Ballynahown

90 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Ballynahown, from 77 m² to 838,907 m² (83.89 ha, 207.3 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 33 neighbouring parcels touch it.

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

No zone of a development plan covers Ballynahown 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.

• 17 Jul 2026Conditional

  of the dwelling house as built on site & PERMISSION to extend the existing dwelling & all other associated site and ancillary works

  Retention, 1 home · Clare County Council, 26194

• 18 Jun 2025Refused

  to build a dwelling house, garage, install a wastewater treatment system and all other associated site and ancillary works

  Permission, 1 home · Clare County Council, 25195

• 11 Nov 2022Conditional

  of a sunroom

  Retention · Clare County Council, 221032

• 3 Aug 2021Conditional

  a single storey detached dwelling house (133m2) with pitched slated roofs, Development consist of: en-suite shower-room accommodation and boiler house in former turf shed, plus single storey entrance porch extension to front (5.0 m2) plus extension to rear (41.0 m2) accommodating 2 No bedrooms bathroom and hallway, plus home-office extension to the west (10.8m2) plus all associated works including hard and soft landscaping.

  Retention, 1 home · Clare County Council, 21814

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: Black Head-Poulsallagh Complex SAC 000020
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Black Head-Poulsallagh Complex 000020

Recorded monuments

• CL004-027002 Enclosure
  Description

  On a level terrace of largely exposed limestone with fine views to the S and W, and within an extensive field system (CL004-027001-). Contains a possible hut site (CL004-027007-) and is adjoined by a second, slightly smaller enclosure (CL004-027011-) immediately to the W; the two enclosures separated by an apparently later, NNE-SSW field wall. Only the E-half of this enclosure is traceable, from NNE-E-S (est. diam. c. 54m N-S) and is defined by a narrow, slab wall. A possible hut site (CL004-027007-) lies just N of centre. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 10 October 2022

• CL004-027003 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  Defensively sited on the NW edge of a narrow spur (Wth c. 120m NE-SW; H c. 4 – 6m) which projects NW, in high, rough grazing (above 500’ contour), and within an extensive field system (CL004-027001-). A cliff face descends c. 400m to W, with short, steep terraced slopes falling beyond to W. The interior contains a souterrain (CL004-027008-) to W of centre, and four possible house sites abut the inner face of the enclosing wall at NW (CL004-027014-), ENE (CL004-027015-), SE (CL004-027016-) and SW (CL004-027017-). Traces of a fifth possible house site (CL004-027018-) abut the external wall face at SE. Recorded by Westropp (1905, 350-51) who commented, ‘Caherdoon is now getting named by the natives, “Caherlochlannagh”, a mere late rendering of “Danish fort” growing up in the decay of true tradition. [It] is an usually fine and well-preserved ring-wall, beautifully built.’ He went on to describe the monument: ‘The caher measures 105 feet [c. 32m] over all, and encloses a circular garth, 84 feet to 85 feet [c. 25.6-25.9m] in diameter. The wall is built in two sections, each with good, separate faces, and each a little over 5 feet [c. 1.5m] in thickness, or from 10 to 11 feet [c .3-3.35m] thick in all. The inner section forms a terrace from 3 (c. 0.9m] to 6 feet [c. 1.8m] high; but I saw no trace of steps up to it. The outer wall [face] has a batter of about 1 in 12 [c. 4.76 degrees] where not bulging out. The height varies, being 9 feet 6 inches [c. 2.9m] to south-west, 6 feet 2 inches [c. 1.9m] to south, 3 feet [c. 0.8m] to east and 6 feet [c. 1.8m] to 7 feet [c. 2.1m] high for much of the ring, save to the north-east, which is much demolished. … Several upright joints run up the whole height of the wall in the southern segment. The gateway faced the north-east; only the foundation of the northern pier is traceable. There are two nearly levelled loops of wall to the south and north, and the lower part of a small circular hut [CL004-027018-] – joined by side walls to the rampart - on the south-east. In the south-west quarter of the garth are two modern huts [CL004-027016- and CL004-027017-; but shown at S and SE on Westropp’s plan], inhabited down to very recent times. There is also a souterrain [CL004-027008-], 27 feet [c. 8.2m] from the western terrace … ‘. The monument was later described by Cunningham (1980, 20) as, ‘much ruined since Westropp wrote in 1905’. The monument survives today as a subcircular area (int. diams. 27.1m N-S; 23.6m E-W) defined by roughly coursed, inner and outer rectangular flagstones facing a rubble core; the largest stones used in the foundation courses. The inner wall face (max. H 1.3m at WSW; wall T 2.9m) is best preserved from NNE-E and has collapsed into the interior at ESE, SSE and NNW. The terrace on the inner wall face referred to by Westropp (ibid) survives at SW (est. H 1m; Wth 0.85m). The external wall face (max. H 2.4m at W) is lowest at N, NE and E and vertical joints, also noted by Westropp (op. cit.), are visible at SW. The monument is abutted by three fields; at NE, a roughly D-shaped field (max. L c. 65m NNW-SSE) with a straight S-side (Wth c. 48m); at SE, a larger and also roughly D-shaped field (max. L c. 68m WSW-ENE) with the cashel forming part of the roughly straight W-side (Wth. c. 65m) and at SW, a subrectangular field (L c. 42m E-W) with the cashel wall forming part of the N-side. (Wth c. 28m N-S). The fields form an almost trefoil-shaped plan radiating off the cashel. See attached images: CL004-027003-_1 Overall view of cashel from SW; CL004-027003-_2 View of cashel from S. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 17 October 2022

