Ballymurphy

23 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Ballymurphy, from 1,157 m² to 569,781 m² (56.98 ha, 140.8 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 10 neighbouring parcels touch it.

Download the townland as DXF, in Irish Transverse Mercator metres, with its boundary, parcels and buildings, or as GeoJSON or KML.

No zone of a development plan covers Ballymurphy in the national zoning. Outside zoned towns and villages, the county development plan's rural policies apply to each application.

Source: Tailte Éireann and the Department of Housing (MyPlan), national zoning, CC BY 4.0.

• 23 Apr 2026Conditional

  to build a new shed and all associated and ancillary site works

  Permission · Clare County Council, 26106

• 26 Aug 2020Conditional

  for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works

  Permission · Clare County Council, 20585

Source: National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Applicants are not shown.

Designated sites

• Special Area of Conservation: Moneen Mountain SAC 000054
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Moneen Mountain 000054

Recorded monuments

• CL009-013001 Field system
  Description

  An extensive and irregular field system (c. 2.1km E-W; c. 1.2km N-S) occupying the greater part of Ballymurphy townland and associated with 7 cashels, 2 enclosures and a tower house ‘Ballymurphy Castle’ (CL009-013004-) and visible on Digital Globe (2011-13) and on OSi Aerial Premium orthophotographs (2012-2018). Some fields in the area particular immediately S of the tower house have been reclaimed. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 30 August 2021

• CL009-013004 Castle - tower house
  Description

  On a slight rise in a gently undulating plateau, with land sloping to the SW and a shallow ENE–WSW ravine to the N. In rough pasture within a large multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-). Depicted on the 1842 ed. of the OS 6-inch map as a small circular area (diam. c. 15m) defined by a broken line and labelled ‘Site of Ballymurphy Castle’. On the 1897 OS 25-inch plan it is shown as a hachured mound. Labelled ‘castle site (Ó Lochlainn)’ on Robinson’s map (1977). Referred to as ‘Ballemoroghee’ in 1574, it was the property of the O’Loughlin clan and may have been owned by the Prendergast family in 1601 (Ua Cróinín and Breen 1997). By 1619 it was in the possession of the O’Briens (ibid.). The castle went through several owners and occupants in the late eighteenth century and appears to have fallen into disrepair in around 1781 (ibid.). By 1839, the OS Letters recorded that only the foundations were visible (Comber 1997, 61). These were bulldozed away in 1983 (Sheehan 1982, 47). No visible remains of this castle survive. The following item has been uploaded: CL009-013004-_01.pdf Details from Risteárd Ua Cróinín and Martin Breen, The Castles and Tower-houses of Co. Clare (unpublished report). Uploaded courtesy of R. Ua Cróinín and M. Breen. Date of upload: 27 October 2021

• CL009-013005 Children's burial ground
  Description

  In pasture on level ground in a multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-). Hachured as a raised subcircular area, clipped by a N-S running field boundary from NE to SE, and labelled ‘Kilballymurphy Burial Gd. for Children’ on the 1842 ed. of the OS 6-inch map, and as ‘Kilballymurphy Children’s Burial Ground’ on the 1920 ed. Listed as ‘Burial ground’ in the RMP (1996). Labelled as ‘site of Cill Bhaile Uí Mhurchadha’ on Robinson’s map (1977). The OS Letters (1839) suggest that this and another children’s burial ground (CL009-013002-) c. 745m to the WNW, in neighbouring Ballymahony townland, were probably the sites of ‘small chapels of ease to the Parish Church’ (Comber 1997, 65) at Noughaval, c. 1.3km to the SSE. The site was bulldozed away in 1983, yielding ‘rakes of human bones’, according to the then-landowner (Sheehan 1982, 47) but no remains of it can now be seen at ground level. However, it outline, subrectangular in shape (c. 18m N–S; c. 17m E–W), is visible in satellite imagery (Digital Globe [2011-2013]; Aerial Premium [2012-2018]). Compiled by: Olive Alcock and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 21 October 2021

• CL009-013006 Enclosure
  Description

  On a SW-facing slope in a large reclaimed field within an extensive ancient field system (CL009-013001-). A circular enclosure was noted on a Geological Survey aerial photo (GSIAP R 12, 13). On inspection in 1998 only a slight hollow was noted at the location. The field system and possible enclosures can be seen in the reclaimed field on Digital Globe 2011-2013. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 15 February 2021

• CL009-013007 Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb
  Description

