Caherlehillan

16 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Caherlehillan, from 2,151 m² (0.22 ha, 0.53 acres) to 1,631,866 m² (163.19 ha, 403.24 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 15 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 Caherlehillan 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.

• 17 Sept 2025Conditional

  A.) To demolish existing dwelling and construct a new dwelling house B.) Upgrade existing entrance C.) Decommission existing septic tank and install a mechanical treatment tank and percolation area and all associated site works

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 2560836

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: Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Caragh River Catchment SAC 000365
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy's Reeks And Caragh River Catchment 000365

Recorded monuments

• KE070-032 Rock art
  Description

  Located on the SW spur of Mullaghnarakill mountain, in an area of dense rock outcrop, is an leac sgribhneoiread (Lynch 1906a, 283), a flat-topped rock measuring .75m high. The site commands extensive views to W along the Ferta river valley. The former practice of lighting bonfires on the stone has resulted in the scaling of its decorated surface, particularly on the SW side. At the S edge of the stone is a two-armed cruciform motif, whose head and arms terminate in circles. The adjacent ‘spiral’ noted by Macalister (1939b, 21), is, in fact, a cup-and-two rings with a radial groove extending from the outer ring. A fissure partially obscures this motif. The ‘labyrinth pattern’ (Macalister, ibid.) consists of a cup-and-three angular rings with two grooves interrupting the outer two rings. The remaining motifs consist of various curving grooves, simple cupmarks and cupmarks enclosed by one to two rings. See attached line drawing of rock art taken from O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996 Fig. 45. To see a 3D model of this monument visit: https://skfb.ly/DJzH The above description is derived from O'Sullivan, A. J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 265. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013 In mountain heath (166m OD), on a SW-facing slope of Been Hill/Mullaghnarakill mountain; Excellent views of River Ferta valley and sea to WSW. A smooth and fractured table-top boulder (dims. 1.45m N-S; 2.90m E-W; max. H 0.64m), which has a flat, sub-oval decorated surface (dims. 1.45m N-S; 2.90m E-W). The motifs are very weathered and are obscured in places by a thick, green lichen. A squared cup-and-three-ring motif (overall dims. 33cm E-W; 32cm N-S; ring Wth 1.5-2.5cm; D 2mm; cup diam. 5cm; D 4mm) is located upon the NE area of the rock surface; inner ring is very broad (Wth 2.5cm), being open to E and outer rings are faint. This motif appears to be the ‘labyrinth pattern’ described by Macalister (1939). Numerous cupmarks (diam. 3-5cm; D 2-3mm) are concentrated around this squared motif and to W of it. Further to W, along the northern area of the decorated surface, are two cup-and-ring motifs, a partial cup-and-ring element and a partial cup-and-two-ring motif. A cruciform motif is located at the W-edge of the stone surface. It has a central, linear shaft (long-axis 45cm E-W; Wth 2cm; D 6mm) which extends from edge of stone at W and terminates in a ring (diam. 7cm) at its E-end. Two perpendicular, parallel cross-shafts (short line 23cm N-S; long line 40cm N-S) form the arms of the cruciform pattern and also terminate in a ring at either end. Two cupmarks are in the close vicinity to E. A cup-and-two-ring motif (overall diam. 26cm; ring Wth 1-1.5cm; D 2mm; cup diam. 6cm; D 8mm) is located at SE edge of decorated surface. The outer ring is very faint and a radial groove (Wth 1cm; D 2mm) extends from W side of cupmark. A cup-and-ring motif (overall diam. 13cm; ring Wth 1cm; D 2mm; cup diam. 4cm; D 5mm) abuts to W. Other motifs in the vicinity to S, W and N are very faint and partially obscured by lichen. A large depressed circle (diam. 14cm) has been hollowed out at S edge of stone surface. A circular and an oval cupmark are adjacent to E. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 31 May 2017