• CL004-027007 Hut site
  Description

  At the highest point, to N of centre, in the interior of an enclosure (CL004-027002-). A subcircular hut site (int. dims. 4m N-S; 3.2m E-W; max. dims 9.2m N-S by 9m E-W) is defined by a spread of stones (Wth 1.55-2.4m; H 0.3-0.5m). Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 10 October 2022

• CL004-027008 Souterrain
  Description

  Just W of centre in a cashel (CL004-027003-). Described by Westropp (1905, 351) as, ‘… a souterrain, 27 feet [c. 8.23m] from the western terrace, measuring 18 feet 8 inches [c. 5.69m], north-east and south-west. And 5 feet wide [c. 1.52m], lined with walls of small masonry, and roofed with great slabs, large and thin; one measures 7 and a half feet [c. 2.3m] by 5 feet 4 inches [c. 1.63m], by 10 inches to 12 inches [c. 0.25-0.3m]. Near the southern end, to the east, is a small side apartment, only 4 feet [c. 1.22m] by 3 feet [c. 0.91m] wide.’ The monument was later described by Cunningham (1980, 20) as ‘collapsed’. The souterrain survives today as a partially unroofed passage (L 4.8m SSW-NNE; Wth 1.2-1.3m; H 0.7-0.8m) with a collapsed lintel at the SSW end, to the E of which is a narrow alcove (Wth 0.95m at front; Wth 0.55m at back; D 1.1-1.2m ENW-WSW). The passage is roofed by three lintels at the SSW end (L 0.95m; Wth 0.9m; H 0.7m), where the side walls meet to form a V-shape, which contains a small, square alcove and there is a second, smaller alcove (H 0.2m; Wth 0.2m; D 0.6m) at the S-end of the chamber. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 17 October 2022

• CL004-027011 Enclosure
  Description

  On a level terrace of largely exposed limestone with fine views to the S and W, and within an extensive field system (CL004-027001-). Adjoined by a second, slightly larger enclosure (CL004-027002-) immediately to the E; the two enclosures separated by an apparently later, NNE-SSW field wall. A C-shaped enclosure, open to E (est. diam. c. 35m N-S) is traceable, from SSE-W-N and is defined by a drystone wall (int. H c. 0.5m; ext. H c. 0.5m; T 0.65m), well-preserved at W and NW. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 10 October 2022

• CL004-027012 Enclosure
  Description

  On high (above 500’ contour) level, rough grazing overlooking lower, terraced slopes to W, and within an extensive field system (CL004-027001-). Visible on aerial imagery and recorded on current OS mapping. A D-shaped area (est. diam. c. 12m E-W) with a straight W side (est. L c. 15m N-S) defined by a stone wall, which may be overlain by a later field wall along W. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 10 October 2022

• CL004-027013 Enclosure
  Description

  On high (above 500’ contour) level, rough grazing overlooking lower, terraced slopes to W and within an extensive field system (CL004-027001-). Visible on aerial imagery and recorded on current OS mapping. A roughly oval-shaped area (est. diams. c. 48m N-S; c. 40m E-W) is defined by a stone wall. Abutting the inner face of the wall at NW are two small structures which may be hut or house sites. Field walls, some possibly later, radiate off the enclosure at NE, E, SE, SW and NW. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 10 October 2022

• CL004-027014 House - medieval
  Description

  In the NW sector of ‘Caherdoon’ (CL004-027003-) where it abuts the inner face of the cashel wall. Recorded on Westropp’s plan of ‘Caherdoon’ (1905, 347). A small, poorly preserved, rectangular structure (int. dims. 2.7m NW-SE; 2.15m NE-SW) is enclosed by the remains of a wide wall (Wth 1.05m; max. H 1m). An entrance gap/doorway (Wth 0.65m) is visible towards the NE end of the SE wall. Compiled by; Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 17 October 2022

• CL004-027015 House - medieval
  Description

  In the NE sector of ‘Caherdoon’ (CL004-027003-) where it abuts the inner face of the cashel wall. Recorded on Westropp’s plan of ‘Caherdoon’ (1905, 347). Only the foundation stones of a small rectangular structure survive (int. dims. 2.2m N-S; 1.6m E-W). Compiled by; Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 17 October 2022

