Ballyseedy

87 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Ballyseedy, from 35 m² to 438,322 m² (43.83 ha, 108.31 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 34 neighbouring parcels touch it.

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

No zone of a development plan covers Ballyseedy 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.

• 22 Apr 2026Conditional

  Retention permission to a) retain sunroom to rear of dwelling b) retain existing shed on site (c) retain existing dwelling within revised boundaries (d) retain existing bay window as constructed and Planning Permission to (e) Construct an extension to my dwelling consisting of ancillary family accommodation, (f) Decommission an existing septic tank, (g) Install a new mechanical treatment unit and polishing filter, (h) demolish an existing shed on site and (i) construct all associated site works

  Retention · Kerry County Council, 2660347

• 3 Dec 2025Conditional

  Permission to construct a new easy feed slatted unit complete with slatted slurry tanks, feed passage and all ancillary site works

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 2561124

• 2 Dec 2025Conditional

  (1) Retain 12 no. single storey, 2 person, prefabricated accommodation cabin, in revised location and all associated sites works carried out to facilitate the foregoing development (further to Planning Reg; Ref 24/352), (2) Planning Permission to erect a Bat Roost (as per condition No. 6 of Planning Reg; Ref 24/352).

  Retention · Kerry County Council, 25287

• 30 Aug 2024Conditional

  (1) ERECT 12 NO. SINGLE STOREY, 2 PERSON , PREFABRICATED ACCOMMODATION CABINS (2) CARRY OUT ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS TO FACILITATE THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 24352

• 27 Sept 2023Conditional

  Construct an extension containing a kitchen and store room to existing conference/meeting room building granted permission under Planning Reg. No. 19/1216 including all ancillary services and areas at Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Ballyseede, Tralee, Co. Kerry which is a protected structure.

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 2360186

• 7 Jul 2023Refused

  CONSTRUCT A DWELLING HOUSE SERVED BY AN EFFLUENT TREATMENT TANK AND SAND POLISHING FILTER

  Extension of duration · Kerry County Council, 189917

• 25 Aug 2022Refused

  CONSTRUCT A SINGLE DWELLING WITH A MECHANICAL TREATMENT SYSTEM AND RAISED POLISHING FILTER, ALL WITH ASSOCIATED WORKS

  Permission, 1 home · Kerry County Council, 22894

• 23 Dec 2021N/a

  CONSTRUCT THE FOLLOWING WORKS: (1) AN EXTENSION TO THE HOTEL SPA, COMPRISING NEW SAUNA, STEAM ROOM AND SALT ROOM, (2) AN ENCLOSED EXTERNAL COURTYARD WITH HOT-TUB/PLUNGE-POOL AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES, (3) ALL ASSOCIATED CIRCULATION AND ANCILLARY SPACES TO SERVE THE WORKS, (4) ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS TO FACILITATE THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 211524

• 19 Oct 2021Conditional

  (A) RETENTION PERMISSIN TO RETAIN EXTENSION TO REAR OF DWELLING HOUSE (B) RETENTION PERMISSION TO RETAIN CHANGE OF USE OF EXISTING INTEGRATED GARAGE IN EXISTING DWELLING HOUSE AS APPROVED UNDER PLANNING REG. NO. 74/203 TO 2 NO. BEDROOMS AND EN ENSURE (C) RETENTION PERMISSION TO RETAIN INTEGRATED BOILER HOUSE TO REAR OF DWELLING HOUSE (D) RETENTION PERMISSION TO REAIN ALL THE ASSOCIATED ELEVATION CHANGES TO THE DWELLING HOUSE (E) RETENTION PERMISSION TO RETAIN STORAGE SHED TO THE REAR OF DWELLING HOUSE (F) RETENTION PERMISSION TO RETAIN STORAGE BUILDINGS TO THE REAR OF THE DWELLING HOUSE (G) PLANNING PERMISSION TO DECOMMISSION EXISTING SEPTIC TANK AND INSTALL A SECONDARY TREATMENT UNIT AND SAND POLISHING FILTER (H) RETENTION PERMISSION TO RETAIN ALL EXISTING ON-SITE STRUCUTRES WITHIN REVISED SITE BOUNDAIRES ALL LOCATED

  Retention, 1 home · Kerry County Council, 211192

• 12 Aug 2021Conditional

  ERECT A NEW BUNGALOW STYLE DWELLING HOUSE COMPLETE WITH A MECHANICAL TREATMENT UNIT AND POLISHING FILTER AND ALL ANCILLARY SITE WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDIG ENTRANCE ON TO PUBLIC ROAD

  Permission, 1 home · Kerry County Council, 21927

• 9 Jul 2021N/a

  ERECT A NEW BUNGALOW STYLE DWELLING HOUSE COMPLETE WITH A MECHANICAL TREATMENT UNIT AND POLISHING FILTER AND ALL ANCILLARY SITE WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING ENTRANCE ON TO PUBILC ROAD

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 21772

• 18 Sept 2020Conditional

  (1) CONSTRUCT A STAND-ALONE MARRIAGE CEREMONY BUILDING AND CARRY OUT ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS TO FACILITATE THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 20854