• KE070-033 Hut site
  Description

  Located on the narrow crest of a ridge that extends W from Mullaghnarakill mountain. The ruined foundations of a circular and a rectangular hut, located within 15m of each other. Circular hut: D: 1.8m. W: 1.35m. Rectangular hut: D: 5.5m x 2.2m. W: .8m. 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. 1160. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE070-033001 Hut site
  Description

  Located on the crest of the ridge that extends W from Mullaghnarakill mountain. A well-preserved circular drystone hut of corbelled construction that features an external offset of coursed blocks, now largely concealed beneath collapse. Small slabs were used to line the inner wall-face; at SE a modified lintelled entrance, .7m wide, composed of large coursed blocks occurs. A gap, adjacent at E, constitutes the present entrance. D: 3.9m. H: 1.2m. T: 1.8m. 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. 1161. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE070-034 Hut site
  Description

  Described by O'Sullivan and Sheehan (1996, 393, no. 1161) as 'Located on the crest of the ridge that extends W from Mullaghnarakill mountain. A well-preserved circular dry-stone hut of corbelled construction that features an external offset of coursed blocks, now largely concealed beneath collapse. Small slabs were used to line the inner wall-face; at SE a modified lintelled entrance, 0.7m wide, composed of large coursed blocks occurs. A gap, adjacent at E, constitutes the present entrance. 1): 3.9m. H: 1.2m. T: 1.8m.' Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 3 May 2017

• KE070-035 Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb
  Description

  Located on a ridge of rough grazing land, on the N side of the valley between Been Hill and Teermoyle mountain, this well-preserved wedge-tomb commands an extensive outlook to SW along the valley of the Ferta river. The monument, modified for use as an animal shelter, consists of a wedge-shaped gallery, 3.7m in overall length, and is aligned ENE-WSW. It is 1.2m wide and 1.05m high at its W end, and decreases in width and height at E to 1.1m and .75m respectively. Two orthostats represent the N side of the gallery, while three occur on the S side; both sides decrease in height from W to E. The back-stone is set outside the lends of the gallery walls. Two large flat roof-stones complete the chamber (de Valera and Ó Nuallain 1982, 61). The 'cupmarks', noted by Lynch on the upper surface of the roof-stones (1906a, 280-1), are probably solution pits. The stone at W collapsed into the gallery in 1992. 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. 73. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. See linked document with details from Ruaidhrí de Valera and Seán Ó Nualláin, Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland. Volume IV. Counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary. (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1982) Date of upload: 28 July 2013

• KE070-036 Megalithic tomb - wedge tomb
  Description

  This tomb lies about 300m NE of KE070-035---- and is deeply buried in boggy ground. It consists of a narrow unroofed gallery, c. 3.7m in overall length and 1.15m in average width. One large stone forms the N side of the gallery. Two stones, set one behind the other, close the E end. The S side consists of three stones; the stone at W is set outside the line of the other two and may have served as a doubling to a now missing side-stone. A buttress-stone leans against it at W. The levels of the side-stones indicate a general decrease in height from W to E. A prostrate stone at the open W end of the gallery may represent a fallen septal- or door-stone (de Valera and Ó Nuallain 1982, 60). 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. 74. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. See linked document with details from Ruaidhrí de Valera and Seán Ó Nualláin, Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland. Volume IV. Counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary. (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1982) Date of upload: 30 July 2013

• KE070-037 Hut site
  Description

  Located on the S side of the ridge that extends W from Mullaghnarakill. A circular drystone hut, collapsed and revetted on its S side by a 7m long stony platform. A possible entrance at E, and at S a wall chamber with well-defined sides of coursed blocks may be a modified entrance. D: 4.3. H: 1.5m. T: 1.5m. 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. 1162. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE070-038 Hut site
  Description

  On SW slopes of Mullaghnarakill, in rough mountain terrain. A circular hut of corbelled construction with rebuilt upper courses. Entrance at SSW measures .9m wide. D: 2.2m. H: .9m. T: 1.5m. 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. 1163. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE070-039 Hut site
  Description

  On SW slopes of Mullaghnarakill. The ruined circular remains of a hut lie partly submerged in rough, boggy pasture. Only the lowest course, of large boulders, survive. D:4.4m. 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. 1164. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE070-040 Hut site
  Description