• CL004-027016 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  In the SE sector, near the inner wall face of ‘Caherdoon’ (CL004-027003-). Both this house site and a second, nearby one in the SW sector (CL004-027017-) are recorded as roofed structures on the first edition of the OS 6-inch map (1830s), and both are recorded on Westropp’s plan of ‘Caherdoon’ (1905, 347) and described as, ‘… two modern huts, inhabited down to very recent times’ (op. cit. 351). Habitation down to the, then, ‘very recent times’ may reflect continuity of use, or reuse, over time and not necessarily indicate ‘modern huts’. A poorly preserved rectangular structure (ext. dims. 5m ENE-WSW; 2.1m ESE-WNW) enclosed by a stone wall (H1.1m) which may originally have abutted the inner wall face of the cashel but this area is now obscured by a spread of collapsed stone (Wth 2.2m). Compiled by; Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 17 October 2022

• CL004-027017 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  In the SW sector, near the inner wall face of ‘Caherdoon’ (CL004-027003-). Both this house site and a second, nearby one in the SE sector (CL004-027016-) are recorded as roofed structures on the first edition of the OS 6-inch map (1830s), and both are recorded on Westropp’s plan of ‘Caherdoon’ (1905, 347) and described as, ‘… two modern huts, inhabited down to very recent times’ (op. cit. 351). However, habitation down to the, then, ‘very recent times’ may reflect continuity of use, or reuse, over time and not necessarily indicate ‘modern huts’. A poorly preserved rectangular structure (ext. L 5m NW-SE; int. Wth 2.3m NE-SW) enclosed by a stone wall (Wth 0.7m; H 0.9m), the SW-end of which may originally have abutted the inner wall face of the cashel. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 17 October 2022

• CL004-027018 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  Abutting the outer wall face of ‘Caherdoon’ (CL004-027003-) at SE. Described by Westropp (1905, 251) as, ‘… the lower part of a small circular hut (joined by side walls to the rampart) on the south-east.’ However, on his plan of the monuments, Westropp (op. cit. 346) depicts this as a rectangular structure (est. ext. L c. 5m; Wth. c. 4m) subdivided by an internal wall on the short axis, to W of centre. References Westropp, T.J. 1905 Prehistoric remains (Forts and Dolmens) along the Borders of Burren, in the County of Clare (Continued). Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 35, 342-361. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 17 October 2022

• CL004-058 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On level ground in rocky landscape with partial views of the sea from WSW to N and with steep ledges overlooking the site from NNW to SE. Within a field system (CL004-027001-). Indicated and named ‘Cahernagrian’ on the 1915 OS 6-inch map. Listed by Westropp (1900, 427) as a fort in Ballynahown. Described by Westropp (1905, 348) as ‘an over-thrown stone fort, wrongly called Cahernagrian’ (dims. 30.48m) with collapsed walls (Wth 1.82-2.43m; H 0.91-1.21m) constructed from ‘large blocks and good masonry’ with ‘hut-enclosures and other walls inside’. A circular cashel (30m E-W; 27m N-S) defined by partially collapsed stone walls (Wth 0.7-2.5m; int. H 0.45-1.4m; ext. H 0.6-1.5m). Only the outer wall-face is intermittently visible and is best preserved from SW to ENE (H 0.6-1.5m). The hut sites noted by Westropp (1905, 348) are not visible on Digital Globe. A conjoined enclosure (CL004-058002-) located to the S. A cashel (CL004-060----) which is correctly known as ‘Cahernagrian’ is located c. 135m to the ENE. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 10 October 2022

• CL004-058002 Enclosure
  Description

  Abutting the S perimeter of a cashel (CL004-058----). Indicated on the 1915 OS 6-inch map. An enclosure (int. dims. 20m E-W; 9m N-S) defined by a wall and subdivided by a N-S wall against the W side of which lies a possible hut site. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 10 October 2022

• CL004-060 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On a low and prominent rounded knoll with commanding views from SE to NW and within a large field system (CL004-027001-). Hachured on the 1915 OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). Referred to by Westropp (1905, 348) as ‘Cahernagrian’ an oval fort (19.2m NW-SE; 17.37m NE-SW) with well-built walls with ‘two faces of large, well-set blocks, each over a foot thick, but with small, rounded filling’. Westropp (ibid.) also refers to five ‘well-marked but very irregular hut-enclosures’ in the centre. A roughly circular, well-preserved but overgrown cashel (est. dims. c. 29m E-W; c. 25m N-S) defined by a stone wall (Wth 1.8-2m; int. H 0.8-1.1m; ext. H 2-2.6m) which on inspection in 1998 was only accessible from NNW to ENE where stone had fallen outwards and down a steep slope (D 1-2m). The collapsed cashel wall was intermittently visible at SE and a broad bank of stone (int. H 1m; ext. H 1.6m) was visible at S. The five irregular hut sites noted by Westropp could not be seen due to the overgrowth. A cashel which is incorrectly named ‘Cahernagrian’ on the 1915 OS 6-inch map (CL004-058----) is located c. 135m to the WSW and another cashel and souterrain (CL004-062---- and CL004-062002-) are located c. 52m to the SSE. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 10 October 2022

