Bray

32 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Bray, from 1,101 m² to 1,860,173 m² (186.02 ha, 459.66 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 5 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 Bray 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.

• 10 Aug 2017Conditional

  RETAIN ALTERATIONS TO ELEVATIONS TO HOUSE

  Retention, 1 home · Kerry County Council, 17781

• 20 Jul 2017N/a

  RETAIN ALTERATION TO ELEVATIONS TO HOUSE

  Retention · Kerry County Council, 17700

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: Valencia Harbour/Portmagee Channel SAC 002262
• Special Protection Area: Iveragh Peninsula SPA 004154
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Valencia Island Cliffs 001382

Recorded monuments

• KE087-001 Burnt spread
  Description

  In 1984 the remains of three burnt features - possibly hearths or fulachta fiadh - were exposed during drainage operations at Bray, Valencia Island. They were located in peat on a gentle, N facing slope, between Bray Head and Coosagauna. They survived as lenses of stone and charcoal, measuring up to .5m thick and 3m long. Lying on .8m of peat, they occured .6m below the present bog surface. The largest example yielded a radiocarbon date of 3160±90 BP (Mitchell 1989, 79). The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 403. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013

• KE087-002 Standing stone
  Description

  A possible ‘gallaun’, which is not marked on the OS maps, apparently stood at this location before its removal in the 1930s. It was described as standing over six feet (1.8m) high, and an iron ‘spearhead’ was reported to have been found during its removal (local information). The monument stood at the foot of the steep N slopes of Bray Head, and overlooked Emlagh bog and the Atlantic beyond. Some local reports suggest that it bore an ogham inscription. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 226. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013

• KE087-021 Hut site
  Description

  One of a group of five drystone buildings on the well-drained SE facing slopes of Bray Head, Valencia Island, overlooking the entrance to Portmagee Channel. Traces of broad cultivation ridges and field boundaries occur in the vicinity of the buildings and extend outwards over a wider area. The ridges curve to avoid some of the buildings. A possible corn-drying kiln (KE087-032----) is located about 170m SE of the group and may be related to it. The most northerly of the group is a circular hut of corbelled drystone construction. Its E half is largely denuded and its interior is littered with collapsed stone. Wall-niche in the interior at W. D: 5.1m N-S. H: 1.1m. T: 1.8m. A 3.3m stretch of a field wall is located 7m SSW of the hut. This may be the second hut referred to by Henry (1957, 95). The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1135. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-021001 Cultivation ridges
  Description

  Traces of broad cultivation ridges and field boundaries occur in the vicinity of the buildings [huts KE087-021----, KE087-022----; KE087-023----; KE087-024----; KE087-031----] and extend outwards over a wider area. The ridges curve to avoid some of the buildings. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1135. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-021002 Field boundary
  Description

  On the well-drained SE facing slopes of Bray Head, Valencia Island, overlooking the entrance to Portmagee Channel. Traces of broad cultivation ridges and field boundaries occur in the vicinity of buildings and extend outwards over a wider area. A 3.3m stretch of a field wall (KE087-021002-) is located 7m SSW of the most northerly of the group of huts. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1135. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-022 Hut site
  Description

  One of a group of five huts and located about 35m down-slope of KE087-021---- to SE. A drystone corbelled hut of almost square plan. The walls, with horizontally coursed faces, have collapsed at intervals. A basal row of upright slabs flanks the inner wall-face at SE, where a gap, 1.1m wide, may represent the entrance. Interior is filled with stone collapse. Here, Westropp noted lamb shelters (1912, 299). D: 6.1m 5.8m. H: .8m. T: 1.6m. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1136. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023 House - early medieval
  Description

  One of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. A second hut abuts its S side. The former, almost square in internal plan, measures 5.75m x 5.6m. Externally it is rectangular in plan with rounded corners. Only the N angle is rounded internally. Its corbelled walls stand to a maximum internal height of 1.5m and average 2.1m in basal thickness. They are faced internally and externally with coursed masonry and a number of slabs, which cross the corner from one wall to another, are cut to the form of the angle. A well-constructed lintelled entrance with slightly inclining jambs is located midway along the NE wall; it measures .8m wide at base and is 2.05m long. Westropp and Henry noted two protruding slabs on the inner sides of the entrance with perforations for door-frame posts (1912, 300; 1957, 94); only the S example remains in situ. The other lies outside the doorway. In the SE wall, close to the E angle, is a lintelled window ope which measures .55m wide and 1.35m long; this was interpreted as a flue by Henry and as a doorway by Westropp. There is evidence for a low external offset on this wall. The SW wall is poorly preserved and features a gap, 1.35m wide. A lintelled wall-niche occurs in the NW wall, close to the W angle; it measures .46m x .47m x .58m deep. A large block of quartz abuts the N external angle. Nine inscribed stones are incorporated into the inner face of the NW wall; a tenth occurs in the SW wall, while a further two are located on the S side of the entrance passage. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023001 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone A: KE087-023001-; A roughly rectangular-shaped stone, .51m x .2m, in the S side of the entrance passage, .5m below the roofing lintel. A well-preserved cross with slightly expanded terminals. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023002 Hut site
  Description

  One of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. A second hut abuts its S side. The former, almost square in internal plan, measures 5.75m x 5.6m. Externally it is rectangular in plan with rounded corners. Only the N angle is rounded internally. Its corbelled walls stand to a maximum internal height of 1.5m and average 2.1m in basal thickness. They are faced internally and externally with coursed masonry and a number of slabs, which cross the corner from one wall to another, are cut to the form of the angle. A well-constructed lintelled entrance with slightly inclining jambs is located midway along the NE wall; it measures .8m wide at base and is 2.05m long. Westropp and Henry noted two protruding slabs on the inner sides of the entrance with perforations for door-frame posts (1912, 300; 1957, 94); only the S example remains in situ. The other lies outside the doorway. In the SE wall, close to the E angle, is a lintelled window ope which measures .55m wide and 1.35m long; this was interpreted as a flue by Henry and as a doorway by Westropp. There is evidence for a low external offset on this wall. The SW wall is poorly preserved and features a gap, 1.35m wide. A lintelled wall-niche occurs in the NW wall, close to the W angle; it measures .46m x .47m x .58m deep. A large block of quartz abuts the N external angle. Nine inscribed stones are incorporated into the inner face of the NW wall; a tenth occurs in the SW wall, while a further two are located on the S side of the entrance passage. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone A: A roughly rectangular-shaped stone, .51m x .2m, in the S side of the entrance passage, .5m below the roofing lintel. A well-preserved cross with slightly expanded terminals. Stone B: In the NW wall, close to present ground level. A rectangular block, .33m x .15m, featuring a cross with widely expanded terminals. Stone C: Located one course above the previous stone in the NW wall. A roughly lozenge-shaped block, .51m x 19m, featuring a cross with expanded terrninals. Stone D: Above the smaller wall-niche in the NW wall. An irregular block, .51m x .15m, featuring a weathered cross with slightly expanded terminals. Stone E: Close to the present top of the NW wall. An irregular elongated stone, .65m x .13m, featuring a weathered cross with expanded terminals. Stone F: In the SW wall, close to the W angle. An irregularly shaped stone, .4m x .18m, featuring a rather deeply pocked cross with expanded terminals. Faint traces of an enclosing circle survive. Stone G: Close to the present top of the NW wall. An irregularly shaped stone, .46m x .17m, with circular motifs disposed on either side of a cross; all are weathered. Stone H: Close to the present top of the NW wall. A large, roughly rectangular stone, .84m x .21m. A cross with slightly expanded terminals featuring a small incised dot where the arms converge. Disposed on both sides of the cross, at slightly different levels, are two cross-in-circle motifs. That on the right is severely weathered. Stone I: Close to the present base of the NW wall. A stone of parallelogram shape, .32m x .15m, with a thin outer crust of quartz. Four circles are picked through the quartz surface. Stone J: To the right of the previous example on the NW wall. An irregularly shaped stone, .34m x .18m, featuring three concentric circles. Stone K: Towards the N angle of the NW wall, .41m x .16m. A roughly formed cross with expanded terminals on each side of which is a small circle. Stone L: Immediately below Stone A on the S side of the entrance passage. A long stone featuring two crosses; a plain cross at W and, at E, a cross with expanded terminals. The latter is partly buried beneath the infill of the passage. Abutting the S side of the hut is a poorly preserved rectangular structure, 7.15m x 4.45m internally, Its drystone corbelled wall stands to a maximum height of .9m and averages of 1.45m thick. It uses the S wall of the earlier hut as its N wall. The entrance is at E; only its N jamb survives. A large quantity of stone collapse litters the interior, and a lamb shelter is built into the NE angle. The latter feature was misinterpreted by Henry as part of a corn-drying kiln (1957, 94). The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023003 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone B: KE087-023003-;In the NW wall, close to present ground level. A rectangular block, .33m x .15m, featuring a cross with widely expanded terminals. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023004 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone C: KE087-023004-;Located one course above the previous stone in the NW wall. A roughly lozenge-shaped block, .51m x 19m, featuring a cross with expanded terrninals. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023005 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone D: KE087-023005-;Above the smaller wall-niche in the NW wall. An irregular block, .51m x .15m, featuring a weathered cross with slightly expanded terminals. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023006 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone E: KE087-023006-;Close to the present top of the NW wall. An irregular elongated stone, .65m x .13m, featuring a weathered cross with expanded terminals. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023007 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone F: KE087-023007-;In the SW wall, close to the W angle. An irregularly shaped stone, .4m x .18m, featuring a rather deeply pocked cross with expanded terminals. Faint traces of an enclosing circle survive. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023008 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone G: KE087-023008-;Close to the present top of the NW wall. An irregularly shaped stone, .46m x .17m, with circular motifs disposed on either side of a cross; all are weathered. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023009 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone H: KE087-023009-;Close to the present top of the NW wall. A large, roughly rectangular stone, .84m x .21m. A cross with slightly expanded terminals featuring a small incised dot where the arms converge. Disposed on both sides of the cross, at slightly different levels, are two cross-in-circle motifs. That on the right is severely weathered. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023010 Decorated stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone I: KE087-023010-;Close to the present base of the NW wall. A stone of parallelogram shape, .32m x .15m, with a thin outer crust of quartz. Four circles are picked through the quartz surface. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023011 Decorated stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone J: KE087-023011-;To the right of the previous example on the NW wall. An irregularly shaped stone, .34m x .18m, featuring three concentric circles. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023012 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone K: KE087-023012-;Towards the N angle of the NW wall, .41m x .16m. A roughly formed cross with expanded terminals on each side of which is a small circle. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-023013 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  Part of a group of five huts located about 80m ESE of KE087-022----. A carefully built drystone hut incorporating a series of twelve decorated stones. The motifs consist mainly of rough, equal-armed crosses, and display varying degrees of weathering. Stone L: KE087-023013-;Immediately below Stone A on the S side of the entrance passage. A long stone featuring two crosses; a plain cross at W and, at E, a cross with expanded terminals. The latter is partly buried beneath the infill of the passage. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1137. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-024 Hut site
  Description