  Located in rocky mountain terrain on W slopes of Mullaghnarakill. Circular, corbelled drystone hut with an entrance at S. Four lintelled wall chambers in the interior, averaging .5m high; two are semi-subterranean and extend beyond the width of the wall. D: 4.3. H: 1.7m. T: .7m. 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. 1165. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE070-042 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  Internal diam. c. 25m N-S, c. 30m E-W This large subcircular caher is prominently located on the S side of a ridge which extends W from Mullaghnarakill mountain. It affords a fine prospect along the Ferta river valley to Valencia Harbour at WSW. Most of the stone facing of its enclosing wall, and of its four internal huts, has been removed over the years for use in the construction of field boundaries and roads. A stone wall traverses the interior of the site, N-S, and walling overlies a portion of the enclosing element at NW. The enclosing wall is best preserved here, where a short stretch of stone facing survives both externally and internally and the wall measures 3.6m wide. In the S sector it survives as a 1m high stony band, up to 10m wide. A gap at W, 2m wide, may represent the location of the original entrance to the caher. Abutting the present inner face of the enclosing wall at N are the remnants of a rectangular hut (KE070-042001-) with internal dimensions of 5.3m x 4m. Its walls survive to an average height of .4m. Abutting it at S is a circular hut (KE070-042002-), averaging 5m in internal diameter, the foundations of which are .2m high and up to 2m wide. Adjacent at NE is a second circular hut (KE070-042003-), 5.4m x 4.5m internally, which is bisected by the modern field boundary that traverses the interior of the caher. Some stone facing, .6m high, is preserved along its inner face. An arc of walling, 1.6m wide, occurs close to the inner face of the enclosing element at S and may indicate the location of a fourth hut (KE070-042004-). 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. 565. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE070-042001 Hut site
  Description

  Abutting the present inner face of the enclosing wall at N are the remnants of a rectangular hut (KE070-042001-) with internal dimensions of 5.3m x 4m. Its walls survive to an average height of .4m. 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. 565. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE070-042002 Hut site
  Description

  Abutting it at S is a circular hut (KE070-042002-), averaging 5m in internal diameter, the foundations of which are .2m high and up to 2m wide. 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. 565. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE070-042003 Hut site
  Description

  Adjacent at NE is a second circular hut (KE070-042003-), 5.4m x 4.5m internally, which is bisected by the modern field boundary that traverses the interior of the caher. Some stone facing, .6m high, is preserved along its inner face. 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. 565. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE070-042004 Hut site
  Description

  An arc of walling, 1.6m wide, occurs close to the inner face of the enclosing element at S and may indicate the location of a fourth hut (KE070-042004-). 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. 565. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE070-043 Ecclesiastical enclosure
  Description

