Mollaneen

40 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Mollaneen, from 377 m² to 308,213 m² (30.82 ha, 76.16 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 25 neighbouring parcels touch it.

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

• O2Cluster (General)
  Killeenan Cluster, Clare · 5 parcels The zoning objective in the plan

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

• 1 Jul 2020Conditional

  to construct a dwelling house, garage and a waste water treatment system and percolation area

  Permission, 1 home · Clare County Council, 20437

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 Mollaneen.

Recorded monuments

• CL025-091001 Church
  Description

  Situated in the N portion of a graveyard (CL025-091002-) on a slight rise in a low-lying area, overlooked by higher ground to the W. St. Tola founded a monastery here around AD 700. According to Harbison (1970, 41) there was originally ‘a 12th century Romanesque nave and chancel church with a plain chancel arch and a wonderfully decorated west doorway above which was an ornamental lancet window. Three narrow lancet windows were inserted in the east gable early in the 13th century. Some considerable time later the church must have fallen into decay. Possibly as late as 1683, when some of the corner stones of the church were used as a base for the re-erection of the high cross in the adjoining field to the east, the church was reconstructed in its present form. The lancet window in the west gable was incorrectly replaced roughly in its original position; the Romanesque doorway, with its beautifully carved geometric motifs, foliage and almost mongoloid human masks, was inserted into the south wall, and the chancel (parts of which may still be original) reconstructed to its 13th century state.’ The present remains (ext. L 32.07m) are oriented ENE-WSW. The lower part of the nave walls (ext. L 23.43m; ext. Wth 9.68m at W) have cyclopean masonry but the upper parts are later. The Romanesque doorway (Wth 0.94m; H 2.05m) in the S wall has four orders decorated with 19 heads (human and otherwise) with a pointed arch inside (Wth 1.2m) with a hanging eye on the W side and a latch at E. A projection (Wth 0.48m) at the W end of the S wall seems to be original. There is a fine round-headed Romanesque window in the W wall and a small rectangular window is inserted above and to the S. The Romanesque window has a variety of unrelated carvings on the surrounding facing stones and was reconstructed from several older windows (Swinfen 1992, 23). The chancel arch (Wth 4.3m) is round and plain (H 2.5m to the capitals) with a double belfry over. The rebuilding of the upper parts of the nave and chancel are evidenced by discrepancies in bonding between the nave and chancel walls at the chancel arch. Both the nave and chancel have internal corbel tables to support the roof and there is a string course externally which provides the gutter-holes. The E wall of the chancel (ext. dims. 8.64m E-W; 8m N-S) has three lancet windows, chamfered and recessed and a plain aumbry (Wth 0.4m; H 0.43m; D 0.41m). There is a single round-headed window (Wth 0.1m; H 1.54m) in the S wall. The nave is completely plain apart from a cusped ogee-headed window (Wth 0.22m; H 1.78m) towards the E end of the N wall. A blocked-up doorway is evident high up in the N wall facing the round tower (ibid., 23). A slab from a possible 14th-century effigial tomb (CL025-091006-) was formerly attached to the external wall beside the ornate doorway and a 17th-century wall monument (CL025-091007-) commemorating Joan O'Dea is built into the N wall of the chancel. A round tower (CL025-091003-) stands 2m to the NW and the high cross of St Tola (CL025-094----) lies in the field to the E. This church is a national monument in State care, no. 16. (Westropp 1894, 150-59; Ó Murchadha 1992, 53-7) CL025-091001-_01.jpg The Romanesque doorway in the S wall. CL025-091001-_02.jpg The S wall showing the location of the doorway. The remains of the round tower (CL025-091003-) can be seen behind the church. CL025-091001-_03.jpg The S wall from SW with the round tower very close by to the left. CL025-091001-_04.jpg The N wall of the church from NE and the remains of the round tower. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 6 September 2017

• CL025-091002 Graveyard
  Description

  Situated on a slight rise in a low-lying area, overlooked by higher ground to the W. A subrectangular graveyard (62m N-S; 35m E-W) defined by a masonry wall (H up to 1.4m). Dysert O’Dea Romanesque church (CL025-091001-) and round tower (CL026-091003-) lie in the N portion. The high cross of St Tola (CL025-094----) lies c. 100m to the E. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 21 June 2017

• CL025-091003 Round tower
  Description

  Situated in a graveyard (CL025-091002-) just 2m NW of the Romanesque church (CL025-091001-) at Dysert O’Dea. The much ruined remains of a round tower surviving on one side to a height of c. 18m and narrowing as it rises. It is 18.5m in circumference at base (diam. c. 5.89m) and its walls (T 1.25m) are composed of roughly coursed limestone blocks. A round-headed doorway with inclined jambs at E (Wth 0.95m) is 2m over external ground level and is well preserved. A single ogee-headed window is close to the top of the wall at NW. There is a rebate over the ground floor. A breach to NW at ground level, supported by a pillar or masonry may represent a late entrance, introduced when the medieval window was installed in the upper wall. The external wall near the breach displays evidence of burning. This is a national monument in State care, no. 16. (Westropp 1894, 155-6; Barrow 1979, 60-61; Ó Murchadha 1993, 36-42; Lalor 1999, 111-12) The following images are uploaded: CL025-091003-_01.jpg Round tower from E. CL025-091003-_02.jpg Round tower from S showing church adjacent. CL025-091003-_03.jpg Round tower from NE. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 7 September 2017

