# Kenmare Old, Co. Kerry: townland, land parcels and planning

Townland in the civil parish of Kenmare, barony of Glanarought, Co. Kerry; in Irish Ceann Mara.

- Area (Tailte Éireann): 1,040,508 m² (104.05 ha, 257.12 acres)
- Land parcels (Tailte Éireann): 46 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in it, median 2,323 m² (0.23 ha, 0.57 acres)
- Zoning (national zoning, MyPlan): not in a zoned settlement
- Planning (National Planning Applications): 18 applications since 2010
- Civil parish: Kenmare, https://everytownland.com/kerry/parish/kenmare.md
- Barony: Glanarought
- Electoral division: Kenmare, the unit of the census
- Census 2022 (Central Statistics Office): 3,520 people lived in 1,321 households in the Kenmare electoral division. 57% of households owned their home. 52% of homes were built since 2001. 11% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 25% were holiday homes.
- County: Co. Kerry, https://everytownland.com/kerry.md
- Placenames Database of Ireland: https://www.logainm.ie/en/23054
- Townland number at Tailte Éireann: 71700
- Centre: latitude 51.868528, longitude -9.568953 (WGS 84)

## Land parcels (registered freehold land, Tailte Éireann)

46 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Kenmare Old, from 50 m² to 300,400 m² (30.04 ha, 74.23 acres); 8 neighbouring parcels touch its boundary. Largest first:

- Parcel 1197172: 300,400 m² (30.04 ha, 74.23 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1197172.md
- Parcel 5844504: 104,655 m² (10.47 ha, 25.86 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5844504.md
- Parcel 5844367: 76,623 m² (7.66 ha, 18.93 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5844367.md
- Parcel 5579741: 52,547 m² (5.25 ha, 12.98 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5579741.md
- Parcel 5463144: 12,232 m² (1.22 ha, 3.02 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5463144.md
- Parcel 1147286: 10,598 m² (1.06 ha, 2.62 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1147286.md
- Parcel 1186491: 7,302 m² (0.73 ha, 1.8 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1186491.md
- Parcel 5835940: 6,674 m² (0.67 ha, 1.65 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5835940.md
- Parcel 1160532: 5,868 m² (0.59 ha, 1.45 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1160532.md
- Parcel 5423002: 5,812 m² (0.58 ha, 1.44 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5423002.md
- Parcel 1183988: 5,456 m² (0.55 ha, 1.35 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1183988.md
- Parcel 1243619: 5,267 m² (0.53 ha, 1.3 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1243619.md
- Parcel 1229980: 5,060 m² (0.51 ha, 1.25 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1229980.md
- Parcel 1228521: 4,764 m² (0.48 ha, 1.18 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1228521.md
- Parcel 4988195: 3,409 m² (0.34 ha, 0.84 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/4988195.md
- Parcel 5649531: 2,976 m² (0.3 ha, 0.74 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5649531.md
- Parcel 1236622: 2,717 m² (0.27 ha, 0.67 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1236622.md
- Parcel 1215683: 2,687 m² (0.27 ha, 0.66 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1215683.md
- Parcel 1243090: 2,679 m² (0.27 ha, 0.66 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1243090.md
- Parcel 5850466: 2,534 m² (0.25 ha, 0.63 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5850466.md
- Parcel 1210544: 2,519 m² (0.25 ha, 0.62 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/1210544.md
- Parcel 5913775: 2,422 m² (0.24 ha, 0.6 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5913775.md
- Parcel 5180645: 2,325 m² (0.23 ha, 0.57 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5180645.md
- Parcel 5658965: 2,321 m² (0.23 ha, 0.57 acres), https://everytownland.com/parcel/5658965.md
- Parcel 5715727: 1,955 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5715727.md
- Parcel 1204421: 1,851 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1204421.md
- Parcel 1138938: 1,779 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1138938.md
- Parcel 1246837: 1,565 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1246837.md
- Parcel 6163302: 1,524 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/6163302.md
- Parcel 1189460: 1,336 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1189460.md
- Parcel 1147466: 930 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1147466.md
- Parcel 1245357: 410 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1245357.md
- Parcel 1205329: 401 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1205329.md
- Parcel 1203988: 266 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1203988.md
- Parcel 5779646: 201 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5779646.md
- Parcel 1238303: 198 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1238303.md
- Parcel 5778983: 194 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5778983.md
- Parcel 5663334: 169 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5663334.md
- Parcel 5809410: 146 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5809410.md
- Parcel 5779628: 130 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5779628.md
- Parcel 5779579: 128 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5779579.md
- Parcel 5897602: 126 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5897602.md
- Parcel 5778908: 117 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5778908.md
- Parcel 5779576: 117 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/5779576.md
- Parcel 1222035: 84 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1222035.md
- Parcel 1242306: 50 m², https://everytownland.com/parcel/1242306.md

## Zoning (national zoning of development plans, MyPlan)

No zone of a development plan covers Kenmare Old in the national zoning. Outside zoned towns and villages, the county development plan's rural policies apply to each application.