  On level ground in pasture within a multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-), with wide views of the surrounding plateau. Described by de Valera and Ó Nualláin (1961, 25-6) as a disturbed, E–W orientated wedge tomb (exposed L 2m; Wth at rear 0.9m; Wth at front 1.05m; exposed H at rear 0.2m; exposed H at front 0.3m) in the centre of a grass-covered mound (est. diam. c. 13m; H c. 1.8m) which had been damaged by later activities. A stone (H 0.4m; L 0.4m) at the SE of the mound may have indicated the original extent of the cairn. In the centre of the mound the upper parts of the tomb chamber’s N and S sidestones were exposed; each consisted of a single limestone slab, similar in size (visible L 1.9–2m; H 0.3m at W, 0.2m at E; T 0.1–0.15m) and with flat top edges sloping evenly from W to E. Their E ends were buried in the mound. Two smaller slabs (L 0.4–0.5m; H 0.1; T 0.1–0.15m) standing to the NE and SW of the chamber were probably remnants of a wall surrounding the tomb at a distance of c. 0.4m. An inspection in 1998 found it unaltered in the interim. The following item has been uploaded: CL009-013007-_01.pdf Details from Ruaidhrí de Valera and Seán Ó Nualláin, Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland. Volume I. County Clare. (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1961) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 27 October 2021

• CL009-013008 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  In pastureland sloping slightly down to the S and W, within a multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-). Hachured on the 1842 and 1920 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. A subcircular area (int. diam. 20.3m E–W; 19m N–S) defined by a grass-covered spread of stones (Wth c. 5–5.3m; int. H 0.8–1m; ext. H 0.9–1m). The original entrance is not visible but a modern gap (Wth 2.4m) is evident at SW. The stone spread is surmounted by a later, partially collapsed, drystone wall. A cashel (CL009-013009-) lies c. 94m to the SE. Compiled by: Olive Alcock and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 21 October 2021

• CL009-013012 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated just inside the E margin of a reclaimed area on the Burren plateau. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996). A circular enclosure (diam. c. 16m) is indicated by a solid line on the 1916 OS 6-inch map. On inspection in 1998 this area and the fields to the W were found to be completely reclaimed and there was no enclosure visible at ground level. No trace visible on any available aerial photography. This is likely to have been a drystone walled enclosure of post-1700 date. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 15 February 2016

• CL009-013013 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  In rough pasture on the Burren plateau, within a multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-). Marked as an irregular field boundary on the 1842 and 1920 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A suboval area (int. dims. 13.4m N–S; 11.7m E–W) defined by a grass-covered bank (Wth 4.8–6.8m; int. H 0.6–0.8m; ext. H 0.6–1.2m) in which very fragmentary remains of a collapsed wall (Wth 2.6m at the S) are visible. The entrance is at the SE; it flares outward, being 0.8m wide on the interior and 1.8m wide on the exterior. A later drystone wall (H 1m) is built over the bank. From NE to SE this drystone wall is directly over the inner face of the cashel wall. Abutting the exterior of the cashel on the N, E and SW sides are grass-covered field walls, which may be associated with it. An enclosure (CL009-013012-) lies c. 160m to the SW. Compiled by: Olive Alcock and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 22 October 2021

• CL009-013014 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  In rough pasture on the limestone pavement of the Burren plateau, within a multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-). A rectangular cashel (40.8m N–S; 36m E–W) defined by the collapsed remains of a double-faced drystone wall (Wth 2m; H 0.8m). Wall-footings consist of horizontally laid stones and inner and outer wall-facing (Wth 1.2m) survives at S. At the centre of the interior are the foundations of a possible hut site (CL009-013018-). Other structures (possibly secondary) abut the inner wall-face at W (int. dims. c. 4m N–S; 2.8m E–W; wall Wth 1.4m) and in the SW (int. dims. c. 5m N–S; 5m E–W) and NE (int. dims. c. 1.2m N–S; c. 1.2m E–W) corners. Compiled by: Olive Alcock and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 22 October 2021

• CL009-013015 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  The Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) is in the process of providing information on all monuments on The Historic Environment Viewer (HEV). Currently the information for this record has not been uploaded. To access available information for research purposes please make an appointment in advance with the Archive Unit (open Fridays 10.00 am – 5.00 pm), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Custom House, Dublin 1 D01W6XO or email NMarchive@housing.gov.ie.