• 3 Jul 2020Conditional

  CONSTRUCT A PRIVATE SINGLE SOTREY DWELLING SERVICED BY A MECHANICAL TREATMENT UNIT, INTERMITTENT FILTER AND POLISHING FILTER. WITH A VEHICULAR ENTRANCE AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS ( THE SITE CURRENTLY HAS PERMISSION FOR A DWELLING AS GRANTED IN 18/1000)

  Permission, 1 home · Kerry County Council, 20586

• 29 Nov 2019Conditional

  CONSTRUCT A NEW DETACHED BUILDING WHICH WILL BE USED AS A CONFERENCE / MEETING ROOM AND TOILET INCLUDING AL ANCILLARY SERVICES AND AREAS. THIS IS A PROTECTED STRUCTURE

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 191216

• 22 Nov 2019Conditional

  CONSTRUCT AN EXTENSION CONTAINING ADDITIONAL TOILETS INCLUDING ALL ANCILLARY SERVICES AND AREAS. THIS IS A PROTECTED STRUCTURE

  Permission, 1 home · Kerry County Council, 191195

• 18 Feb 2019N/a

  CONSTRUCT A STRAW BEDDED SHEEP HOUSE WITH AN EFFLUENT TANK ON MY LAND

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 19145

• 4 Dec 2018Conditional

  CONSTRUCT A SINGLE STOREY DWELLING WITH ATTIC ACCOMMODATION, SERVICED BY A MECHANCIAL TREATMENT UNIT, INTERMITTENT FILTER AND POLISHING FILTER WITH ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS& DEVELOPMENT OF AN ACCESS DRIVEWAY

  Permission, 1 home · Kerry County Council, 181188

• 19 Oct 2018Conditional

  CONSTRUCT A PRIVATE SINGLE STOREY DWELLING SERVICED BY A MECHANICAL TREATMENT UNIT, INTERMITTENT FILTER AND POLISHING FILTER WITH ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Permission, 1 home · Kerry County Council, 181000

• 20 Sept 2018Refused

  CONSTRUCT AN EXTENSION CONTAINING A NEW BEDROOM, STORE, GUEST DINING ROOM AND TOILETS INCLUDING ALL ANCILLARY SERVICE AREAS

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 18917

• 13 Jun 2018Conditional

  CONSTRUCT A SINGLE STOREY DWELLING HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA, A NEW SITE ENTRANCE AND ANCILLARY SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS

  Permission, 1 home · Kerry County Council, 18565

• 21 Feb 2018Refused

  CONSTRUCT A SINGLE STOREY DWELLING HOUSE, SEPTIC TANK AND PERCOLATION AREA, A NEW SITE ENTRANCE AND ANCILLARY SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS

  Permission, 1 home · Kerry County Council, 18154

• 11 Aug 2017Conditional

  DEMOLISH EXISTING STORAGE AREA AND EXTERNAL FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS AND PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT A STORAGE AREA, STAFF ROOM AND EXTERNAL FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS INCLUDING ALL ANCILLARY SERVICES AND AREAS AT BALLYSEEDE CASTLE HOTEL WHICH IS A PROTECTED STRUCTURE

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 17787

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: Ballyseedy Wood SAC 002112

Recorded monuments

• KE029-183 House - 17th century
  Description

  According to a local history book from Ballymacelligott (published c. 1998) by Active retirement group (poss), the present Ballyseedy (Bailte Ó Síoda) House is built on location of an earlier castle (SMR file). However the ruins of a building in Ballyseedy Wood is locally believed to represent the remains of Ballyseedy Castle built c. 1627 by Robert Blennerhassett of Ballycarty Castle, possibly on the site of a medieval Geraldine castle. There is no historical evidence to suggest that there was a medieval castle in the townland of Ballyseedy. The lands of Ballyseedy formed part of the estate of the medieval castle of Ballycarty located in the adjoining townland. Col. John Blennerhassett was possibly the last to live at old Ballyseedy Castle (KE029-183---). He was living there as of 1756. Soon after the death of Col. John Blennerhassett in 1775 (or maybe even before) Ballyseedy Castle was abandoned and fell into ruin.The name "Ballyseedy" was adopted c.1821 by the new Ballyseedy House (formerly Elm Grove) a mile to the E. Sir Edward Denny, Knt, of Tralee on 14th August 1590 granted lands in Co.Kerry, including the adjoining townlands of Ballycarty and Ballyseedy, to Thomas Blennerhassett of Flimby, Cumberland, on rendering “one red rose at the festival [of the martyrdom of] Saint John the Baptist" (29th August) and payment of “six pounds sterling” per year rent. Following this grant, Thomas’ son Robert Blennerhassett settled in Co.Kerry, initially at Ballycarty Castle (KE038-043---), a Geraldine fort on the south bank of the River Lee. Following the upheavals of the Cromwellian period and the 1641 Irish rebellion, John Blennerhassett of Ballycarty in 1654 lodged a claim to re-establish his ownership of the Ballyseedy estate. This was successful and at about this date he moved, with his family, from their home at Ballycarty to Ballyseedy. Ballyseedy, like Ballycarty, had originally been a Geraldine fort, also lying on the south bank of the River Lee. It was and is adjacent to a fine clear spring of fresh water, known locally as “Puck’s Well”. The Blennerhassetts built their house adjoining and incorporating the old fort, from which it took the name Ballyseedy Castle. The ruins of both the Geraldine fort and the Blennerhassett house, together here called “old” Ballyseedy, are known locally as “Puck’s House”. They may be seen just inside the western end of Ballyseedy Wood, which in 2007 became a public woodland park. Col. John Blennerhassett, father of the Irish House of Commons and known as "The Great Colonel John", was born c. 1691/2, probably at “old” Ballyseedy. On succeeding to the Ballyseedy estate in 1708 he had in 1721 built “Elm Grove”, a large country house a mile or more away at the opposite, eastern, end of Ballyseedy Wood. His youngest brother William Blennerhassett Sr remodelled Elm Grove c1780 “…as an immense house…”, this being completed by his son William Blennerhassett Jr c1788 (http://www.blennerhassettfamilytree.com/The-Ballyseedy-Entail.php). In 1689 there was a legal agreement between 'Charles McCarthy More of Pallis, Esq., further perfected a bond bearing equal date with these presents unto John Blenner Hassett of Ballyseedy, gent., of three hundred thirty [? nine] pounds four shillings for the payment of one hundred sixty-five pounds and twelve shillings on demand for and in consideration of a stock of sheep consisting of five hundred [? and over], a stock of black cattle consisting of seventy cows and six and thirty calves, sixteen oxen [paper perished here}, bulls, nine " stood " [stud] mares, six colts, twenty-two garrons and garron mares and one colt, one grey stable mare, one grey stable stoned horse, one bay stoned colt, three " reekes " [ricks] pf wheat, one of oats, and a fourth rick of wheat, all valued at one hundred sixty-five pounds twelve shillings, for ever together with the use of east and west Ballyseedy, excepting so much of them as is already set to tenants, the lands of BallymcThomas and Gortbrack, Dromavaly, and Cahir[? gual], etc., as by the said bond . . .' Provides for management of stock, etc., up to May 1st following when the agreement comes into force' (MacLysaght 1942, 388). Only the E gable (int. L. 4.85m; ext. dims. c. 5.5m) of the 17th century Ballyseedy House with the short return of the S side wall (L 4.75m; wall T 0.8m) survives intact of the residence of Colonel John Blennerhassett of Ballyseedy. The E gable (ext. Wth 2.2m; D 0.65m) has a tall rectangular shouldered chimneystack which protrudes beyond the external face of the S gable. A large fireplace is visible in the centre of the E gable with tall flor to ceiling window to S of fireplace. A second fireplace is visible at first floor level located off centre to N in the E gable. There are no surface remains visible of the N or W wall of this house. The E splay of a tall floor to ceiling window embrasure is visible in the upstanding section of the S wall, with second splay of a window visible in this wall to W of window splay. A stringcourse marking the ground and first floor levels is visible above the window opening in the S wall. The s wall stands one storey high while the E gable stands to full height which appears to have been two storeys high possibly with a dormer attic level. A complex range of buildings of unknown form and function which locally has been described as a folly stands 15m to the W and may be ancillary or courtyard buildings associated with the 17th century house, a 17th century mill stands 20m N of the house on the S side of the River Lee. This house stood on the N side of a metalled road known locally as the coach road which runs through the present woodland of Ballyseedy. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 1 June 2022

• KE029-329 Water mill - unclassified
  Description

  Only a fragment of the SW angle of the S gable wall (L 4.6m x H 0.4-0.2m; Wall T 0.8m) of a possible 17th century watermill standing on the S side of the River Lee survives intact. The S wall of the watermill appears to have recently collapsed, and has fallen intact into the bed of the river which is still visible. This water mill stands in Ballyseedy Wood to the N of the 17th century Ballyseedy House (KE029-183----) and was probably the 17th century watermill belonging to the manor of Ballyseedy. The S wall of the watermill supported a two storey high gable with window in apex of gable with corner pilasters (Wth 0.7m x D 1.25m; H 3.1m) protruding from the corner of the S gable on SE and SW angles in a similar fashion to church antae. A reconstruction drawing of the watermill beside Ballyseedy house described this S gable of the watermill as the; 'end gable with one window opening. This structure appears to be a two storey, thatched water mill of late 17th to early 18th century date. A surviving millrace exists to the south of the structure'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 1 June 2022

• KE038-016 Enclosure
  Description

  See field inspection report (diary NF8, 42-3) (SMR file). According to the report, there is no surface trace of this enclosure (OSI AP 3259/3258 21/07/1983) on the ground.