## Planning applications whose site touches the townland (National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

18 applications, newest first.

- 9 Sept 2025, Kerry County Council 2560798: Conditional. Permission. The development will consist of Planning Permission for a change of use from a holiday home ancillary to Sheen Falls Country Club to a private dwelling house. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2560798/0
- 29 Jan 2025, Kerry County Council 2515: Conditional. Permission, 6 homes. CHANGE OF USE OF 6 NO. HOUSES FROM HOLIDAY HOMES ANCILLARY TO SHEEN FALLS COUNTRY CLUB TO PRIVATE DWELLING HOUSES. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2515/0
- 29 Jan 2025, Kerry County Council 2516: Conditional. Permission, 1 home. FOR THE CHANGE OF USE OF THREE NO. HOUSES CONSISTING OF NOS. 2, 3, AND 7 MOUNTAIN VIEW LOCATED AT SHEEN FALLS COUNTRY CLUB, KENMARE, CO. KERRY FROM HOLIDAY HOMES ANCILLARY TO SHEEN FALLS COUNTRY CLUB TO PRIVATE DWELLING HOUSES. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2516/0
- 29 Jan 2025, Kerry County Council 2517: Conditional. Permission. FOR THE CHANGE OF USE OF 1 NO. HOUSE CONSISTING OF NO.13 MOUNTAIN VIEW, GORTNADULLAGH, KENMARE OLD, SHEEN FALLS COUNTRY CLUB, KENMARE, CO KERRY FROM A HOLIDAY HOME ANCILLARY TO SHEEN FALLS COUNTRY CLUB TO A PRIVATE DWELLING HOUSE. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2517/0
- 7 May 2024, Kerry County Council 2460278: Conditional. Permission, 1 home. (A) EXTEND THE EXISTING DWELLING HOUSE TO INCLUDE A LARGER GROUND FLOOR AREA AND A FIRST FLOOR LEVEL OVER PART OF THE GROUND FLOOR, (B) MAKE ALTERATIONS TO THE EXISTING DWELLING HOUSE TO INCLUDE ALTERATIONS TO THE INTERIOR LAYOUT, WINDOWS, DOORS, ROOF, ETC. AND ALL OTHER ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2460278/0
- 14 Mar 2023, Kerry County Council 23263: N/a. Permission. CONSTRUCT A NEW FOOTPATH AND NEW SITE ENTRANCE INTO THE DEVELOPMENT. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/23263/0
- 27 Sept 2022, Kerry County Council 221012: Conditional. Permission, 1 home. CHANGE OF USE FROM HOLIDAY HOME TO PRIVATE DWELLING HOUSE. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/221012/0
- 27 Sept 2022, Kerry County Council 221013: Conditional. Permission, 1 home. CHANGE OF USE FROM HOLIDAY HOME TO PRIVATE DWELLING HOUSE. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/221013/0
- 27 Sept 2022, Kerry County Council 221014: Conditional. Permission, 1 home. CHANGE OF USE FROM HOLIDAY HOME TO PRIVATE DWELLING HOUSE. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/221014/0
- 27 Sept 2022, Kerry County Council 221015: Conditional. Permission, 1 home. CHANGE OF USE FROM HOLIDAY HOME TO PRIVATE DWELLING HOUSE. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/221015/0
- 17 Nov 2021, Kerry County Council 211302: Conditional. Permission. AMEND PLANNING APPLICATION REF. 21/771.THIS PARENT PERMISSION GRANTED PERMISSION FOR (1) THE CHANGE OF USE OF AN EXISTING STABLE BUILDING TO A FOOD AND DRINK PREMISES (2) THE CONSTRUCTION OF 2 NO. SINGLE STOREY EXTENSIONS TO THE EAST (FRONT) AND 1 NO. SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION TO THE NORTH (REAR) OF THE BUILDING , RESULTING IN A TOTAL INCREASE IN AREA OF 195 SQ.M (3)THE EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ALTERATION, ELEVATIONAL CHANGES AND RENOVATION OF THE EXISTING COMPRISING ( IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AFOREMENTIONED EXTENSIONS) OF A RESTAURANT,BAR, KITCHEN, FUNCTION ROOM AND ASSOCIATED ANCILLARY FACILITIES (4) THE PROVISION OF AN 131 SQ.M OUTDOOR SEATING AREA WITH 2 NO. RETRACTABLE AWNINGS (5) AMENDED LANDSCAPING WORKS (6) THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING STORAGE ROOMS IN AN ALTERVATIVE ANNEX BUILDING INTO 3 NO.NEW STABLES REPLACING THE STABLES DISPLACED BY THE HOSPITALITY BUILDING AND ALL ANCILLARY SITE WORKS. THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE AFOREMENTIONED PARENT PERMISSION IS, THE RELOCATION OF THE PREVIOUSLY GRANTED NORTHERN SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION CONTAINING KITCHEN AND TOILTE FACILITIES TO THE CENTRAL COURTYARD OF THE EXISTING STABLES BUILDING , SERVING THE PREVIOUSLY GRANTED RESTAURANT. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/211302/0
