01/08/2026
***🎚Lewis Road, Killarney, County Kerry - Sacred Burial Site🎚***
The current Lewis Road in Killarney, County Kerry, is situated on the site of a former burial ground. Historical evidence of this sacred site at Moyeightragh (meaning "Lower Plain" or "Lower Field") is recorded on the Ordnance Survey map of 1840–1841 (Record KE066-068002).
The subsurface graves remain in situ, although they are no longer visible within the modern landscape. As an archaeological site, there is no evidence to suggest that the graves were exhumed or removed on a large scale. It is therefore assumed that human remains continue to rest beneath the present-day road and the surrounding residential properties.
Lewis Road was constructed in the 1850s, cutting directly through the historic townland boundaries and, most significantly, through the former burial ground.
I, Anthony Kerrigan, have submitted a proposal to Kerry County Council for the installation of a commemorative plaque, historical marker, monument, or interpretive information board. This proposal is intended as a mark of respect for the former citizens of Killarney buried at the site, to acknowledge their existence, and to educate both local residents and visitors about this important aspect of the town's heritage.
Reasons for the proposal:
* To honour the memory of the past generations of Killarney citizens who rest at this site.
* To educate the public and visitors about the changing historical landscape of the town.
* To prevent the complete erasure of this designated heritage asset from public awareness.
This proposal aligns directly with the core objectives of the Department's Community Monuments Fund, particularly its aim of enhancing the presentation and public accessibility of archaeological monuments. I would greatly appreciate Kerry County Council's support in progressing this initiative.