  This site is located at the mouth of a valley on the lower W slopes of Mullaghnarakill mountain. Situated on a fairly level terrace on the N side of the valley, it commands extensive views to W. Running below it, to S, is a tributary of the Ferta river. The site is currently being excavated as part of UCC's undergraduate training programme (Sheehan 1994a, 41-2). The following report describes the features and structures that were visible before excavation. The original enclosing element survives only from E through to SW, where it barely rises above the internal ground level of the site. It is a rubble-built wall with an outer facing of large, horizontally laid slabs. It averages 1.8m wide and 1m high externally. The remains of an entrance feature survive at E and consist of two slabs, 1.35m apart, set at right angles to the line of the enclosing wall. Elsewhere, modern field walls and a laneway flank the site at N, NE and W. The enclosed area presently measures 20.6m N-S x 30m E-W, though a short, low stretch of a tree-lined bank, located on the N side of the laneway, may represent the limits of the site here. The NE quadrant is raised above the remainder of the site and is largely occupied with uninscribed upright slabs. It is locally known as a ceallúnach, and children were buried here up to the early twentieth century. Two cross-slabs and an unusual shrine occur in the SE portion of this area. Shrine (KE070-043003-): This poorly preserved feature consists of a rectangular mound, 2.9m N-S x 1.9m E-W, which is retained by upright slabs set on edge. A number of these slabs are missing or buried, particularly at N, while the remainder tend to incline outward. Low pillars occur at the SE, SW and NW corners of the structure. The mound is largely composed of stone, including some quartz and its upper surface appears to be paved with slabs. It appears to be a variant type of corner-post shrine. Cross-Slabs: (1) (KE070-043002-) This narrow slab stands just outside the NW angle of the shrine. It is 1.15m high and tapers toward its base from a maximum width of .27m. Its top edge is divided by a deep notch. On its W face is a linear latin cross with outwardly disposed C-scroll terminals. Beneath this is a roundel containing four similarly disposed C-scroll motifs. (2) (KE070-043004-) Standing just to S of (1), this slab is .75m high and .23m wide at the top, broadening gradually to a maximum width of .45m near its base. On its W face is an encircled Maltese cross. Its centre is separated from the arms by grooves and it features a small central dot. Pendant from the encircled cross is a grooved stem, divided midway by a lozenge-shaped expansion and ending in a small triangular expansion. Below this, on either side, are two S-shaped motifs, on edge, while a stylised bird is outlined in profile above. (3) (KE070-043005-) A fragment of a third cross-slab was noted at the site (Macalister 1939b, 21), but its present location is unknown. A photograph, apparently taken during the 1950s, clearly indicates that this slab featured a Maltese cross or a cross of arcs (information: P. Harbison). 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. 934. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

• KE070-043001 Children's burial ground
  Description

  In the NE quadrant of an ecclesiastical enclosure (KE070-043----). Portion of the burial ground was excavated during the undergraduate training programme of the Department of Archaeology, UCC, between 1992 and 2004 (see Sheehan 1994, 41-2; 1995, 43-4; 1996, 40-41; 1997, 47; 1998, 82; 2000a, 89; 2000b, 112; 2004, 211-12; 2006, 214). Prior to excavation it comprised an irregular area (c. 14m E-W; c. 11m N-S) occupied by many plain grave-markers. Over one hundred graves were excavated, including both stone-lined and dug examples, many of which contained quartz pebbles. Excavation revealed evidence for a wooden church (KE070-043007-) underlying the burial ground and two cross-slabs (KE070-043006-, KE070-0430011-) were also recovered from it. (O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, 263-5, no. 934). 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

• KE070-043002 Cross-slab
  Description

  In an ecclesiastical enclosure (KE070-043----). One of two cross-inscribed slabs which stand on the W side of the corner-post shrine (KE070-043003-). This tall narrow slab (H 1.15m) features a linear Latin cross with C-scroll terminals beneath which is a roundel with four symmetrically arranged C-scrolls. (O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, 263-5, no. 934, slab 1) See attached photograph courtesy of Amanda Clarke 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

• KE070-043003 Shrine
  Description

  In the NE quadrant of the ecclesiastical enclosure (KE070-043----). Excavation of this early medieval corner-post shrine took place during the undergraduate training programme of the Department of Archaeology, UCC (Sheehan 2000a, 89; 2004, 211; 2006, 214). The shrine (1.9m x 1.9m; H c. 0.8m), whose sides are formed of large, thin sandstone slabs, has a taller upright pillar at each corner. Three of the original corner-posts survive, one of which features a linear cross with a bifid terminal at the top of the shaft. The shrine appears to have been deliberately positioned over a primary grave, of 'lintel-grave' type, within which lay a small stone cross. Two cross-slabs (KE070-043002-, KE070-043004-) stand on the W side of the shrine. (O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, 263-5, no. 934) See attached photographs courtesy of Amanda Clarke Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE070-043004 Cross-slab
  Description

  The second of two cross-inscribed slabs that stand on the W side of the corner-post shrine (KE070-043003-). This broad slab (H 0.75m) features an encircled Maltese cross pendant from which is a grooved stem, representing a flabellum. The stem has two lozenge-shaped expansions and a terminal triangular expansion. Above the encircled cross is the stylised profile of a bird while beneath it is a pair of curvilinear motifs, possibly representing the ribbons which are occasionally associated with flabella. (O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, 263-5, no. 934, slab 2) See attached photograph courtesy of Amanda Clarke Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE070-043006 Cross-slab
  Description