• CL004-061 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  Near the W base of a steep rocky crag, in an uneven and rocky area with good views from SSW to NW and within a large field system (CL004-027001-). Indicated on the 1915 OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). Described by Westropp (1905, 349) as a ‘bold mass of crag’ which is ‘capped with a much-levelled fort’. A poorly preserved, roughly D-shaped cashel (int. dims. 27m N-S; 23m E-W) defined by a stone wall (H 0.4-0.6m; max. H 1.3m at S and SW; Wth 2-3m) which is best preserved from S to WNW and with straight walls along the N (L c. 26m) and E (L c. 23m). Possible hut sites of uncertain date lie in the NW corner and inside the perimeter at SW and S. Possible animal pens occupy the NE corner and continue beyond the perimeter to E. A curving field wall (L c. 23m) runs through the interior of the site from W to E. The walls of an adjoining field abut the site at NW and NE. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 10 October 2022

• CL004-062 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On slightly elevated ground in a rocky scrub covered landscape, overlooked by a sheer rocky cliff from N-E with a limited view of the ocean to the W. Within a large field system (CL004-027001-). Hachured on the 1915 OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). Described by Westropp (1905, 348) as a ‘ring-wall’ (dims. 30.48m) ‘quite overthrown’ and ‘probably a bawn’. An overgrown circular cashel (int. dims. 24m E-W; 21m N-S) defined by a bank of earth and stone (Wth c. 2.5m) which is accessible at N, and from S to SSW and from WSW to NW. A cattle track through the vegetation at N has exposed the stone spread (Wth c. 3m; int. H 1.2m) which is also visible at WNW (Wth 7.5m; int. H 1m; ext. H 0.8m). The outer wall-facing is visible at S (Wth 4m; int. H 0.7m; ext. H 1.2m) and reduces in height at W (H 0.2m). A souterrain (CL004-062002-) is located in the SE quadrant. Another cashel (CL004-060----) lies c. 52m to the NNW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 10 October 2022

• CL004-062002 Souterrain
  Description

  In the SE quadrant of a cashel (CL005-062----) and overgrown with blackthorn. Cunningham (1980, 21) refers to a souterrain ‘in the valley at the south face of the cliff’ although wrongly attributes it to the cashel named ‘Cahernagrian’ (CL004-060----) located c. 52m to the NNW. A stony hollow (L 4m E-W; max. Wth 2m; D 1.4m) is likely associated with the souterrain and further to the N (L 4m) a cavity (L 0.5m) roofed with lintels opens to the NNW (H 0.8m; Wth 0.6m) but is inaccessible. A raised stony area located to the W and NW of the opening may be an associated feature. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 10 October 2022

• CL004-063 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On level ground in a rocky area of scrub with poor views. On the SW slopes of Knockaunsmountainand within an extensive field system (CL004-027001-). Indicated on the 1915 OS 6-inch map. Described by Westropp (1905, 348) as a ‘ring-wall’ (dims. 18.28m) with a ‘ruined cottage’ in the centre. A poorly preserved roughly oval cashel (23m E-W; 20m N-S) defined by a loose drystone wall and bank of dubious antiquity but with original outer wall-facing visible at N and NNE (H 0.45-0.47m; T 0.6m). At W, the wall may be original (ext. H 0.8m; T 1.5-2m) but is collapsed internally. At NNW and N the bank is low and this may indicate an entrance gap. The interior is uneven and overgrown with blackthorn and the remains of a house (int. dims. 6m WSW-ENE) are located against the bank at NW. The foundations of a mound wall abut the site at WSW and a later wall abuts the site at NE. Another cashel (CL004-068----) is located c. 100m to the NNE. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 30 November 2022

• CL004-065001 Hut site
  Description

  On high ground in a rocky area with slightly higher ground to the NE and with great views from SW to NNW. Described by Westropp (1905, 349) as ‘a curious hut’ (int. dims 5.88m) which ‘consists of a circular wall of large blocks’, (T 0.94m) with a ‘gateway’ (Wth c. 1m) in the N face and ‘the nearly-closed mouth of a souterrain’ (CL004-065004-) in the E. A circular hut site (int. dims. 5.8m E-W; 5.3m N-S) defined by a stone wall (T 1.1-1.4m; ext. H 0.5m; int. H 1-1.6m) which is heavily overgrown with whitethorn. There is collapsed stone in the interior with clear space from E to S but no trace of the souterrain referred to by Westropp. A cashel (CL004-065002-) is located c. 50m to the N and another cashel (CL004-065003-) is located c. 65m to the NE. A cairn (CL004-059----) is located c. 96m to the WNW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 30 November 2022