  One of a group of five huts and located about 20m SSE of KE087-023002-. A poorly preserved hut of almost square plan. The walls are of drystone masonry surmounding a basal row of upright slabs. A .8m wide entrance, flanked by a pair of uprights, is located at ENE. The interior is filled with stone collapse, and three upright slabs here may be the remains of a lamb shelter. D: 5.5m x 5.3m. H: 1.1m. T: 1.2m. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1138. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-025 Enclosure
  Description

  Located on the well-drained SE facing slopes of Bray Head, close to the SW tip of Valencia Island, this site consists of a large, irregular enclosure associated with four other enclosures, several house sites and the remains of a corn-drying kiln (Mitchell 1989, 47-50). A number of surrounding fields with high lynchets may be contemporary with the remains, and a series of cultivation ridges (KE087-025003-) overlies the entire complex. The large enclosure is polygonal in plan and is defined by a bank of earth and stone which averages 1m high and encloses an area with an average internal diameter of 100m. Incorporated into its S side is a rectangular enclosure, measuring 25m 20m, the S side of which is undercut by the track that leads to the signal tower on Bray Head. Located about 7m N of this enclosure is a rectangular house platform, which measures 14m 7m. A possible entrance feature to this is located at E. Some 5m N of the house site are the remains of a stone-built corndrying kiln. These were excavated in 1993 and a charcoal sample from a drain associated with the kiln (KE087-025001-) yielded a radiocarbon date of 934±110 AD (Hayden 1994, 41). Overlying the N side of the main enclosure is a rectangular enclosure (KE087-025005-), which measures 30m x 7m. Extending from the latter's W side is an earthen embanked enclosure (KE087-025002-) which measures 40m x 20m. This contains the sod-covered foundations of a rectangular hut, 2.7m x 2.4m, a stretch of a curving bank which averages .7m high, and a shallow depression measuring 1.1m x 1m, possibly a borrow-pit. In the adjoining field to W are the earth and stone foundations of four house sites. Two of these average 12m x 4m and are subdivided into two rooms. The others are heavily disturbed by the overlying cultivation ridges. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 707. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE087-025001 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  Some 5m N of the house site are the remains of a stone-built corndrying kiln. These were excavated in 1993 and a charcoal sample from a drain associated with the kiln (KE087-025001-) yielded a radiocarbon date of 934±110 AD (Hayden 1994, 41). The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 707. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE087-025002 Enclosure
  Description

  Incorporated into its S side is a rectangular enclosure, measuring 25m 20m, the S side of which is undercut by the track that leads to the signal tower on Bray Head. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 707. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE087-025003 Cultivation ridges
  Description

  a series of cultivation ridges (KE087-025003-) overlies the entire complex. The others [features] are heavily disturbed by the overlying cultivation ridges. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 707. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE087-025004 House - early medieval
  Description

  Located about 7m N of this enclosure is a rectangular house platform, which measures 14m 7m. A possible entrance feature to this is located at E. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 707. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE087-025005 Enclosure
  Description

