Inishshark

93 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Inishshark, from 56 m² to 1,774,028 m² (177.4 ha, 438.37 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 11 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 Inishshark 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 Inishshark 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: Inishbofin and Inishshark SAC 000278
• Special Protection Area: High Island, Inishshark and Davillaun SPA 004144
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Inishbofin And Inishshark 000278

Recorded monuments

• GA009C001 Promontory fort - coastal
  Description

  At SW end of Inishshark. A substantial earthen bank running in roughly a straight line from Aill na nUibheacha cove on NW shore of the island to Fó Duilisc cove on SE, a distance of c. 460m. This cuts off the whole SW end of the island. Consists of a drystone-revetted earthen bank (Wth c. 4m) topped by a later stone wall. There are intermittent traces of possible huts (GA009C001001-) set into the thickness of the bank and of a fosse on SW side. The wall may be of 19th-C origin but the bank is probably ancient and may possibly be the rampart of a promontory fort (pers. comm. M. Gibbons). A field system (GA009C002----) lies to SW of the bank. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

• GA009C002 Field system
  Description

  On marginal land at SW end of Inishshark within the area cut off by GA009C001----. The fields are concentrated in the area between the deep sea coves of Fó Duilisc and Fó Tairbh. Large multi-period stone-walled field system covering an area 1.2km by 350m. Comprises a large regular pattern of fields extending NW from the coast (average field size 160m by 65m). One circular field (D 50m) noted with centrally placed hut (D 4m). A second hut (L 5m, Wth 4m) site lies close to cliff edge. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

• GA009C002002 House - indeterminate date
  Description

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

• GA009D002 Church
  Description

  At the SE end of the island. Reputedly the site of St Leo's 7th-C monastery (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 386). According to the 2nd edition of the OS 6-inch map (1898), the present late 19th-C ruined church (E-W; L 10.85m, Wth 5.2m) stands 'on site of St Leo's Chapel'. In 1869 'the east wall, with a lancet window and parts of the north and south walls' of this older church were standing (Kinahan 1869b). Evidence indicates that the N and E walls were incorporated into the later church as evidenced by the presence of large, roughly faced blocks, at a height of 1.25m above ground level, in the E gable wall and N wall. The sillstone of the original lancet window is also visible, indicating that this window was subsequently blocked up and replaced by the present narrower, smaller window, which was inserted on a slightly different alignment. Research excavations in 2010 indicated that the lowest courses of the earlier S wall formed the plinth for the later wall, thereby narrowing the width of the later church. The latter church is oddly asymmetrical with two unevenly spaced lancet-like windows in the S wall and only one that is placed slightly off-centre in the N wall (Kuijt et al. 2010, 57, 60). A doorway between the windows in the S wall was subsequently blocked-up and plastered over and access is now gained through the doorway in the W gable. ‘St Leo’s Cross’ or ‘Leac Leo’ (see GA009D003----), which was recorded as being set on the E gable (Anon. 1905, 42), and the broken cross-slab (GA009D002002-) noted in the church by Crawford (1913, 151) are now missing. An associated graveyard (GA009D002003-) was uncovered during the 2010 excavations (Kuijt et al. 2010, 60). (O'Flanagan 1927b, Vol. 1, 486; Higgins 1987, 317) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. The following images have been uploaded: GA009D002----_01.jpg View of E gable from E. Two phases of construction are indicated by the change in construction above the line of large boulders. GA009D002----_04.jpg View from SW. The plastered area between the two windows in the S wall marks the blocked-up doorway. Updated by: Olive Alcock Date of revised upload: 29 March 2023

• GA009D002001 Leacht
  Description

  On the SE side of Inishshark. Three ‘Monuments’ indicated by dots, roughly forming the points of a triangle, are shown on the 1838 edition of the OS 6-inch map immediately to the W of the W gable of the church (GA009D002----). No visible surface traces of any survive. It is unclear exactly what the monuments were but it is possible that they were leachts or wayside cairns associated with the church. Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 29 March 2023

• GA009D002002 Cross-slab
  Description

  Crawford (1913, 151) recorded a 'broken slab with a cross incised on it' in St. Leo's Chapel (GA009D002----). It was not located during a site visit in August 1984. (Higgins 1987, vol. 1, 317) Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 21 February 2023 Crawford, H.S. 1913 A descriptive list of early cross-slabs and pillars. (cont.) Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 43, 151-69, 261-5, 326-34. Higgins, J.G. 1987 The Early Christian cross slabs, pillar stones and related monuments of County Galway, Ireland, 2 vols. British Archaeological Reports, International Series 375. Oxford.

