Disert

45 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Disert, from 86 m² to 1,529,320 m² (152.93 ha, 377.9 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 26 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 Disert in the national zoning. Outside zoned towns and villages, the county development plan's rural policies apply to each application.

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

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

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

Designated sites

• Special Area of Conservation: Lough Nillan Bog (Carrickatlieve) SAC 000165
• Special Protection Area: Lough Nillan Bog SPA 004110
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Lough Nillan Bog (Carrickatlieve) 000165

Recorded monuments

• DG084-001001 Ecclesiastical enclosure
  Description

  In pasture, in SE foothills of Bluestack Mountains, located on a SE-facing slope on the W bank of the Eany Beg River. This enclosure is not shown on any edition of the OS 6-inch maps. The outline of a large oval enclosure (c. 84m NE−SW; c. 62m NW−SE) was revealed in contour mapping and 3-D digital surface modelling, undertaken in 2016 as part of a conservation management project (Beglane et al. 2016, 26-32). The results show an enclosing element, such as a leveled bank or wall, in a continuous curve S-N-SE; it peters out at SE−S, an area which coincides with steeply-sloping, wet, boggy ground. Aerial images and geophysical data also hint at the presence of an internal fosse. On the ground, only the NW−N arc of the enclosure can be traced, outlined by large stones and remnants of an earthen bank. Although no trace of a church (DG084-001013-) survives, a number of other monuments are evident within this ecclesiastical enclosure: In the S half, is an oval enclosure (DG084-001011-), the W half of which encompasses a graveyard (DG084-001002-), an altar (DG084-001008-) and three penitential cairns (DG084-001005-; DG084-0010006-; DG084-001007-); in the N half, there is holy well (DG084-084004-) with two penitential cairns (DG084-001009-; DG084-0010010-). A small enclosure (DG084-001012-) abuts the E side of the ecclesiastical enclosure. Further results from the geophysical survey (earth resistance data) revealed a series of complex subsurface anomalies including: a square feature (c. 6.5 x 6.5m) in the NW quadrant of the ecclesiastical enclosure; a possible ditch curving E−SW to S of the ecclesiastical enclosure, with its E end terminating at a clearly defined area of very wet soil to SE of the holy well, possibly indicative of deliberate drainage/water management, or even a mill; and two enclosure-like features (diam. c. 28m and 17m, respectively) one in the S half of the enclosure, and one immediately outside it at S (Beglane et al. 2016, 31-32; 38-40). The placename ‘Disert’, usually translated as ‘hermitage’, suggests an ecclesiastical/monastic settlement (Flanagan and Flanagan (1994, 69), but there is scant historical information on this site. In local tradition, the site has an association with St. Columcille, who is said to have blessed all the land he could see through the hole in a quern stone, which is located on the altar (DG084-001008-). Maguire (1920, 500) refers to the foundation of a Franciscan monastery at Disert in 1460, but there is no corroboration for this. Niall O’Boyle, bishop of Raphoe in the late 1500’s/early 1600’s, died in Disert on 6th February 1610, but his body was taken to Kiltoorish for burial. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of revised upload: 8 August 2017

• DG084-001002 Graveyard
  Description

  Located in the W half of an enclosure (DG084-001011-), which is enclosed within an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). This graveyard is not indicated on the 1836 OS 6-inch map; on the 1907 edition it is indicated as a rectilinear enclosure, with ‘Altar’ (DG084-001008-) marked in the N half, but it is not identified as a graveyard. It consists of a roughly D-shaped area (34m NE−SW; 12m NW−SE), which encompasses the W third of an oblong enclosure (DG084-001011-), which is in turn enclosed within the S half of the larger oval ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). The curving side at SW−N is defined by the low, sod-covered wall footings of the oblong enclosure, and the straight side at SE is defined by a ruined stone wall on NE−SW axis, which subdivides the oblong enclosure slightly W of centre. The interior is uneven, undulating and grass-covered; it slopes down to the NW in the N half. Grave markers consist of low, uninscribed upright stones, concentrated in a broad band extending roughly E−W across the centre of the graveyard; at least 34 were noted in this area. A discrete group of three low, upright stones were noted in the N of the graveyard, immediately NW of the altar (Beglane et al. 2016, Appendix 2). At the N end of the graveyard, there is a roughly built altar (DG084-001008-), located against rock outcropping. A penitential cairn (DG084-001005-) is located immediately to E of the altar, and two others (DG084-001006-; DG084-001007-) are located in the S half of the graveyard. On the NW boundary of the graveyard, there is a raised stony feature (5.8m x 1.8m; H 0.6m), and in the SW quadrant, there is a subrectangular depression (1.3m NE−SW; 1.9m NW−SE; D c. 0.3m), bounded by stone; the significance of these features is uncertain. (Beglane et al. 2016, Appendix 2). A cross-inscribed stone (DG084-0012003-) is said to have been removed from the graveyard. According to tradition, the graveyard was used as a community graveyard up to the 19th century, with occasional burials taking place into the early 20th century, and it was used for burial of unbaptized babies until the mid-20th century (Beglane et al. 2016, 15-16). It was also a traditional practice to collect soil from the graveyard, particularly from adjacent to the altar, as the soil was reputed to rid houses of rats (Ibid., 19). Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of revised upload: 8 August 2017