  Incorporated into its S side is a rectangular enclosure, measuring 25m x 20m, the S side of which is undercut by the track that leads to the signal tower on Bray Head. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 707. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE087-025006 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  Some 5m N of the house site are the remains of a stone-built corndrying kiln. These were excavated in 1993 and a charcoal sample from a drain associated with the kiln (KE087-025001-) yielded a radiocarbon date of 934±110 AD (Hayden 1994, 41). The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 707. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE087-025007 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. The remains of an oval house, which was truncated along the S and W arcs, was revealed during an excavation in 1997 (Hayden 1997). The oval house (ext. min. 6.7m N-S; Wth 5m E-W) was defined by a slab-lined wall (T 0.9-1.1m), which consisted of trenches (Wth 0.4m; D 0.25m) containing redeposited subsoil and small, vertically set flat stones. These were interpreted as being packing-stones which held larger slabs in place. Larger slabs would have originally revetted a sod or stone core. A break (Wth 0.6m) through the inner wall trench along the E arc, coupled with an adjacent post-hole, may be the remains of a doorway. No corresponding break occurred in the outer trench, but this trench may have held a low threshold slab similar to that in a nearby later house (KE087-025008-). Other features, in the form of a post-hole, a stone-lined terrace and pits and hollows, were uncovered at a similar strategraphic level but their relationship to this house could not be established. The house was cut through by a drain leading from the later house (KE087-025008-). The excavation of this and another house (KE087-025018-) showed that they belonged to the earliest phase (Phase I) in a successive sequence of at least six phases of construction in this particular area of Bray Head. An enclosure (KE087-025014-), the N arc of which lies 17m to the N, may be associated with this house. There is another enclosure (KE087-025002-) c. 5m to the S. (Hayden 1997; Hayden 1998, 81-2) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025008 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. The remains of this house were revealed during excavations in 1997 (Hayden 1997) and 1998 (Hayden 1999). This roughly oval house (6.2m NE-SW; 5.4m NW-SE) was defined by a drystone wall (T 0.8-1.1m) along the N arc and the remnants of a slab-lined wall, with earthen-and-sod core elsewhere. Many of the slabs retaining the sod wall remained in situ along two parallel, narrow slot trenches. The positions of the missing slabs were indicated by their respective sockets. An annular wall around an adjacent house (KE087-025017-) cuts through the foundation trench along the NE arc. Four small post-holes, situated within the N half of the house and parallel to the walls, may represent part of a ring of internal roof supports. An arc of closely set stake-holes, situated parallel to the inner wall-face along the N arc, may have been an internal post and wattle screen or some form of benching. The remains of another feature was interpreted as being some form of raised bedding or seating. A possible hearth (diam. 0.7m; D 0.1m) lay inside the doorway to the NW. An adjacent, stone-lined box feature (0.4m x 0.3m) was interpreted as being a pot holder or an area for specialised cooking (Hayden 1997). The NW portion of the hut site was refloored and this was overlain by a secondary, unlined hearth. A splayed doorway (int. Wth 1m; ext. Wth 1.4m) was situated at the SE where a vertically set threshold stone and a spudstone were uncovered. The doorway had originally been lined with large upright slabs, but only the trenches and packing-stones survived. Two perforated flagstones, presumed to have originally been used as hanging-eyes to hold upper door spindles, were incorporated as paving inside the doorway. A stone-flagged pathway (L 3.5m), consisting of a single line of large flat flags, extended to the SW from the entrance. Two main drains, which appeared to be contemporary with the house wall and pathway, branched out from the house in a SE direction. A section of the most northerly drain (Wth 0.4m; D 0.3m) was excavated. Close to the house the drain was stone lined whilst further away it was unlined. This drain bisected the remains of the earlier house (KE087-025007-). The second drain was stone capped but unlined. Samples of charcoal were taken from a series of drains situated further away from the house. According to Hayden (1998, 81), the results from this sampling are likely to date from the 6th or 7th century AD, based on similar excavated houses in the area. There was a souterrain (KE087-025011-) in the N portion of this house which predated the construction of the walls of the house. This house truncated the S portion of an earlier house (KE087-025017-) and was superseded by another later house (KE087-025010-). This house post-dates the enclosure (KE087-025014-). The excavation of this and another house (KE087-025015-) showed that they belonged to Phase III in a successive sequence of at least six phases of construction in this particular area of Bray Head. (Hayden 1997; Hayden 1998, 81-2; Hayden 1999; Hayden 2000a, 110-11; Mitchell et al. n.d.) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025009 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. The remains of the N portion of this circular house were excavated in 1997 (Hayden 1997). The walls (T 0.65-75m) consisted of a low earthen and stone mound along the W arc, of two vertically set stones lining a clay core at NW, and of an arc of large stones which curved around to the N and E. It was not possible to determine which of the stones in the latter section were in situ or were the result of collapse. The W wall may have been largely cleared away when an adjacent house (KE087-025010-) was built. The S half of the house was truncated by a field boundary. The excavation of this and another house (KE087-025012-) showed that they belonged to Phase V in a successive sequence of at least six phases of construction in this particular area of Bray Head. (Hayden 1997; Hayden 1998, 81-2) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025010 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. The remains of this house, which was excavated in 1997 (Hayden 1997), overlaid the remains of an earlier house (KE087-025008-). This rectangular house (5m N-S; 4.6m E-W) was defined by a drystone wall (T 0.7-1.1m; H 0.7m) along the N and E sides and by collapsed rubble along the W side; the S wall had been truncated by an enclosure (KE087-025002-). The drystone wall comprised of horizontally laid masonry. The house had been built into a shallow pit which was scarped into the hillside at N and had cut through the remains of another house (KE087-025019-). There was a doorway (Wth 0.6m) in the E wall which was lined with large blocks of stone. From the doorway the floor sloped downwards into the house. A projection of masonry (L 0.5m) beyond the entrance may have been the N side of an a porch. The level interior of the house was much disturbed by later cultivation activity. The W wall of an adjacent house (KE087-025009-) may have been largely cleared away when this house was built. Charcoal found on the floor of the hut site in 1995 was radiocarbon dated to between the later 9th and early 11th centuries AD. The excavation showed that this house belonged to the final phase (Phase VI) in a successive sequence of at least six phases of construction in this particular area of Bray Head. (Hayden 1997; Mitchell et al. n.d.) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025011 Souterrain
  Description

  In the N half of a hut site (KE087-025008-). This souterrain was excavated in 1999 and the following is a summary account based on Hayden (1999). It was found to have been built prior to the construction of the hut site. The souterrain comprised an earthen entrance passage, two drystone-built passages joined by creepways and two earth-cut chambers. Access to the souterrain from the hut site was via a square opening (0.5m x 0.5m) covered by a stone slab. This opening led to the entrance passage (Wth c. 1.5m), roofed with lintels, and unlined apart from the S end which had drystone-walling. A partially collapsed earth-cut creepway (Wth 0.35m; H c. 1m) in its W wall gave access to Passage 1. Passage 1 (L 3.75m; Wth 1.2m H c. 2m; long axis E-W) was drystone-built and its sides inclined inwards towards the roof, which consisted of two courses of large flat stones. A partially collapsed earth-cut creepway (H c. 1.1m) at the W end of Passage 1 gave access to Passage 2. This creepway was lined at the base of its sides by vertically set stones. Passage 2 (L c. 3m; Wth 1m; long axis N-S) was similarly constructed to Passage 1 and had an air-vent at its N end. An earth-cut creepway at the N end of Passage 2 led into the easternmost (L 1.85m; Wth 1.75m; H 1.2m) of the two earth-cut chambers. A creepway (L 0.8m; Wth 0.6m; H c. 0.5m) connected this chamber to the westernmost chamber (L 2.85m; Wth 1.6m; H 1.2m). A pit (diam. c. 1m; D c. 1m), filled with stones and redeposited subsoil, had been dug into the floor of this chamber and was considered by the excavator to be a sump. A construction shaft (2.7m x 1.6m; D 2.5m) for these chambers was found immediately to the N. Two lines of slots and stake-holes extended S from the S side of the souterrain and may have been related to its construction. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025012 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. The remains of the W half of this house was excavated in 1997 (Hayden 1997). This rectangular house (ext. min. 4.6m E-W; c. 4.3m) was defined by drystone walls (T 0.6-0.8m) along the W side and at the SW corner and by the remains of trenches which marked the line of the N wall. The walls were internally faced at the base by large slabs set upright. Horizontal-laid masonry formed the outer face of the walls and the upper part of the internal face. The trench along the N wall cut through the demolished rubble sealing of an earlier house (KE087-025013-). An internal dividing wall (on a N-S axis) was defined by two parallel-sided trenches which held the remnants of a slab-lined drystone wall. An underfloor drain extended (L c. 3.6m) in a SE direction from the internal NW corner to a possible sump in the E section of the house. The drain, which was excavated in 1999, retained a number of its capstones but was otherwise unlined. Another drain and a pit containing a quernstone were located to the W and SW of the house, respectively. Samples of seeds and charcoal were recovered from this house. The excavation of this and another hut site (KE087-025009-) showed that they belonged to Phase V in a successive sequence of at least six phases of construction in this particular area of Bray Head. (Hayden 1997; Hayden 1998; Hayden 1999; Mitchell et al. n.d.) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025013 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. The surviving portions of this house were excavated in 1997-8 (Hayden 1999), though the SE quadrant had been largely removed by a later house (KE087-025012-). The remains of this rectangular house (5.8m N-S; 5.2m E-W) were defined by a slab-lined, sod-core wall along the N end of the W side and along the N side. The N end of the E wall comprised of a drystone wall (T c. 1.1m; H 0.25m). The upper sections of the slab-lined walls appeared to have consisted of horizontally laid drystone masonry. The internal NW corner was right angled whereas the NE, SW and probably the SE corners were rounded. The house was scarped (D 0.6m) into the upslope to compensate for the hillslope. There was a doorway in the E wall, the N side of which was extant. A group of seventeen stake-holes occurred within the house, to the E of centre. Although they formed no recognisable pattern, they may have represented the placement or replacement of some particular internal fitting. There was a possible hearth at the centre of the floor where oxidised subsoil beneath some burnt material was discovered. Four small capped, unlined drains within the interior converged into a single drain at the doorway where it exited from the house. This drain, which was excavated in 1999, ran on a serpentine course to the E and S towards the doorway of another house (KE087-025016-), where it ended abruptly. Secondary burnt deposits within the house were found to have extended through the doorway and over the top of the drain. The building of this house removed the N portion of an earlier house (KE087-025017-). The excavation of this and another house (KE087-025019-) showed that they belonged to Phase IV in a successive sequence of at least six phases of construction in this particular area of Bray Head. (Hayden 1999; Mitchell et al. n.d.) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025014 Enclosure
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. Excavation of an early medieval settlement in 1999 (Hayden 2000a, 111) revealed the remains of the N arc of an enclosure. The arc, evident NW-NE, measured 1-2m in width and consisted of an 'external trench which held large upright stones revetting a core of sod and stones of varying sizes, with a stone lined inner face set partly in a less continuous and shallower scarped trench' (Hayden 1999, unpublished excavation report). A possible entrance (Wth 1.5m) was recorded at the NE and the excavator noted that it pointed towards an old routeway, known as Bóthar na Scairte (ibid.). The remains of numerous hut sites, built in at least six successive phases, were found in the area immediately S of the N arc of the enclosure. Although no evidence of the enclosure was found elsewhere 'the successive levels of the houses had suggested that the settlement was enclosed' (Hayden 2000a, 111). The enclosure predates the hut sites (KE087-025008-, KE087-025015-) of Phase III and has been assigned to Phase II (see hut sites KE087-025017-, KE087-025016-) but may also be associated with the hut sites in Phase I (see KE087-025007-, KE087-025018-) (Hayden 1999, unpublished excavation report). A corn-drying kiln (KE087-025006-) lies outside the enclosure c. 10m to the N. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025015 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. This area was excavated in 1999 (Hayden 1999) revealing the remains of an oval house (diam. c. 5m x c. 6m), defined by a slot trench (Wth 0.2-0.4m; D c. 0.3m) along the NE arc and by traces of a shorter and shallower trench along the W arc. The S half of the house did not survive to any great extent due to later cultivation activity. A stone-lintelled drain extended out from the E arc, suggesting (Hayden 1999) that the doorway lay along this section of the wall. Thick deposits of charcoal and ash covered the floor which itself was a layer of redeposited subsoil. In places the burnt material consisted largely of straw or reeds and may have been burnt thatch. Two hearths (diams c. 1m) were uncovered during the excavation, one at the NE and the other in the SE portion of the interior. Two post-holes in the NE part of the house may have formed portion of a support structure for the roof. This replaced another house (KE087-025016-) which lay immediately to the E, and also post-dates the enclosure (KE087-025014-). The excavation of this and another house (KE087-025008-) showed that they belonged to Phase III in a successive sequence of at least six phases of construction in this particular area of Bray Head. (Hayden 1999) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025016 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. This was excavated in 1999 (Hayden 1999) revealing the remains of an oval house (diam. 4.2m N-S; 3.6m E-W), defined by a drystone wall (T 1-1.2m; H 0.5m) S-NW and NE-E and by a slab-lined, sod-core wall NW-NE. The outer face of the drystone wall comprised of stones which were set at right angles to the line of the wall whereas the stones on the inner face were set along the line of the wall. The latter stones were set in a trench cut into the subsoil. The basal stone of a rotary quern occurred on top of the wall but it was unclear whether this was originally incorporated into the wall or placed there after the destruction of the house. The S portion of this house was partly truncated by the construction of another house (KE087-025008-), part of the N portion was truncated by a drain that extended from a nearby house (KE087-025013-) and the SE portion was disturbed by later cultivation. There was a central, unlined hearth (diam. 1.2-1.6m) which contained a succession of layers of ash and charcoal, some of which contained small burnt bird and fish bones. Several small stake-holes beneath and around the hearth attested to the use of supports for cooking vessels. Two post-holes and a line of stake-holes occurred within the interior. There was a doorway (Wth 0.8m) at the SE which was defined on its S side by a large stone. This stone lay on top of upright stones which lined the S side of a paved pathway leading from the entrance. The pathway was scarped into the hillside and lined on its uphill side by a drystone wall. The path extended (L 5m) E from the doorway and then turned to the S. The paving was composed of a number of layers of large flat slabs and included half of a quernstone. The construction of this hut site removed the NW portion of an earlier house (KE087-025018-). In turn, this later house was replaced by another house (KE087-025015-) immediately to the W. The excavation of this and another house (KE087-025017-) showed that they belonged to Phase II in a successive sequence of at least six phases of construction in this particular area of Bray Head. An enclosure (KE087-025014-), the N arc of which lies 7m to the N, may be associated with this house. (Hayden 1999) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025017 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. This was excavated in 1999 (Hayden 1999) revealing the remains of a roughly circular house (diam. 3.4m) which was defined by a drystone wall (T 0.9-0.95m; H 0.35m) SW-NW and NNE-E and by a foundation trench NW-NNE. The S portion of the hut site was truncated by the building of a later house (KE087-025008-) and the N portion was largely removed when another house (KE087-025013-) was built. The surviving drystone wall comprised large stones which were laid with their long axes along the line of the wall. The foundation trench along the N arc was cut into the upslope. Its narrowness suggests that this part of the wall could have been composed of vertically set stones or a slab-lined wall. There were two hearths, one centrally placed and the other inside the E wall of the house. A central, and probably the primary, hearth appeared to have been lined but only the slot trench for the lining along the E side survived. An annular wall (T 0.8-0.9m) was revealed outside the E arc of the house. This was composed of boulder clay revetted by a stone facing which was set in a shallow trench. This annular wall had cut through the NE arc of an adjacent house (KE087-025008-). The excavation of this house and another house (KE087-025016-) showed that they belonged to Phase II in a successive sequence of at least six phases of construction in this particular area of Bray Head. An enclosure (KE087-025014-), the N arc of which lies 7m to the N, may be associated with this house. (Hayden 1999) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025018 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. This was excavated in 1999 (Hayden 1999) revealing a curvilinear slot trench (W 0.25m; D 0.15m) which defined the N-E arc of a house. The NW portion of the house was removed by the construction of a later house (KE087-025016-). A pathway leading from the later house also disturbed the SE portion of this house. The excavation of this and another house (KE087-025007-) showed that they belonged to the earliest phase (Phase I) in a successive sequence of at least six phases of construction in this particular area of Bray Head. Both houses were overlain by the later house (KE087-025016-) which belonged to Phase II. An enclosure (KE087-025014-), the N arc of which lies c. 5m to the N, may be associated with this house. (Hayden 1999) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025019 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. This was excavated in 1998 (Mitchell et al. n.d.) revealing the collapsed remains of a roughly square house (5.1m N-S; 4.8m E-W) defined by drystone walls (T 0.7-0.8m) along the W and S sides and a small portion of the E side. The W end of the N wall was defined by a trench which was cut into the upslope. The drystone masonry comprised horizontally laid stones apart from one stone which was set upright along the S end of the W wall and a slot for another at the NE corner. The house was set in a shallow trench and scarped into the upslope to compensate for the hillslope. A primary hearth was situated in the SW corner of the house. Two groups of stake-holes occurred within the interior and some may have predated the house (ibid.). An unlined drain, roofed with capstones, led from the N portion of the interior towards a sump at the centre of the house. Two small unlined drains extended from the sump towards the SE corner where they joined together before exiting beneath the wall to the exterior of the house. Here the drain divided into three channels, some of which had retained the capstones. A second phase of use of this house saw the reflooring of the interior. A small pit cut through the floor in the NW portion of the interior and an unlined hearth (diam. 1.2m) partly overlay the pit. An unlined drain, on a N-S axis, occurred immediately outside the house to the W. The S side of the house was not excavated as it lay beneath the wall of a later house (KE087-025010-). This house was dated by radiocarbon dating to the 9th-11th century AD, probably making it the earliest rectangular house in the complex (Hayden 1999). The excavation of this and another house (KE087-025013-) showed that they belonged to Phase IV in a successive sequence of at least six phases of construction in this particular area of Bray Head. (Mitchell et al. n.d.; Hayden 1999). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-025020 Field system
  Description

  For descriptive account see O'Sullivan and Sheehan (1996, 208, no. 707). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-026 Hut site
  Description

  Located on the well-drained SE slopes of Bray Head, Valencia Island, above and slightly to the NE of Doonroe cliffs. Foundations of a rectangular hut defined by a row of uprights, absent at W. The slabs average .65m high x .3m wide and are set into one of the broad cultivation ridges which are widespread on this slope. D: 3.75m x 2.5m. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1139. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-027 Hut site
  Description

  Located about 100m SE of KE087-026---- and over-lying one of the broad cultivation ridges that are wide-spread on these slopes. The foundations of two adjoining huts, each defined by a rectangular setting of upright slabs. D: 2.4m x 2.3m and 3.7m x 2.1m. The average dimensions of the slabs measure .9m x .3m. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1140. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-027001 Hut site
  Description

  Located about 100m SE of KE087-026---- and over-lying one of the broad cultivation ridges that are wide-spread on these slopes. The foundations of two adjoining huts, each defined by a rectangular setting of upright slabs. D: 2.4m x 2.3m and 3.7m x 2.1m. The average dimensions of the slabs measure .9m x .3m. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1140. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-028 Souterrain
  Description

  This souterrain, not marked on the OS maps, is located at the landward end of Bray Head, Valencia Island, on the S side of the trackway which ascends the headland. A small aperture between two of its roofing slabs allows viewing of a drystone-built passage, aligned E-W, whose walls corbel slightly towards the top. At least six lintels roof the passage, which is approximately 3.5m long, .9m wide and .7m high. A low creepway occurs midway along the S side-wall. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 853. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE087-030 Hut site
  Description

  Close to the tip of Bray Head, a short distance SE of Coosillaunkin. The ruined foundations of a roughly circular hut built of stone courses set in mortar. D: 3.1m. May be related to the nearby watch-tower. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1141. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-031 House - early medieval
  Description

  One of a group of five huts and located about 50m SW of KE087-024----. A well-built drystone corbelled hut with rounded external corners. It measures 5.4m square internally. Its walls stand to a maximum height of 1.25m and average 2m thick. The entrance, with slightly inclining coursed jambs, is located midway along the NE wall; two displaced lintels lie close by. It measures 1.95m long, .95m high and .77m wide at base. A lintelled ope, erroneously referred to by Henry as a flue (1957, 91) and by Westropp as a doorway (1912, 300), pierces the SE wall; it measures .42m high, .44m wide at base and is 2.1m long. A wall-niche occurs in the NW wall, close to the W angle; it measures .38m x .38m x .52m deep. Much stone collapse from the hut has spilled downslope to SE. A projecting slab protrudes from the external wall-face at the E angle and a large irregular block of quartz abuts the N external angle. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1142. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE087-032 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  This site, which both Henry and Mitchell identified as a corn-drying kiln (1957, 94; 1989, 46), is located on the S slopes of Bray Head, Valencia Island. A group of well-preserved rectangular huts are located c. 170m to W (KE087-021----, KE087-022----, KE087-023002-, KE087-024---- and KE087-031----) and a series of broad cultivation ridges occur in the immediate vicinity of the site. The present remains consist of a rectangular block of drystone masonry, with a circular bowl and traces of a flue, and two short stretches of drystone walling. The rectangular structure is well-defined at S and E, where it measures 4.1m and 1.95m long respectively. It survives up to 1.1m high above ground level at S, and consists of a rubble and earth core faced by a basal row of orthostats overlain by drystone masonry. Only a few protruding stones are visible at W, while its N side is obscured by hill-washed material. Adjacent to its E side is a 1m wide space, faced with drystone masonry, cut into the sloping ground surface. A double row of orthostats, occurring 1.5m to S of the structure, extends for a length of 2.2m. Henry noted that this and the stretch of walling at E were connected to the rectangular block by a series of horizontally disposed slabs (1957, 94). These slabs are no longer evident. The bowl of the kiln occurs at the W end of the structure. Measuring 1.05m in diameter at its mouth, it is infilled with debris to within .8m of its top. There are remnants of a flue below this in the S face of the structure. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1457. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 1 August 2013

• KE087-067 Field system
  Description

  An oval area of bog, termed the 'Imlagh Basin' by Mitchell, is located on the N side of Bray Head, Valencia Island (1989, 3). This peat-filled basin, 4km x 2km, extends from close to Foilnanean at W to Shrone Point at N. The cliff-edge is separated from the N and W limits of the basin by a narrow rim of peat-free ground. A series of walls cross this strip and extend into the basin, where they have become buried by peat. Other archaeological sites in the basin include six fulachta fiadh (KE087-078----, KE087-001----, KE087-001001-, KE087-001002-, KE087-005----, KE087-005001-), two early ecclesiastical sites (KE078-005----, KE087-004----), a standing stone (KE087-002----), earthen and stone intra-peat trackways (KE087-074----, KE087-075----, KE087-088----, KE087-089----, KE078-024----, KE087-078----), a stone platform (KE087-008----) and other areas of pre-bog walls (KE087-067---- and KE087-006----). Mitchell has identified up to fifteen stretches of walling from Beenaniller Head to Culloo Head (ibid. 51-60), most of which are covered by peat at some point along their length. Wall 1 is represented by a short ditch, cutting off the tip of Beenaniller Head. Walls 2 to 7 emanate from Coosagauna and run S until they reach the Bray horst, where they become enveloped in peat. Half of these walls are located on the S side of a modern track that runs at the base of this ridge. Walls 8-9, 11 and 13-15 are well-defined lengths of stone walls, running from the cliff-edge down into the peat at their E and S ends. They extend from just S of Coosheennagruhoge to Culloo Head at N. Wall 10 starts 300m inland and is of ditch and bank form. Other walls are entirely of stone; some are composed of double lines of slabs, but the majority comprise single lines of large stones, some of which are transversely disposed to the lines of the walls. Wall 13, built by using a combination of these techniques, extends for at least 750m and overlies peat at its S end; here a sample of peat from its level yielded a radiocarbon date of 2680±90 BP (ibid. 58). Close to its NW end are the remnants of circular hut, 3m in internal diameter. Wall 12 is a complex of walls that links with Wall 13 at one point, and, if intact, would have formed a number of irregular fields with a total area of c. 1.25 ha. Radiocarbon determinations at one point indicate that these walls were constructed between 2900±90 BP and 2050±80 BP (ibid, 58). The remnants of four probable huts and a small enclosure are incorporated within the complex. NE of Wall 15 is a large, circular enclosure with an internal diameter of 30m; a circular and a subrectangular hut are incorporated in its W and SE sides respectively. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 19. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013

• KE087-074 Road - gravel/stone trackway - peatland
  Description

  This stretch of a narrow, stone trackway is located approximately 230m NNW of a large rock inselberg in the Imlagh Basin, Valencia Island. It was revealed by peat-cutting in 1990 and consists of a single layer of three slabs, laid lengthwise on the peat. It occurs .8m below the bog surface and appears to run N-S. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 15. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013

• KE087-075 Road - gravel/stone trackway - peatland
  Description

  This stretch of stone trackway is exposed in a drain, which links two peat-cuttings, approximately 15m ESE of KE087-074----. Occurring at a depth of 1m, the somewhat disturbed trackway appears to consist of a single layer of stone slabs measuring 1.2m wide and running approximately E-W. Phragmites peat from the same level as the trackway yielded a radiocarbon date of 2920±80 BP (Mitchell 1989, 64-65). The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 16. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