• KE038-021 Church
  Description

  National Monument No. 10067. Ballyseedy (Bailte Ó Síoda/O'Sheedy's town) is a parish in the diocese of Ardfert. The 1302-07 Papal Taxation of the Deanery of Hac[nye] in the Diocese of Ardfert valued the church of ‘Balisida’ as 10s. per annum with the tenth valued at 12d. (Cal. doc. Ire., Vol. 5, 296). In 1307 in a dispute between Philip le Furetter and Hugh de Barry, there is a reference to Nicholas O'Molran who was described as 'a felon who abjured [renounce by oath] of the land out of the church of Ballysyd' (Cal. justic. rolls, Ire. Edw. I , Vol. 2, 409-10). In 1615 the Royal Visitation of the Diocese of Ardfert there is a reference to Jessy Gilbert, reading minister and the vicarage of 'Baltosyea' which was then valued at £6 (Murphy 1915, 183) Overgrown ivy-covered church ruins (int. dims. 14.1m E-W x 6m N-S; Wall T 1.05m) standing in NW quadrant of graveyard (KE038-021001-) with 19th century Church of Ireland church (NIAH Reg. No. 21303801) 30m to S. Ballyseedy Church ruins described in 1841 as follows; ‘The old church of this Parish is situated in Ballyseedy demesne, and its walls are nearly perfect. It measures on the inside forty eight feet [14.6m] in length and nineteen feet six inches [6m] in breadth and its walls are three feet three inches [1m] in thickness and eight feet [2.4m] in height and built of quarried lime stones, and lime and sand cement. The East window is formed of brown sand stone and lime stone chiselled; it is pointed on the outside and divided into two lights by a stone mullion; it measures on this side (where it is placed at the height of four feet [1.2m] from the ground) five feet [1.5m] in height and one foot eight inches in width, each light seven inches. On the inside it forms a flat arch at top, is formed of thin stones in a rude style, and measures five feet ten inches [1.7m] in height and four feet [1.3m] in width. The doorway was on the South wall at the distance of fifteen feet [4.5m] from the West gable, but it has been recently rebuilt and no part of the old work of it is visible. There was a window on the West gable, but it was destroyed and the breach filled up with modern mason-work. This church is not three centuries old; it stands in a large grave yard much used as a cemetery (OSL). Church ruins described in 2008 (Buckley and Dunne 2008, 10-12) as follows; 'The ruin of this rectangular medieval church, 16.35m east-west by 7.9m north-south externally (internally 14.35m X 5.9m) is located in the northwestern corner of the graveyard. The church is almost completely overgrown with ivy and trees, with the exception of the exterior west elevation. Most of the walls survive either to full height or close to it. The eastern gable survives to around the same height as the side walls. Large tree roots are growing within the fabric of the building and on the tombs and are pushing out some stones which will eventually cause large areas of collapse. Two very large tombs are located within the interior on the eastern end, severely limiting access to the eastern elevation to a narrow gap between them. This is currently impassable due to brambles. However, limited difficult access to the east window was eventually gained and is described below. Immediately inside the southern doorway to the east, a grave has collapsed exposing a small opening through which the human remains can be seen. At least three other tombs are hidden beneath the growth at the western end of the church. Eastern elevation The eastern elevation is completely overgrown with ivy and is virtually inaccessible due to the location of tombs and overgrowth in general. Curry records it as 'formed of brown sandstone and limestone chiselled; it is pointed on the outside and divided into two lights by a stone mullion (ibid). Subsequent to clearing and scrambling a limited examination of the interior of the east window was possible. Apart from the window very little else could be seen and no fabric was exposed. It was apparent however that gable did not survive much over the height of the window. The window as Curry recorded is indeed twin lighted, 175mm in width, with intact ogee heads carved from limestone, most likely dating from the fifteenth century. The dividing limestone mullion, 140mm in width, also survives to full height, however the vertical central dividing section between the double rebate only partially survives. The exterior of the mullion appears to be sharply chamfered. The sides of the window are made with sandstone as well as limestone. The window is set in a widely spayed embrasure that expands from a width of 0.60m at the window to 1.2m at its outer limits. Two sets of draw bar sockets were also noted within the embrasure. The base or cill of the window and embrasure could not be determined due to build up of earth and growth however a measured current height of circa 1.7m was taken for the embrasure and 1.5m for the interior of the window. The outer voussoirs of the embrasure arch have been robbed out. The window is not visible on the outside. Southern elevation This side wall is almost fully obscured by ivy but appears to survive almost to full height. The entrance door is located towards the western end 4.5m from the southwest corner, where some of the rubble sandstone construction can be seen. The southern doorway was rebuilt just before Curry’s visit in 1841, who goes on to state that no part of the old work of the doorway survives (ibid). Access to the church interior is gained up a limestone step against which the dilapidated remains of an iron gate pivoting from the east side of the doorway. Western elevation The interior of the western elevation is completely obscured by ivy and was inaccessible due to the presence of tombs and overgrowth in general. The exterior of the west gabled elevation is the best preserved section of the church and survives virtually to full height. The limestone and sandstone rubble stone wall is almost free from ivy on its exterior. A blocked up window ope is also visible, c. 1.2m above present ground level. Northern elevation Virtually no access could be made to assess the interior of the north side wall that does appear to survive to a good height. A partially blocked up opening, 1.16m wide, and possibly a doorway is located 3.9m from the northeast corner. The exterior of this wall was inaccessible for assessment. See attached sketch plan surveyed by the ASI Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 26 January 2022

