Carrig Island

13 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Carrig Island, from 1,096 m² to 343,920 m² (34.39 ha, 84.98 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 1 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 Carrig Island 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.

• 25 Mar 2026Conditional

  retain existing entrance walls at a reduced height and planning permission to finish same walls with a natural stone finish and a concrete capping

  Retention · Kerry County Council, 2657

• 21 Dec 2022Refused

  RETAIN THEIR ENTRANCE WALLS AND GATES AS CONSTRUCTED ON THEIR LAND HOLDINGS

  Retention, 1 home · Kerry County Council, 221341

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: Lower River Shannon SAC 002165
• Special Protection Area: River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries SPA 004077
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Ballylongford Bay 001332

Recorded monuments

• KE002-004 Battery
  Description

  Situated on Corran Point, at NE end of Carrig Island, overlooking Bunaclugga Bar, 2.8km S of Scattery Island Battery (CL067-024015-) . To the NE lies Moneypoint, to the south lies Carrigafoyle Castle (KE002-045----). The view from this site is excellent in all directions. The surrounding land is pastureland. Annotated 'Battery' on the 1841 ed. OSi 6-inch map and 'Corran Point Battery' on the Cassini ed. OSi 6-inch map. One of six batteries (Kilcredaun CL072-027002-, Doonaha CL066-037001-, Scattery Island CL067-024015-, Kilkerin CL068-046---- and Tarbert KE003-002----) proposed by the Gother Mann Committee as part of the fortification of the Shannon estuary (McEnery 2006, 104). In 1806 Gother Mann, Inspector-General of fortifications, proposed rough costings for artillery fortifications of the Shannon estuary which included Carrig Island Battery and tower which he estimated would cost £6,000 (McEnery 2006, 76). In 1810 the Board of Ordnance approved estimates for the construction of the six artillery fortifications (ibib.). The contract was awarded to Mr. Flattery who excavated the trenches but failed to construct the masonry elements which was awarded to Mr Quillan a second contractor who commenced work on these fortifications in 1812 (ibid.). On August 2nd 1814 master gunners were posted to these batteries including Robert Kinnerbury to Carrig Island battery (ibid., 106). The Master Gunners House is depicted on the 1841 ed. OSi 6-inch map where it is shown standing c. 80m E of the tower of the battery. In 1817, Carrig Island tower and battery was recorded as possessing six 24-pound guns and two 5.5-inch howitzers (ibid., 80). Around the year 1868 the six 24-pound guns at Carrig Island were replaced by more powerful 68-pound smooth bore guns (ibid., 137, 144). According to McEnery (2006, 134, 143) in 1891 the gunners abandoned the Napoleonic defences of Carrig Island Fort. The battery defended the River Shannon with guns mounted on the curving N side of the earthwork as shown on the ground plan of Carrig Island Battery. The slot trench of the curving stonework which carried the guns allowing them to move is still visible. The bombproof rectangular-shaped tower of the battery was constructed of dressed stone and supported two howitzers or a short cannon used to fire projectiles with relatively high trajectories. The North side measures 16.3m in length, It displays a semi-circular headed dressed doorway which has two pulleys attached, possibly to draw up the door. It also displays four small rectangular windows which measures 0.9m in length. The south side has no windows or doorway but in the interior running along the wall from the first floor to the roof is a stairway. The eastern side measures 9.85m in length and displays one large window and two small rectangular ones. The western side also has one large window and four small rectangular ones. Corran Point Battery described by Kerrigan (1995, 210-11) as follows; 'This battery commanded the southern part of the channel between Carrig Island and Scattery Island, a distance of about two miles, so that the passage of the river here was commanded by the two batteries. The moat and ramparts of the Corran Point battery have almost disappeared, the removal of the stonework causing the gradual collapse of the scarp and counterscarp. The guardhouse remains, the doorway having been altered and extended in recent years to form an opening at ground level. The gun platform at roof level with its positions for two guns is approached from the upper floor level by a staircase built within the wall thickness, as at Kilkerin [CL068-046----]. The inner face of the parapet and the banquette are constructed of regular ashlar masonry, the banquette having a shallow groove in the stonework for the iron rail of the traversing mount for each gun. The guardhouse has the usual battered-wall surfaces, constructed of squared rubble built to courses with regular masonry at the quoins and at the door, window and musket-loop openings. Plans indicate that the battery had the same layout as the other Shannon batteries, the curved front of the battery having the inner face of the parapet indented at each gun position, as at Kilkerin. Lewis, in his Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, described the work as a battery and bombproof barrack for twenty men; by 1837 it had become a coastguard station'. See attached plan of Battery taken from local information panel Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 6 January 2022