• CL025-091004 Cross
  Description

  Standing in the graveyard at Dysert O’Dea (CL025-091002-), some 16m S of the church (CL025-091001-). Named ‘Cross’ on the 1920 OS 6-inch map. A small rudely carved cross (H 0.68m) with a circular head and very short arms (0.02-0.03m) on a shaft that widens towards the base. The cross leans to NW and is thicker at the top (T 0.14m) than at the base (Wth 0.1m). A small finial feature with double gables is carved at the top. There are no visible carvings or inscription. (Ua Cróinín 1992, 116) The following images have been uploaded: CL025-091004-_01.jpg Cross from E CL025-091004-_02.jpg View from W CL025-091004-_03.jpg View from N highlighting finial feature. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 13 February 2019

• CL025-091005 Architectural fragment
  Description

  This record is for the original location of a Romanesque corner capital (H 0.3m) described by Harbison (1987, 10) as ‘bearing a head, sloping outwards and downwards on the corner and placed in luxuriating foliage emanating from above and below the head before spreading out to cover the two unequal sides of the capital.’ Found in rubble outside the wall of Dysert O’Dea church (CL025-091001-) and housed in the Archaeology Centre in Dysert O’Dea castle (CL025-095002-). For present location see CL025-095012-. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 6 September 2017

• CL025-091006 Tomb - effigial
  Description

  This record is for the original location of an effigial graveslab found according to Harbison (1971, 31) within the walls of Dysert O’Dea church (CL025-091001-) in the 1960s. It was hung on the external S wall of the church (CL025-091001-) on the E side of the decorative doorway and is now housed in the OPW depot in Athenry (see GA084-151029-). Hunt (1974, vol. 1, 120) described this as ‘a fragment of a wedge-shaped slab bearing the lower part of a (presumably male) figure carved in very flat relief. The edge of the slab is bordered by a rope-moulding placed between two rolled mouldings. The figure is apparently portrayed in a surcoat, the lower part of which can be seen flaring outwards from the waist to a point above the knees. The outline of the legs appears below it, and these seem to be covered by the folds of a garment, but the details are very obscure because of the heavy exfoliation of the original surface. The bare feet splay outwards and downwards. The only remaining detail is that of the right foot which, oddly enough, is carved as a left foot.’ The following image has been uploaded: CL026-091006-_01.jpg View of effigial slab in its present location. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 6 September 2017

• CL025-091007 Wall monument
  Description

  Built into the N wall of the chancel of Dysert O’Dea church (CL025-091001-). A 17th-century grey limestone plaque (1.21m by 0.64m) commemorating Joan Dea bears the following inscription in incised capitals: ‘THIS THOMBE WAS ERECTED BY MICHAEL O’DEA OF DISHERT |SON OF CONOR CRONE O’DEA THE SECO|ND DAY OF MAY IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD|1684|WHEREIN WAS INTERRED JOAN DEA ALIAS BUTLER WIFE OF THE SD MICH|AEL O’DEA THE ELEVENTH OF NOVEMBER FOLLOWING. EST COMMUNE MORI, MORS NULLI PARCIT HO|NORI, DEBILIS ET FORTIS VENEUNT AD FUNERA MOR|TIS.’ (Westropp 1894, 150) The following image has been uploaded: CL025-091007-_01.jpg Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 27 September 2017

• CL025-091008 Font
  Description

  The record is for the original location of a font. Swinfen (1992, 23) notes ‘About 1855 the bowl of a font was observed in the churchyard; it was square and ornamented with a moulding round the lip and also where it joined the shaft, though the shaft was missing. It was said to be of medieval type. There has been no sign of it for many years.’ The present location of the font is unknown. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 27 September 2017