• KE038-021001 Graveyard
  Description

  Ballyseedy church ruins (KE038-021----) in NW corner of graveyard which has been extended to the S with Ballyseedy C. of I. church (NIAH Reg. No. 21303801) in centre of modern graveyard. Rectangular-shaped graveyard (dims. c 29m N-S x 78m E-W) depicted on 1841 ed. OSi 6-inch map. Graveyard described in 2008 (Buckley and Dunne 2008, 2-4) as follows; 'Ballyseedy graveyard comprises two sections; an older graveyard within which is the ruined medieval parish church, and a new, modern extension to the north within which is a recently restored Church of Ireland Church that dates from c. 1870. There are separate entrances for each section along the eastern boundary wall and there is no formal access point between the two areas once inside the graveyard. The western boundary of the modern area is formed by a cement rendered wall as well as a rubble sandstone wall to the west of the church. Barbed wire also sits on top of the concrete wall in places which also extends to form the southern boundary. The northern boundary also forms the southern boundary of the older area of the graveyard, and comprises a rubble limestone wall in a poor state of repair. The eastern boundary is constructed of rubble limestone and sandstone stone capped with modern concrete. A slight batter was also discernible along this boundary. Two entrances are located in the eastern boundary: one is currently in use while the other is located towards the southern end and is blocked up. The older area of the graveyard is bounded by a limestone rubble wall over 2m high to the north which is overgrown with ivy in places. The southern boundary is also of the same construct and is irregular in height due to collapse etc. The entrance gate is located in the eastern boundary. The western boundary was inaccessible due to the presence of tombs and the overgrowth of brambles at the western end of the graveyard. Access/egress to the modern area is gained through a double cast-iron gate set between two cut-stone sandstone and limestone piers capped with a modern concrete capping. A turnstile is located to the immediate south of the entrance gate. Access/egress to the older graveyard is gained through original wrought iron gates set between two large square limestone and sandstone piers. A turnstile is located to the immediate south of the entrance gate'. See attached photographs courtesy of Laurence Dunne Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 26 January 2022

• KE038-021002 Memorial stone
  Description

  Poorly preserved remains of the medieval church ruins (KE038-021----) of Ballyseedy standing in NW quadrant of graveyard (KE038-021001-) with 19th century Church of Ireland church (NIAH Reg. No. 21303801) 30m to S. 17th century wall memorial dedicated to the Sandes family was inserted into the partially blocked up E window embrasure which is partially covered by a large 19th century burial vaulted tomb. Only a short section of the incised Latin inscription is now visible as the remainder of the stone is blocked by the 19th century tomb. the top of the stone is decorated with incised S-shaped spiral of typical seventeenth century style. The visible section of the inscription reads; 'Hic Jacent.......Sandes Qui......Flore Spem........' Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 2 June 2022

• KE038-092 Cairn - unclassified
  Description

  'This low mound is located on top of a limestone reef which, despite not being very high, affords splendid views in all directions, but especially towards the south, where one of the mountain-top cairns at Clahane can be seen. The surrounding land is primarily grassland having been intensively cultivated, the nearby RMP KE038:16 is now little more than a cropmark in a grassy field. This low, 0.5m high mound contains much stone and has a circular central depression with a narrow entrance at south. The mound measures 10.5m N-S by 11.0m E-W, the average width of the enclosing bank being 4.00m in width. The bank survives best at north where it has a maximum height of 0.50m, the height of the bank decreasing at east and south to an average external height of 0.20m. The entrance, which occurs at west, represented by a narrow break in the enclosing element, is 0.75m in width, the enclosing element being 2.50m in width at this point. The central depression is c.2.50m in diameter and is 0.40m below the crest of the enclosing bank. The land owner has recently tipped tree-trunks, concrete blocks etc. in the interior. A semi-recumbent limestone slab occurs in the eastern part of the interior, measuring 1.40m long by 0.75m wide by 0.30m thick. It is partially embedded in the ground, and may still be in situ. Total dimensions of the site are 17.0m E-W by 10.5m wide N-S.' Compiled by Michael Connolly for the Archaeological Survey of Ireland as part of a survey of the Lee Valley area in 1996-97. Date of upload: 03 May 2012

• KE038-093 Embanked enclosure
  Description

  Located approximately 100m to the north of KE038-094----. It takes the form of a large circular earthen bank, which measures 50m N-S by 49m E-W and encloses a circular depression 27m N-S by 26m E-W. No trace of an external ditch could be found, and it therefore seems likely that the bank was constructed by scooping out material from the interior and piling it so as to create the enclosing element. This would also account for the dish-like appearance of the interior, which at its deepest is almost 2m below the level of the top of the bank. The bank has an average width of 9m and is 0.4m above external ground surface. As in the example of the embanked enclosure at Tonavane, the field in which this site occurs has undergone intensive cultivation, and so probably denuding this site considerably. This is probably the reason that it is difficult to trace the enclosing element at west, although the site can still be seen in its entirety from the colour aerial photograph taken from 5000 feet. Compiled by Michael Connolly for the Archaeological Survey of Ireland as part of a survey of the Lee Valley area in 1996-97. Date of upload: 3 May 2012