• GA009D002003 Graveyard
  Description

  Associated with St. Leo’s Church (GA009D002----). Research excavations in 2010 along the E gable wall and the SE corner of the church uncovered evidence for multiple burials in this area. Five grave cuts were identified along the E gable and at least one at the SE corner. It is likely that the individuals buried here were revered members of the ecclesiastical community (Kujit et al. 2010, 60). Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 14 July 2016

• GA009D003 Cross
  Description

  Named 'St. Leo's Flag' on the 1839 edition of the OS 6-inch map and shown c. 16m to the SE of St Leo's Chapel (GA009D002----). This location was also noted in the Ordnance Survey Letters, where is was referred to as a 'stone Cross called Leac Leó' (O'Flanagan 1927, vol. 1, 237). On the 1898 resurvey of the map it is named 'St. Leo's Flag (Site of) and is shown on the E side of a roadway, c. 35m to the E of the chapel. By 1905, 'St Leo's Cross, the Leac Leo' was set on the E gable of the chapel and it was said to have 'a chalice carved on one side of it, and a human figure with hands outstretched on the other, the latter being supposed to represent a bishop (Anon. 1905, 42). On inspection in August 1984 both locations were checked but the cross could not be found. (Hardiman 1846, 115-17; Crawford 1913, 151) Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 21 February 2023 O'Flanagan, Rev. M. (Compiler) 1927 Letters containing information relative to the antiquities of the county of Mayo collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1838. Bray. Anon. 1905 Illustrated guide to the northern, western and southern islands and coast of Ireland. RSAI Antiquities Hand Book Series, No. 6. Crawford, H.S. 1913 A descriptive list of early cross-slabs and pillars. (cont.) Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 43, 151-69, 261-5, 326-34. Hardiman, J. (ed) 1846 A chorographical description of West or H-Iar Connaught written in A.D. 1684 by Roderic O'Flaherty, Esq. Dublin.

• GA009D004 Leacht
  Description

  On a slight rise at the SE end of Inishshark, c. 75m to the NE of ‘Clochan Leo’ (GA009D005----). Named 'Monuments' on the 1938 edition of the OS 6-inch map. A leacht (3m E-W ext.; 2.4m N-S ext., H 0.5m) was identified here in 2008 by Kuijt et al. (2010, 61, 63-4) during the course of fieldwork. It is well preserved and is defined by a number of courses of stone. It is heavily overgrown with vegetation and a large stone with a shallow hollow on its surface is lying on top of it. According to local information, this stone was believed to have curative powers (SMR file). Compiled by: Olive Alcock Updated by: Olive Alcock Date of revised upload: 29 March 2023

• GA009D005 Ecclesiastical enclosure
  Description

  On rock outcrop close to the SE shore of Inishshark. This oval enclosure (17.8m by 13.5m) is reputedly associated with St Leo (O'Flanagan 1927b, Vol. 1, 238). When visited in 1984 it was defined by a drystone wall (Wth 3m) faced on both sides. There was a narrow entrance (Wth 1.2m) at NNE. A roofless subrectangular clochan (GA009D005001-) was visible in the W half of the interior, with possible traces of a possible second one (GA009D005002-), almost gone, in the E half. The enclosure has subsequently been planned and surveyed in detail (see Kuijt et al. 2010, 56-9). It has been suggested that a line of five in situ head or footstones noted during this work, to the N of the possible clochan (GA009D005002-), may be coeval with the enclosure but they may also suggest a secondary use of the enclosure as a burial ground, possibly for children. (Kinahan 1869b) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. The following image has been uploaded: GA009D005----_01.jpg Entrance to enclosure at NNE with clochan (GA009D005001-) in background. Revised by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 14 July 2016