  This cross-slab fragment was recovered from the children's burial ground (KE070-043001-) during its excavation (see Sheehan 1994, 41-2; 1995, 43-4; 1996, 40-41; 1997, 47; 1998, 82; 2000a, 89; 2000b, 112; 2004, 211-12; 2006, 214). It is derived from the lowermost part of a slab and features part of an encircled Maltese cross and a curvilinear motif similar to those on another cross-slab (KE070-043004-) from Caherlehillan. Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE070-043007 Church
  Description

  Excavation of the ecclesiastical enclosure (KE070-043----) revealed evidence for a wooden church (see Sheehan 1994, 41-2; 1995, 43-4; 1996, 40-41; 1997, 47; 1998, 82; 2000a, 89; 2000b, 112; 2004, 211-12; 2006, 214). The small rectangular building (ext. dims. c. 3.8m x 2m) was denoted by corner post-holes and underlay the children's burial ground (KE070-043001-) in the NE quadrant of the enclosure. It featured a post-hole towards its E end and a drain outside it at S, which have been interpreted as an altar-post and a sacrarium, respectively. Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE070-043008 Graveyard
  Description

  Excavation of the ecclesiastical enclosure (KE070-043----) revealed evidence of eighteen contemporaneous graves in the areas to the E, W and S of the church (KE070-043007-), with the main concentration occurring to the S, the area where the shrine (KE070-043003-) was also located. Three separate types of grave were present, simple dug graves, lintel graves and slab-lined cists. (see Sheehan 1994, 41-2; 1995, 43-4; 1996, 40-41; 1997, 47; 1998, 82; 2000a, 89; 2000b, 112; 2004, 211-12; 2006, 214) Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE070-043009 Structure
  Description

  Excavation in the SW quadrant of the ecclesiastical enclosure (KE070-043----) revealed evidence for a number of wooden structures of both circular and rectangular plan. (see Sheehan 1994, 41-2; 1995, 434; 1996, 40-41; 1997, 47; 1998, 82; 2000a, 89; 2000b, 112; 2004, 211-12; 2006, 214) 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

• KE070-043010 Metalworking site
  Description

  Excavation in the SW quadrant of the ecclesiastical enclosure (KE070-043----) revealed evidence of the smelting and forging of iron (see Sheehan 1997, 47; 1998, 82; 2000a, 89; 2000b, 112; 2004, 211-12). 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

• KE070-043011 Cross-slab
  Description

  This cross-slab fragment was recovered from the children's burial ground (KE070-043001-) during its excavation (see Sheehan 1994, 41-2; 1995, 43-4; 1996, 40-41; 1997, 47; 1998, 82; 2000a, 89; 2000b, 112; 2004, 211-12; 2006, 214). It is derived from the uppermost part of a slab and features a portion of an encircled Maltese cross above which is a carving of a bird. Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE070-043012 Cross
  Description

  A portion (0.4m x 0.18m; T 0.035m) of a small roughly shaped cross formed one of the covering slabs at the head of an early medieval grave in the graveyard (CO070-043008-). It was recovered during archaeological excavations in the ecclesiastical enclosure (see Sheehan 1994, 41-2; 1995, 43-4; 1996, 40-41; 1997, 47; 1998, 82; 2000a, 89; 2000b, 112; 2004, 211-12; 2006, 214). The excavator concluded that the grave may be that of the site's founder (Sheehan 2009). Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Date of upload: 30 May 2011

• KE070-115 Rock art
  Description

  Located c. 70m NNW of rock art site KE070-032----, is a flat topped boulder, 1.5m x .85m x .8m high. The decorated surface features two cupmarks, an annular ring and a cup-and-two rings, and is partly overlain by peat at its E end (information: A. Purcell). The above description is derived from O'Sullivan, A. and Sheehan, J. (compilers) 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University press. (1996), no. 266. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 11 June 2013

