacts.