Gragan West

64 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Gragan West, from 69 m² to 390,208 m² (39.02 ha, 96.42 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 34 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 Gragan West 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 Nov 2021Conditional

  to install a 6m extension to an existing 20m lattice telecommunications support structure carrying telecommunications equipment, together with associated equipment and cabinets enclosed within an existing 2.4m palisade fence compound

  Permission · Clare County Council, 211246

• 8 Oct 2021N/a

  to demolish existing dwelling house addition, construct new dwelling house addition, wc, proprietary wastewater treatment system and all associated site works, the proposed works are works on a Clare County Council's Record of Protected Structures (RPS no. 419), and also protected under the National Monuments Acts - Tower House (RMP no. CL 005-088001), Bawn (RMP no. CL 005-088003), and Gable of House (RMP no. CL005-08002)

  Permission, 1 home · Clare County Council, 211068

• 16 Dec 2020Refused

  to construct a farm house, waste water treatment system and associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Clare County Council, 20958

• 10 Aug 2017Conditional

  to retain an existing 20m high telecommunications support structure ( previously granted permission under reference P11-841) carrying antennas and link dishes together with associated equipment units and security fencing

  Permission · Clare County Council, 17616

• 6 Jun 2017Conditional

  to retain an existing 22.32 metre high telecommunications support structure (previously granted permission under ref No 11-262 and An Bord Pleanala ref no PL03-239093 which was a temporary permission for a period of 5 years which has expired) carrying antennas and transmission link dishes together with associated equipment units and security fence.

  Retention · Clare County Council, 17443

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
• Special Area of Conservation: Black Head-Poulsallagh Complex SAC 000020
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Black Head-Poulsallagh Complex 000020
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Moneen Mountain 000054

Recorded monuments

• CL005-076001 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.

• CL005-076002 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On a high prominent location with views from NE to NW, within a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). Indicated on the 1916 ed. of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as 'Earthwork' in the RMP (1996). A poorly preserved roughly circular cashel (diam. 20-21m) defined by a stone spread (Wth 1.4-1.7m) with outer wall-facing at SW (max. H 0.4) and at NW (max. H0.6m), and no clear entrance. There are two small huts (CL005-076003- and CL005-076004-) (diams. 2-2.5m) in the SW sector divided by a low bank which extends NE across the centre. A later wall runs on the outer edge from NNW-ESE and a pen abuts its interior at N. Another cashel (CL005-076001-) lies c. 30m to the SW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 5 December 2022

• CL005-076003 Hut site
  Description

  Within a cashel (CL005-076002-). A small hut site (diam. 2-2.5m) in the SW sector of the cashel. Another hut site (CL005-076004-) is adjacent to the SE, separated by a low bank which extends NE towards the centre of the cashel. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 5 December 2022

• CL005-076004 Hut site
  Description

  Within a cashel (CL005-076002-). A small hut site (diam. 2-2.5m) in the SW sector of a cashel. Another hut site (CL005-076003-) is adjacent to the NW, separated by a low bank which extends NE towards the centre of the cashel. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 5 December 2022

• CL005-077001 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On high prominent ground but with views to the E restricted by higher ground, within a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). Indicated on the 1842 ed. of the OS 6-inch map as square but hachured on the 1916 ed. as circular. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A poorly preserved roughly square cashel (diam. 30-31m), defined by a stone spread (Wth 2-2.5m; max. H 0.6m) with patches of outer facing surviving at S, W, N and E (max. H 1.2m). The interior is generally flat but stone foundations of possible features are located in the SE and SW corners. Another cashel (CL005-077002-) lies c. 20m to the S. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 5 December 2022

• CL005-077002 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On elevated ground but with restricted views, except to the NE over Ballyvaghan and Galway Bay, within a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). Indicated on the 1842 and 1916 eds of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as a ‘Rectangular enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A poorly preserved rectangular cashel (32m N-S; 27.5m E-W) with rounded corners, defined by a stone spread (Wth 1.8-3.5m) with patches of inner facing (H 0.4-0.7m) and outer facing (H 0.35-0.85m) surviving. The original wall thickness (c. 1.5m) is readable near the S end of the E wall. Possible structures occur in the NE, NW and SE corners (CL005-077003-, CL005-077004- and CL005-077005-). Later field walls extend N from the NE and NW corners. Another cashel (CL005-077001-) lies c. 20m to the N. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 5 December 2022

• CL005-077003 Hut site
  Description

  In the SE corner of a rectangular cashel (CL005-077002-). A subcircular hut site (max. int. diam. 4m). Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 5 December 2022

• CL005-077004 Hut site
  Description

  In the NW corner of a rectangular cashel (CL005-077002-). A subcircular area (int. dims. 5.2m N-S; 5.8m E-W) defined by a stone spread (H up to 0.5m). Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 5 December 2022

• CL005-077005 Structure
  Description

  In the NE corner of a rectangular cashel (CL005-077002-). A possible rectangular structure (int. dims. 2.3m N-S; 4.7m E-W) defined by a stone spread (max. H 0.4m) with a gap at SW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 5 December 2022

• CL005-078 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On elevated rough pasture with wide views, only limited from E to SE by adjacent higher ground. Within a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). Indicated on the 1842 and 1916 eds of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A moderately well-preserved, roughly circular cashel (23.5m N-S; 22m E-W) defined by an internally and externally faced wall (Wth 2.5m) that was probably entered though a gap (Wth 3m) at SE. The outer face survives best (H 1-1.3m) and is built on a sheer rock face at W (H 1.9-2.5m). The inner face is much lower (H 0.25-0.5m). A later wall runs on the cashel wall from W to NE. Two small stone-walled rectangular huts abut the outer face of the cashel at E and SW. Both are indicated as roofed on the 1842 OS 6-inch map. A curving earthen bank abuts the E side of the E hut. A semicircular enclosure (CL005-296----) abuts the cashel at N. Other cashels lie c. 120m to the N (CL005-080----) and 90m to the SSE (CL005-079----). Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 7 December 2022

• CL005-079 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  In a slight hollow on elevated rough pasture, in a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). Indicated on the 1916 ed. of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A moderately well preserved rectangular cashel (c. 27m N-S; 26m E-W) defined by an internally and externally faced wall (Wth 2.4m; int. H 0.7m; ext. H 1.1m), best preserved at E. A faced and splayed entrance (int. Wth 2m; ext. Wth 2m) is in the centre of the E wall and a thickening in the W end of the S wall appears to have been to accommodate a rectangular hut site (CL005-079001-). A second semicircular hut site (CL005-079002-) abuts the centre of the S wall. An upright pillar stands in the entrance. Another cashel lies c. 90m to the NNW (CL005-078----). Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 7 December 2022

• CL005-079001 Hut site
  Description

  In the SW corner of a rectangular cashel (CL005-079----). A rectangular hut site (int. dims. 6m N-S; 2m E-W) defined by a low stone wall (max. H 1m). A semicircular hut site (CL005-079002-) abuts the centre of the S wall of the cashel. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 7 December 2022

• CL005-079002 Hut site
  Description

  Abutting the centre of the S wall of a rectangular cashel (CL005-079----). A semicircular hut site (int. dims. 3.5m E-W; 2m N-S) defined by a low stone wall (av. H 0.4m). A rectangular hut site (CL005-079001-) lies in the SW corner of the cashel. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 7 December 2022

• CL005-080 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated on elevated ground but with limited views. Surrounded on most sides by highter ground and forestry to SW. A small field system is adjacent. Listed as an ‘Enclosure’ on the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996). On inspection this was found to be a subrectangular enclosure (c. 24m E-W) defined by what appeared to be a modern stone wall built on earlier wall foundations. It was noted that the earlier foundations did not appear of any great antiquity. However, several square cashels in the vicinity (see CL005-077001- and CL005-077002-) are similar in size and have associated fields. This may be of similar date. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 19 January 2016