• CL004-065002 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On high rocky ground in scrub. Hachured on the 1842 and 1915 OS 6-inch maps. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). Referred to by Westropp (1905, 349) as one of two ‘nearly circular’ and ‘nearly-levelled cahers’ with ‘walls of good, slab masonry’ (T c. 2.1m) ‘only rarely a few courses high’ (int. dims. c. 30-31m). Westropp also notes that the ‘gate of the western fort faced the S.S.W’ and a hut site (CL004-065001-) is located to the S (ibid.). A circular overgrown cashel (est. int. dims. c. 30m E-W; c. 30m N-S) defined by a stone wall visible from E to ESE (Wth 1.5m; int. H 0.6m; ext. H 1.1m) and at S (Wth c. 2m; int. H 0.5m; ext. H 1.1m). In the interior there are traces of walls extending towards the centre from the ESE, SE and S. Another cashel (CL004-065003-) is located c. 40m to the ESE, a hut site (CL004-065001-) is located c. 50m to the S and a cairn (CL004-059----) is located c. 100m to the WSW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 30 November 2022

• CL004-065003 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On high rocky ground in scrub with good views to the W. Hachured on the 1842 and 1915 OS 6-inch maps. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). Referred to by Westropp (1905, 349) as one of two ‘nearly circular’ and ‘nearly-levelled cahers’ with ‘walls of good, slab masonry’ (T c. 2.1m) ‘only rarely a few courses high’ (int. dims. c. 30-31m). A roughly circular cashel (int. dims. 29m E-W; 24m N-S) defined by a stony bank (Wth 4.2m; ext. H 1.2m; int. H 0.5 at WNW) which is visible from WNW to SSE with facing-stones (ext. H 0.4-0.6m) visible in the SSE. The interior of the cashel is uneven and rocky with an irregular rocky area to the SSW of the centre. Another cashel (CL004-065002-) is located c. 40m to the WNW and a hut site (CL004-065001-) is located c. 66m to the SSW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 30 November 2022

• CL004-065004 Souterrain
  Description

  In a hut site (CL004-065001-). The ‘nearly closed mouth of a souterrain’ is mentioned by Westropp (1905, 349) at the E wall of a hut site. On inspection in 1998 no souterrain opening could be seen. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 30 November 2022

• CL004-066001 Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb
  Description

  In a depression on a level karstic plateau, within a large multiperiod field system (CL004-027001-), with higher ground to the E and views of the ocean from SSW to NW. It is one of four wedge tombs (CL004-066001- and CL004-066002-, CL004-071---- and CL004-073----) known as the Ballynahown group in the Megalithic Survey (De Valera and Ó Nualláin 1961, 41). Westropp (1907, 462) recorded a ‘giant's grave…in a walled hollow’ with ‘rows of large stones, and entrance’. This may refer to this tomb which is located in a slight depression or it may refer to another wedge tomb (CL004-073----) c. 500m to the NE which is located in an oval hollow and is surrounded by a later stone wall. A poorly preserved wedge tomb with a SSW-aligned chamber (est. min. L 3.6m; est. Wth c. 1.75m) which increases in height toward the front. It is on a low mound (est. diam. c. 7.5m) crossed by a NNE-SSW-oriented field wall c. 2.5m to the E of the chamber. The tomb was recorded in the Megalithic Survey as CL. 46 (De Valera and Ó Nualláin 1961, 40) (although the orientations cited in the written description are incorrect). The W side of the chamber comprises a single slab (L 3.6m; H 1.55m at SSW; H 1.45m at NNE; T 0.15m) with traces of dressing on its upper edge. A small, set slab (L 0.45m; H 0.25m; T 0.1m) located 1.75m to the E may be the broken base of an E sidestone. To the rear of the chamber are two parallel lines of slabs. The inner line comprises two E-W aligned slabs set end to end (W stone: L 1.2m; H 0.4m; T 0.15m; E stone: L 1m; H 0.3m; T 0.15m) 0.3m N of the W sidestone and the outer line, c. 1m to the N, comprises a single set slab (L 1.85m; H 0.2m; T 0.1m); both are likely remnants of outer wall lines. To the front of the chamber there are two small stones with similar dimensions (L 0.4m; H 0.1m; T 0.05m), set perpendicular and 1-1.5m beyond the W sidestone; these either mark the front of the chamber or an outer wall line. Two stones to the W of the W sidestone may also represent outer-walling (N stone: L 1.1m; H 0.2m; T 0.15m; S stone: L 0.8m; H 0.35m; T 0.1m). Further to the W of these stones is a small irregular upright (L 0.25m; H 0.45m; T 0.1m). Field inspection in 1998 noted that the E sidestone, small front stones and low mound were no longer visible because of vegetation. Another wedge tomb (CL004-066002-) is located c. 91m to the N. The following items have been uploaded: CL004-066001-_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). CL004-066001-_01.jpg View from N CL004-066001-_02.jpg View from S Date of upload: 23 December 2011

• CL004-066002 Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb
  Description

