Kilfenora

167 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Kilfenora, from 6 m² to 321,328 m² (32.13 ha, 79.4 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 31 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.

• R2Existing Residential (Existing residential)
  Kilfenora Settlement Plan, Clare · 38 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• M2Mixed Use (City/Town/village Centre, central area)
  Kilfenora Settlement Plan, Clare · 22 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• P1Agriculture
  Kilfenora Settlement Plan, Clare · 4 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• R4Strategic Residential Reserve
  Kilfenora Settlement Plan, Clare · 4 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• C5Tourism (Tourism and related)
  Kilfenora Settlement Plan, Clare · 4 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• C1.1Commercial (Commercial, retail)
  Kilfenora Settlement Plan, Clare · 2 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• G1Open Space (Open space, park)
  Kilfenora Settlement Plan, Clare · 2 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• R1Residential (New/proposed residential)
  Kilfenora Settlement Plan, Clare · 2 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• S3Community (Community facilities)
  Kilfenora Settlement Plan, Clare · 2 parcels The zoning objective in the plan

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

• 4 Sept 2026N/a

  to construct a dwelling house with proprietary wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter together with ancillary site works

  Permission, 1 home · Clare County Council, 2660582

• 9 Jun 2026Conditional

  to build an office unit, connect to services and all associated and ancillary site works

  Permission · Clare County Council, 26161

• 25 Mar 2026N/a

  to build a new shed for the storage of vehicles and machinery associated with the recovery and garage business operations, office area, staff welfare facilities & all other associated site and ancillary works

  Permission · Clare County Council, 2678

• 12 Feb 2026Conditional

  for the demolition of an existing two-storey end-of-terrace dwelling affected by defective concrete blocks and the reconstruction of a replacement dwelling, with minor alterations and extension, together with all associated site and ancillary works

  Permission, 1 home · Clare County Council, 2660068

• 9 Jul 2025Conditional

  for the erection of a mural on the east-facing gable end of the premises formerly known as 'Maire Rua' Craft shop V95 W0HA. The development will consist of a public mural approximately 7m x 5m in scale and comprise work by a professional artist

  Permission · Clare County Council, 25221

• 24 Jun 2025Conditional

  of the revised boundaries, which differ those previously granted under Ref 01/263

  Retention, 1 home · Clare County Council, 25204

• 17 Jun 2025Conditional

  to revise the plans previously granted under planning reference P23/417

  Permission · Clare County Council, 25194

• 18 Sept 2024Conditional

  of the garage and dwelling house on site, which are larger than those granted under Reference P08/474, the revised site boundaries, the detached office & all other associated site and ancillary works

  Retention · Clare County Council, 24300

• 8 Aug 2024Conditional

  for the development which will consist of three single storey extensions of 36.0sqM, 6.4sqM and 3.4sqm to front, side and rear of the existing dwelling, with site works.

  Permission · Clare County Council, 2460374

• 10 May 2024Conditional

  to renovate and extend the existing dwelling house including the replacement of the existing extension, upgrade of wastewater treatment system, upgrade of existing entrance and all associated site works.

  Permission · Clare County Council, 2460204

• 20 Feb 2024Conditional

  to apply a mural to the South elevation of the community Hall

  Permission · Clare County Council, 2460061

• 27 Oct 2023Conditional

  to renovate an existing vacant building and to construct an extension to the rear. Construct new divisional boundary wall to the East, demolish existing outbuildings, provide new gated entrance in existing front wall and build up existing, and carry out all ancillary site works

  Permission · Clare County Council, 23550

• 9 Aug 2023N/a

  to build a new shed for the storage of vehicles and machinery with an office and staff welfare facilities & all other site and ancillary works

  Permission · Clare County Council, 23436

• 26 Jul 2023Conditional

  to renovate and extend the existing cottage & all other site and ancillary works

  Permission · Clare County Council, 23417

• 8 Apr 2021Conditional

  for retention permission for use of the ground floor retail unit as a childcare facility

  Retention · Clare County Council, 21317

• 9 Dec 2020Refused

  the development will consist of the construction of an 18 metre-high free-standing communications structure with its associated antennae, communication dishes, ground equipment and all associated site development works. The development will form part of Eircom Ltd existing telecommunications and broadband network

  Permission · Clare County Council, 20934

• 27 Feb 2020Refused

  to build a machinery shed with staff office/WC, Storage area and all associated site and ancillary works

  Permission · Clare County Council, 20142

• 31 Oct 2019Conditional

  to construct a dwelling house and garage, with effluent treatment system, accessed by means of an existing agricultural entrance from the public road, all with associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Clare County Council, 19833

• 15 May 2018Conditional

  to RETAIN the development which consists of the sub-division of a dwelling house to form two seperate dwelling houses together with ancillary site works

  Retention, 2 homes · Clare County Council, 18394

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

Designated sites

No designated site (Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, Natural Heritage Area or proposed one) touches the townland of Kilfenora.