• CL005-081 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On elevated, rough pasture in a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). Indicated on the 1916 ed. of the OS 6-inch map and listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A poorly preserved circular cashel (int. dims. 21.5m N-S; 23.5m E-W) defined from W to ESE by a grassed-over bank of earth and stone (Wth 2.2-3.3m; int. H 0.4-0.6m; ext. H 0.6-0.8m) and from ESE to W by a scarp (H 0.2-0.7m) with no clear entrance. Carricklahan cashel (CL005-082----) lies c. 120m to the NNE. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 7 December 2022

• CL005-082 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  In a slight hollow on the W slope of a ridge with commanding views to S and W and within a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). A subrectangular cashel (30m N-S; 23m E-W) defined by a stone wall NW-SE with a pronounced corner at NW and from SE to NW by a bank of earth and stone (Wth 2m; int. H 0.2m; ext. H 0.7m). Outer wall facing (H 0.6-0.8m) is evident along the N and E and there is some inner facing at E (H 0.05-0.1m; wall Wth 2.5m). An internal wall on an earlier bank cuts off the NW corner which has one large corner stone in situ. A stone is indicated and named ‘Carricklahan’ on the 1840 ed. of the OS 6-inch map in this area. Two small, raised areas were noted in the interior of the cashel at W and at the centre. Another cashel (CL005-081----) lies c. 100m to the SSW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 14 December 2022

• CL005-083 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.

• CL005-084 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On the S-facing slopes of a rocky hill with views from E to SSW. Indicated on the 1916 ed. of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A subcircular cashel (19.2m N-S; 22m E-W) defined by an internally and externally faced wall (Wth 1.9m; int. H 0.3-2m; ext. H 0.3-1.9m) with a gap (Wth 2m) at W which is probably the original entrance. The interior slopes very gently to the S and contains several spreads and piles of stones, which may conceal features. A larger cashel (CL005-085----) is located c. 70 to the N. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 13 December 2022

• CL005-085 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On a level terrace in a SE-facing slope in rough pasture and hazel scrub. Indicated on the Cassini edition (1916) of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as an enclosure in the RMP (1996). A subcircular cashel (29m E-W; 25m N-S) is defined from SE clockwise to E by an externally faced wall (Wth 1.6m; ext. H 0.4-1.3m) and at ESE by a stone spread (Wth 3m). A later field wall overlies the original enclosing wall W-N-E, and a low point in the wall at E (Wth 1.2m) may mark the original entrance. The interior contains two possible hut sites; one abutting the enclosing wall at E (CL005-085001-) and the second (CL005-085002-) abutting the enclosing wall at SW. A second cashel (CL005-084----) is located c. 70 to the S. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 11 January 2023

• CL005-085001 Hut site
  Description

  In a cashel (CL005-085----) where it abuts the enclosing wall in the E sector. A small, subcircular structure (int. diams. 4.5m N-S; 3m E-W) is defined by a low stone spread (H 0.5m; av. Wth 2.2m). A second possible hut site (CL005-085002-) stands in the SW sector. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 11 January 2023

• CL005-085002 Hut site
  Description

  In a cashel (CL005-085----) where it abuts the enclosing wall in the SW sector. A small, circular structure (diam. 2m) is defined by a wide stone wall (Wth 2m: H 0.8m). A second possible hut site (CL005-085001-) stands in the E sector. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 11 January 2023

• CL005-086 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated on the N shoulder of a gorge which deepens further to the E. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ on the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996). On inspection this was found to be a circular enclosure (diam. 18m) defined by a loosely built stone wall (W 1.3m) of apparently modern construction. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 19 January 2016

• CL005-087 Enclosure
  Description

  On a level terrace in an E-facing slope (between the 300’ and 400’ contour lines) in rough grazing and encroaching scrub, with good views from NNE-SE. Indicated on the first edition (1842) and hachured on the later, Cassini edition (1916) of the OS 6-inch map. A circular area (int. diam. 20m) is defined by a broad, stone and earth bank (Wth 3.3m; int. H 0.4m; ext. H 0.8m). A small mound of earth and stone stands in the W sector. Both the OS 25-inch (1890s) and the current OS map show the monument to NE of centre within a larger oval area (est. diams. c. 60m NE-SW; c. 50m NW-SE) defined by a scarp. On field inspection in 1999, a low scarp was noted partially encircling the monument (from 10-17m away) N-SE, but obscured by overgrowth elsewhere. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 11 January 2023

• CL005-088001 Castle - tower house
  Description

  In woodland near the N foot of Corkscrew Hill. Renovated and reoccupied in the late-1990s. Indicated and named ‘Gragan Castle (in ruins)’ on both the first edition (1842) and later, Cassini edition (1916) of the OS 6-inch map. According to O’Donovan (Comber 1997, 74), it was the chief residence of ‘O’Loughlin, Chief of Burren, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth and from it the Territory of the Burren was called the Barony of Gragans’. Ua Cróinín and Breen (2014, and see attached document) state that the O’Loughlins were often at odds with the English and in one of several pardons granted to them in the late 16th century, the land and castle is recorded as being regranted to them. In 1632-33, following rebellion, it was part of Owen More O’Loughlin’s property and disposed of to George Martyn, Mayor of Galway, but it was retained within the O’Loughlin family through marriage between Turlough O’Loughlin and Martyn’s daughter Alice. Their son George took the name Martyn and his descendants continued to live nearby until recently; the castle fell into ruin before 1837 and reconstruction commenced in the mid-1990s (ibid.). A rectangular (10m N-S; 7m E-W) three-story tower house incorporating the NW wall of an enclosing bawn (CL005-088003-), with the remains of a later, 16th/17th century house adjacent to NE, also on the bawn’s NW wall line. The towerhouse is built of uncoursed, limestone rubble masonry with a base batter and traces of surviving external render. There is a buttress against the S wall. The structure is dated on stylistic grounds (finely cut quoins and architectural features) by Ua Cróinín and Breen (ibid.) to the first half of the 16th century. Ground floor access is through a pointed-arched doorway towards the N-end of the E wall which is defended by a machicoulis above. Immediately inside to right (N) is a small porter’s chamber and opposite it (to S) an intramural stairs. The main ground floor beyond comprises two parallel, vaulted-ceiling chambers (each c. 3.4m N-S; 3.3m E-W). The N chamber contains traces of a fireplace in the W wall and a door in its S wall leads to a second, S chamber. This room is lit by a loop set in double-splayed embrasure in the W wall and a pointed arched doorway in the S wall opens into a very small (1.7m E-W; 1.3m N-S) secure chamber with a corbelled ceiling: an external bolt-hole indicates the chamber could be locked from outside. The straight intramural stairs in the E wall rises to become a spiral stairs in the SE angle which leads to first-floor level and continues on up thtough the building. The stairwell is lit by loops set in internally splaying embrasures. The first floor comprises a single chamber (9.1m N-S; 4.5m E-W) accessed off the spiral stair in the SE corner. There is a garderobe shaft opposite, in the NE corner, and the room is lit by mullioned windows in the S and E walls, one loop set in an inwardly splaying embrasure in the N wall and three more in the E wall. An aumbry and chimney flue flank a centrally placed fireplace in the W wall. Several external corbels, which would have supported a corner machicoulis, project from the SW angle. The second floor is lit by a double-mullioned window in the S wall and a narrow loop in the N wall. There is a mantled fireplace in the W wall which Ua Cróinín and Breen (ibid.) date to the 17th century. See attached document with 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. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 24 January 2023

