In search of the Bully"s Acre

Dear sir - I am currently undertaking a social experiment in local folk traditions on famine graves in Ireland, both north and south. I am appealing for information on sites known as Bully"s (Bullies) Acre in each of the thirty-two counties. Over the summer I began a journey to discover the true origin of the term Bully"s Acre, a term which has been used to describe a wide number of graveyards across the nation. What seemed like a simple search of known sites has turned into a 'Pandora"s Box" of surprises. The site numbers have grown from one or two in the west to a number of sites with varying dates running across the country from Dublin to Galway and more appearing everyday. What I have also found is that where there is local knowledge of a site known as Bully"s Acre there is no national understanding of the vast amount of sites which contain the name. This is where the readers of your paper can help; I am beseeching the people of Ireland to contact me and help me locate these sites so that I can compile a map of sites across the country and in turn fulfill a untouched area of local folk tradition. If you are aware of any sites which are known locally as Bully"s Acre I would be grateful to hear from you regarding any information you can give me, from local to local traditions on the meaning of the name to current ownership of the site and if it is commemorated in anyway. Information can be directed to Gary Dempsey, 145 Roscaoin, Roscam, Galway or to bullyacre@gmail.com. Yours, Gary Dempsey, 145 Roscaoin, Roscam, Galway.