  On flat rocky ground with higher ground to the E and commanding views of the ocean from SW to NW over the Clare Coast and Galway Bay and within a large field system (CL004-027001-). It is one of four wedge tombs (CL004-066002-, CL004-066001-, CL004-071---- and CL004-073----) known as the Ballynahown group in the Megalithic Survey (De Valera and Ó Nualláin 1961, 41). A poorly preserved wedge tomb with a SSW-aligned chamber (est. L c. 3m) which rises toward the front and is surrounded by a low mound (est. diam. c. 9.5m; H 0.6-0.75m). It was recorded in the Megalithic Survey as CL. 45 (De Valera and Ó Nualláin 1961, 40) (although the orientations cited in the written description are incorrect). The E side stone remains in situ (L 3.5m; H 1.3m at SSW; H 1.15m at NNE; T 0.1m); it is cracked towards the centre and the top edge is broken but traces of dressing are visible. A slab (L 3m; Wth c. 1.9m; T 0.1m), most likely the roofstone, leans against its W face. Field inspection in 1998 noted that the interior is filled with large, flat stones. Long flat slabs incorporated into the nearby field wall c. 30m to the E may originally have formed part of the tomb. Another wedge tomb (CL004-066001-) is located c. 91m to the S. The following items have been uploaded: CL004-066002-_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). CL004-066002-_01.jpg View from N CL004-066002-_02.jpg View from NNE Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 14 June 2022

• CL004-068 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On slightly raised ground in flat rocky landscape overgrown with scrub and with limited visibility, except to the W where the ocean is visible. Within an extensive field system extending across Knockaunsmountain (CL004-027001-). Hachured on the 1915 OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). Named ‘Cahermoyle’ by Westropp (1905, 344 and 348) and described as ‘the largest of the forts’ (int. dims. 45.72m) in the area. The cashel is described as ‘crossed by a long boundary wall’ and ‘so entirely overthrown as to be indescribable’ (ibid.). A roughly circular, overgrown cashel (est. dims. c. 45m N-S; c. 37m E-W) defined by a bank of stone and earth which is well preserved between SSE and SSW (Wth 3-4.5m; int. H 0.4m; ext. H 1-1.2m) and from SSW to W (Wth 2m; int. H 0.2-0.4m; ext. H 0.2-0.4m). A drystone wall (H c. 0.8m) is built along the line of the inner wall-facing at SSE. The bank may have been removed from W to NNE and between NNE and SSE the bank is overgrown and imperceptible. Outer facing-stones are visible at S (H 0.45m) and SW (H c. 0.5-0.9m). The interior of the site is uneven and rises (H 1.2m) above outer ground level from SSW to W. A later field wall cuts through the centre of the cashel from NNE to SSW and on the SSE perimeter of the cashel, an old boundary wall extends to the SSE. A cashel (CL004-063----) is located 100m to the SSW and another cashel (CL004-087----) is located c. 80m to the NW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 30 November 2022

• CL004-069 Cave
  Description

  On a S-facing limestone escarpment which forms a vertical rockface (H 30m) and within a large field system (CL004-027001-). The cave entrance is high up on the cliff face (H 4m) and has extensive views but is difficult to find. The cave is identified as ‘Robber’s Den’ and is one of eight caves within this escarpment (Anderson and McCarthy 1991). Robber’s Den cave was first explored in 1935 by an English caving group and its importance was confirmed in 1963 when members of the Chelsea Speleological Society carried out an excavation which identified human and animal bones (Pick and Bartlett 1936; Mantle 1963). In 1989, members of the Cork Speleological Group discovered an entrance to an additional third chamber. Human bones and two stone rings were found on the floor of the third chamber and this lead to the excavation of the second and third chambers by archaeologists from UCC (Cremin 1991, 8; Anderson and McCarthy 1991). The cave comprises a linear entrance chamber (L 5m NE-SW) from which a narrow gap in the NE extent leads to a lower (D 2m) rectangular second chamber (L 3.5m; Wth 1.5m). The second chamber slopes from W to E and a crevice (Wth 0.5m; L 3m) in the N wall leads to the lower third chamber which is prone to intermittent flooding. The floor of the third chamber is covered in rocks which have collapsed from the roof and sides of the cave and have reduced the height of the chamber (H 1m). The disturbed bones of an adult female were found in the third chamber in 1989 (Anderson and McCarthy 1991, 11) and were dated to the Late Bronze Age/Iron Age transition. The bones of a second individual were dated to the Medieval period (Dowd 2015, 45). Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 14 June 2022

• CL004-070 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On a flat W-facing slope in rocky hazel-covered landscape with excellent views from WSW to NW. Indicated on the 1915 OS 6-inch map. Described by Westropp (1905, 349) as a caher ‘on a bold crag’ to the east of a hut site (CL004-065001-) with traces of other old walling around it. A poorly preserved, overgrown cashel defined by a drystone wall which is best preserved externally (int. H 0.3m; ext. H 1.8m; Wth 1.1m) at the NE. The outer wall-face is visible from S to W and is best preserved between W and NW (H 1.8m; Wth 0.65m; int. H 0.7m). The interior is overgrown with hazel and two broad stone walls divide the interior into three and may be contemporary with the cashel. The W and NW extents of the interior are lower and filled with large stones. A gap at ENE (Wth 8m) is modern and piles of timber and stone are located to the N and S of it. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 13 June 2022