Recorded monuments

• CL016-014 Barrow - ring-barrow
  Description

  Near the top of a hill on a N-facing slope in marginal grazing land, with good views in all directions but now surrounded by planted deciduous trees. Hachured on the 1916 ed. of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). A barely visible circular area (diam. 16m) defined by a low earthen bank (max. H 0.1m; Wth 2m) and shallow internal fosse (Wth 2.5m; D 0.2m). The bank is especially degraded to the W and NE, and the whole site is overgrown with brambles, reeds and rushes. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 2 February 2022

• CL016-015001 Ecclesiastical enclosure
  Description

  Situated on a gentle N-facing slope in an area of undulating pasture. Listed as ‘Ecclesiastical enclosure’ in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996). The curving street at SW, the townland boundary to NW and the laneway to NE of Kilfenora Cathedral (CL016-015002-) may represent the outline of an ecclesiastical enclosure. Swan (1991, 110, 112) noted this and also commented that the ‘partly natural’ rocky platform NW of the church might represent an inner enclosure. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 4 September 2018

• CL016-015002 Cathedral
  Description

  Situated in Kilfenora Village within a graveyard (CL016-015003-) in an area of gently undulating pasture with the land falling away to the N. Named 'Cathedral (in ruins) on site of Abbey' on 1916 OS 6-inch OS map. Kilfenora (Cell Fhinnabrach) is the cathedral church of a small diocese, granted diocesan status in 1152 at the synod of Kells, affiliated with the diocese of Limerick since 1976 having been previously affiliated to Killaloe (1752-1976), Clonfert (1742-52) and Limerick (1606-7) (O’Neill 2012-13, 199). An early church is said to have been founded here by St. Fachnan in the 6th century (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 58). The earliest reference in the annals is in 1055 when Murchad O’Brien was attacked in Corcomroe and the church of Finnabrach was burned (ibid., 83). It is not clear if any of the fabric of that church is incorporated in the present church. A plan by James Pain in the 1830’s shows thicker walls at the E end of the nave than the rest of the building which may reflect the incorporation of an older structure (O’Neill 2012-13, 199). According to Ó Carragáin (2010, 133) the lintel of the 11th-century church lies ex situ against the N wall of the chancel with a pair of square sockets for the vertical posts of the door frame carved into its underside. The chancel dates to the beginning of the 13th century with some 15th century windows in the S wall.  The nave is difficult to date. The chancel arch was blocked up and a window inserted in the 1840s when the nave was converted into the parish church of Kilfenora (CL016-015004-) this portion is still in use as a place of worship and the 19th century layout and furnishings are still intact). The chancel arch was modified to incorporate a three-light E window, tall lancets were inserted into each of the bays of the S elevation, a new doorcase replaced the medieval one at SW and a porch and vestry were created at the W end of the nave. A figure corbel in the SE corner was dated to the late 13th or early 14th century by Hunt and may be a chancel arch respond (ibid., 202). The nave may have been intended to have aisles as pointed-arched bays are present but the aisles may not have been constructed. James Pain’s 19th-century drawing of the S elevation shows the form of the windows before refurbishment. These and the S doorway appear to be 13th century in date or slightly later (ibid.). The nave was reroofed in the early 2000s. Test trenches were dug immediately outside the nave in order to assess drainage capacity. It appears that a paved pathway existed around the cathedral at least to the S and NE (Rogers 2002, 9). The W gable has an unusual stepped elevation culminating in a belfry with four small pointed pinnacles at the corners and a larger one in the centre. A straight stone staircase in the thickness of the wall runs in front of a two-light W window and leads to a foreshortened turret staircase at the SW corner lit by a small slit window. The practice of the ‘Sarum rite’ where choirboys sang out through the W window on Palm Sunday may explain this arrangement (O’Neill 2012-13, 203). A clasping buttress at the NW corner gives the gable a lopsided appearance. A pointed doorway (H 2.16m; Wth 1.12m) at the W end of the S wall leads into a porch (3.72m E-W; 5.17m N-S) that currently houses three effigial tombstones (CL016-015011-, CL016-015012- and CL016-015015-). The door has chamfered jambs externally and the mitred head of a bishop over with a protruding corbel over that. The pointed arch has a roll-moulded hood with horizontal stops. Two wooden doors lead from the porch to the nave and the vestry. The nave and W gable are heavily rendered externally. Two indentations visible in the N wall of the nave externally mark the locations of two blocked up windows. Two chimneys correspond to the two fireplaces inserted in the 19th century. A 13th century font (CL016-015019-) is placed against the S wall of the nave. The chancel (int. dims. 10.97m E-W; 6.38m N-S) survives to roof height. It was roofed with oak and was used up until the early 19th century (Westropp 1910, 100). It has a triple-light E window (overall Wth 4.5m) in the Transitional style with three round-headed lights of equal height under a semicircular rear arch with roll-moulding the whole way around the arch, jamb and sill. The deeply splayed mullions have carved capitals, one with foliage and the other with four clerics in a row. Externally the opes have individual roll-mouldings. There are two 15th century windows in the S wall. That at the W end is a two-light transomed window with cusped ogee-heads, splayed ingoings and a flat arch. Fine stone tooling is evident on the jambs and external chamfers and on the ope heads and spandrels and there is a rectangular hood-moulding ending in decorative carvings. A single ogee-headed window in the middle of the S wall has been blocked up. It also has a small rectangular hood- moulding and stone tooling. E of that a doorway (H 1.62m; Wth 0.64m) is accessed by 4 steps up from the chancel floor. The door has a pointed arch with a round rear arch and a hanging eye at E. Externally the jambs are chamfered and tooled and there are triangular stop chamfers. A double piscina and aumbry occupy the SE corner. The piscina has two pointed arches and two scalloped basins with drain-holes. A sedilia with elaborate tracery is on the N wall of the chancel with mitred head of a bishop over. W of this is a pointed doorway (H 1.55m; Wth 0.77m) into the Lady Chapel. Another door (H 2.11m; Wth 1.08m) exits to the exterior at the W end of the N wall. This is quite plain with a flat lintel and two steps up from the interior. There is a plain rebate externally and a small spudstone. Portion of a chest-tomb (CL016-015018-) is mounted on the S wall and a wall monument (CL016-015017-) is on the N wall. Two medieval graveslabs (CL016-015020- and CL016-015021-) lie towards the E end and a number of architectural fragments lie on the ground including the base of a triple-light window. The Lady chapel (int. dims. 9.6m N-S; 5.76m E-W) is a later addition to the church. It is not bonded to the chancel wall. It has two wicker-centred arched recesses built against the chancel wall which according to O’Neill (2012-13, 203) served to support the south gable of this separately roofed structure. Although more ruinous, this area was converted c. 2005 in order to display and interpret several high crosses and cross fragments (CL016-015006-, CL016-015007-, CL016-015008- and CL016-015013-). It was roofed with steel and glass/perspex. The floor level is higher than the original leaving the windows and other features very low to present ground level. A pointed doorway (H 1.94m; Wth 0.76m) with well-cut rear arch and splayed ingoings towards the S end of the W wall exits onto the exterior. It has been robbed out externally especially the head and S jambs. An earlier threshold of this door was found during excavation to be at a depth of 0.3m (Rogers 2002, 7). The chapel is lit by three windows in the E wall and one in the W. The most southerly window in the W wall has a tall narrow pointed ope (H 2.16m; Wth 0.17m) with splayed ingoings and a pointed rear arch formed of narrow rough voussoirs. The middle window has a round-headed ope (H 1.16m; Wth 0.16m) under a round-arched well-cut rear arch with splayed ingoings. The sill has been robbed out. Both of these windows have shallow splayed external rebates. The most northerly window has largely been broken out and a protective mesh inserted (Wth of ope 0.77m; Wth of splay 1.18m). The window in the W wall is round headed (ope H 1.35m; Wth 0.17m) with splayed ingoings, a nicely carved arch and a decorative sill stone. Between two of the windows in the E wall there is another piscina, again with two pointed arches but the central column is missing. Again there are two scalloped basins with drain-holes. The N wall is featureless except for a recess (Wth 0.85m; H 0.46m; D 0.56m) at what is now floor level. Kilfenora cathedral is a national monument in State care, no. 8.  The following images have been uploaded:  CL016-015002-_01.jpg View of Kilfenora cathedral/C of I church from SE. CL016-015002-_02.jpg C of I church from SW. CL016-015002-_03.jpg E window exterior. CL016-015002-_04.jpg Door at W end of S wall leading to porch. CL016-015002-_05.jpg Mitred head of bishop of SW door. CL016-015002-_06.jpg View of interior E window in E gable. CL016-015002-_07.jpg Carved capital on E window. CL016-015002-_08.jpg Elaborate tracery on sedilia on N wall of chancel. CL016-015002-_09.jpg Mitred head above sedilia. CL016-015002-_10.jpg Internal E wall of Lady Chapel. CL016-015002-_11.jpg Lady Chapel from SW with high crosses installed. CL016-015002-_12.jpg Figure corbel, possible chancel arch respond. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 29 August 2018

• CL016-015003 Graveyard
  Description

  On a N-facing slope in Kilfenora Village. A graveyard around Kilfenora C of I church (CL016-015004-) and cathedral (CL016-015002-), slightly trapezoidal in plan (67m E-W; 30m N-S at E; 26.5m N-S at W), with a roughly coursed rubble wall (H 1.5-1.95m; Wth 0.5-0.64m) all around. Some very large stones are evident at the base of the wall externally at E. There are two entrance gateways, one in the middle of the W wall and one at the SE corner. The W gateway is more elaborate and has a pointed arch door (Wth 1.43m; H 2.13m) opening through a rectangular structure (overall Wth 2.83m). The doorway is of well-cut stones with both internal and external chamfers. The smaller door in the S end of the E wall is flat-headed and lintelled (H 1.67m; Wth 0.85m). It has straight ingoings and a drawbar socket at the N side. It occupies a small projection in the SE corner. The graveyard is described by Rogers (2002, 9) as ‘small, tightly packed with burials and has been in use for at least 900 years and possibly more’. High crosses that once stood in the graveyard were moved c. 2005 into the Lady Chapel of the cathedral to ensure their preservation. The following images have been uploaded: CL016-015003-_01.jpg E wall of graveyard from SE. CL016-015003-_02.jpg View across graveyard from ESE. CL016-015003-_03.jpg W gateway exterior. CL016-015003-_04.jpg SE doorway exterior. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 29 August 2018

• CL016-015004 Church
  Description

  Listed as ‘Church’ in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996), this record is for the Church of Ireland church at Kilfenora which occupies the nave of the former cathedral since the early 19th century. See CL016-015002- for details on the cathedral. Three effigial tombstones (CL016-015011-, CL016-015012- and CL016-015015-) lie in the porch of the church. There is a 13th century font (CL016-015019-) in the nave and a 17th century wall monument (MacDonagh) on the N wall (CL016-015016-). A carved head in the SE corner may be a remnant of the former chancel arch. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 4 September2018

• CL016-015006 Cross - High cross
  Description

  Erected c. 2006 in the middle of the ‘sacristy’ situated N of the chancel in Kilfenora Cathedral (CL016-015002-) due to weathering. Listed in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996) as ‘Cross’. This is the 12th-century high cross known as the ‘Doorty’ cross which formerly stood in the graveyard (CL016-015003-) W of the church. It was one of originally 6 limestone high crosses at Kilfenora, five of which are still there (see CL016-015005-, CL016-015007-, CL016-015008-, and CL016-015013-) and one of which was moved to Killaloe in 1821 (CL045-033009-). This cross is constructed from fragments found c. 1956 and later. The lower part was used upside-down by the Doorty family as a tombstone, hence the name. The cross (H 2.83m; Wth 0.75m across the arms) has a tapering shaft (Wth 0.56m at the bottom; T 0.19m) and has an imperforate uneven ringed head. Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 114-15) describes the carved images as follows: E face (now facing W), lower portion: Two clerics, likely to be St. Anthony and St. Paul linking arms, one holding a drop-headed crozier, the other a T-headed one, over a winged beast. Upper portion: An unidentified bishop or abbot (possibly St. Fachtnan, the founder of the church at Kilfenora). S face (now facing N): Above a single human head is a figure with right hand down by the side and with the left hand placed across the chest, holding a book. Above is interlace. W face (now facing E), lower portion: A horseman on top of a shingled roof with ornamental scrolls interlaced by a narrow-bodied animal above. Upper portion: A badly worn crucified Christ. N face (now facing S): An irregular interlace on the shaft surmounted by a chequer-board pattern. (See Harbison 1992 for detailed description.) This is a national monument in State care, no. 8. (de Paor, 1955-6, 55-8) The following images have been uploaded: CL016-015006-_01.jpg The Doorty cross, E face (after Harbison) in its former location in the graveyard. CL016-015006-_02.jpg The lower portion of the E face (after Harbison) of the Doorty cross now housed in the cathedral. CL016-015006-_03.jpg The Doorty cross, W face (after Harbison) in the glass-roofed 'sacristy' of the cathedral. CL026-015006-_04.jpg The Doorty cross, S face (after Harbison). Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 19 September 2017

• CL016-015007 Cross - High cross
  Description

  Erected c. 2006 in the SE corner of the ‘sacristy’ situated N of the chancel in Kilfenora Cathedral (CL016-015002-) due to weathering. Listed in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996) as ‘Cross’. This is the ‘North cross’ which formerly stood near the NW corner of the graveyard (CL016-015003-). It was one of originally 6 limestone high crosses at Kilfenora, five of which are still there (see CL016-015005-, CL016-015006-, CL016-015008-, and CL016-015013-) and one of which was moved to Killaloe in 1821 (CL045-033009-). This cross is described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 115) as a ‘ringless hammer-headed cross’ (H 2.06m; 0.73m across the arms; shaft 0.45m x 0.16m at base). The E face (now facing N) has a domed boss in the centre and flattened roll mouldings at the edges curling up into spirals near the bottom of the head. Only the head of the W face (now facing S) is decorated with what Harbison calls a ‘field of Stafford knots’ across the arms, beneath which is a square panel consisting of four interlinked knots of pointed triangular interlace, with a double spiral on each side of it at the top of the shaft. The top has a panel of pointed interlace, flanked beneath and on the right by a meander motif. The sides are undecorated. De Paor (1955-6, 58) noted that this cross differs from the others at Kilfenora in not having a wheeled or ringed head and in not having a tapering shaft. This is a national monument in State care. The following images are uploaded: CL016-015007-_01.jpg The E face of the North cross in its new location in the cathedral (now facing N). CL016-015007-_02.jpg The head of the E face of the North cross. CL016-015007-_03.jpg The W face of the North cross in its former location in the graveyard. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 26 September 2017

• CL016-015008 Cross - High cross
  Description

  Erected c. 2006 in the NW corner of the ‘sacristy’ situated N of the chancel in Kilfenora Cathedral (CL016-015002-) due to weathering. Listed in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996) as ‘Cross’. This is known as the ‘South cross’ which was found in 1954 in the ground S of the cathedral (de Paor 1955, 59). It was one of originally 6 limestone high crosses at Kilfenora, five of which are still there (see CL016-015005-, CL016-015006-, CL016-015007-, and CL016-015013-) and one of which was moved to Killaloe in 1821 (CL045-033009-). This cross is described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 115) as the fragmentary shaft of a cross (H 1.95m; shaft 0.72m x 0.18m at base (the shaft tapers towards the top)). The E face (now facing S) has a horizontal panel of Stafford knots, with a panel of closer-meshed interlace above it, at the present top of the shaft. The W face (now facing N) has part of a panel of interlace forming a circular device near the top. On each face the roll moulding at the edge curls into a spiral at the bottom. The sides are undecorated. This is a national monument in State care, no. 8. The following image is uploaded: CL016-015008-_01.jpg The E face of the South cross in its new location in the cathedral (now facing S). Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 26 September 2017

• CL016-015009 Ritual site - holy well
  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.

• CL016-015010 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  Situated at what may be the N extent of the ecclesiastical enclosure (CL016-015001-) around St. Fachtnan’s church/Kilfenora cathedral (CL016-015002-) and c. 110m N of same. Indicated and named ‘Toberfaughtna’ on the 1840 and 1916 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. Described by O’ Donovan (Comber 1997, 88) as a well with a small stone-roofed building over it and an inscribed cut stone which bears the inscription ‘Deo et B. Fehnnano hocce opusculum fundavit Donaldus Mac Donogh Licentia et permissione episcopi Finecorensis Anno Domini 1687’ in plain letters. O’Donovan (ibid. 89) also noted that the well was commonly named ‘Buallán Fachtna’. The name ‘Bullán Fachtna’ is repeated by Frost (1893, 100) and the ‘well of St. Fachtnan’ is listed by Westropp (1900, 137) who cites the inscribed dedication to the Macdonoughs as 1684. An open well under a well-built stone structure (H c. 1.2m) open to the E and roofed with two large stone lintels. There is a second holy well ‘Toberdane’ (CL016-015009-) located c. 22m to the SSE. The following image has been uploaded: CL016-015010-_01.jpg View of well opening from E CL016-015010-_02.jpg View of well from S CL016-015010-_03.jpg Modern plaque at well (SMR number on plaque pertains to Toberdane to the S) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 14 March 2022

• CL016-015011 Tomb - effigial
  Description

  Standing upright inside the door of the porch of Kilfenora Church of Ireland church (CL016-015004-) which occupies the nave of the former cathedral (CL016-015002-). This effigial tombstone formerly formed part of the sedilia in the chancel although that was not its original location. A slightly tapering slab with an incised image of a bishop holding a crosier. Described by Hunt (1974, vol. 1, 128) as a ‘bishop …shown in mass vestments, the chasuble incised to represent orphreys of chevron form with counter chevron folds. There is a large panel of ornament on the dalmatic and the alb has a deep apparel to its lower border. The bishop wears pointed shoes. On his head is a mitre with ornamented browband and orphreys and the infulae can be seen hanging down behind his neck. He carries an out-turned crozier of Irish form, the only one depicted of this shape in the country. It has four knops and a crook of the usual native Irish form surmounted by a cresting.’ Hunt dates the slab to the late 13th or early 14th century. (Hunt 1974, vol. 2, pl. 77) The following images have been uploaded: CL016-015011-_01.jpg Photo of effigial tomb slab after Hunt 1974. CL016-015011-_02.jpg Effigial tomb slab erected in porch of cathedral (CL016-015002-). Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 5 September 2018

• CL016-015012 Tomb - effigial
  Description

  Lying recumbent close to the W wall of the porch of Kilfenora Church of Ireland church (CL016-015004-) which occupies the nave of Kilfenora cathedral (CL016-015002-). A rectangular slab with the effigy of a bishop, not in its original location. The figure is described by Hunt (1974, vol. 1, 128) as ‘carved in low relief with a cusped niche, supported by slim columns bearing angels with outspread wings containing the figure of a bishop. On the head is a mitre. The right hand is raised in blessing; on the middle finger of the right hand is a ring. The left hand holds a crozier with knop and out-turned volute. The apparel of the amice is high and stiff. The chasuble is treated as a flat, pointed panel of rigid angular folds. The head and hands show a degree of skilful though not assured treatment, but the assembly of the various details, as head, limbs and hands round the rectangle of the body, has a haphazard appearance and is clumsy and awkward.’ Hunt dates the carving to probably the first half of the 14th century. (Hunt 1974, vol. 2, pl. 88) The following image is uploaded: CL016-015012-_01.jpg Effigy in its former location set upright in the chancel of Kilfenora cathedral. CL016-015012-_02.jpg Effigy in its current location in the porch of the cathedral. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 5 September 2018

• CL016-015013 Cross - High cross
  Description

  Erected c. 2006 in the NE corner of the ‘sacristy’ or N transept of Kilfenora Cathedral (CL016-015002-) due to weathering. Not listed in the SMR (1992) or the RMP (1996). According to de Paor (1955, 59) the fragment was found the previous year in the graveyard and was mounted in the ruined chancel. The upper part of the shaft and the bottom segment of the ring of a ringed cross. The shaft is rectangular and tapering and the sides are undecorated. Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 116) describes the ‘West face’ (now facing S into the body of the transept) as having ‘interlacing forming circular devices above which is a segment of a circle of interlace, suggesting that it may have formed part of the decoration of the ring of the head’. He describes the ‘East face’ (now facing and close to the N wall) as having ‘square panels of interlace, each subdivided into four, and beneath them, a thick-banded interlace. There are roll-mouldings at the corner.’ (ibid.) This is a national monument in state care, no. 8. The following image has been uploaded: CL016-015013-_01.jpg View of high cross fragment from SW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 24 September 2018

• CL016-015015 Tomb - effigial
  Description

  Lying recumbent close to the W wall of the porch of Kilfenora Church of Ireland church (CL016-015004-) which occupies the nave of Kilfenora cathedral (CL016-015002-). A rectangular slab with the effigy of a cleric, described by Hunt (1974, vol. 1, 128) as ‘carved in very flat relief technique. The commemorated man is tonsured and bareheaded. The outline of the lower part of the body is indicated by flat vertical folds, the arms parallel with the body and the forearms folded rigidly across the chest holding a book. The figure seems to be dressed either in a choir vestment with almuce or in a gown with scapular. The neck is disproportionately long and the treatment highly schematized and rectangular. The carving is debased and is perhaps early fifteenth century in date.’ (Hunt 1974, vol. 2, pl. 132) The following image has been uploaded: CL016-015015-_01.jpg View of effigy in its former location mounted upright in the chancel of Kilfenora cathedral. CL016-015015-_02.jpg Effigy in its current location in the porch of the cathedral. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 5 September 2018

• CL016-015016 Wall monument
  Description

  On the N wall of the nave of Kilfenora church (CL016-015002-). A plain chest tomb surmounted by a plaque with an inscription in incised Roman capitals over which is the MacDonagh coat-of-arms elaborately sculptured and decorated with mouldings and obelisks. The inscription, in Latin, reads in part ‘Donaldus MacDonagh et uxor ejus Maria O’Conor sibi et suis ambobus posteris hunc tumulum fieri fecere An Dni 1685. Momento Mori.’ Which translates as ‘Donald MacDonagh and his wife Maria O’Conor caused this monument to be made for themselves and for their posterity, on both sides, AD 1685. Remember death. The rest of the Latin inscription translates as ‘A fine form, the good will of the people, youthful ardour and wealth have snatched from thee how to know what man is. After the man, a worm, after the worm foul smell and horror. Thus even man is turned into what is not a man. Thus the glory of this world passes away. Whoever thou art who shall pass by. Pause, read carefully, and lament. I am what thou wilt be, and have been what thou art, pray for me, I beseech thee.’ A son is buried in the same tomb. (Barry 1892, 38-9) CL016-015016-_01.jpg attached. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 1 September 2014

• CL016-015017 Wall monument
  Description

  Set into the N wall of the chancel of Kilfenora Cathedral (CL016-015002-). A limestone plaque with an incised Latin inscription in Roman capitals commemorating Neptune Blood, son of the Revd. Neptune (Dean of Finebor [Kilfenora?]), his wife Isabella (aged 13, d. 1683), his children Elizabeth (age 6), John (aged 5), Debora (aged 9), Theodosia (aged 13), William (aged 16), Lepedus Neptunus (aged 7), all who died between 1688 and 1700. The inscription translates as ‘Man as the flower groweth up and passes away as a shadow, thus silently have passed even the dear pledges of love to parents whose sorrowful hearts are tortured with grief. If you would seek the names of these and the dates of their death, lo! the lines which are below tell thee all.’ (Barry 1892, 39-40) CL016-015017-_01.jpg attached. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 1 September 2014

• CL016-015018 Tomb - chest tomb
  Description

  Mounted on the S wall within the chancel of Kilfenora cathedral (CL016-015002-). Four panels from a chest tomb with an inscription in relief in large capitals commemorating William Magencharig i(?) and his wife Elizabeth. The tomb is dated 1650. (Barry 1892, 40) CL016-015018-_01.jpg attached. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 1 September 2014