• CL005-088002 House - 16th/17th century
  Description

  Partially built on the line of the N wall of a bawn (CL005-088003-), with the bawn running to the S and also enclosing a nearby towerhouse (CL005-088001-), c. 5m to the W. Only the N gable wall (L c. 7.5m; H c. 5m) of a likely late-16th/17th century house was upstanding and contained a fireplace and a squat, square chimney flanked by a pair of narrow windows on each side. It has since been incorporated into a modern two storey house which stands to the S. In 1994, archaeological excavation (Lavelle D. Excavation Licence No. 94E0151; 1994:017; www.excavations.ie) in advance of the modern house’s construction revealed the foundations of the opposite, S gable wall of the late medieval house, described by the excavator as ‘comprising mainly of loose stone and decayed mortar’. A fragment of a 15th century window was also found. While the structure post-dates the towerhouse, the excavator noted that while the towerhouse was built onto the bawn wall line, the E end of the medieval house’s N gable wall and the N end of the bawn’s E wall appeared to respect one another which suggested, to him, that the bawn had been knocked and partially rebuilt prior to the construction of the medieval house. See attached document: CL005-088002-_01 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. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 24 January 2023

• CL005-088003 Bawn
  Description

  In woodland near the N-foot of Corkscrew Hill. Indicated on both the first edition (1842) and later, Cassini edition (1916) of the OS 6-inch map. A rectangular bawn (32.7m N-S; 23m E-W; H 4m) built of uncoursed limestone rubble. The N and W walls stand to full height (H 4m; T 1.5m) and are surmounted by a parapet (Wth 0.5m) with narrow gun loops. The locations of the E and walls are indicated by intermittent sections of walling and collapsed mounds of rubble. A tower house (CL005-088001-) and the gable end of a late-16th/17th century house (CL005-088002-) are partially built on the N wall of the bawn and steps are built into the inner face of the bawn wall just W of the tower house. The late-16th/17th gable was subsequently incorporated into a modern house. In 1994, archaeological excavation (Lavelle D. Excavation Licence No. 94E0151; 1994:017; www.excavations.ie) in advance of the modern house’s construction revealed largely disturbed stratigraphy but did uncover the foundations of the S gable wall of the late-16th/17th century house (CL005-088003-), shell, bone and a fragment of a fifteenth century window. The excavator noted that while the tower house was partially built onto the bawn wall, the E end of the late-16th/17th century house’s N gable wall and the N end of the bawn’s E wall appeared to respect one another. Consequently, he suggested that the bawn had been knocked and partially rebuilt prior to the construction of the late-16th/17th century house. See attached document: CL005-088003-_01: 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. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 24 January 2023

• CL005-113 Enclosure
  Description

  On elevated rough pasture in mulitiperiod field system (CL005-115001-), with views in all directions but most extensive to the W. A subcircular enclosure (32m E-W; 27m N-S) defined by a bank of stone (Wth 1.8m; int. H 0.3; ext. H 0.8m) from SE-WSW, a low scarp from WSW-NW and a straight wall from NW to NNE. Some occasional outer-facing survives (H 0.5m at S). There are foundations of a house of indeterminate date (CL005-113002-) NE of centre and two enclosures (CL005-202001- and CL005-202002-) lie c. 90m to the SE. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 27 February 2023

• CL005-113002 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  To NE of centre within an enclosure (CL005-113----). A roughly circular hut site (8.5m E-W; 8.3m N-S) defined by a low grassed-over stone bank (Wth 1.5m; max. H 0.25m) with some facing at NNW and a small break at E (Wth 0.2m) which may mark an entrance. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 27 February 2023

• CL005-114 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On an elevated ridge of rough pasture in a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-) with views from NE to NW. Listed as an ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). Hachured on the 1842 and 1916 eds of the 6-inch OS maps. A poorly preserved, roughly circular cashel (int. dims. 23m E-W; 17.5m N-S) defined by a low discontinuous wall (Wth 1-1.5m; max. H 0.7m) with a possible entrance gap at S. There is a natural rock ledge extending NNE-SSW through the E sector. Traces of walls radiate off the cashel at N and SSW. Another cashel (CL005-114002-) is located c. 20m to the NW and a pair of enclosures lie c. 100m to the NNW (CL005-202001- and CL005-202002-). Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 27 February 2023

