Gleninsheen

4 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Gleninsheen, from 1,337 m² to 1,302,196 m² (130.22 ha, 321.78 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 Gleninsheen 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.

No planning application touches the townland of Gleninsheen in the national file, which goes back to 2010.

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

• CL005-100 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On the high W-facing slopes of a karst hill under rough pasture, with good views from SSW to N, within a multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-). Hachured and named ‘Gleninsheen Caher’ on the 1842 and 1916 eds of the OS 6-inch maps. A rectangular cashel (int. dims. 40m N-S; 36m E-W) defined by a largely collapsed, robbed out and rebuilt wall (H 1.1-1.2m; Wth 1m) with a faced entrance (Wth 1.8m; H of facing 1m) near the E end of the N wall. Patches of original outer facing are present at N (H 1.1m) and at the S end of the E wall (H 1.2m). The remains of a possible house (CL005-100006-) lie E of centre and a hut site (CL005-100002-) lies inside the W wall. Two other hut sites with modern walls built on remnants of older structures (CL005-100003- and CL005-100004-) are in the NW corner and another (CL005-100005-) occupies the SE corner. A hut site located 6m north of the entrance is likely modern. The following image has been uploaded: CL005-100----_01.jpg View of cashel entrance from N Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 13 February 2023

• CL005-100002 Hut site
  Description

  Abutting the W wall of a rectilinear cashel (CL005-100----). A roughly circular hut site (diam. c. 8m) defined by a wall (Wth 0.8-2m) with an entrance gap at SE (Wth 0.7m). There are three other hut sites (CL005-100003-, CL005-100004- and CL005-100005-) and the possible foundations of a house (CL005-100006-) within this cashel. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 13 February 2023

• CL005-100003 Hut site
  Description

  Abutting the N wall of a rectilinear cashel (CL005-100----). A curving modern wall overlies an older structure (dims. c. 7m x 2.5m). There are three other hut sites (CL005-100002-, CL005-100004- and CL005-100005-) and the possible foundations of a house (CL005-100006-) within this cashel. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 13 February 2023

• CL005-100004 Hut site
  Description

  In the NW corner of a rectilinear cashel (CL005-100----). A curving modern wall overlies an older structure (diam. c. 5m). There are three other hut sites (CL005-100002-, CL005-100003- and CL005-100005-) and the possible foundations of a house (CL005-100006-) within this cashel. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 13 February 2023

• CL005-100005 Hut site
  Description

  In the SE corner of a rectilinear cashel (CL005-100----). A curving modern wall overlies an older structure (dims. c. 6m x 2.5m). There are three other hut sites (CL005-100003-, CL005-100003- and CL005-100004-) and the possible foundations of a house (CL005-100006-) within this cashel. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 13 February 2023

• CL005-100006 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  Just NE of the centre of a rectilinear cashel (CL006-100----). A mound (c. 8m NNE-SSW by c. 6m ENE-WSW) defined by a mossy bank (H up to 0.5m). Four hut sites (CL005-100003-, CL005-100004-, CL005-100004- and CL100005-) abut the inside of the cashel walls at W and N and in the NW and SE corners. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 13 February 2023

• CL005-101 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On a slight N-facing slope in undulating karst, within a multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-), with views of the immediate surrounds but restricted by higher ground in the distance in all directions. Indicated on the 1916 ed. of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as a ‘Rectangular enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A moderately well preserved rectangular cashel (41m NE-SW; 30m NW-SE) defined by an externally and internally faced wall (Wth 1.1-1.2m; H 0.8-22m) some of which has been rebuilt, with a possible entrance gap near the centre of the NE wall. There is one possible house site in the SE corner (CL005-101001-) and five more modern pens, three along the SW wall and two in the NE corner. This is no. 36 of Bowmer’s (2019) list of 66 rectilinear cashels in the Burren. He describes it as a ‘light-walled cashel’ and notes that stones of either face on the upper courses are set close enough not to have a rubble fill (ibid., 75). A pair of adjoining rectangular cashels (CL005-102003- and CL005-102----) lie 30m to the SE. The following image has been uploaded: CL005-101----_01.jpg View of exterior of N wall (photo: Tim Bowmer) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 13 February 2023

• CL005-101001 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  In the SE corner of a rectilinear cashel (CL005-101----). An oval area (c. 8m x 7m) defined by grassed-over banks may represent the remains of a house. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 13 February 2023

