St. Margaret's

St. Margaret’s Cemetery

St. Margaret’s Cemetery is located to the west of the R122 in fields in pasture. There are no upstanding archaeological features of early medieval date on the site.

Historical Context

The site was confirmed to the Archbishop of Dublin in a late 12th century document and is referred to as "the town of St. Margaret's". The church, which was originally called Donaghmore, probably fell into ruin between 1630 and 1650. The existing ruins, which lie in the west of the graveyard, are of a building which must have been extensive. There is also a chantry chapel which was built by Sir John Plunkett in the 16th century to the east of the church remains. An early 19th century mausoleum is attached to the southeast corner of the chantry chapel and an 18th century mausoleum, which is dedicated to the Morgan family is located at the southern boundary of the graveyard.

Archaeological and Architectural Features

The standing remains within the graveyard (DU014-00202) consist of the west wall and parts of the north and south walls of a medieval church. It is constructed of roughly coursed squared rubble limestone. There is a large buttress or corner tower foundation at the northwest corner. To the east are the remains of the chantry chapel. The surviving walls stand almost to roof level and are constructed of squared limestone masonry. There is a pointed arched opening in the west wall with decorative mouldings with a carved head. A stone built wall extends from the northwest corner of the chapel with evidence of rebuilding.

General Description

Sub-rectangular graveyard bounded by roughly coursed squared rubble limestone wall. The entrance has dressed limestone pillars. It is set within agricultural land beside a farmhouse. The ground within the graveyard is raised and undulating.

The graveyard contains a variety of 18th, 19th and 20th century grave markers predominantly of limestone but with some later marble and cast-iron examples. They are predominantly headstones with some free-standing crosses and undecorated stone markers, re-used architectural fragments and individual table tombs. The later plots are surrounded by low kerbing. The table tombs have limestone slabs and granite legs. There is an early 18th century limestone headstone with a curved top to the west of the chapel. It is inscribed as follows "This stone and burial place belongs to John Mansfield wand also here let ye body of Mary Mansfield wife of ye said John Mansfield who died May ye ? 1727". The graveyard contains two well executed mausoleums.