• CL016-015019 Font
  Description

  Under a window, against the S wall of the nave of Kilfenora Cathedral (CL016-015002-). A large square limestone font (0.74m sq in plan) with decorated sides (H 0.42m) narrowing markedly towards the bottom (from 0.74m to 0.55m). The font stands on four square legs (Wth 0.17m) on a large plinth (2.34m x 1.45m) that has moulded edges. It is missing its central column. Although the plinth appears to have been reworked the font appears to have been designed to be up against the wall as fluted vertical bands of decoration only occur on the three exposed sides. The decoration does not continue to the very top as the last 5-6cm of each side is sheared to vertical causing a scalloped shape where the design is interrupted. The bowl is circular in plan (diam. 0.52m; D 0.28m) and has a bevel at its lip, gently sloping sides and a circular opening (diam. 0.05m) at the bottom. Some damage is visible on the top surface of the font particularly towards the front and at the back left. Similarites between the decoration on the font and that on one of the windows suggest that this font dates to the 13th century (Swinfen 1992, 41-2). CL016-015019-_01.jpg, CL016-015019-_02.jpg, and CL016-015019-_03.jpg attached. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 22 September 2014

• CL016-015020 Graveslab
  Description

  Situated in the NE corner of the chancel of Kilfenora cathedral (CL016-015002-). Not listed in the SMR (1992) or the RMP (1996). This is a rectangular graveslab lying recumbent (L 2.22m; Wth 0.74m). It is plain except for script in large plain capital letters incised all around the edge. The text reads 'HERE LYETH THE BODY OF HYGATELONE WHO LIVED 21 YEARES DEANE OF THIS CHURCH AND DIED IN SEPTEMBER 1638'. Some traces of decoration (well worn) are evident at the W end of the slab. A second medieval graveslab (CL016-015021-) lies nearby to SW. Some of the other rough slabs lying in the chancel may also be medieval in date. (Barry 1892, 40) The following image has been uploaded: CL016-015020-_01.jpg View of graveslab from N. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 29 August 2018

• CL016-015021 Graveslab
  Description

  Situated on the floor of the chancel of Kilfenora Cathedral (CL016-015002-). Not listed in the SMR (1992) or the RMP (1996). The lower portion of a trapezoidal graveslab (present dims. L 0.63m; Wth at base 0.3m; Wth at top ((mid point of slab)) 0.34m). The base of an incised cross remains. Two simple lines form the shaft while the base expands to two squares each with a different floral-like motif. A second medieval graveslab (CL016-015020-) lies nearby to NE. Some of the other rough slabs lying in the chancel may also be medieval in date. The following image has been uploaded: CL016-015021-_01.jpg View of graveslab from W. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 29 August 2018

• CL016-015022 Cross - High cross
  Description

  A small fragment of carved stone found in the graveyard at Kilfenora c. 1954 and mounted in the ruined chancel of the Cathedral (CL016-015002-). The present whereabouts of this fragment are unknown. It is described by de Paor (1955, 59, and pl. IV (c)) as having ornament consisting of diagonal frets. Harbison (1992, 116) describes it as having a panel of fretwork and probably another with interlace. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 24 September 2018

• CL016-015023 Cross - Churchyard cross
  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.

• CL016-016 Cross
  Description

  Near the summit of a hill on the E facing slope, in an area of hilly fertile pasture with good views. Named ‘Cross Hill’ on the 1840 ed. of the OS 6-inch map and ‘Cross (Site of)’ on the 1916 ed. A low earthen tumulus, oval in plan (13.75m E-W; 11m N-S; H 1.6-1.85m) and higher at the E extent. A single loose limestone boulder lies against its E face where some evidence of field clearance rubble can be felt around the sides which are overgrown with nettles. No trace of a cross, cross base plinth or any other feature can be seen. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 14 March 2022

• CL016-017 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Near the summit of a NE facing slope, on a prominent hill in an area of fertile hilly pasture and overlooked by higher ground to the S. A stream runs beside the NW edge of the mound and a road curves around the mound from N to SW. Named ‘Lisknockahatteen’ and hachured on the 1840 and 1916 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). An earthen mound which is widest at the base (22m N-S) and narrows towards the top (L 14.7m NW-SE; Wth 13m NE-SW; H 2.1m) with an oval earthen mound (L 4.1m NE-SE; Wth 3m; H 0.4m) situated on the S extent of the summit. The sides of the mound along the N and E are steeper than elsewhere, possibly due to the building of the road. A low bank (H 1m) near the base at the N may be an original feature or may be associated with modern disturbance. The road appears to have cut the bottom edge and the W extent has been quarried. A telegraph pole sits in the NE extent of the summit. The following image has been uploaded: CL016-017----_01.jpg View of rath from S Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 14 March 2022

• CL016-018 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On a gentle rise in low-lying overgrown karst and uncleared marshy pasture. Overlooked by higher ground to the S with dense overgrown scrub and brambles to the E. A low, flat fertile area, potentially a dried up lake-bed to the S is partly defined by a scarp (H 2m). Hachured on the 1840 and 1916 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. Described by Westropp (1915, 264) as ‘greatly overturned’ with the remains of the outer facing to the S and W and a ‘featureless’ interior. A subcircular area (diam. 31m SW-NE) defined by a poorly preserved and almost totally collapsed and grassed-over stone wall (Wth. 7m; max H. 4m) of rectangular limestone blocks with a rubble core. One course of an outer face is intermittently visible. There are several gaps but no definite entrances. The undulating interior is slightly lower than the field level and contains coarse pasture and limestone outcrops. Upright limestones and collapsed grassed-over walls (Wth 1m; H 0.25m) form two subrectangular enclosures (CL016-018001- and CL016-018002-) in the interior. A mostly removed stone field wall at the N, outside of the ringfort-cashel gives the false impression of an outer wall and a rectangular enclosure to the E (13m E-W; 10m N-S) is a modern paddock. Another cashel (CL016-019001-) is located c. 88m to the ESE. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 14 March 2022