• CL025-094 Cross - High cross
  Description

  On a low mound in a field c. 120m E of Dysert O’Dea Romanesque church (CL025-091001-). This is the high cross of St. Tola, traditionally the founder of the monastic site, listed in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996) as ‘Cross’ and sometimes known as the ‘White cross of Tola’. Described by Harbison (1992, 83-6) as a Romanesque limestone cross (H 2.77m to the top of the head, without the modern capstone; Wth 1.02m across the arms; tapering shaft 0.65m x 0.37m at lower end) with a decorated base (H 0.5m; 1.28m x 1.02m), mounted on large squared decorated stones that may have formed part of an altar presumably from the nearby church. This in turn sits on a projecting modern base topped with flat flags. The cross was repaired in 1683 by Michael O’Dea and re-erected by F.H. Synge in 1871 as outlined in an inscription on the base of the E side (the bottom of the frame was cut away to allow for the inscription). The shaft is in two portions that do not fit well together. The great difference in the height of the relief between the two main figures and the variation in outlines, mouldings and ornament suggest the possibility of two different crosses although Harbison (ibid., 83) notes they are likely to be products of the same workshop and may have fitted together in the 12th century. The head of the cross has no ring and its corners are roll moulded with smaller ribs inside. Mortice-holes at the end of each arm suggest some sort of attachment. E FACE: The head of the E face shows the crucified Christ in high relief with outstretched arms. Christ’s head was fixed in position in 1883 and may not have belonged to the cross originally. The lower portion of the E face shows a bishop or abbot with pointed mitre and a crozier in the left hand, again in high relief. The right hand is missing and may originally have been inserted into a hole present at waist height. The base of the E face has a panel of interlace. The bottom of the panel was cut away for the following inscription: THIS CROSS WAS NEWLY REPAIRED BY MICHAEL O DEA SON OF CONNOR CRONE O DEA IN THE YEARE 1683. S FACE: The upper portion has an interlinking meander pattern. The lower cross shaft has three panels of interlaced animals. The base shows Daniel in the Lion’s Den and the following inscription: REERECTED BY FRANCIS HUTCHINSON SYNGE OF DYSART FOURTH SON OF THE LATE SIR EDWARD SYNGE BAR AND MARY HELENA HIS WIFE IN THE YEAR 1871. W FACE: The head of the W face has a St. Brigid’s cross consisting of five lozenges in relief and the S arm has two animals grasping a sphere in their jaws beneath which is a panel forming the motif of a cross with expanded terminals. The lower portion of the shaft has four panels of decoration, three with animal interlace and one with sunken crosses. The base of the W face shows Adam and Eve. N FACE: The Upper portion of the N face has a fret pattern and the cross shaft below this has three panels of animal interlacing. The base on this side shows an unidentified scene with two figures grasping a staff with a figure on the left holding a crook and another figure on the right who may also have held a staff. This is a national monument in State care. St. Tola’s holy well lies c. 240m to SE. (Westropp 1894; 156-8; Harbison 1992, vol. 1, 83-6; Swinfen 1992, 23; Ó Murchadha 1993, 36-42;). Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 27 September 2017

• CL025-097 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  In the SE corner of a field E of Dysert O’Dea church (CL025-091001-) and 240m SE of the high cross of St Tola (CL025-091094----). St Tola’s well or Tobar Bhanala. Stations were held here on the feast of St Tola, 30 March, for on that day in 734 ‘Tola died Bishop of Clonard’ (Swinfen 1992, 23). A circular spring well (2.2m N-S; 1.8m E-W) at the base of a S-facing rock outcrop with a stream proceeding S through a channel in the rock. There is no evidence of veneration. Westropp (1900-02, 141) noted that a double bullaun (CL025-097001-), extant in 1839, was not discoverable. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 6 September 2017

• CL025-097001 Bullaun stone
  Description

  Westropp (1900-02, 141) noted that a double bullaun, extant in 1839 at St. Tola’s holy well (CL025-097----), was no longer evident at that location. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 27 September 2017

• CL025-100 Megalithic structure
  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.

• CL025-104 Earthwork
  Description

  On a slight NE-SW ridge overlooking a turlough E-S. Hachured on the 1840 and 1920 OS 6-inch maps and on the 25-inch plan and listed in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996) as ‘Enclosure’. On inspection in 1999 there were no visible remains at ground level. Not visible on available aerial imagery (2024). Compiled by: Mary Tunney   Date of upload: 1 December 2025

• CL025-106 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

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

Architectural heritage

• Mollaneen House, farm house, 1750–1790 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached four-bay two-storey farmhouse, built c. 1770, with single-bay two-storey return. Now in ruins. Rubble stone walls with remains of roughcast render. Cut-stone soldier arches to ground floor openings. Brick dressings to segmental-arch first floor openings. Remains of walled garden to site.

• The Lodge, house, 1860–1865 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached L-plan three-bay single and two-storey house with dormer attic, dated 1861, comprising two-bay two-storey advanced block with gabled bay to left and entrance bay to right, and having recessed single-storey bay with dormer attic to right. Now in ruins. Snecked stone walls with rusticated stepped plinth, red brick quoins, string courses and dressing to openings. Chamfered cut-stone lintels to openings. Square-headed door opening having sandstone tympanum with crest and banner.

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

Radon

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

Landslides

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

Terrain model

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

Flooding

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

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

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

Name

Mollaneen · Molainín

Area

1,083,288 m² (108.33 ha, 267.69 acres)

Civil parish

Dysert, and its townlands

Barony

Inchiquin

Electoral division

Dysert, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Dysert electoral division: 334 people in 124 households; 92% of households own their home; 24% of homes were built since 2001; 7% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 1% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Ballycullinan, Carhoo, Cloona, Dysert, Killeenan, Soheen

Placenames

Mollaneen 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.