• CL004-071 Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb
  Description

  On a broad rocky terrace in upland pasture within a large multi-period field system (CL004-027001-), with views over Galway Bay and the Aran islands to the W and sheltered by higher ground to the N. It is one of four wedge tombs (CL004-071----, CL004-073----, CL004-066002- and CL004-066001-) known as the Ballynahown group in the Megalithic Survey (De Valera and Ó Nualláin 1961, 41). A well-preserved wedge tomb comprising a SSW-aligned chamber (L c. 2.5m; at SSW: Wth 1.3m; H 1.25m; at NNE: Wth 1.1m; H 1.15m) which increases in height and width toward the front and traces of a mound to the S. It was recorded in the Megalithic Survey as CL. 47 (De Valera and Ó Nualláin 1961, 41) (although the orientations cited in the written description are incorrect). The W and E sides of the chamber comprise single slabs (W slab: L 3.1m; H 1.3m at S; H 1.2m at N; T 0.1m; E slab: L 3.45m; H 1.15m at S; H 1.05m at N; T 0.1m), both of which are fitted into natural fissures in the bedrock, have dressed upper edges and tilt to the W. The backstone (L 0.95m; H 1.1m; T 0.12m) is dressed, especially on its the E corner. A stone (L 0.4m; H 0.2m; T 0.1m) c. 1m E of the chamber may be outer-walling. The roof-slab (L 2m; Wth 1.85m at N; Wth 1.80 at S; T 0.1-0.15m) is broken at its E and S extents and while it still sits on top of the tomb it does not appear to be in its original position. Within the chamber, natural bedrock is exposed and field inspection in 1998 noted that stones have been built up inside the chamber and extend to the N of it (L 2.5m). No trace of the mound was visible. An upright stone aligned E-W was recorded at the ESE extent of the wedge tomb and a low upright stone against the outer N face of the backstone was recorded. Modern drystone walling partially closes the S end of the chamber. The other wedge tombs in the group lie c. 330m to the NW (CL004-066001-/CL004-066002-) and c. 490m to the NE (CL004-073----). The following items have been uploaded: CL004-071----_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). CL004-071----_01.jpg View from N CL004-071----_01.jpg View from S Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 14 June 2022

• CL004-072 Enclosure
  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.

• CL004-073 Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb
  Description

  In an oval hollow on a high and level karstic plateau with restricted views but visibility of the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands and within a large multiperiod field system (CL004-027001-). It is one of four wedge tombs (CL004-073----, CL004-071----, CL004-066002- and CL004-066001-) known as the Ballynahown group in the Megalithic Survey (De Valera and Ó Nualláin 1961, 41). A poorly preserved wedge tomb with a SSW-aligned chamber (L c. 3.4m) which rises in height toward the front. There are traces of a cairn to its E and probably outer walling to the W of the chamber. It was recorded in the Megalithic Survey as CL. 44 (De Valera and Ó Nualláin 1961, 39-40) (although some of the orientations cited in the written description are incorrect). The W side of the chamber comprises a single slab (L 3.45m at base; H 1.25m at S; H 1.1m at N; T 0.15m) with a dressed and straight upper edge. A displaced slab (L 2.4m; T 0.1-0.15m) at the E end of the chamber overlies broken slabs which may have formed the S side of the chamber. A second displaced slab to the W of it (L 2.25m; T 0.1-0.15m) has similar dimensions and both slabs may have formed part of the roof. Two transverse stones with a gap between them (L 0.4m) cross the back end of the chamber. The outer stone (L 2.3m; T 0.1m; H 1.05m) leans to the E and has a broken top edge and the other stone is partially concealed (est. L 1.25m). A stone (0.45m; H 0.12m; T 0.1m) behind the outer N endstone at the rear of the chamber may be a buttress and another stone (L 0.75m; H 0.3m; T 0.1m) at the NW end of the chamber may not be original. Remains of outer-walling are visible along the W extent of the chamber. The longest stone (L 1.45m; H 0.12; T 0.05m) is parallel with the W sidestone and this line is continued to the N by a second stone (L 0.3m; H 0.1m; T 0.05m). Smaller stones beside this outer-walling may be further remains of outer-walling to the W of the chamber or may be cairn stones. A low stone wall (H 0.4m) surrounds the tomb SE to N; a gap in this wall at NW is lined by two set slabs which may have been reused from the wedge tomb. The other wedge tombs in the group lie c. 480m to the SW (CL004-066001-/CL004-066002-) and c. 470m to the SSW (CL004-071----). The following items have been uploaded: CL004-073----_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). CL004-073----_01.jpg View from S Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 14 June 2022