• GA009D005001 Clochan
  Description

  On a knoll on the SE end of Inishshark, within the W half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (GA009D005----). On inspection in August 1984, this much-collapsed drystone clochan (int. dims. 3.8m E-W; 2m N-S; wall Wth 1.1-1.2m; H 0.9-1.2) was roughly subrectangular in plan and the walls survived to a height of four or five courses. Internally the SE and NW corners were slightly rounded and the inward projecting of the walling indicated it was corbelled. The entrance (Wth 0.6m) at the SE corner was clearly defined internally and partially collapsed externally (SMR file). The clochan has subsequently been planned as part of a survey of the monuments on the island (Kuijt et al. 2010, 56-9) and during the course of this work a cross-inscribed stone (GA009D005003-) was noted in the internal wall-face directly opposite the doorway. A second possible clochan (GA009D005002-) lies in the E half of the enclosure (ibid.). The following image has been uploaded: GA009D005001-_01.jpg View from W with possible clochan (GA009D005002-) visible as scatter of stones in background. Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 29 March 2023

• GA009D005002 Clochan
  Description

  On a knoll on the SE end of Inishshark, within the E half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (GA009D005----). On inspection in August 1984, this possible clochan was defined by a spread of loose stone c. 3m by 2m with faint traces of wall-facing along the S. It has subsequently been planned (ext. dims. 6.45m N-S; 4.73 E-W) and Kuijt et al. (2010, 56-7) suggest the possibility that it may also be a dilapidated leacht. The following image has been uploaded: GA009D005001-_01.jpg View from W. Visible as a scatter of stones to the rear of clochan (GA009D005001-). Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 29 March 2023

• GA009D005003 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  At the SE end of Inishshark. A large stone block bearing a small simple incised cross is visible on the internal wall-face of a clochan (GA009D005001-) located in the W half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (GA009D005----). The stone is directly opposite the entrance of the clochan, which is at the SE corner (Kuijt et al. 2010, 56-7). The following image has been uploaded: GA009D005003-_01.jpg View from E Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 29 March 2023

• GA009D006 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  On E side of Fuagh Leo (Ooghleo on OS 6-inch map) on S shore of the island. Tobar Leo consists of a small irregularly shaped natural rockpool on a ledge, fed from a spring in the rock face above it. (O'Flanagan 1927b, Vol. 1, 486; Westropp 1911, 74) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

• GA009D007 Leacht
  Description

  At the SE end of Inishshark. Indicated in name only, in Roman script, on the 1838 edition of the OS 6-inch map, this ‘Monument’ was probably associated with St Leo. No visible surface trace of it was noted on inspection in August 1984 and it is not precisely located. It may have been similar to leacht located c. 85m to the NW (see GA009D004----) or it could have been a wayside cairn (Kuijt et al. 2010, 63-4). (Gosling 1993, 170, no. 963) Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 29 March 2023

• GA009D008 Burial ground
  Description

  On a small headland immediately to the NW of the quay at the SE end of Inishshark. On inspection in August 1984, this roughly rectangular burial ground (23.8m NW-SE; c. 21.8m ENE-WSW) was bounded on the NW and NE by a drystone wall and on the other sides by eroding cliffs. Burials were marked by simple stone-lined graves, with head and footstones, and single grave-markers. Both adults and children were buried here. It was noted that the site was under threat from the effects of natural weathering and erosion (SMR file). The Cultural Landscapes of the Irish Coast (CLIC) project has been surveying and monitoring the burial ground since 2008. Following the significant storms of the winter of 2013-14, an updated survey was carried out (Kuijt and Lash 2017). It identified roughly 66 graves and while the best preserved were located in the NE of the burial ground and may be post-AD 1900 in date, it is likely that some of the graves may date to the medieval period. Most of the head and footstones were unworked and appeared to be of local stone. However, two worked stones (see cross GA009D008001- and possible cross-slab GA009D008002-) may be of medieval origin. It was found that three separate caves that extend many metres from the cliff edge are undercutting the burial ground and it is possible that 3m metres have been lost from the surface of some parts of it in recent years (ibid., 3, 5). (Gosling 1993, 175, no. 994) The following images have been uploaded: GA009D008----_01 View of burial ground from NW showing undercutting caves GA009D008----_06 View of grave-markers Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 29 March 2023 Kuijt, I. and Lash, R. 2017 Inishark cemetery survey and impact assessment. Inishark, county Galway, Ireland. Registration number - E001086 Inishark cemetery (GA009D008). Unpublished report for National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