• CL009-013016 Cairn - unclassified
  Description

  On a gentle S-facing slope on the Burren plateau, within a multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-), with a shallow NE–SW ravine c. 75m to the NW. A small grass-covered cairn (6.5m N–S; 5.2m E–W; H 0.5–0.8m) with a quite flat top (diam. c. 2m). No structural stones are visible. Compiled by: Olive Alcock and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 26 October 2021

• CL009-013018 Hut site
  Description

  Within the centre of the interior of a cashel (CL009-013014-). This small building (int. dims. 4.6m N–S; 4.3m E–W) was constructed of double-faced walls; only the wall-footings (Wth 0.6-1.1m) survive. Possibly a hut site. Compiled by: Olive Alcock and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 22 October 2021

• CL009-013019 Enclosure
  Description

  In rough pasture on the Burren plateau, within a multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-). A roughly subcircular grassed-over stone-walled enclosure is visible on OSi digitalglobe aerial imagery (2011-2013). A N-S running field boundary is visible outside it to the W. Noted by Conn Herriott. Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 28 November 2021

• CL009-013020 Enclosure
  Description

  In rough pasture on the Burren plateau, within a multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-). A possible enclosure is visible on OSi digitalglobe aerial imagery (2011-2013). Indicated on the current OSi mapping as roughly rectangular field boundary (c. 20m E-W; c. 17m N-S). Noted by Mary Tunney. An enclosure (CL009-013012-) lies c. 66m to the NNW. Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 28 November 2021

• CL009-013021 Enclosure
  Description

  In rough pasture on the Burren plateau, within a multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-). A possible enclosure/cashel with mound walls in the interior, and possible associated field walls to the N, is visible on OSi digitalglobe aerial imagery (2011-2013). Indicated on the current OSi mapping as a roughly subrectangular field boundary (c. 23m E-W; c. 20m N-S). Noted by Conn Herriott. Possible enclosures (CL009-0013020- and CL009-013022-) lie c. 20m to the NE and c. 55m to the SW respectively. Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 28 November 2021

• CL009-013022 Enclosure
  Description

  In rough pasture on the Burren plateau, within a multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-). A possible enclosure (c. 11m E-W; c. 9m N-S), roughly subrectangular in plan, is visible on OSi digitalglobe aerial imagery (2011-2013). It is defined by a grassed-over wall along the S, W and N sides but no visible trace of the E side is evident. Other possible enclosures (CL009-013021- and CL009-013020-) lie c. 57m and c. 140m to the NE respectively. Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 29 November 2021

• CL009-013023 Enclosure
  Description

  In rough pasture on the Burren plateau, within a multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-). A possible subrectangular enclosure (c. 20m N-S; c. 15m E-W) is visible on aerial imagery (2011-2013). A rough trackway cuts from roughly W to E. Noted by Conn Herriott. Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 30 November 2021

• CL009-016 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  In rough pasture, on a slight rise in a gentle S-facing plateau, within a large multiperiod field system (CL009-013001-). Hachured on the 1897 OS 25-inch plan and 1920 ed. OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A small subcircular cashel (19.5m E–W; 18.6m N–S) defined by a double-faced stone wall (Wth 1.1m; int. H 0.6–0.8m; ext. H 0.8–1.2m), most clearly visible at E. The outer wall-face can be traced almost all round; it is built of horizontally laid stones. The barely perceptible entrance (Wth 1m) is at SSE, 1.7m E of a vertical stone (H. 1.1m) in the outer wall-face. A spread of stones (Wth 3.3–4.5m; H 0.2–0.4m) is banked against the inner wall-face. Another cashel (CL009-013015-) lies c. 50m to the WSW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 27 October 2021

Architectural heritage

No building of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage stands in the townland of Ballymurphy.

Designated sites: National Parks and Wildlife Service. Recorded monuments: Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service. Buildings: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Works at or in relation to a recorded monument need two months' written notice to the National Monuments Service (National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, section 12).

Radon

At the centre of the townland of Ballymurphy, about 1 in 5 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

The 1:50,000 map rates the landslide susceptibility here as moderately high, moderately low, low, partly inferred.

Terrain model

No LiDAR survey of the Office of Public Works covers the centre of the townland of Ballymurphy.

Flooding

The Office of Public Works publishes its flood maps on floodinfo.ie.

Radon Risk Map of Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency, and Landslide Susceptibility Classification, Geological Survey Ireland, both under CC BY 4.0. LiDAR: contains Irish Public Sector Data (Geological Survey Ireland & the Office of Public Works) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence.

No address of the register names Ballymurphy with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Clare.

Name

Ballymurphy · Baile Uí Mhurchú

Area

1,832,289 m² (183.23 ha, 452.77 acres)

Civil parish

Noughaval, and its townlands

Barony

Burren

Electoral division

Noughaval, the unit of the census

Neighbouring townlands

Ballymahony, Cohy, Cragnarooan, Kilcorney, Kiltaan, Lisnanroum, Rusheen

Placenames

Ballymurphy on logainm.ie, the Placenames Database of Ireland

Townlands, civil parishes, baronies and electoral divisions, National Statutory Boundaries, Tailte Éireann, CC BY 4.0. Census 2022, Small Area Population Statistics by electoral division, Central Statistics Office, CC BY 4.0. A townland is the smallest land division of Ireland, and the unit of a rural address. Old registers such as the 1901 and 1911 censuses file it under its civil parish and barony.