Settlement within an oval enclosure (LH007-072001-), which measured 90m in max. diameter. Complex of three souterrains (LH007-072002-, LH007-072004- and LH007-072005-) found within the enclosure, excavated by E. P. Kelly in 1977. The third and largest souterrain (LH007-072005-) consists of a passage in three sections (overall L 34m), partially drystone-built and partly rock-cut. At the junction of Passages 1 and 2 an ogham stone was used as a lintel (Buckley and Sweetman 1991, 103-4).

Monument

A rectanular block with some damage, particularly at the top. Maximum dimensions: 1.06m x 0.50m x 0.25m (from 3d data).

Text

Up on two angles (up-up). Damage to the top and angles of the stone has resulted in the loss of some letters. 'Though incised very finely the [surviving] consonants are legible but the vowel notches were not cut very deeply and many are uncertain' (McManus 1991, 76).

Transliteration

Left angle: MAQI-CORẠBIR MẠQỊ TAN[ ̣ ̣ ? ̣ ̣]Ḅ
Right angle: NẸTẠ-SẠLẠGIẠ MAQỊ MỤCỌỊ

Translation

'of Mac-Coirpri son of Tan...?'
'of Nad-S...? son of the descendant of ...'

Commentary

It is not clear if this is one continuous inscription or two seperate commemorations. 'The first name is probably Mac-Coirpri but the remainder is doubtful. As the gen. NETAS is not attested the S following NeTa probably belongs to the following word' (McManus 1991, 76).

Locations

Found

Acting as a lintel at the junction of two passages in one of three souterrains within an enclosure in the townland of Ballybarrack, barony of Upper Dundalk. The find location of this stone may be accessed via the National Monuments Service Historic Environment viewer on www.archaeology.ie. (GPS coordinates -6.424467, 53.986185)

Original

Unknown

Last Recorded

From the National Museum of Ireland collection, (NMI Ref. L.1978:2). On display in County Museum, Dundalk. The present location of this stone may be accessed via the National Monuments Service Historic Environment viewer on www.archaeology.ie. (GPS coordinates -6.397017, 54.004625)