• KE002-005 Fulacht fia
  Description

  This site is situated in low-lying pastureland which slopes gently SW to NE towards a canal a field away. Just beyond this canal lies another fulacht fiadh (34). This site appears as a roughly horseshoe-shaped mound, with a maximum height of .5m and a diameter of 13m. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 33. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 1 August 2013

• KE002-006 Fulacht fia
  Description

  This site is situated in a low-lying field with a canal about 20m away. It is D-shaped with the straight side N-S measuring 15m while the maximum radius of the half circle E-W measures 14m. The maximum height is .8m. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 34. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 1 August 2013

• KE002-007 Fulacht fia
  Description

  This site is situated on the coast just above a storm beach and the burnt stones have been exposed by weathering. The burnt material measures just over 6m in width and the width of the mound N-S measures 9m. To the ENE, a short distance away, lie the two fulachta fiadh above. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 35. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 1 August 2013

• KE002-008001 Religious house - unclassified
  Description

  Carrig Abbey (in ruins). The remains of this abbey consist of a nave, 15.5m x 6m, and choir, 6.7m x 4.7m internally. They were separated by a square tower (now gone), supported on two semi-circular arches, 4m high and 2m wide. The abbey was constructed from thin flagstones of the neighbouring area and this, according to Cochrane (1913), gives the masonry a peculiar appearance. The remaining walls are just over 1m thick and contain lime-and-sand cement. The E gable of the abbey has now disappeared and the W gable has been incorporated into a field bank. On the N wall evidence of steps leading to the tower and a possible door, now much disfigured, can still be seen. It is believed to have been a monastery of the O'Connor Kerry clan, since it is situated in the centre of an early ecclesiastical enclosure (KE002-008003-). Though there is no documentary evidence, it would appear to have been in use over a long period of time before falling into decay. There is no surface trace of a burial ground attached to the abbey, but, according to O'Donovan (1841), human bones and skulls were dug up by the locals while searching for money. See attached plan and elevation drawings of Carrig Abbey taken from North Kerry Archaeological Survey (Toal 1995, 239). The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 928. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013

• KE002-008002 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  It is marked on the 1841-42 and 1914 OS map as 'Friars' Well'. Situation and Description: This well is circular and dry-walled; it would appear to be quite steep and is still full of water. Originally, steps led down to the well and some of these can still be traced today. It is situated WNW of Carrig Abbey (KE002-008001-) and was probably connected to it. Rounds/Legends/Offerings: No tradition survives. See attached plan of Carrig Island monastic enclosure taken from North Kerry Archaeological Survey (Toal 1995, 209). See attached photographs of Friar's Well courtesy of Amanda Clarke. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 880. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013

• KE002-008003 Ecclesiastical enclosure
  Description

  This site is situated on low-lying pastureland, and the view from it is excellent in all directions. A large early ecclesiastical site, it is not marked on the OS maps but shows up quite clearly on aerial photographs taken by the Survey in 1987. The remains consist of a sub-circular bivallate enclosure, measuring internally 210m N-S and 175m E-W. The enclosing earthen banks are low and wide and rise to a maximum of .6m high. The enclosing banks are cut in several places by various fieldbanks and a bohareen cuts through the N sector of the enclosure in a NW-SE direction. The outer bank has been much levelled and can only be traced from the W to S and for c 80m from the N to NE; it is c 3.6 wide and .5m high. The inner bank is much better preserved, though quite low in places, and it can still be traced, except to the NE to E to ESE where it has been completely ploughed out. The bank is on average 5m wide and .8m high. The interior is at much the same level as the surrounding land and contained within the interior are the foundations of house-sites and other buildings. There is also the remains of a c 15th-century friary (KE002-008001-) and a holy well (KE002-008002-) dedicated to the friars. The centre of the interior is cut by an inverted V-shaped fieldbank, which in turn cuts through several of the internal structures. The field S of the fieldbank has been continuously ploughed and planted, and as a result no visible trace survives of the internal structures on this side. Between the inner and outer enclosing bank to the NW are what would appear to be old ridge lines. The overall external diameter of the enclosure is 330m N-S and 260m E-W. See attached plan of Carrig Island monastic enclosure taken from North Kerry Archaeological Survey (Toal 1995, 209). The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 830. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013

• KE002-008006 Field system
  Description

  Field system in NW quadrant of monastic site situated on low-lying pastureland, with excellent views in all directions. A large early ecclesiastical site (KE002-008003-) not marked on the OS maps but shows up quite clearly on aerial photographs taken by the Survey in 1987. The enclosing banks are cut in several places by various field banks and a boreen or roadway cuts through the N sector of the ecclesiastical enclosure in a NW-SE direction (Toal 1995, 208). See attached site plan of earthworks taken from North Kerry Archaeological Survey The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 830. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013

• KE002-008007 Enclosure
  Description

  Semi-circular shaped area enclosed by low earthen bank within the NW quadrant of the ecclesiastical enclosure (KE002-008003-) transected at E by post-1700 field boundary (Toal 1995, 208, no. 830). Holy Well (KE002-008002-) incorporated into field boundary at N end of enclosure. See attached plan of Carrig Island ecclesiastical enclosure taken from North Kerry Survey Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 7 January 2022

• KE002-008008 Earthwork
  Description

  Semi-circular shaped area defined by a scarp transected at E by post-1700 field boundary with holy well (KE002-008002-) incorporated into field bank to S. Earthwork within the NW quadrant of the ecclesiastical enclosure (KE002-008003-). See attached plan of Carrig Island ecclesiastical enclosure taken from North Kerry Survey Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 7 January 2022

• KE002-008009 Earthwork
  Description

  Roughly oval-shaped area defined by low earthen bank bisected by post-1700 field boundary in SW quadrant of ecclesiastical enclosure (KE002-008003-). See attached plan of Carrig Island monastic enclosure taken from North Kerry Archaeological Survey (Toal 1995, 209). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 7 January 2022

• KE002-008010 Hut site
  Description

  KE002-008003- is situated on low-lying pastureland, and the view from it is excellent in all directions. A large early ecclesiastical site, it is not marked on the OS maps but shows up quite clearly on aerial photographs taken by the Survey in 1987. The interior is at much the same level as the surrounding land and contained within the interior are the foundations of house-sites and other buildings. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 830. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013

• KE002-008011 Hut site
  Description

  Situated on low-lying pastureland, and the view from it is excellent in all directions. A large early ecclesiastical site (KE002-008003-), it is not marked on the OS maps but shows up quite clearly on aerial photographs taken by the Survey in 1987. The interior is at much the same level as the surrounding land and contained within the interior are the foundations of house-sites and other buildings. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 830. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013

• KE002-009 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Internal diameter 63m N-S Situated on low-lying pastureland, the view from this site is extensive in all directions. Very little of this possible univallate rath survives today. N through E to SE, the enclosing bank has been completely levelled and the rest only appears as a slight rise of c .6m above the surrounding land. According to local tradition people lived in this rath during the famine period and collected shellfish and fish to survive. The landowner told of ploughing up numerous heaps of shells around this site. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 162. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 2 August 2013

Architectural heritage

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

Designated sites: National Parks and Wildlife Service. Recorded monuments: Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service. Buildings: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Works at or in relation to a recorded monument need two months' written notice to the National Monuments Service (National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, section 12).

Radon

About 1 in 10 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

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

Terrain model

LiDAR of the Office of Public Works, flown in 2011, at 2 m: tile OPW_225 (ZIP).

Flooding

The flood maps of the Office of Public Works: floodinfo.ie.

Radon Risk Map of Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency; Landslide Susceptibility Classification, Geological Survey Ireland; both CC BY 4.0. LiDAR: contains Irish Public Sector Data (Geological Survey Ireland & the Office of Public Works) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence.

No address of the register names Carrig Island with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Kerry.

Name

Carrig Island · Oileán na Carraige

Area

989,969 m² (99 ha, 244.63 acres)

Civil parish

Aghavallen, and its townlands

Barony

Iraghticonnor

Electoral division

Carrig, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Carrig electoral division: 374 people in 157 households; 76% of households own their home; 18% of homes were built since 2001; 18% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 5% were holiday homes.

Placenames

Carrig Island 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.