• KE038-094 Barrow - ring-barrow
  Description

  'Located in gently sloping hillside immediately to the east of a plantation of trees known as Monument Wood, this barrow lies in a field devoted to the growth of grass for the purposes of silage making. A circular platform 17.0m in diameter is enclosed by a fosse 4.00m wide and an external bank 6.00m in width, the overall diameter averaging 37.0m.The bank measures 0.30m above external ground surface, 0.40m internally with the central platform rising c.0.30m above the base of the fosse. No entrance was apparent. Its location in a field which has obviously undergone quite a lot of cultivation would explain the rather denuded state of the site.' Compiled by Michael Connolly for the Archaeological Survey of Ireland as part of a survey of the Lee Valley area in 1996-97. Date of upload: 03 May 2012

• KE038-095 Enclosure
  Description

  'The site affords excellent views from west through south to east. This enclosure is oval in shape. The enclosing bank is substantially denuded, and survives best at west where it is 6.00m in width. The average external height of the bank is 0.30m, internally the bank measures 0.50m in height. The interior is featureless and has a slightly dished appearance. Total dimensions of the site are 42.0m E-W by 50.0m N-S (this does not represent the true N-S extent of the enclosure as it has been truncated by the wood). No trace of a ditch, either internal or external could be found.' Compiled by Michael Connolly for the Archaeological Survey of Ireland as part of a survey of the Lee Valley area in 1996-97. Date of upload: 03 May 2012

• KE038-096 Enclosure
  Description

  'This site is situated on top of a large limestone reef, which is now partially tree covered. It has commanding views in all directions, but again, as in the previous example, the dominant aspect is southwards. The larger of the mountaintop cairns at Clahane is visible through a gap in the mountains to the south. The surrounding land has been intensively farmed, this reef having partially escaped due to the unprofitable nature of the rock outcrop. However cattle do graze on this grass-covered reef, and so the banks of the enclosure have been trampled and flattened. This site consists of a central enclosure surrounded at varying distances by portions of at least three banks, none of which completely encircle the central enclosure. The circular central enclosure is 37.0m in diameter and is constructed on a sharp slope. A noticeable drop in ground level is apparent from west to east, with the result that ground level at east is approximately 2.00m lower than the remains of the top of the denuded bank at west. The enclosing bank survives best at east, being 6.50m wide. At this point the bank is 1.60m high externally and 1.20m high internally. The bank is constructed of a mixture of earth and stone. A 4.00m wide break in the bank occurs at north west, but it is impossible to say for certain if this represents an entrance feature. This enclosure has a dished interior. When standing in the centre the view is predominantly eastwards, with some views to the north and south. All aspects to the west are blocked off by the sharp rise in ground level. Therefore it would seem unlikely that this enclosure was constructed as a habitation site given the steep gradient of the interior. Internally abutting the western interior of the site is an almost circular area of stone collapse, measuring 9.00m N-S by 8.50m E-W, with a 4.75m diameter central depression. This central depression is 0.50m in depth. Externally at west the area of collapse is 0.30m in height. At east, taking the fall of ground into consideration, the height or the area of stone collapse may be as much as 1.75m. Exact determinations cannot be made as this area is now grass covered. Partially surrounding this enclosure from west through to north is the remains of a low bank, 0.30m in height. The distance between the enclosure and this bank is 5.10m, the bank itself is 5.00m in width, and would appear to be constructed of a mixture of earth and stone. A faint trace of this bank can be discerned near the field boundary to the east, at a distance of 9.00m from the central enclosure. Surrounding this, at a further distance of 6.70m from the above bank is the remains of another bank, which curves in a wide arc from west through north to east. The distance of this bank from the enclosure varies, being 35.0m from the central enclosure at east, but only 17.0m from the enclosure at west. This bank is 5.50m in width, has an internal height of 0.25m and an external height of 0.40m.. It survives best to the west and north of the enclosure. This is probably as a result of its location on the limestone reef- the portion which lies in the cultivated field to the east is not as clearly visible, no doubt due to agricultural practices. The remains of a third outer bank survive from south west through west to north west at a distance of 29.0m from the second bank (51.0m from the central enclosure). This bank runs from a field boundary at south west and seems to fade out along the north western extent of the limestone reef. The landowner suggested that the bank used to be more prominent but had suffered from being walked on by cattle. The bank is now 6.30m in width, is 0.20m high internally and is 0.35m high externally. This seems to have been constructed entirely of earth. At a distance of 32.0m to the west of this earthen bank is a sharp drop, curving from south west through to west. This would appear to represent the outer western edge of the hilltop complex. The land owner has filled in hollows and dumped material here in recent years. Approximately 40.0m to the north of this reef is a large circular limestone cave/ hollow. It is estimated to be c.20m in depth and fills with water at certain times of the year. It may have some association with the hilltop enclosure on the limestone reef.' Compiled by Michael Connolly for the Archaeological Survey of Ireland as part of a survey of the Lee Valley area in 1996-97. Date of upload: 03 May 2012

