Children’s Burial Ground in Loona, Co. Mayo
Burial grounds, often labelled as “children’s burial grounds,” –or known as a “lisheen” or “killeen” on OS maps (Michigan State University, 2009), were in use in Ireland from the early part of the 17th century onwards (Magrogan, 2019). At that point in Irish history, church authorities did not allow the burial of still born or […]
Loona Church
Loona church is located to the southeast of the aforementioned early ecclesiastical enclosure, which is also at Loona. There is only scant remaining evidence of Loona church—namely the south wall, which reached almost 2.5 meters, and piles of stones nearby. Loona church was originally surrounded by a graveyard– and a holy well was situated nearby […]
Early Ecclesiastical Remains (Enclosure) at Loona
“After the emergence of Christianity in 432 A.D; religious communities began to spring up around newly established churches. These churches and settlements were surrounded by large enclosures which would also include graveyards, timber dwellings, outhouses, and workshops. Holy wells are also prominently featured within these sites, named for the saint with whom they are associated, […]
Pre-Bog Settlement at Loona
Following the last Ice Age there was rapid forest growth in Ireland—to the point where practically the entire landscape was covered by vegetation and trees. From approximately 8,000 B.C.—4,000 B.C. (the Mesolithic period in Ireland), people were typically nomadic and did not use metal or stone tools. They moved around in small groups of gatherers […]
Loona
The Early Ecclesiastical Enclosure at Loona contains the ruins of Loona church as well as a childrens’ burial ground. A water hole was excavated within the area in which the landowner claimed to be a spring well which has since been filled in. Loona Originally, inside the enclosure was a Holy Well, named ‘Tobar Lughna’, […]