• CL004-074 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On a rocky ledge with a sheer cliff to the W and SW, with excellent views to the SW and W and with higher ground from NNE to SSW. Within a large field system (CL004-027001-). Hachured on the 1842 OS 6-inch map and indicated on the 1915 ed. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A roughly circular cashel (diam. 30m N-S; 26.8m E-W) defined by a drystone wall (Wth 0.6-0.9m; int. H 1.3-1.7m; ext. H 1.5-2.2m) with outer stone facing visible (ext. H 2.2m at S). The cashel wall has been removed from N to ENE and replaced by a scarp (Wth 4.2m; int. H 0.4m; ext. H 0.5m at N). The rocky interior slopes gently to the E and a later pen (3m NW-SE; 2.3m NE-SW) abuts the perimeter of the cashel wall at SSW in the interior. Field walls abut the cashel wall at SW, NW and NE and a gabled building (est. int. dims. 4.4m E-W; 3.2m N-S) is located outside the cashel wall to the NNW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 30 November 2022

• CL004-082 Fulacht fia
  Description

  On an upland karstic plateau, in a grassy bay bordered on its N side by a rising bedrock scarp from the base of which a number of springs issue, and within an extensive field system (CL004-027001-). A low, sod-covered flat-topped mound (10m N−S; 9m E−W; H 0.6m at SE) incorporating a shallow, poorly defined depression at NW, which is marked by richer grass growth and most likely indicates the location of the trough. The E−SE arc of the mound is well defined, the NW edge is lower and less distinct and the N edge abuts a rising rocky scarp. A concentration of limestone fragments in a matrix of black charcoal-rich soil is exposed on the eroded SE−S edge of the mound. A spring skirts the mound at E−S, flowing over the smooth surface of exposed limestone pavement, and continues to W where it merges with other springs in an area of damp, soggy ground. A number of close-set boulder line the edge of the stream immediately to W of the fulacht fia. The following images have been uploaded: CL004-082----_01.jpg View from E CL004-082----_02.jpg View from S CL004-082----_03.jpg View from NW CL004-082----_04.jpg Burnt stone and charcoal exposed at S edge of mound CL004-082----_05.jpg Row of large stones bordering the spring immediately W of the fulacht fia Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 10 November 2021

• CL004-086001 Enclosure
  Description

  On a flat W-facing slope on high ground in an exposed area with clear views of the Aran islands. A small field system (CL004-086002-) extends to the SW of the enclosure (CL004-086001-) and lies within a larger field system (CL004-027001-). A roughly circular enclosure (int. dims. 17.5m N-S; 16.5m ESE-WNW) defined by a stone spread (int. H 0.2-0.8m; max. Wth 3m) with a NW-SE later field wall crossing the site just N of centre. The stone spread varies and is widest and highest W of the field wall. The interior is level. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 13 June 2022

• CL004-086002 Field system
  Description

  On inspection in 1998 foundations of a wall were noted extending SW (L c. 20m) from an enclosure (CL004-086001-) in a slightly curving fashion. On OS Aerial Premium (2012-2018) this looks to be the grassed over remains of a fairly straight wall abutting a NW-SE similar wall to the W at an angle. This lies within an extensive field system (CL004-027001-) with prehistoric and medieval elements stretching all along the W slopes of Knockauns Mountain. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 17 August 2021

• CL004-087 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On slightly raised ground in a low-lying rocky area overgrown with scrub and with commanding views of the ocean to the W. A poorly preserved and overgrown cashel defined by a wall (T 2m; int. H 0.5m) with outer wall-facing visible (H c. 0.45m). The wall is visible from N to SW and is best preserved from SE to SW and is reduced to a stone and earth bank (Wth 3-4m) and a scarp from SW to WNW. The slope to the outer ground level is steepest along the S and SE (ext. H 1.7-2m). A later wall runs through the site in the NW and N extent and outside of the cashel at NNE there is a large natural boulder. The interior is uneven with overgrown stone. A cashel (CL004-068----) is located c. 80m to the SE, another cashel (CL004-063----) is located c. 100m to the SSW and a cashel and souterrain (CL004-062---- and CL004-062002-) are located c. 100m to the WNW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 13 June 2022

• CL004-117 Hut site
  Description

  On the W slopes of Knockaunsmountain. A subcircular enclosure (diam c. 8m) defined by a stony bank and visible on Ordnance Survey orthophotography (2013-2018). The following image has been uploaded: CL004-117----.jpg Ordnance Survey ortho photo (2013-2018) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 20 April 2021

Architectural heritage

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

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

About 1 in 5 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

Susceptibility high, moderately high, moderately low, low, low (inferred), on the 1:50,000 map.

Terrain model

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

Flooding

The flood maps of the Office of Public Works: floodinfo.ie.

Radon Risk Map of Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency; Landslide Susceptibility Classification, Geological Survey Ireland; both 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 Ballynahown with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Clare.

Name

Ballynahown · Baile na hUamhan

Area

4,207,150 m² (420.72 ha, 1,039.61 acres)

Civil parish

Killilagh, and its townlands

Barony

Corcomroe

Electoral division

Cloghaun, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Cloghaun electoral division: 201 people in 73 households; 86% of households own their home; 39% of homes were built since 2001; 21% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 18% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Carrownycleary, Cloghaun, Crumlin, Kilmoon West, Knockaunsmountain, Oughtdarra

Placenames

Ballynahown 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.