• KE070-120 Field system
  Description

  In rough boggy pasture, on the N side of the valley of the Ferta River. This field system, which was identified and recorded by Harte (2002), covers an area measuring 1.2km E-W x 500m N-S. The surviving linear and curvilinear walls protrude above the surface of the bog and are generally in an overgrown and collapsed condition. The walls (av. max. T 0.93m; av. max. H 0.8m) mainly comprise slabs set upright and at right angles to the line of the wall. Some boulders and smaller rounded and angular rubble stones were also noted. In some cases the wall is stone lined with a peaty core. In other instances outcropping rock has been incorporated into the walls. The system comprises fields of various shapes and sizes, but wedge-shaped fields appear to predominate. There are two wedge tombs (KE070-035----, KE070-036----), a cashel (KE070-042----), a children's burial ground (KE070-043001-), a cross-inscribed stone (KE070-043002-), a shrine (KE070-043003-) and eight hut sites (KE070-034----, KE070-037----, KE070-038----, KE070-039----, KE070-042001-, KE070-042002-, KE070-121----, KE070-129----) within the field system. (Harte 2002) 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

• KE070-121 Hut site
  Description

  On top of a ridge, within a field system (KE070-120----). The remains of a heavily overgrown, circular hut site (3m x 2.9m) defined by a drystone wall (T 1m; H 0.35m) which has collapsed inwards. Outcropping rock is incorporated into the wall along the N and W arcs. (Harte 2002, 145, no. D203) 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

• KE070-129 Hut site
  Description

  On a ridge, within a field system (KE070-120----). The collapsed remains of a rectangular hut site (7m x 3.3m) defined by a drystone wall (T 1m; H 0.6m) with breaches in the centre of the long walls (NW-SE). The S half is poorly preserved. (Harte 2002, 145, no. D202) 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

• KE070-133001 Rock art
  Description

  In mountain heath (164m OD), on a W-facing slope; Excellent views of River Ferta valley to SW. A slightly rough and fractured sandstone boulder (dims. 3.17m N-S; 2.28m E-W; max. H 0.82m at W) which is very weathered and has natural dimpling. This boulder has a sub-rectangular decorated surface (dims. 1.03m NW-SE; 0.20m NE-SW) with a steep NW-facing aspect. The upper SE-half of stone surface has predominant lichen cover. The motifs are weathered and consist of a cupmark (diam. 7cm; D 15mm) in NE corner and a cupmark (diam. 6cm; D 15mm) in centre of stone surface, c. 89cm to SW. There is a small ‘footstep’ to get up onto this boulder, at the E end of the N side. Field boundary (long axis NE-SW) is c. 4.5m to W. Monument identified as a rock art site by A. Lambe (2014). Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 31 May 2017

• KE070-133002 Rock art
  Description

  In mountain heath (164m OD), on a W-facing slope; Excellent views of Ferta River valley to SW. Rock art site appears to have been located, as per locational information on file. Surface of boulder not seen due to dense covering of impenetrable vegetation; Natural fractures can be seen amongst the furze bushes, yet it was not possible to see any motifs. Note: The same co-ordinate is on file for two rock art sites (KE070-133001- and KE070-133002-). There is an upright stone (H c. 0.75m; Wth 0.2m) abutting the SW side of rock art (KE070-133001-) and a large, flat topped stone with a N-facing slope, adjacent to W of the upright stone. Field boundary (long axis NE-SW) adjacent to W. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 31 May 2017

• KE070-134 Rock art
  Description

  In NE corner of pasture field, on a low rise of rock outcrop, on a SW-facing slope; Excellent view of River Ferta valley down to Valencia Harbour. A smooth and unfractured sandstone rock outcrop (dims. 0.89m E-W; 0.74m N-S; max. H 0.29m at N) having a triangular decorated surface (dims. 0.23m E-W; 0.10m N-S) which is generally level. The motifs consist of three very weathered cupmarks, obscured by lichens and some may be covered in sod on W side of rock outcrop. Cupmark (diam. 6cm; D 6mm) is off-centre to W of stone surface and a small cupmark (diam. 3cm; D 3mm) is located c. 2cm to E. A third cupmark (diam. 5cm; D10mm) is 7cm to E. Roofless stone shed c. 30m to SW. Monument identified as a rock art site by A. Lambe (2014). Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 31 May 2017