• DG084-001003 Cross-slab
  Description

  Located in a graveyard (DG084-001002-), which is enclosed within an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). According to local information, a small cross-inscribed slab was removed from the graveyard; its current whereabouts are unknown. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of revised upload: 8 August 2017

• DG084-001004 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  Located in the N half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-), and c. 15m N of a graveyard (DG084-001002-) which is located in the S half of an oval enclosure (DG084-084-001011-). This holy well is not indicated on the 1836 OS 6-inch map; it is named ‘St Columbkille’s Well’ on the 1907 edition. It consists of a natural spring confined within a shaft lined with roughly coursed stones. A wooden cover closes the top of the well. Two penitential cairns (DG084-001009-; DG084-001010-) flank the well. According to local tradition, water from the well is said to cure toothache, and ailments of farm stock. The traditional devotional ‘pattern’ or ‘turas’ began with the recitation of a set sequence of prayers (three Paters, three Aves, three Glories) at the well, followed by a walking circuit of the graveyard, with the same set of prayers recited at each of the three penitential cairns (DG084-001005-; DG084-001006-; DG084-001007-) within the graveyard. The penitential cairns were circled clockwise, and a small stone was placed on each cairn. Pilgrims then proceeded to the ‘arch’ enclosure (DG84-001012-), where further prayers were recited, and those with ailments climbed through the arch and placed a stone on top of it. The ‘turas’ concluded back at the holy well. (Beglane et al. 2016, 16-18; Appendix 2). Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of revised upload: 8 August 2017

• DG084-001005 Penitential station
  Description

  Located in a graveyard (DG084-001002-), within the S half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). One of three penitential cairns in the graveyard, this cairn is located in the N half, immediately to SE of an altar (DG084-001008-). It consists of a roughly circular heap (diam. 2.3m; H 1.2m) of small to medium-sized stones (Beglane et al. 2016, Appendix 2). The two other penitential cairns (DG084-001006-; DG084-001007-) are located c. 8m to SSW. These cairns are included in the traditional ‘pattern’ or ‘turas’, which commences at the nearby holy well (DG084-001004-), and continues as a devotional walking circuit of the graveyard, during which each of the penitential cairns is circled clockwise, with a small stone being added to each. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of revised upload: 8 August 2017

• DG084-001006 Penitential station
  Description

  Located in a graveyard (DG084-001002-), within the S half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). One of three penitential cairns in the graveyard, this cairn is located in the S half of the graveyard. It consists of a roughly circular heap (diam. c. 3m; H 0.9m) of small to medium-sized stones, partly sod-covered. There is a similar cairn (DG084-001007-) immediately adjacent at SE, and another (DG084-001005-) located c. 8m to NNE. (Beglane et al. 2016, Appendix 2). These cairns are included in the traditional ‘pattern’ or ‘turas’, which commences at the nearby holy well (DG084-001004-), and continues as a devotional walking circuit of the graveyard, during which each of the penitential cairns is circled clockwise, with a small stone being added to each. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 9 August 2017

• DG084-001007 Penitential station
  Description

  Located in a graveyard (DG084-001002-), within the S half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). One of three penitential cairns in the graveyard, this cairn is located in the SE of the graveyard. It consists of a roughly circular heap (diam. c. 3m; H 0.9m) of small to medium-sized stones, partly sod-covered. There is a similar cairn (DG084-001006-) immediately adjacent at NW, and another (DG084-001005-) is located c. 8m to NNE. (Beglane et al. 2016, Appendix 2). These cairns are included in the traditional ‘pattern’ or ‘turas’, which commences at the nearby holy well (DG084-001004-), and continues as a devotional walking circuit of the graveyard, during which each of the penitential cairns is circled clockwise, with a small stone being added to each. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 9 August 2017