• CL016-018001 Enclosure
  Description

  In the NW quadrant of a cashel (CL016-0118----). A subrectangular enclosure (14m E-W; 7m N-S) defined by a grassed-over stone wall (Wth 1m; H 0.25m). Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 15 March 2022

• CL016-018002 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  In the E interior of a cashel (CL016-018----). A subrectangular feature (L 8m NW-SE) defined by a grassed-over stone wall (Wth 1m; H 0.25m). A larger subrectangular enclosure (CL016-018001-) occupies the NW quadrant. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 15 March 2022

• CL016-019 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  In a low-lying area of limestone pavement amid scrub and brambles and uncleared pasture and within an extensive field system (CL009-059001-). Overlooked from all sides. Hachured on the 1840 and 1916 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. Described by Westropp (1915, 264) as ‘two concentric rings’ and a ‘well built “handsome” fort, but not very large’ which is ‘nearly all knocked down’. A subcircular area (27.5m N-S; 28m E-W) defined by a low collapsed and partially overgrown wall of limestone blocks with a rubble core. The inner and outer facing is intermittently visible and the two faces coincide at W (T 2-2.8m) with up to four courses surviving at SE and SW (max H. 0.6–1m ). The interior is undulating and overgrown around the perimeter. There is a souterrain (CL016-019002-) W of centre. In the NW quadrant there is a line of upright limestones (L 2m) parallel to the wall which may once have formed part of an internal structure. A later overgrown concentric stone wall encloses the cashel. Another cashel (CL016-018----) is located c. 88m to the WNW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 15 March 2022

• CL016-019002 Souterrain
  Description

  Within a cashel (CL016-019001-) in a low-lying area of limestone pavement amid scrub and brambles and uncleared pasture and within an extensive field system (CL009-059001-). Overlooked from all sides. Indicated on the 1916 ed. of the OS 6-inch map and on the 1897 OS 25-inch map. An area (c. 8m x 8m) in the NW quadrant at present ground level has limestone slabs and uprights including two lengths (L 3m; H 0.6m) of upright stones lying parallel (1m apart). There are some holes (D 1m) in the surface also in this area. This may represent the remains of a souterrain. Another cashel (CL016-018----) is located c. 88m to the WNW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 15 March 2022

• CL016-171 Architectural fragment
  Description

  Not listed in the SMR (1992) or the RMP (1995). This record is for a stone corbel with carved head at the Burren Centre, Kilfenora, originally from Killilagh graveyard (CL008-063002-). It was published in detail by Étienne Rynne (1976, 76-8) who, among others, endeavoured to have the stone returned to Clare having been stolen. He describes it as a full cleric’s head with biretta, in limestone, projecting from a large stone block. (Rynne 1976, 76-8) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 26 August 2014

• CL016-186 Enclosure
  Description

  On a S-facing slope in lowlying unreclaimed pasture and within an extensive field system (CL009-059001-). A circular enclosure (diam. c. 22m) defined by a possibly double-faced, grassed over stone wall visible on OSi Aerial Premium (2012-2018). Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 21 March 2022

Architectural heritage

• Saint Fachtnan's Cathedral, cathedral, 1170–1200 · National interest
  Description

  Freestanding crow-stepped gable-fronted Church of Ireland cathedral, built from 1170-1200, incorporating fabric of earlier buildings. Four-bay side elevations with single-bay recessed chancel to rear, having single-bay vestry to left. In ruins in 1840 and reconstructed as church c. 1850. Chancel and vestry now in ruins. Pitched artificial slate roof with bellcote having pyramidal capping and flanking finials. Rubble stone walls with slight batter to gable front. Lancet openings with cut-stone dressings and timber sliding sash and fixed windows. Pointed arch door opening with timber cut-limestone dressings, hood moulding and timber panelled door. Retaining interior features. Graveyard to site with various grave markers. Rubble stone boundary walls.

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

The EPA radon map did not answer.

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 Kilfenora.

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

Name

Kilfenora · Cill Fhionnúrach

Area

2,552,025 m² (255.2 ha, 630.62 acres)

Civil parish

Kilfenora, and its townlands

Barony

Corcomroe

Electoral division

Kilfenora, the unit of the census

Census 2022

406 people lived in 165 households in the Kilfenora electoral division. 78% of households owned their home. 28% of homes were built since 2001. 16% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 11% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Ballykeel South, Ballyshanny, Commonage, Kilcarragh, Lickeen East, Maryville, Tullagh Lower, Tullagh Upper

Placenames

Kilfenora 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.