• CL005-102 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On a short flat terrace on the N-facing slopes of a karst ridge within a multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-), with views to the E. Hachured on the 1842 and 1916 eds. of the OS 6-inch maps. Listed as a ‘Rectangular enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). Described by Bowmer (2019, 74) as a ‘heavy-walled cashel’. A moderately well-preserved rectangular cashel (33m SW-NE; 31m SE-NW) defined by an externally and internally faced wall (Wth 2-2.6m; max. ext. H 2.1m; max. H of int. facing 0.35m) of vertically laid slabs and blocks, occasionally roughly dressed. The NE corner is rounded and the NW corner angular; the other two corners are missing. There appears to be two skins in the facing of the NE wall and a rubble-covered, splayed gap near centre of NE wall probably marks the entrance. Two possible house sites are located on the interior, one in the centre (CL005-102002-) and another in the SW corner (CL005-102004-). More modern looking pens also occur on the walls, at E and N; in the interior at SW, SE and NW; and against the exterior at NW. A lighter-walled rectangular cashel (CL005-102003-) is appended to the NW side and 30m to the NW of it is another rectangular cashel (CL005-101----). A later circular enclosure lies c. 85m to the SE. The following images have been uploaded: CL005-102----_01.jpg General view from SE CL005-102----_02.jpg SW wall from NE CL005-102----_03.jpg SW wall from SE CL005-102----_04.jpg NE wall from SE CL005-102----_05.jpg SW corner from SW (all photos: Tim Bowmer) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 14 February 2023

• CL005-102002 Hut site
  Description

  At centre of a rectilinear cashel (CL005-102----). An oval hut-site (5.8m NW-SE; 4m NE-SW) defined by an earthen bank (H 0.4-0.7m; max. Wth 1.7m). A second possible hut-site (CL005-102004-) is located c. 10m to the SSW in the SW corner. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 14 February 2023

• CL005-102003 Enclosure
  Description

  A rectangular enclosure (c. 31m x 28m) attached to the N of cashel CL005-102---- defined by a double-faced battered wall but much less substantial than the walls of the main cashel to the S reported to the National Monuments Service by Tim Bowmer. The N wall has three intact sections, 2, 5 and 8m in length (Wth 1.2m narrowing to 0.6m; H 0.6-2.2m). The wall construction was noted as being similar to CL005-101---- to the NW which Bowmer terms a ‘light-walled cashel’. These cashels/enclosures are situated within a large field system (CL005-104001-). (Bowmer 2019, 80, Appendix 1, No. 35) The following image has been uploaded (photo: Tim Bowmer): CL005-102003-_01.jpg View from NW. The three intact portions of the N wall are visible in the mid ground. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 12 February 2021

• CL005-102004 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  In the SW corner of a rectilinear cashel (CL005-102----). The low grassed-over foundations of a possible house (c. 6m x c. 5m). Remains of another house (CL005-102002-) lie in the centre of the cashel. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 14 February 2023

• CL005-105 Barrow - ring-barrow
  Description

  On the SW edge of a prominent elevated area overlooking a deep ravine to the SW within a multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-) and at the juncture of three townlands Gleninsheen, Aillwee and Boloona. Listed as ‘Potential Site Air Photo’ in the RMP (1996). A ring-barrow (diam. c. 31m) defined by an earthen bank (Wth 3-4m; H 0.3-1m) with traces of an internal fosse from ENE-SE and along the S and W (Wth 6m; max. D 0.9m), visible on OSi MapGenie aerial photographs (2012-2018). Walls built on its W and S banks serve as the townland boundaries with Ailwee and Boloona. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 21 February 2023