• KE038-097 Enclosure
  Description

  This site was first noted on colour aerial photography and, while sections of the enclosing bank were visible on the ground in 1997, much of this bank has now been destroyed by land gradual land improvements. The site is located on a raised platform like area with outcrops of bedrock occurring intermittently around the perimeter. A low stone and earth bank, on average 1.8m wide and 0.30m high ran between and incorporated these bedrock outcrops. The bank was visible to the north, west and, intermittently, to the south. At the east the site was cut by a field wall and any evidence of the site in the adjacent field had been removed in the course of improving that land. Since 1997, this site has been gradually destroyed to a point where only short stretches of the enclosing bank and the rock outcrops are still visible. Total diameter of this large enclosure is 198m N-S. Above description is from 'Tralee Area Monument Catalogue' part of a PhD thesis submitted by Michael Connolly to UCC.

• KE038-098 Field boundary
  Description

  'A number of straight earthen banks running in all directions, which were first identified from aerial photography. The banks vary in length from circa 230m to 46m. Some of the larger examples can be seen, intermittently, at ground level where they are on average 0.30m high and 3-4m in width.' Compiled by Michael Connolly for the Archaeological Survey of Ireland as part of a survey of the Lee Valley area in 1996-97. Date of upload: 03 May 2012

• KE038-101 Cairn - unclassified
  Description

  'This low mound is located on top of what was once a very large spur of limestone. Approximately half of this hill has been quarried away, presumably for burning in the nearby lime-kiln. This kiln is located on the northern side of the hill and was in full scale operation until the 1950's (local information). The hilltop on which this mound is situated affords extensive views on all sides. The surrounding land is quite good, and is used for a mixture of meadow and strip-grazing. This mound is now grass covered, but probing with ranging- rods revealed the presence of a large amount of stone. The site consists of an elongated sub-circular mound 18m WSW-ENE in length, 13m in width at its more easterly end and 14m wide at its more westerly end. A low circular depression occurs also at the more westerly end, measuring 7.00m E-W by 8.00m N-S. This depression is 0.25m below the level of the mound at this point. The mound has a maximum height at its more westerly end of 1.20m. A low bank surrounds the site from east through north to west, at an average distance of 2.50m from the mound. This bank is 1.50m wide, 0.35m high internally and 0.50m high externally. At the south the bank seems to rejoin the mound, and this bank is not apparent at east. This would seem to suggest that this bank may actually be the remains of a kerb or revetment, the smaller stones of a possible cairn having been removed on the entire northern side of the site, with the southern side having escaped relatively unscathed. The overall dimensions of the site having taken this into account are 20.0m N-S by 23.0m E-W.' Compiled by Michael Connolly for the Archaeological Survey of Ireland as part of a survey of the Lee Valley area in 1996-97. Date of upload: 03 May 2012

• KE038-117 Enclosure
  Description

  'Located on the top of a limestone outcrop that rises sharply from the north, sloping more gradually down to the east, west and south, the site affords panoramic views to the south, east and west. The view to the north being obscured by Ballyseedy Wood. The site is difficult to trace at ground level, though low remains of a stone and earth bank can be seen to the south-west and east. This bank is on average 6.8m wide and 0.4m in external and internal height, at the east, there are indications of a possible internal ditch, 2.3m in width. Aerial photography suggests that the site is sub-circular, encompassing much of the plateau like surface of the reef and measuring approximately 98m N-S and 120m E-W. Two smaller enclosures/huts show up inside the larger enclosure on aerial photography. These features are impossible to trace on the ground and measure approximately 8-10m in diameter.' Description from ‘The Prehistoric Settlement of the Lee Valley, Tralee, Co. Kerry; A Landscape Perspective’ by Michael Connolly. PhD Thesis UCC 2008 Date of upload: 20 June 2012

• KE038-118 Enclosure
  Description

  'Located at the base of the gently sloping limestone reef, 125m east of KE038-117----, this site again affords good views to the west and south. The site is very difficult to see at ground level, though the approximate line of the enclosing element appears to be indicated by a very low undulation in the ground surface, visible on the eastern side. Aerial photography clearly indicates the presence of a circular enclosure approximately 55m in diameter. The presence of a darker line inside the undulation in the ground surface on the eastern side of the site may suggest that the enclosure is internally ditched.' Description from ‘The Prehistoric Settlement of the Lee Valley, Tralee, Co. Kerry; A Landscape Perspective’ by Michael Connolly. PhD Thesis UCC 2008 Date of upload: 20 June 2012

• KE038-119 Enclosure
  Description

  'Again located on limestone outcrop, affording good views to the south and west. This site is difficult to trace on the ground, though the enclosing bank can be seen curving over the slope of the reef to the north and to the west. The bank is represented by very low remains elsewhere. Where it survives it is composed of earth and stone 2.4m in width and only 0.25m in height. Aerial photography shows the site to be a circular enclosure measuring 60m in diameter.' Description from ‘The Prehistoric Settlement of the Lee Valley, Tralee, Co. Kerry; A Landscape Perspective’ by Michael Connolly. PhD Thesis UCC 2008 Date of upload: 20 June 2012