• GA009D008001 Cross
  Description

  In the SW quadrant of the burial ground (GA009D008----) located on a headland in the SE end of Inishshark. This finely carved cross acts as the headstone of a grave. It may be of medieval date (Kuijt and Lash 2017, 5, Figs. 9 and 11). Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 30 March 2023 Kuijt, I. and Lash, R. 2017 Inishark cemetery survey and impact assessment. Inishark, county Galway, Ireland. Registration number - E001086 Inishark cemetery (GA009D008). Unpublished report for National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

• GA009D008002 Cross-slab
  Description

  In the SW quadrant of the burial ground (GA009D008----) located on a headland in the SE end of Inishshark. This possible cross-slab acts as the headstone of a grave; it has some shouldering and bears very faint incised cross (Kuijt and Lash 2017, 5, Fig. 10). It may be of medieval date. Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 30 March 2023 Kuijt, I. and Lash, R. 2017 Inishark cemetery survey and impact assessment. Inishark, county Galway, Ireland. Registration number - E001086 Inishark cemetery (GA009D008). Unpublished report for National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

• GA009D009 Enclosure
  Description

  On a prominent hummock close to shore at SE end of island. On inspection in August 1984, this rectangular enclosure (13.8m E-W; 13.3m N-S) was defined by a ruinous double-faced drystone wall (Wth 0.75m; max. H 0.3m) with an entrance (Wth 0.7m), flanked by two uprights, at the mid-point along its S wall. The interior was uneven and sloped to the SSW. A flag-revetted stone wall (Wth 0.5m; H c. 0.25m) with a rubble core, running N-S roughly through its centre, may have marked an internal division. A small subcircular annexe (D c. 2.4m) adjoined it at SW where there were also traces of a collapsed stone bank running S to the cliff edge (SMR file). The enclosure has since been part of an on-going archaeological research project on the island, which is investigating whether this could be a burial ground with a clochan at its SW corner (Kuijt et al. 2010, 60-63, 66-9). (Gosling 1993, 174, no. 987) Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 30 March 2023

• GA009D011 Pound
  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.

• GA009D032 Enclosure
  Description

  On a small grassy coastal headland flanked by steep gullies. Poorly preserved, almost square enclosure (L 13.3m, Wth 13.1m) defined by a grassed-over drystone wall. Well-defined entrance at W (Wth 0.65m). There are enigmatic bumps and hollows in the interior. A similar enclosure (GA009D033----) lies c. 50m to ENE. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

• GA009D033 Enclosure
  Description

  Located on N side of Inishshark in a sheltered position overlooking the Sound. This is a subrectangular enclosure (L 38m, Wth 22m), in fair condition, defined by a drystone wall. A small annexe (possibly a hut) adjoins it on W. Short stretches of field walls run off from it to NW for 35m, and to E for 10m (info. M. Gibbons). Not visited. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

Architectural heritage

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

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 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 Inishshark.

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 Inishshark with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Galway.

Name

Inishshark · Inis Airc

Area

2,506,739 m² (250.67 ha, 619.43 acres)

Civil parish

Inishbofin, and its townlands

Barony

Ballynahinch

Electoral division

Inishbofin, the unit of the census

Census 2022

184 people lived in 80 households in the Inishbofin electoral division. 69% of households owned their home. 33% of homes were built since 2001. 15% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 31% were holiday homes.

Placenames

Inishshark 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.