• CL005-133 Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb
  Description

  On a very slight rise in mixed rough pasture and exposed limestone pavement, overlooked by higher land to the S and W and within an extensive multiperiod field system (CL005-227004-). Marked as ‘Cromlech’ on the OS 25-inch plan (1897) and Cassini edition (1920) of the OS 6-inch map. Described by de Valera and Ó Nualláin (1961, 12) as a well-preserved wedge tomb (L 2.8m; Wth 0.95m at NE, 1.3m at SW; H 1.1m at NE, 1.3m at SW) orientated NE-SW and embedded in the centre of a kidney bean-shaped mound (8m NE-SW; 5m NW-SE; H 0.5m). During an inspection in 1998 the SW side of this mound was found exposed as a stony cairn. According to de Valera and Ó Nualláin (ibid.), the NW and SE sides of the tomb each comprised a single limestone slab set on its long edge. The SE sidestone (L 3.4m; H 1.15m at NE, 1.35m at SW; av. T 0.25m) was intact but the NW sidestone (L 3.25m; H 1.1m at NE, 1.3m at SW; av. T 0.25m) had a rectangular piece (L 0.6m; H 0.45m) missing at its top NE corner. Both sidestones’ straight, fairly flat top edges bore signs of dressing and sloped evenly to the SE. A vertical abrasion mark on the inner face of the NW sidestone, 0.8m from its NE end, was thought to possibly indicate the former position of the chamber’s missing NE endstone. Outside the NE end of the NW sidestone was a stone on edge (L 0.5m; H 0.3m; T 0.1m) which may have been a packing stone. This was not located during the 1998 inspection. Extending the line of the SW sidestone to the NE was a low slab (H 0.25). The SW end of the chamber was blocked by two upright slabs, one (H 1.25m; Wth 0.6m; T 0.15m) to the S which was firmly set, and another (H 1.25m; Wth 0.6m; T 0.15m) set askew, tapered to a point and considered to be a possible doorstone. The irregular capstone (L 3.3m, Wth 1.9m at NE, 2.25m at SW; T 0.25m) rested on the sidestones and the S of the two blocking-stones at the SW end of the chamber. Within the chamber were three small packing-stones (H 0.05-0.1m) against the SE sidestone which were not located during the 1998 inspection. Rather, loose flat stones filled the floor of the tomb chamber. Michael Gibbons (2007) discovered rock art (CL005-133002-) on the inner face of the NW sidestone: 4-6 tool-pecked cupmarks (diam. 1-2.5cm; D 1-1.5cm) and another on the inner face of the SE sidestone. The cupmarks were studied by Dr Blaze O’Connor (UCD) who confirmed that they are anthropogenic (ibid.). She found no dating evidence but suggested that the largest cupmark with its slightly pointed base (probably made with a metal tool) is not typical of prehistoric examples, suggesting later activity.  This is the southernmost of three closely associated wedge tombs along with a second (CL005-135----) c. 165m to the NNE and a third (CL005-136001-) c. 100m beyond again. The famous Gleninsheen gorget and a bronze armlet (National Museum of Ireland register 1938:8587) were found c. 485m to the E.   Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Conn Herriott   Date of upload: 29-9-2025

• CL005-133002 Rock art
  Description

  On the inner face of the northern and southern orthostats of Gleninsheen wedge tomb (CL005-133----) on the Burren plateau. Five and possibly six cupmarks (Wth 0.01-0.025m; D 0.01-0.015m) are visible in particular lighting conditions on the interior of the northern orthostat and one on the southern one. A possible circular area of light pecking is also visible adjacent to the northern group. It is possible that the largest and deepest cupmark was a natural feature augmented by pecking. (Gibbons 2007, 16-18) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 19 December 2016

• CL005-134 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On the townland boundary between Gleninsheen and Lisgoogan, on elevated ground in rough pasture and largely overgrown with hazel, in a large multiperiod field system (CL005-227004-). Listed as an ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). Indicated on the Cassini edition (1916) of the 6-inch OS map. An oval cashel (diams. 28m N-S; 23m E-W) is defined by a wall (Wth 1.1-1.8m; H 1-2m) built from large regular but uncoursed slabs, with a narrow gap (Wth 0.5m) at SE. Outer facing stones survive best from NW-N and a batter is visible in the wall at NNW. The enclosing element from S-W-N acts as the townland boundary wall. The interior is subdivided by a later field wall cutting off the SE sector. A possible hut site (CL005-134001-) is located SE of centre.    Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Ros Ó Maoldúin   Date of upload: 29-9-2025

• CL005-134001 Hut site
  Description

  To the SE of centre in a cashel (CL005-134----). Small stones define a circular area (int. diam. 5m) with an entrance gap at S. It may be associated with a later wall which subdivides the SE sector of the cashel’s interior.   Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy    Date of upload: 29-9-2025