• KE038-162 Enclosure
  Description

  'Located on top of a limestone reef outcrop that rises sharply from the east and south but slopes more gently down to the west and runs along level ground into Ballyseedy Wood. The site affords spectacular view of the Sliabh Mis and Tralee Bay to the south, south-west and west. In effect the site is located on a limestone spur that runs out from Ballyseedy wood towards the south. Small intermittent stretches of low, predominantly stone banks, incorporating bed rock outcrop, delimit a semi-circular, horse-shoe shaped area. These stretches of bank are very short, on average 2m and occur irregularly. The average height of the banks is only 0.3m and width is 2.2m. Inside the site are a number of low humps which probing suggests are small, low cairns of stone, possibly clearance. Aerial photography clearly shows the site, which measures 75m N-S and 60m E-W at the point where it meets the woodland.' Description from ‘The Prehistoric Settlement of the Lee Valley, Tralee, Co. Kerry; A Landscape Perspective’ by Michael Connolly. PhD Thesis UCC 2008 Date of upload: 20 June 2012

Architectural heritage

• Ballyseede Castle, country house, 1740–1780 · National interest
  Description

  Detached eleven-bay three-storey over part-raised basement house, built c. 1760, now in use as hotel. Comprising three-bay entrance bay to centre with door opening approached by flight of steps, pair of three-bay full-height flanking bow bay windows and single-bay end bays. Five-bay side elevations with three-bay full-height bow bay window to south elevation and eight-bay west elevation with two-bay breakfront. Renovated and extended in Gothic Revival style, 1821, comprising seven-bay two-storey wing to north with pair of single-bay three-storey advanced turrets on square-plans to east elevation having battlemented roof parapets, pinnacles and ten-bay elevation to west with hood mouldings to openings and single-bay three-storey corner turret on a circular plan to north-west. Renovated, c. 1880, by J.F. Fuller for the Blennerhassets. Three-bay single-storey flat-roofed limestone ashlar projecting porch added to entrance bay and battlemented roof parapets added to main block. Renovated in latter part of twentieth century to accommodate use as hotel. M-pitched hipped slate roofs with lead ridge rolls, rendered chimneystack, and castellated parapets. Parapet is ashlar to house and rendered brick to wing. Rendered walls with limestone dressings to buttresses, ashlar parapet with merlons to house, castellated parapet to wing with ashlar turrets and bays and having ashlar blind openings to west. Timber sliding sash windows with rofiled limestone sills on brackets, limestone architraves and hood mouldings. Venetian window to staircase at rear. Limestone ashlar porch with crow-step gable having arched doorway with double-leaf panelled door. Casement windows to wing.

• Ballyseedy Church, church/chapel, 1860–1880 · Regional interest
  Description

  Freestanding double-height Gothic Revival style Church of Ireland church, built c. 1870, with five-bay nave, single-bay single-storey gabled projecting porch to south elevation, single-bay double-height lower chancel to east gable end having single-bay single-storey lean-to vestry projection to north-east corner and rose window to west gable end having bellcote to gable. Pitched slate roof with grey clay ridge comb, limestone copings to gables, plinth to east gable, off-centre bellcote to west gable, lower chancel roof, and having cast-iron gutters, hoppers and downpipes. Snecked limestone walls with red sandstone sill course and buttresses. Painted rendered walls to west gable. Lancet openings with red sandstone surrounds, tooled limestone sills and stained glass panels. Rose window to west gable containing four quatrefoils. Paired lancets to chancel. Double-leaf boarded door to porch. Graveyard to site with various cut-stone grave markers and mausolea, c. 1870-present. Gateway, built c. 1870, to north comprising pair of stone piers with wrought-iron gates. Gateway, built c. 1870, to east comprising pair of cut-stone piers with cast-iron gates.

• Ballyseede Castle, gates/railings/walls, 1820–1830 · Regional interest
  Description

  Gateway, built c. 1825, comprising four limestone ashlar piers with wrought-iron double gates, flanking pedestrian gates and curved quadrant walls with half-round projecting bays having blind pointed arches. Painted and rendered walls with stone copings and having arched blind openings with painted sills. Adjacent gate lodge demolished and replaced with single-storey house built c. 1975.

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 10 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

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

Terrain model

LiDAR of the Office of Public Works, flown in 2011, at 2 m: tile OPW_150 (ZIP).

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 Ballyseedy with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Kerry.

Name

Ballyseedy · Baile Ó Síoda

Area

1,735,717 m² (173.57 ha, 428.91 acres)

Civil parish

Ballyseedy, and its townlands

Barony

Trughanacmy

Electoral division

Ballyseedy, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Ballyseedy electoral division: 1,968 people in 638 households; 71% of households own their home; 48% of homes were built since 2001; 6% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 1% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Ballycarty, Caherbreagh, Caherleheen, Camp, Clashedmond, Curraghleha East, Curraghleha West, Manor East, Poulawaddra

Placenames

Ballyseedy 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.