The old Caheragh Graveyard is adjacent to the River Ilen and an ancient monastic site - ‘Blessed Mary de Caheragh’ - which was once situated on the hilltop overlooking the graveyard.
It is likely that the graveyard was initially used as a burial ground for the nearby monastic site and gradually came into use by the general population. There is a small section of the graveyard, on the right when you enter via the main gate, which was used by the local Protestant community, while the remainder of the graveyard was used by the local Catholic population.
There are a variety of monument types within this graveyard, from elaborate mausoleums and vaults to simple locally-crafted grave markers and uninscribed stone markers.
The earliest surviving inscription dates from the 1700s. The graveyard is still used for occasional burials in existing family plots.
#grave #death #crypt