• CL005-135 Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb
  Description

  On a very slight rise in mixed rough pasture and exposed limestone pavement, overlooked by slightly higher ground to the S and W. Described by de Valera and Ó Nualláin (1961, 9) as a considerably broken and disturbed wedge tomb (est. L 3.3m; Wth 1.25m at E, 1.8m at W), orientated E-W and embedded in a barely traceable oval-shaped mound (c. 9.5m E-W; est. 6m N-S; max. H c. 1m). A later field wall extends E and W from the mound, on which de Valera and Ó Nualláin (ibid.) noted then recently damaged flat slabs. The upstanding S sidestone (L 4.25m; H 0.95m at E, 1.2m at W; T 0.2-0.3m) was dressed on its straight top edge, while its E and W side-edges were quite straight but undressed. There was a thin vertical crack near the centre of this slab. Only a small piece (L 0.9m; 0.2m; T 0.25m) of the N sidestone remained upstanding; a flat slab (L 2.15m) on the N part of the mound may be the rest of this sidestone. A small stone (L 0.85m; H 0.6m) orientated N-S between the upstanding sidestones was thought to possibly mark the W end of the chamber. De Valera and Ó Nualláin (ibid.) considered two tall tapering stones (H 1.4-1.55m; L 0.7-0.9m) just W of this endstone to most likely be related to the later field wall at the mound. Among other prostrate slabs on the mound, some may be fallen endstones from the E end of the chamber; Westropp (1899, 381) found both ends still standing. A large irregular slab (L 2.2m) at the S side was suggested by de Valera and Ó Nualláin (ibid.) as possibly part of the tomb’s capstone. Westropp (ibid.) noted that the monument was ‘perfect’ in 1862. Approximately 100m to the NNE is a wedge tomb (CL005-136001-), while c. 165m to the SSW is another (CL005-133----). The famous Gleninsheen gorget and a bronze armlet (NMI 1938:8587) were found c. 440m to the E.   Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Conn Herriott   Date of upload: 29-9-2025

• CL005-136001 Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb
  Description

  In partly hazel-covered rough pasture. Described by de Valera and Ó Nualláin (1961, 8) as a notably small wedge tomb (L c. 2.5m; max. Wth c. 1m at W; H 0.65m), orientated NE-SW and embedded in a grass-covered oval mound (c. 10m E-W; 7.5m N-S; H 1.2m) of stones and reddish clay. Several possible kerbstones protruded from the mound. There was a recently made hole (D 0.5m) on the mound’s N side. The remains of the tomb chamber comprised two sidestones (NW sidestone L 2.8m; H 0.85m; T 0.1m; SE sidestone L 2.6m; H 0.85m; T 0.1-0.15m) set on edge but leaning in toward each other (top edges 0.35m apart at SW, 0.25m apart at NE). Both slabs have straight top edges which curve downward at their NE ends, while their SW ends are covered by a modern drystone wall which also blocks the SW end of the chamber. The uneven chamber floor slopes to the SW. During an inspection in 1998, the SW part of the hazel-covered chamber was found covered by two flat slabs (L 0.6-0.65m; Wth 0.45-0.6m; T 0.05m).   It was also possible to make out most of the outline of the retaining mound (max. H 1m), with two loose flags on its S side. Approximately 100m to the SSW is another wedge tomb (CL005-135----), and there is another (CL005-133----) c. 165m beyond this to the SSW.   Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Conn Herriott    Date of upload: 29-9-2025

• CL005-137 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  On elevated limestone pavement with views N towards Galway Bay and within a multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-). Not recorded on the first edition (1842) of the OS 6-inch map; marked and labelled ‘Holy Well’ on the Cassini edition (1916) of the OS 6-inch map. Known as having a cure for toothache (Doolan 1992, 169).  It comprises a pair of natural solution hollows. The larger (L 0.3m; Wth 0.24m; D 0.5m) is partially enclosed on the NW by a small drystone cairn (L c. 1m; Wth c. 1m; H c. 0.5m). A rudimentary shelf within the cairn formed by a flat stone partially covers the ‘well’ and hosts votive offerings including, coins, lighters, toothbrushes, and other personal objects. The smaller ‘well’ is located c. 2m to the SW and is also partly enclosed on the NW by a small drystone cairn.  Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Eve Campbell Date of upload: 29-9-2025

• CL005-139 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On slightly raised overgrown, rough grazing with views from NNW-NE-E, in a multiperiod field system CL005-227004-. This may be a ‘fort’ recorded by Westropp (1911, 371) and mentioned as having a ‘side annexe to the south’. A subcircular cashel (diams. 26m N-S; 25 E-W) defined from S-W-NNW by an internally and externally faced but loosely built stone wall (H 0.8-1.6m; Wth 1-1.1m) of medium to large flat slabs laid on end, and elsewhere by a bank of stone (Wth 1-2.6m). A small semi-circular stone feature (H 0.4-0.7m) is built onto the inner wall face at SSW. The wall has been replaced or rebuilt in sections and at the time of inspection (1998) was very overgrown.   Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Ros Ó Maoldúin   Date of upload: 29-9-2025