- 13 Aug 2021, Kerry County Council 21930: Conditional. Permission. COMPLETE PARTIAL CONSTRUCTED DWELLING (NO.29 OF FOREST VIEW) PERMITTED BY 04/4475 AND EXTENDED BY 04/94475 AND 04/994475. THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ALSO SEEKS AN AMENDMENT OF CONDITION 2 OF 04/4475 TO SPECIFY THAT EXISTING DWELLINGS NO.'S 2,3,4,5,7,9,12 AND 13 OF MOUNTAIN VIEW, NO.'S 7,15,16,19 AND 28 OF FOREST VIEW AND THE COURTYARD NO.S 1-20 CONSTRUCTED PURSUANT TO 04/4475 SHALL BE USED AS HOLIDAY HOMES ANCILLARY TO THE EXISTING SHEEN FALL COUNTY CLUB. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/21930/0
- 8 Jul 2021, Kerry County Council 21771: Conditional. Permission. (1) THE CHANGE OF USE OF AN EXISTING STABLE BUILDING TO A FOOD AND DRINK PREMISES (2) THE CONSTRUCTION OF 2 NO. SINGLE STOREY EXTENSIONS TO THE EAST (FRONT) AND 1 NO. SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION TO NORTH (REAR) OF THE BUILDING, RESULTING IN A TOTAL INCREASE IN AREA OF 227SQ.M. (3)THE EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ALTERATIONS, ELEVATIONAL CHANGES AND RENOVATION OF THE EXISTING COMPRISING (IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AFOREMENTIONED EXTENSIONS) OF A RESTAURANT, BAR, KITCHEN, FUNCTION ROOM AND ASSOCIATED ANCILLARY FACILITIES (4) THE PROVISION OF AN 131 SQ.M OUTDOOR SEATING AREA WITH 2 NO. RECTRACTABLE AWNINGS (5) AMENDED LANDSCAPING WORKS (6) THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING STORAGE ROOMS IN AN ALTERNATIVE ANNEX OF THE BUILDING INTO 3 NO. NEW STABLES REPLACING THE STABLES DISPLACED BY THE HOSPITALITY BUILDING AND ALL ANCILLARY SITE WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/21771/0
- 31 Jan 2020, Kerry County Council 2071: Conditional. Permission, 1 home. DEMOLISH EXISTING DWELLING HOUSE. DOMESTIC STORE, GARAGE, AND DECOMMISSION EXISTING SEPTIC TANK AND PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT A DWELLING, INSTALL A WASTE WATER TREATMENT UNIT, NEW SITE ENTRANCE AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2071/0
- 28 Jan 2020, Kerry County Council 2055: Conditional. Permission. DEMOLISH EXISTING BAY WINDOW AND CONSTRUCT A SINGLE STOREY CONSERVATORY TO THE NORTH WEST OF EXISTING HOLIDAY RENTAL COTTAGE AND ASSOCIATED ANCILLARY SITE WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2055/0
- 19 Dec 2019, Kerry County Council 191306: N/a. Permission. DEMOLISH EXISTING BAY WINDOW AND CONSTRUCT A SINGLE STOREY CONSERVATORY TO THE NORTH-WEST OF EXISTING HOLIDAY RENTAL COTTAGE AND ASSOCIATED ANCILLARY SITE WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/191306/0
- 16 Dec 2019, Kerry County Council 191276: Conditional. Permission. CHANGE USE OF EXISTING BOATHOUSE TO A PLACE OF ASSEMBLY AND RECREATION FOR HOTEL PATRONS, AND FOR USE AS A VENUE FOR THE SOLEMNISATION OF CIVIL MARRIAGES. PERMISSION IS ALSO SOUGHT FOR THE ALTERATION, RENOVATION AND EXTENSION OF SAME, THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING ROOF WITH A NEW PITCHED ROOF INCORPORATING ROOF GLAZING, PROVISION OF A NEW RAMPED ACCESS WALKWAY, RAISED FLOOR AND PROJECTING DECK/BALCONY AND INTERNAL STAIRS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/191276/0
- 30 Jul 2019, Kerry County Council 19808: Conditional. Permission. CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION COMPRISING OF A CONSERVATORY AND GLAZED CORRIDOR TO THE NORTH-EAST OF THE EXISTING HOTEL BUILDING. PERMISSION IS FURTHER SOUGHT FOR MINOR INTERIOR MODIFICATIONS AND ELEVATIONAL CHANGES TO THE EXISTING BAR AND LOUNGE INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW PLATFORM LIFT AND STAIRS TO FACILITATE THE PURPOSED EXTENSION THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TERRACED AREA TO THE NORTHEAST AND ALL ANCILLARY SITE WORKS. File: https://www.eplanning.ie/KerryCC/AppFileRefDetails/19808/0

Applicants are not shown.