• KE087-080 Enclosure
  Description

  For descriptive account see O'Sullivan and Sheehan (1996, 208, no. 707, '…earthen embanked enclosure…'). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-080001 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  For descriptive account see O'Sullivan and Sheehan (1996, 208, no. 707). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-080002 House - medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. This is described by O'Sullivan and Sheehan (1996, 208, no. 707) as the 'earth and stone foundations' of a house. This was archaeologically excavated in 1994 (Hayden 1995a, 43) revealing the remains of a rectangular stone-built house (6.7m N-S; 3.4m E-W) with an annexe (ext. dims.: 9.5m N-S; 4.5m E-W) to the S. The annexe was excavated in 1995 (Walsh 1996b). Both buildings stood on a platform built up on the S side and cut into the upslope on the N side. The house had two doors in the W wall and one in the E wall. Within the interior a central, unlined hearth and underfloor stone-capped drains were found. During a secondary occupation the house was divided into two rooms, at N (L 2.8m) and S (L 4m), and the hearth was relocated to the N room. The annexe, which was built against the S gable of the house, had clay-bonded stone walls which, when excavated, did not survive above footing level. It comprised of two rooms: Room A (3.5m N-S; 2.5m E-W) at N; Room B (3.5m E-W; 2.5m N-S) at S. A system of sub-floor drains, some of which were stone lined and capped, were channelled through the S wall of Room B. This channel was roofed with large lintels and was similar to that in the S wall of the main house. Room B in the annexe was open to the E. A deep pit (D 0.5m), of uncertain function, was situated outside the E side of Room B. Following abandonment the building was demolished. Secondary occupation deposits from the house yielded a fragment of an iron knife and a sherd of 14-17th century Low Countries Redware. A sample of burnt material from the primary floor of the house yielded a calibrated radiocarbon date of between 1410 and 1620 AD (GrN21032). This is one of six houses (see KE087-080003-; KE087-080004-; KE087-080005-; KE087-080006-; KE087-080007-) which make up a 'street' of house-platforms that extend for c. 70m along an E-W line (Mitchell et al. n.d.). These houses may have formed part of a village settlement called 'Crompeol' which is shown on a map of Valencia, in the Carew MS., dating to c. 1600 AD. (Hayden 1994b, 1-12; Hayden 1995a; Walsh 1996b; Mitchell et al. n.d.; O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, 208, no. 707) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-080003 House - medieval
  Description

  For descriptive account see O'Sullivan and Sheehan (1996, 208, no. 707, one of two '…house sites…heavily disturbed by the overlying cultivation ridges.'). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-080004 House - medieval
  Description

  For descriptive account see O'Sullivan and Sheehan (1996, 208, no. 707, one of two '…house sites…heavily disturbed by the overlying cultivation ridges.'). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-080005 House - medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. This is one of six buildings (see KE087-080002-; KE087-080003-; KE087-080004-; KE087-080006-; KE087-080007-) which make up a 'street' of house-platforms that extend for c. 70m along an E-W line (Mitchell et al. n.d.). Archaeological excavation of this building revealed a rectangular two-roomed, drystone-walled (T 0.8-1.25m; H c. 0.5m) house (ext. L 11.6m). There was a doorway for each room in the E wall of the house (Hayden 2003, 162). The internal face of the walls, especially in the N half of the S room, followed a bowed line. The house contained no formal flooring but extensive spreads of ash, post-holes and hearths attests to its occupation. No datable finds were recovered but, according to the excavator (ibid.) the building is likely to be later medieval in date (see KE087-080002-). (Mitchell et al. n.d.; Hayden 2001; Hayden 2003) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-080006 House - medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. This is one of six buildings (see KE087-080002-; KE087-080003-; KE087-080004-; KE087-080005-; KE087-080007-) which make up a 'street' of house-platforms that extend for c. 70m along an E-W line (Mitchell et al. n.d.). This structure was excavated in 2000 (Hayden 2000b) revealing the remains of a rectangular building (ext. L 7.7m; ext. Wth 3.9m) defined by a drystone wall (Wth 1m) of which two masonry courses survived. In a subsequent phase of use a stone wall was built across the N end of the interior, shortening the building by approximately 2m. The floor in the truncated portion of the building became heavily eroded, resulting in the removal of the floor of the primary level of the building and also the top of the occupation material of an earlier house (KE087-080010-) which this building overlay. There was a doorway in the E wall in both phases of use. According to the excavator (ibid., 8), the lack of occupation debris along with its small size may indicate that this functioned as an outbuilding associated with the 'Crompeol' settlement. A short length of gully/slot-trench, lying immediately to the NE, may indicate the location of another structure. (Mitchell et al. n.d.; Hayden 2000b) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-080007 House - medieval
  Description

  For descriptive account see O'Sullivan and Sheehan (1996, 208, no. 707). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-080008 House - early medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. Excavations carried out in 2000 (Hayden 2000b) revealed the remains of a circular house (diam. 7.1m) which was defined by a drystone wall (H 1.2m). The foundation trench for the wall along the N arc had been scarped into the upslope and consequently this section was better preserved. Only a small part of the wall along the S arc survived. A ring of post-holes, set approximately one metre inside the N wall, may have been the remains of a roof support. A short L-shaped arrangement of stake-holes in the interior may be the remains of a bench or bedding area. The hearth (diam. 1m; D 0.2m) was situated to the E of the centre. A number of small stake-holes in the hearth may have supported a spit. There was a souterrain (KE087-080009-) in the N portion of the interior. The capstones of the souterrain were partly covered by ash from the hearth of the house. Two drains (on a N-S axis) ran from the N wall and extended across the W half of the interior where they fed into three stone-capped drains. The doorway was probably along the E arc where a small drain, roofed by flat flagstones, occurs. The flagstones, in turn, formed a path leading away from the house to the E. A later house (KE087-0800010-) was built to the N of, and partly over, the N wall of this house. (Hayden 2000b) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-080009 Souterrain
  Description

  In the NE quadrant of an early medieval house (KE087-080008-). This souterrain, which was discovered during the excavation of the house, was described by Hayden (2000b, 3-5) and the following is a summary of that description. The entrance comprised a circular shaft partially blocked by a fallen stone, which led via a short tunnelled creepway (H 0.4m) into chamber 1 (Wth 1.1m; H 0.9m; long axis NW-SE). Access to chamber 1 from the creepway was partially blocked by a vertically set slab. The earthen sides of this chamber were unlined and its roof lintels had partially collapsed. A 'porthole' slab restricted access between chamber 1 and chamber 2 immediately to the S. The underside of the slab, which was only 0.3m above the floor level, had a slight notch cut in its centre to facilitate passage through it. Chamber 2 (L 2.2m; Wth 0.4-0.6m; H c. 1m; long axis N-S) was also unlined and roofed with lintels. At its S end a third creepway was constructed by placing lintels across the chamber, 0.7m above the floor level, and filling the space above with drystone-walling. Chamber 3 (L 4.6m; Wth c. 1m; H 0.9-1m; long axis NW-SE) was irregular in plan and, apart from its NE side, was lined with poorly built drystone-walling of small stones. A small blind outshoot occurred on the W side. Another creepway, at the S side of chamber 3, led into chamber 4. This creepway (Wth 0.4m; H 0.45m) had drystone-walled sides and was roofed with lintels. Chamber 4 (L 2.5m NE-SW) had unlined earthen sides and its W end was roofed by one large lintel. The lintels which must have covered the E end of the chamber did not survive. A possible air-vent was noted in the W end. The excavator concluded that the souterrain had been constructed prior to the building of the hut site as several of its lintels underlay and partly supported the walls of the hut site (Hayden 2000b, 3). Chambers 3 and 4 extend beyond the limits of the hut site. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-080010 House - Viking/Hiberno-Norse
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. This building was excavated in 2000 (Hayden 2000b) revealing the remains of a bow-sided, subrectangular house (6-6.5m x 3-4m) of timber construction. The N wall was constructed in a trench which was scarped into the hillslope. Four post-holes (diam. c. 0.2m) occurred along the N wall and two corner posts survived in the S wall. Excluding corner posts, there were five post-holes in the W wall and four in the E wall. A number of stake-holes and a narrow linear slot just inside the W wall may have been the remnants of some form of insulation. There was a large hearth (D 0.1m) at the centre of the floor. A number of small stake-holes in and around the hearth may be the remains of a series of supports for cooking spits. A large, flat, fire-cracked stone at the N side of the hearth was probably used as a baking stone. The house was divided internally but only a single line of stake-holes survived from this partition. A series of small, stone-capped drains led from the N wall out through the S wall and also to a sump in the E part of the house. The doorway entrance may have been located in the centre of the E wall where a bifurcated drain occurred. A layer of water-deposited silt overlying the remains of this house indicated that there may have been a considerable gap in time between its abandonment and the building of a stone-built house (KE087-080006-) on the site. This latter house was built to the N of, and partly over, the N wall of another earlier house (KE087-080008-). According to the excavator (ibid., 7), this bow-shaped house seems to have its closest parallels with Viking houses in places such as Scotland and the Isle of Man. (Hayden 2000b) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-080011 House - medieval
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head on Valencia Island. Excavation of this house in 2001 (Hayden 2003, 162) revealed a very poorly preserved, rectangular building, only the N half of which survived. The house was defined by drystone walls (T 0.8-1.2m; H 0.3m) which survived to a maximum of two courses in height. The entrance doorway would have originally been in the E wall where a gap (Wth 1.2m) occurs. No floor or occupation deposits survived in the house. Although no datable finds were recovered from within the house, it is likely to be of late medieval date. (Hayden 2000b; Hayden 2001; Hayden 2003, 162) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-081 Anomalous stone group
  Description