• CL005-142 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated in a hollow area in high rocky ground. Listed as ‘Cashel’ in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996) and hachured on the 1st ed OS 6-inch map. Described by Westropp (1899, 380) as a ‘circular fort’. On inspection in 1998 this was found to be a circular enclosure (diam. c. 30m) defined by an apparently modern, narrow, drystone wall with no thickening at the base. Two lintels mark and entrance at ESE. A small raised area occupies the centre of the interior. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 20 January 2016

• CL005-146 Enclosure
  Description

  In exposed elevated rocky pasture with clear views in all direction. Within a multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-). Depicted as an enclosure on the 1916 OS 6-inch map. A subrectangular area (33m N-S; 26m E-W) defined by a wall (Wth 1.4-2.1m) with traces of potentially older outer wall-facing at ESE (H 1m) and SE (1.5m). There is an alcove in the inside of the wall at NW. Machine-made gaps are present at SW and NE with a smaller gap at WSW. A curving bank across the S corner of the enclosure creates a small internal triangular subdivision (c. 10m E-W; c. 2m N-S).    Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 21 October 2025

• CL005-148 Hut site
  Description

  In an exposed elevated position with exposed karst and some grass cover with clear views to the S and within a multiperiod field system (CL005-227004-). Listed as a cairn in the RMP (1996). A hut site (ext. diam. c. 6m) defined by a collapsed drystone wall (H 0.7-1.2m) with no traces of wall-facing or an entrance.   Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 20 October 2025

• CL005-149 Fulacht fia
  Description

  On an elevated area of exposed karst and some grass cover with good views to the S and within a multiperiod field system (CL005-227004-). Listed as a cairn in the RMP (1996) and marked on Tim Robinson’s map of the Burren (1977) as a cairn. A fulacht fia heavily truncated by a farm track. The site is legible as a linear spread (L 11m; Wth 8m; D 0.1-0.15m) of burnt stone and ash flanking the track.   Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 20 October 2025

• CL005-158001 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated at the base of a fairly steep rocky ridge with restricted visibility. Listed as ‘Rectangular enclosure, possible’ in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996) and visible as a large field on the 1st ed. OS 6-inch map. On inspection in 1998 this was found to be a roughly rectangular area (c. 58m NW-SE; c. 67m SW-NE) defined by an apparently modern drystone wall with the remains of a rectangular building in the SE corner and an area (diam. c. 26m) delimited by a curving modern wall in the SW corner. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 2 February 2016

• CL005-158002 Enclosure
  Description

  In elevated rocky pasture with a sheer drop c. 30m to the S and clear views from SW to NW. Within a multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-). Listed as 'Potential Site Air Photo' in the RMP (1996). A subcircular enclosure (13m N-S; 15m E-W) defined by a wall of vertically stacked stone slabs resting on a wide stone foundation (Wth 1.6-2m; H 0.2-0.4m). An enclosure (CL005-158001-) is located c. 45m to the W and a cashel (CL005-159----) with two internal hut sites is located c. 95m to the ENE.    Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 20 October 2025

• CL005-159 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On a promontory in elevated rocky pasture with sharply falling ground from E to SW, and extensive views, overlooked by higher ground to the N. Within a multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-).  Hachured on the 1839 OS 6-inch map and marked as an enclosure on the 1916 OS 6-inch map. Classified as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A subcircular bivallate cashel (int. 25m N-S; 24m) defined by an inner stone wall (ext. H 0.8-1.8m; Wth 1.2-3m), a fosse (Wth 7m; D 1.6m) and an outer wall (Wth 1-1.4m; H 2m). The outer wall and fosse are only traceable from the SW to the NW, and the fosse is strewn with collapsed stone. The inner wall is slightly battered. It evidences outer wall facing, but no inner wall-facing survives, and the collapsed wall spread is covered with blackthorn bushes in places. A gap at the E (Wth 0.8m) is the probable entrance.  The interior slopes gently to the E. The remains of house foundations (CL005-159003-) are located close to the centre of the cashel and a hut site abuts the inner wall at NW (CL005-159002-). A subrectangular enclosure (CL005-159004-) is located c. 20m to the NE. A subcircular enclosure (CL005-158002-) lies c. 90m to the SW.   Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 20 October 2025

• CL005-159002 Hut site
  Description

  Abutting the NW interior of a cashel (CL005-159----). A D-shaped hut site (int. L 2m) defined by grass-covered walls (H up to 0.8m). Foundations of a house lie c. 14m to the SE close to the centre of the cashel.    Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 20 October 2025