• DG084-001008 Altar
  Description

  Located in the N of a graveyard (DG084-001002-), which is enclosed within the S half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). Not shown on the 1836 OS 6-inch map, but indicated as ‘Altar’ on the 1907 edition, this altar (Wth 1.05m; D 0.0.45m; H 0.63m) is roughly constructed of drystone walling. It is built against the NW side of a raised area (H c. 2m at N) of rock outcrop and boulders, which is largely obscured by sod and vegetation cover, with a rowan tree growing out of it. Three stone objects -a fragment of a quernstone, a cylindrical stone simply decorated around its circumference with grooves, and an undecorated cylindrical stone- rest on the flat slab that forms the top of the altar; another stone with a modern carving of a face was added in 2011. (Beglane et al. 2016, Appendix 2; Appendix 3). Mass was celebrated here during Penal times (Meehan 1997, 15). There is a penitential cairn (DG084-001005-) immediately to SE, and two others (DG084-001006-; DG084-001007-) c. 8m to SSW. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 9 August 2017

• DG084-001009 Penitential station
  Description

  Located adjacent to a holy well (DG084-001004-), within the N half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). This is one of two penitential cairns, which flank the holy well, and are associated with traditional devotional activities at the well. It consists of a mound of stones, mainly fist-sized but occasionally larger. A tree grows out of the mound. There is a similar cairn (DG084-001010-) immediately to W. (Beglane et al. 2016, Appendix 2). Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 9 August 2017

• DG084-001010 Penitential station
  Description

  Located adjacent to a holy well (DG084-001004-), within the N half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). This is one of two penitential cairns, which flank the holy well, and are associated with traditional devotional activities at the well. It consists of a mound of stones, mainly fist-sized but occasionally larger. There is a similar cairn (DG084-001009-) immediately to E (Beglane et al. 2016, Appendix 2). Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 9 August 2017

• DG084-001011 Enclosure
  Description

  Located within the S half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). This roughly oval or oblong area (34m NE−SW; c. 27m NW−SE) is defined by low sod-covered walls footings, in parts reduced to a slight scarp. A drystone wall on NE−SW axis subdivides the interior to W of centre. This wall marks off the W third of the enclosure, which serves as a graveyard (DG084-001002-), in which an altar (DG084-001008-) and three penitential cairns (DG084-001005-; DG084-001006-; DG084-001007-) are located. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 9 August 2017

• DG084-001012 Enclosure
  Description

  In pasture, abutting the E side of an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). This small enclosure consists of a subcircular area (c. 5m by 6m) defined by a low, sod-covered stone bank/wall, incorporating medium-sized stones and large boulders, which appears to overlie, and therefore post-date, the ecclesiastical enclosure (Beglane et al. 2016, Appendix 2). An entrance feature, known locally as ‘The arch’ or ‘St. Columcille’s arch’, is incorporated into the stone bank. It consists of two close-set, upright slabs (H c. 1m), with their long axes parallel. The two uprights support a horizontal lintel slab, on top of which is a loose heap of small stones. A large stone slab lies prostrate in the interior of the small enclosure. According to local tradition, pilgrims performing the ‘pattern’ at the holy well (DG084-001004-), located 35m to NW, incorporated this small enclosure into the ritual: those seeking a cure from backache squeezed through the arch three times, while reciting prayers, and then lay on the prostrate slab in the interior of the enclosure (Beglane et al. 2016, 18). Suggestions that the upright stones of ‘the arch’ may be part of a megalithic tomb have been discounted. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 9 August 2017

• DG084-001013 Church
  Description

  Located in an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). McDevitt (1865) records ‘a pretty dell, called Dysert, where are the grass-grown remains of an ancient chapel, and a well of St. Columcille [DG084-001004-]’, but there are now no visible remains of a church within the enclosure. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 9 August 2017

Architectural heritage

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

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 Disert, about 1 in 20 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. Parts of the land are water.

Terrain model

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

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 Disert with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Donegal.

Name

Disert

Area

4,798,985 m² (479.9 ha, 1,185.86 acres)

Civil parish

Inver, and its townlands

Barony

Banagh

Electoral division

Binbane, the unit of the census

Census 2022

169 people lived in 64 households in the Binbane electoral division. 89% of households owned their home. 29% of homes were built since 2001. 16% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 21% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Croankeeran, Doobin, Sallows

Gaeltacht

In an Irish-speaking area

Placenames

Disert 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.