• CL005-114002 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On an elevated ridge of rough pasture in a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-) with views from NE to NW. A poorly preserved, roughly circular cashel (int. dims. 21m E-W; 19.5m N-S) defined by a low internally and externally faced wall (Wth 1.6-1.75m; max. H 0.4-0.55m) and stone spread (Wth 3-4.5m). A cairn (CL005-114003-) is located NE of centre. Another cashel is located c. 20m to the SE (CL005-114001-) and a pair of enclosures lie c. 60m to the N (CL005-202001- and CL005-202002-). Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: 27 February 2023

• CL005-114003 Cairn - unclassified
  Description

  Just NE of centre in a cashel (CL005-114002-). A cairn (7m WSW-ENE; 6m NE-SSW; H 0.7-0.8m). One large lintel lies on the SSW edge and a large whitethorn grows on the E edge. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 27 February 2023

• CL005-115002 Cairn - burial cairn
  Description

  In an area built over by a farmyard near the top of Corkscrew Hill, with views over Ballyvaughan Bay to N and within multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). Listed as 'Burial mound' in the RMP (1996). A mound (diam. 22.5m; H 1m) was noted at this location during scrub clearance in the 1980s. The western half was levelled during subsequent development. During that work a Bronze Age stone-axe mould, a stone mortar, iron pick, a spindle whorl, tracked stones, iron slag and animal bone were recovered and reported to the National Museum (Cotter 1989). Subsequent archaeological excavations (ibid.) revealed a rectangular cist-like feature (1.1m E-W; 0.6m N-S) set into the mound. Its E end was open and shattered flags formed a floor at its W end. The mound itself was shown to comprise weathered scree and dark brown silty clay. A decorated sherd of Early Bronze Age pottery, a bone toggle, an early medieval spearhead, glass and amber beads, stone gaming pieces, a small bronze ring, spindle whorls, a loom weight, hones, a strike-a-light, a quartz toggle and a key for a barrel-padlock were retrieved from the disturbed portions of the mound, its upper 0.4m and area surrounding it. Isolated pockets of archaeological deposits were also disturbed c. 35m N of the mound (CL005-115002-). Slag, animal bone and flecks of burnt clay were observed and a stone dagger/knife, a bronze object with raised mid-rib (possible dagger) were recovered (ibid.). Reference: Cotter, C. 1989. 1988:04 - Gragan West, Clare. In I. Bennet (eds) Excavations 1988. Wordwell: Bray. Available online @ https://excavations.ie/report/1988/Clare/0000769/ Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin Date of upload: February 2023

• CL005-115013 Habitation site
  Description

  In an area built over by a farmyard near the top of Corkscrew Hill, with views over Ballyvaughan Bay to N and within multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). Listed as 'Settlement' in the RMP (1996). Isolated pockets of archaeological deposits were disturbed c. 35m N of a burial cairn (CL005-115002-). Slag, animal bone and flecks of burnt clay were observed and a stone dagger/knife, a bronze object with raised mid-rib (possible dagger) were recovered (ibid.). Reference: Cotter, C. 1989. 1988:04 - Gragan West, Clare. In I. Bennet (eds) Excavations 1988. Wordwell: Bray. Available online @ https://excavations.ie/report/1988/Clare/0000769/ Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 28 February 2023

• CL005-168001 Ritual site - holy tree/bush
  Description

  In reclaimed pasture on the W side of an old road leading N into the Rathborney valley. Marked and labelled ‘Ancient Thorn’ on the 1839 and 1916 OS 6-inch maps. Indicated and named ‘Blessed bush and marks of St. Brigid’s knees’ on Tim Robinson’s map of the Burren (1999). This is a mature hawthorn tree up to 3m in height with a branch spread of c. 5m. Houlihan (2016, 44) noted that the tree is known locally as ‘Saint Brigid’s tree’ and that it is still visited by pilgrims, ‘having gained a reputation for holiness from a stone at its base thought by locals to hold the prints of a kneeling Saint Brigid’. The saint’s stone (CL005-168002-) was not found on inspection in 1989, but a photograph of it is published by Houlihan (ibid).    Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 8 October 2025