  Overlooking the entrance to Portmagee Channel at the SW end of Valencia Island, this site, marked ‘Gallauns’ on the second edition of the OS maps, comprises two uprights and one recumbent slab. The taller of the two erect stones stands 1.7m high and measures .98m x .15m at base; NNW-SSE. It inclines slightly to W. Set 10.5m to NW, the second standing stone is 1.5m high and measures 1.35m x .2m at base, where a number of packing stones are visible; E-W. Located 8.2m to W is a large slab set on edge, 2.6m x 1.3m, forming the rear of what appears to have been an animal shelter. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 256. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013

• KE087-082 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  This spring well, not marked on the OS maps, is located on the N side of the trackway which leads to the top of Bray Head, Valencia Island. It was housed within a drystone structure which is now very ruined. There is a vague local tradition that it was a holy well. A crozier is reputed to have been found in it (Pochin Mould 1978, 42), and it is known locally as Tobar Bachaillín. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1055. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

• KE087-088 Road - road/trackway
  Description

  Located towards the W side of the Imlagh Basin, this stretch of an intra-peat earthen and stone trackway skirts a small rock-knoll and occurs about .5m below the bog surface. A sample of peat from directly beneath it yielded a radiocarbon determination of 2020±80 BP (Mitchell 1989, 64). The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 17. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013

• KE087-089 Road - road/trackway
  Description

  Located towards the S end of the Imlagh Basin, c. 500m S of KE087-088----, this narrow earthen track was uncovered during recent peat-cutting. Measuring .6m wide, it occurs .35m below the surface of the bog and overlies .25m of Phragmites peat. It appears to run in a N-S direction. A sample of peat from the level of the track yielded a radiocarbon date of 1700±80 BP (Mitchell 1989, 64). The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 18. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

• KE087-095 Hut site
  Description

  On the S slope of Bray Head. The W half of this hut site was excavated in 1995-6 (Walsh 1995; Walsh 1996a, 40; Walsh 1996b). Prior to excavation the hut site was visible as a semicircle of vertically set sandstone slabs, which appeared to represent the internal face of a hut site. A mound (H c. 0.3m) had defined the hut site along the S, W and E arcs. Excavation revealed the remains of a circular hut site (diam. 3.2m) defined by an earthen wall (Wth c. 1m) which was internally and externally revetted at the base by large facing-stones set on edge. Two shallow parallel trenches, which were dug into the underlying subsoil, accommodated the inner and outer facing-stones. A large stone-kerbed hearth (L 1.1m; Wth 0.6m; D 0.26m) was located slightly off-centre within the hut site. There was a doorway (max. Wth 1.4m) at the SE side of the hut site, the threshold of which was paved with small flat stones. A flagged pathway led from the doorway and extended to the E beyond the area of excavation. The path overlaid a number of unlined drains. These drains form part of a system which, according to the excavator (Walsh 1996b), appeared to have diverted the water, coming downslope from the N, away from the hut site. A broken whetstone was the sole find from the structure. A number of features, which appear to predate the hut site, were largely obscured by the upstanding structure. Radiocarbon determinations from the occupation levels of the hut site have yielded a date in the late 8th-early 9th century (Walsh 1998, 81). (Walsh 1995; Walsh 1996a, 40; Walsh 1996b; Walsh 1998, 81) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-095001 Mill - unclassified
  Description

  On the S slopes of Bray Head. A collapsed masonry wall, at the SE side of a mound (diam. c. 20m; H 1m) of rushes and mosses, was interpreted as being the remnants of a possible millpond (Hayden 1997). Upslope from the wall there is a mass of waterlain silt (T 1m) with vegetable debris which appears to have accumulated in standing-water. In 1995 a section was cut across the feature and, although the results were inconclusive as little stonework survived, a radiocarbon date of AD 1410-1791 cal. was returned from the silt at the base of the section (ibid.). A boggy spring flows from the mound. Large stones, probably fallen masonry, are on the downslope side of the wall. A narrow trench, interpreted as being a possible tailrace (Mitchell et al. n.d.), is located in the field immediately to the E. There was no surface spread of silt, indicating that clear water, and not hill-wash, flowed down the trench. The evidence of a millpond here suggests that there was a mill at or near this location at one time. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-096 Enclosure
  Description

  On the SE-facing slopes of Bray Head, in the NE corner of a field. A roughly rectangular area (19.5m N-S; 13m E-W) defined by a low bank (Wth c. 0.6m) along the W side, by a lynchet along the N and by a field boundary to the E. There is a house (KE087-096001-) within the NE corner of the enclosure. During excavations in 2001 (Hayden 2001), three sections through the W arc of the enclosure and another to the S of the house revealed the bank and a shallow ditch (Wth 1.6m; D 0.25m). Two raised cultivation beds, delimited by stone walls, were also uncovered within the enclosure, to the S of the house. (Mitchell et al. n.d.; Hayden 2001; Hayden 2003, 162) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-096001 House - medieval
  Description

  Within an enclosure (KE087-096----). This house, which was archaeologically excavated in 2001 (Hayden 2003), was erected against a high lynchet at the downhill end of one of the larger fields at Bray Head on Valencia Island (see Mitchell et al. n.d.). Two phases of construction were identified. The primary phase comprised a drystone and sod-walled construction. This was later replaced by totally drystone walls. The house (int. 6.6m N-S; Wth 3.1m at N, 2.6m at S) was wedge-shaped in plan, its S end being narrower. The doorway was situated in the centre of the E wall, where a drainage channel exited the house. The original layout comprised of one room with a hearth (diam. 0.8-1m) located at the centre of the N end of the interior. In the second phase a well-built, drystone partition wall subdivided the house into two rooms, to N and S. A door ope (Wth 0.65m) in the internal dividing wall provided access to the N room. A second hearth (diam. 0.9m) was centrally positioned against the internal face of the S gable. At a subsequent stage the doorway in the internal wall was blocked and the N room infilled with clay and stones. The interior of the S room was refloored in the later 17th century. (Mitchell et al. n.d.; Hayden 2001; Hayden 2003, 162) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-098 Hut site
  Description

  In cutaway bog, in the Imlagh Basin. Prior to excavation this hut site was visible as a rectangular mound of stone which protruded above a thin layer of peat. Excavation, undertaken in 1994, revealed a trapezoidal hut site (3.4m N-S x 1.6-2.8m E-W) defined by a drystone wall (T 1.5-2m; H 1m) which was slab lined internally in places. There was a stone-lined entrance passage (L 2.6m NW-SE; Wth 1.2m) at the narrower S end of the hut site. According to the excavator (Hayden 1994b, 14), the position of a collapsed flat slab in this entrance area suggested that the passage may have originally been roofed with stone slabs. The passage and the area immediately outside the entrance to the SE were paved with closely set flat slabs. Two rectangular stone-walled annexes backed onto the hut site at the NW and S. The rectangular annexe (1.5m NW-SE; 1.4m NE-SW) at the NW was defined by the N wall of the main hut site along the S side and elsewhere by a drystone wall (T 0.8-1m; H 0.8m). This wall was also slab lined internally in places. The W jamb of an entrance (Wth 0.8m) in the NE corner was marked by a large pillar-like stone. A large rectangular stone that lay in the entrance was probably the original lintel over the entrance (Hayden 1994b, 16). The annexe had a roughly paved floor which had been damaged when the walls and roof collapsed onto it (ibid.). A stone spindle whorl and a number of water-worn stones were recovered from a layer above the paving. The roughly circular annexe (c. 3.4m N-S; c. 2.7m E-W) at the S was not excavated but a line of vertically set slabs along the inner wall-face was traceable. A large pillar-like stone may also have marked the W jamb of an entrance to this annexe. A small, stone-lined hearth was situated in the main hut site and deposits of ash occurred on the floor. A sample of this burnt material, containing small mammal and fish bones, yielded a calibrated date at 2 sigma confidence level of between 562 and 758AD (GrN21031). A number of blue glass beads, stone spindle whorls and rubbing stones were found within the occupation debris. (Hayden 1994b, 13-19; Hayden 1995b, 44) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-099 Road - road/trackway
  Description