• KE070-135 Sweathouse
  Description

  The following description of this monument has been kindly provided by Aidan Harte: 'This sweathouse was discovered during an archaeological survey undertaken in 2002. It is located in the parish of Killinane and the barony of Iveragh and is near the head of the Ferta River. Here, a tributary stream of the Ferta River flows south from Been Hill and it is adjacent to the stream that the sweathouse is found on the western bank. The bank is formed at two levels; the present bank and a second dry embankment face, set further to the west. Between these two banks there is a narrow terrace, or platform, on which the structure is positioned. This location is relatively hidden and is also level, on an otherwise moderately sloped hillside. The surrounding land is agricultural and used as rough grazing. The concealed position of the sweathouse means that there is only a view directly south, to Coulagh townland, on the opposite side of the valley and the distant mountains beyond. The structure is well preserved. The sweathouse is sub-circular in plan although it may be argued at there is a D-shaped element to it, as the frontal façade is far straighter than the other walls. To the north of the structure, a sub-rectangular area is defined by a low wall built against the western bank/scarp. This bank/scarp turns at the northern end to join the present river bank to the east. The eastern boundary is formed by a drystone wall, 1.1m high and 0.55m wide and midway along this wall, there is an entrance gap facing the river. This break in the wall measures 0.68m in width and the river is never more than 1m from the eastern wall. The sweathouse forms the southern boundary of this enclosed area of 17m2. The stones of the enclosing wall are not interwoven with those of the sweathouse and so, the drystone wall was built subsequent to the Sweathouse. The structure is of drystone corbelled construction and is very similar to a bee-hive shaped cell. The western wall is built into the bank/scarp on this side. The latter is the same height as the external roof height of the structure – approximately 1.5m – but no covering of earth or sod remains. The entrance is on the northern side, opening into the enclosure. The simple flat-lintelled doorway measures 0.62m in height and 0.46m in width at the base. The entrance also narrows slightly towards the top lintel. At the entrance the wall is 0.5m in maximum thickness. Internally, the sub-circularity/D-shaped layout becomes more apparent. The internal space measures 1.62m east-west by 1.48m north-south and the maximum height to the corbelled ceiling is 1.4m. The final stones of the corbelled roof are currently not closing the roof, but the medium sized slabs indicate the ease at which this smoke outlet could have been opened or closed. Furthermore, while there are stones littering the floor of the interior, there are not enough to indicate any substantial collapse. There are no scorch marks evident on the internal walls. The water source used with this sweathouse would logically be the adjacent mountain stream and this is further testified to by the fact that the enclosure opens out in this direction. The nearest archaeological sites are hut sites (KE070-037----/038----/039----) found on both sides of the stream, but ruined sites of foundations only and probable belong to the medieval period. The nearest post-medieval houses are over 115m to the west and the stone cashel (KE070-042----) and early ecclesiastical site (KE070-043----) are further west again. Therefore, the sweathouse location may be considered isolated within a townland otherwise dense in archaeological remains. There is no local tradition of sweathouse use in this area and the landowner presumed this structure to have been built for lambing.' (Harte 2008) Compiled by: Aidan Harte Date of upload: 2 May 2017

Architectural heritage

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

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 Caherlehillan.

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

Name

Caherlehillan

Area

2,859,132 m² (285.91 ha, 706.51 acres)

Civil parish

Killinane, and its townlands

Barony

Iveragh

Electoral division

Killinane, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Killinane electoral division: 298 people in 121 households; 94% of households own their home; 21% of homes were built since 2001; 14% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 25% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Coulagh, Gortnagulla, Letter West

Placenames

Caherlehillan 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.