Graveyards are very important places, both as a respectful resting place for our
loved ones and as part of our valuable heritage. Many older headstones even with
the best of efforts erode over time and become illegible. Most headstones record
genealogical information such as birth and death dates, and often family
relationships. Apart from the text headstones are often decorated with symbolic
carvings. These include angels, cherubs and foliage; an analysis of these
symbols can yield much additional information for the researcher.
With the support and guidance of The Heritage Council and both the Meath and
Kildare Heritage Officers, a survey has been carried out on graveyards in the
Enfield Common Bond Area. The area comprises the parishes of Balyna, part of
Carbury and part of Newtown in county Kildare and the parishes of
Enfield/Rathmolyon, Longwood/Killyon, Coole/Summerhill and Clonard in county
Meath. A total of 29 graveyards were recorded. The project is sponsored by
Enfield Credit Union.
The survey involved photographing, mapping and transcribing the monuments as
well as collecting any local knowledge relating to the graveyard and those
buried in them.
To search these records please go to
our
Search Page
To find out more about the Graveyard project and to learn how to search this database
visit the
FAQ Page