• CL005-159003 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  In the centre of a cashel (CL005-159----). The remains of a circular house (int. diam. 4m) defined by low grass-covered walls (Wth 1-2m) overlain by more recent drystone walls. The walls are lowest at ENE indicating a possible entrance. A hut site (CL005-159002-) lies c. 14m to the NW abutting the interior of the cashel wall.    Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 20 October 2025

• CL005-159004 Enclosure
  Description

  Located on a knoll on exposed upland karst overlooking a valley to SE with a circular cashel (CL005-159----) c. 20 to the S. A rectangular area (c. 32m x 32m) defined by double-faced battered walls (Wth c. 1.5m narrowing to 0.8m at the maximum height of 1.8m) which partially remain at W, N and E. A second rectilinear area is conjoined at W. This enclosure with the above information was reported to the National Monuments Service by Tim Bowmer. (Bowmer 2019, 80, Appendix 1, No. 33) The following images have been uploaded (photos: Tim Bowmer): CL005-159004-_01.jpg View of enclosure from N. CL005-159004-_02.jpg E wall viewed from N. CL005-159004-_03.jpg N wall viewed from W. CL005-159004-_04.jpg S wall viewed from E. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 12 February 2021

• CL005-178 Road - road/trackway
  Description

  Situated on the SW slopes of a hill. Listed as ‘Road’ in the RMP (1996) on the basis of information submitted in 1994 (pers. comm. T. Coffey). On inspection in 1999 this was found to be a narrow boreen of modern construction, formed in part of low banks with loose stone wall built on top. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 2 February 2016.

• CL005-181 Fulacht fia
  Description

  In elevated exposed rocky pasture, c. 14m NNW of a stream and within a multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-). Noted by Tom Coffey in 1994 (SMR file). A fulacht fia comprising a small irregular stony mound (5-6m ESE-WNW; H 0.8-1m). Burnt stone and ash are visible where the mound has been disturbed by digging, and large stones are also visible within its fabric. There is no trace of a trough.   Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 8 October 2025

• CL005-184 Cairn - unclassified
  Description

  On a low knoll in an area of elevated rocky grazing with commanding views from SW to NNE and within an extensive multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-). Noted by Tom Coffey in 1994 (SMR file). Listed as ‘Burial mound’ in the RMP (1996). On inspection in 1998 this was found to be a small prominent grass-covered cairn (8.4m NE-SW; 7m NW-SE; H 0.7-0.9m) with steep sides.    Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload:

• CL005-185 Fulacht fia
  Description

  In a grassy area in an otherwise hazel-covered valley. Noted by Tom Coffey c. 1994 and marked by hand on a 6-inch map (SMR file). On inspection in 1998 a small grass-covered mound (4.2m N-S; 5.3m E-W; H 0.3-0.8m) possibly representing a fulacht fia was found at that location.    Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload:14 October 2025

• CL005-283 Enclosure - large 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.

• CL005-283001 House - indeterminate date
  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.

• CL005-284 Enclosure - large 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.

• CL005-305 Enclosure
  Description

  On elevated rough pasture on Ailwee Hill and within an extensive field system (CL005-104001-). A subcircular enclosure (c. 14m N-S; c. 13m E-W) defined by a grassed-over wall. Visible on OSi MapGenie (2012-2018) and noted by Ros Ó Maoldúin. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 21 February 2023

• CL005-314 Hut site
  Description

  On the line of an old NE-SW field boundary in exposed elevated rocky pasture within a multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-). A small subcircular hut site (diam. c. 4.5m) defined by a grassed-over wall and visible on OSi MapGenie (2013-2018). A cashel (CL005-146----) lies c. 140m to the SW.   Compiled by: Mary Tunney   Date of upload: 24/10/2023

Architectural heritage

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

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 Gleninsheen, 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 Gleninsheen.

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 Gleninsheen with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Clare.

Name

Gleninsheen · Gleann Insín

Area

2,407,781 m² (240.78 ha, 594.98 acres)

Civil parish

Rathborney, and its townlands

Barony

Burren

Electoral division

Rathborney, the unit of the census

Census 2022

97 people lived in 27 households in the Rathborney electoral division. 65% of households owned their home. 15% of homes were built since 2001. 18% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 29% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Aillwee, Ballycahill, Berneens, Boloona, Dangan, Garracloon, Glensleade, Lisgoogan, Poulgorm

Placenames

Gleninsheen 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.