• CL005-168002 Ritual site - holy/saint's stone
  Description

  At the foot of a mature hawthorn tree (CL005-168001-) in reclaimed pasture on the W side of an old road leading N into the Rathborney valley. The associated tree is indicated and named ‘Ancient Thorn’ on the 1839 and 1916 OS 6-inch maps. Houlihan (2016, 44) noted that the associated tree is known locally as ‘Saint Brigid’s tree’ and that it is still visited by pilgrims, ‘having gained a reputation for holiness from a stone at its base thought by locals to hold the prints of a kneeling Saint Brigid’. The stone was not found on inspection in 1998 but a stone with a pair of hollows at the base of the tree is published and photographed by Houlihan (ibid).    Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 8 October 2025

• CL005-202001 Enclosure
  Description

  In a slight depression in elevated rocky pasture overlooking the Ballyvaughan Valley to the N and within a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). A subcircular enclosure (int. dims. 9.6m E-W; 7.6m N-S) defined by a grass-covered wall (Wth 1-1.8m; H 0.2-0.7m) highest at the W. A gap (Wth 0.6m) at SSW may be made by cattle. Natural rock outcrops are present in the N and W sectors. A second enclosure (CL005-202002-) with house site (CL005-202003-) is located 2.5m to the NE. An enclosure (CL005-113----) is located c. 55m to the NW, and a cashel (CL005-114002-) is c. 65m to the SSE.     Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 14 October 2025

• CL005-202002 Enclosure
  Description

  In a slight depression in elevated rocky pasture overlooking the Ballyvaughan Valley to the N and within a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). A subcircular enclosure (int. dims. 9.6m E-W 9.4m N-S) defined by a grass-covered wall (Wth 1-1.4m) with traces of inner wall-facing (H 0.25m) along the NNE and traces of outer wall-facing along the SW and SSW (H 0.5m). There is no clear entrance. The wall encloses the footings of a subrectangular building (CL005-202003-). A second enclosure (CL005-202001-) is located 2.5m to the SW. An enclosure (CL005-113----) is located c. 57m to the NW, and a cashel (CL005-114002-) lies c. 67m to the SSE.    Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell   Date of upload: 14 October 2025

• CL005-202003 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  Within and occupying most of the interior of a subcircular enclosure (CL005-202002-) in elevated rocky pasture. The foundations of a rectangular house (6m E-W; 4.1m N-S) with rounded corners. The walls are grass-covered with traces of outer wall-facing (H 0.3m) along the S, reduced elsewhere to a rubble spread (Wth 0.8-1.4m).   Compiled by: Mary Tunney   Date of upload: 14 October 2025

• CL005-262 Enclosure
  Description

  On a SE-facing slope with Faunarooska rising to the W. A subcircular enclosure (diam. c. 12m) defined by a partially grassed-over stone wall visible on Digital Globe (2011-2013) and on OSi Aerial Premium (2012-2018) orthophotographs. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 8 December 2021

• CL005-296 Enclosure
  Description

  On elevated pasture with wide views and within a multiperiod field system (CL005-115001-). A semicircular area (c. 34m E-W; c. 21m N-S) defined by a grassed-over wall is visible on Digital Globe (2011-2013) and was noted by Ros Ó Maoldúin. It is bounded at its N (straight) side by a field boundary and may continue past the boundary. The enclosure abuts a cashel (CL005-078----) at S. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 7 December 2022

• CL005-298 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  In rough pasture on the NE-facing slope of a N-S ridge, on the E side of the Caher valley. An arc of stone SE-N is visible on Digital Globe (2011-2013) and on OSiMapGenie (2012-2018) and may be the remains of a cashel. Noted by Ros Ó Maoldúin. An enclosure lies c. 45m to the E. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 14 December 2022

Architectural heritage

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

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 Gragan West, 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 high, 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 Gragan West.

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

Name

Gragan West · An Grágán Thiar

Area

3,867,719 m² (386.77 ha, 955.73 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

Ballyconnoe North, Cahermacun, Cloonmartin, Croagh North, Cullaun, Doonyvardan, Gragan East, Lislarheenmore

Placenames

Gragan West 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.