  On the E end of the S slopes of Bray Head. This track is situated to the N of the track to the Signal Tower. It skirts the upper boundary of Field E (see Mitchell, Hayden and Walsh n.d., fig. 22) and then turns up hill to the N to follow the perimeter of an enclosure (KE087-025----). From here it continues W along the slope towards the settlement known as 'Crompeol' where it peters out. According to Mitchell, Hayden and Walsh (ibid.), it appears to lead to Crompeol and hence 'Bóthar na Crompeol' has been suggested as a name for this track. The construction date of this road has not been established. Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE087-101 Promontory fort - coastal
  Description

  Possible promontory fort described in 2003 as follows; ‘An enormous mountainous 500' high southwest-facing headland extending 400m into the Atlantic shows evidence of having been defended by a slightly curving bank and fosse. The major part of the headland slopes too steeply to be accessible by a triangular area measuring 100m north-south and 220m long close to the isthmus shows sighs of having been cut off from the mainland by a wide earth and stone bank and inner fosse. The enclosing elements run beneath later field banks and a stone wall, possibly associated with the 19th century telegraph tower and enclosures. Besides the modern avenue to the tower, there is no sign of an entrance feature. Several earthworks close to the SW tip of the headland suggest either internal subdivisions or more likely cultivation ridges. The extreme SW end of the promontory is accessible but no surface features are visible. The sea is inaccessible’ (Casey 2003, 19, no. A)

• KE087-102 Promontory fort - coastal
  Description

  Promontory fort described in 2003 as follows; ‘A flat L-shaped headland, facing southwest into the Atlantic measuring 80m wide at the broadest point and totalling 110m long shows evidence of having been enclosed along the landward side of a series of three low earthen banks, one 2.3m wide and with a shallow external fosse. A second bank, now incorporated into a field boundary runs 10m inland from edge to edge, with faint traces of a rick cut fosse visible in the western cliff. A faint shallow dip and low rise 10m north of the main feature may be the remains of a third. Several cattle gaps through the enclosing elements are all that can be seen of an entrance feature. A vague circular depression in the interior close to the southern cliff seen from the air may be the remains of a hut but could not be found on the ground. The surrounding cliffs are sheer and slopping grassy edge suggests the headland was once larger' (Casey 2003, 20, no. B).

• KE087-107 Signal tower
  Description

  Situated on the top of the ridge that forms the W tip of Valentia Island (c. 179m OD) approximately 580m NNE from the tip of Bray Head. Located on a small flat area on the W\SW end of the ridge with moderate sloping ground away from site to the SE and steeply-sloping sea cliffs adjacent to the NW and W. The surrounding area largely consists of unenclosed blanket bog and steep rocky cliffs but a small area of now unused fields (defined by earthen banks) surrounds the site of the signal tower. The adjacent towers\stations in the signal tower chain are found at Great Blasket\An Blascaod Mór (KE051-017----), located c. 24.5kms to the NNW, and at Bolus Head (KE096-024----), located c. 11.5kms to the SSE. This signal tower site at Bray Head is located adjacent to a possible coastal promontory fort (KE087-101----) located at the tip of Bray Head to the SSW, and c. 1.38kms S of another coastal promontory fort (KE087-102----) at Beenaniller Head. An early nineteenth-century (c. 1804-5) two-storey square-plan signal tower (ext. dims. c. 5.85m NE-SW x c. 5.85m NW-SE) with later alterations (c. 1910-20), built of roughly coursed rubble stone masonry. The elevations of the signal tower face to the NE, SE, SW, and NW. The signal tower was extensively refurbished by the Royal Navy who reused the site as a Naval War Signal Station during World War I, and some of its original form has been altered (Clements 2013, 102). The original square-headed doorway is located on the first floor of the SW elevation and would have been originally accessed via a retractable ladder. The NW and SE walls each feature two square-headed window openings at ground and first floor level. None of the original openings retain the cut stone surrounds as seen at other sites of its type. The signal tower no longer features a machicolation over the first floor doorway on the SW wall or bartizans over the N and E corners; an early photograph (Lawrence Collection c. 1890) indicates that there were bartizans supported on corbels to the corners to the NE elevation, and also shows evidence of a gabled single-storey structure built against this elevation that was removed by this time (impression in render). The signal tower is covered in smooth cement render to the exterior. There is a flat reinforced concrete roof (c. 1915) that overhangs the side walls and has a projecting moulded cement cornice to its verges, a central cement rendered chimneystack to the NE elevation, and a dwarf cement rendered parapet wall surrounding the roof. Off-centre square-headed ground floor entrances have been added to the NE and SW walls, protected by the remains of reinforced concrete porches with flat roofs. A further single-storey reinforced concrete structure is located to the NW elevation, possibly a shed. The interior is cement rendered, presumably as part of the World War I-era alterations. Kerrigan established that the signal mast had been erected and the signal tower completed by 1805 (Kerrigan 1995, 278). The tower is set within a sub-rectangular enclosure (ext. dims. c. 44m NE-SW x c. 24m NW-SE) with a rounded edge to the SW side; this enclosure is defined by a rubble stone wall that still survives along most boundaries. This wall has rounded cement coping to a number of sections, particularly to the E side of the enclosure. The SW boundary of the enclosure is now removed\collapsed, and the NE part of the enclosure is now defined by a tall cement rendered rubble stone wall (presumably rendered at same time as signal tower was altered). Entrance to the enclosure is through a gateway to the NE defined by tall cement rendered piers; a cement pathway leads from here to the tower. A large field defined by an earthen bank abuts the SE side of the enclosure. To the SW of the signal tower is the base of a signal mast or later radio mast; this consists of the lower part of a square-profile metal post supported on a circular metal plate that is set on a concrete base. It is very probable that this dates to the alterations resulting from the reuse of the site during World War I. The Ordnance Survey first ed. six-inch map, surveyed 1841-2, shows the tower set within a rectangular enclosure, defined by two lengths of wall to the NE and SE, and by the adjacent cliff edge at the NW and SW. The large field to the SE is depicted divided into E and W parts. The same situation is generally depicted on the Ordnance Survey second and third eds. maps, surveyed 1894-8 and 1914-5 respectively, the only change being the addition of walls to define the NW and SW boundaries of the enclosure. An ‘Eire Sign 35’ is located c. 115 to the SW. The signal tower was part of a system of over 80 signal stations constructed by the British Board of Ordnance in the first decade of the nineteenth century to warn of the approach of a French invasion fleet. Signalling between sites was accomplished using a naval signal post. The system formed a continuous chain from Dublin Bay running clockwise all the way around the coast to Malin Head in County Donegal. It was abandoned by the mid-1810s when the threat of a French invasion diminished (Kerrigan 1995, 157-66). Compiled by: Stuart Rathbone Uploaded on: 27/07/22

Architectural heritage

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

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 high, 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 Bray.

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

Name

Bray

Area

4,458,999 m² (445.9 ha, 1,101.84 acres)

Civil parish

Valencia, and its townlands

Barony

Iveragh

Electoral division

Valencia, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Valencia electoral division: 658 people in 264 households; 76% of households own their home; 31% of homes were built since 2001; 5% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 53% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Coarha Beg

Placenames

Bray 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.