## Designated sites (National Parks and Wildlife Service)

- Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Roughty River Estuary, site code 002092

## Recorded monuments (Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service)

- KE093-035001: Church, https://heritagedata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0c9eb9575b544081b0d296436d8f60f8&query=18a4b61b268-layer-9%2CSMRS%2CKE093-035001-. St Finan's medieval parish church ruins stands in the townland of Kenmare (Ceann Mara/head of the sea/great river) Old, parish of Kenmare, diocese of Ardfert, barony of Glanarought (Gleann Ó Ruachta). The name Kenmare was transferred to the seventeenth-century town on the northern shore (known in Irish as an Neidín). The 1302-06 Ecclesiastical Taxation of the Deanery of Hacudoe in the Diocese of Ardfert listed the church of 'Keynmara' [Kenmare] where it was valued at 13s. 4d. with the tithe valued at 16d. per annum (Cal. doc. Ire., Vol. 5, 298). On the 1841 ed. OSi 6-inch map the ruins of Kenmare Church are depicted standing in the N quadrant of a rectangular-shaped burial ground with St. Finan's Well to the NE on the S side of the sea with the Sheen River to the E. The medieval roughly rectangular-shaped 'Glebe' of the church is depicted lying immediately to S of church and W of the River Sheen where it enters to sea on the 1841 ed. OSi 6-inch map. This glebe-land is depicted at this location on the 17th century Down Survey map of Glanarought barony (Hibernia Regnum). The shape of the Glebe on the Down Survey map roughly corresponds to the shape of the glebe depicted on the 1841 ed. Osi 6-inch map. Today the helicopter pad and car-parking facilities of the Sheen Falls hotel stands partially on the site of this glebe land. In 1605 the 'moiety of the rectory of Kenmara', with all its 'tithes and other commodities' were demised to 'Thomas Springe' (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 71). In 1613, King James I granted Jenkin Conway lands, which included. the 'abbey of Inishfallen, containing the advowson and right of patronage of of the church of Killelly [Killalee/Cill Oilbhe/KE066-008---] and Keownemarrie [Kenmare], with all the tithes' (ibid., 268). In 1615 the Royal Visitation of the Diocese of Ardfert recorded that the 'parsonadges of Killelly [Killalee Church KE066-008---] and Keanmarra [Kenmare]' belonged to the 'Abbey of Inishfallen' (KE066-072001-) and were kept by 'Mr. Jenkyn Conway', Henry Reade was listed as the curate of Kenmare (Murphy 1915, 191). Church ruins in the NE corner of the graveyard (KE093-035002-). The ruin of a church comprising a nave (int. dims. 10.55m E-W; 7.15m N-S) and a chancel (int. dims. 7.05m E-W; 4.7m N-S). Apart from the E wall of the chancel (H c. 4.5m to the gable), part of the N wall of the chancel (max. H 3m) and the SE corner of the nave (H 3.5m), the walls are fragmentary and poorly preserved. The walls are generally heavily mantled with ivy. There is a narrow pointed light (ext. H 1.3m; ext. Wth 0.15m) in the E wall of the chancel; the embrasure splays and has a round-headed masonry arch to the interior. A window with a narrow lintelled light (ext. H 0.5m; ext. Wth 0.12m) occurs at the S end of the E wall of the nave; the N jamb has been rebuilt, partially blocking the light. In the S wall of the nave, 0.9m from the SE corner is the splayed E ingoing of a window. The interior of the church has been used for burials. In 1841 it was noted that a 'difference in style and age is clearly discernible between the nave and choir, the latter being built of large stones cemented with lime and fine sand mortar, and the former of stones of comparatively small size cemented with lime and gravel or coarse sand mortar' (OSL, 183); this distinction is now difficult to ascertain due to the condition of the surviving walls. The church is associated with St Finan and is reputed to have been attached to St Finian's Abbey in Innisfallen (KE066-072001-) (McCarthy 1993, 14). There is a holy well (KE093-035003-) c. 70m ENE of the church. 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. In 1841 the Ordnance Survey recorded the following details about St. Finan's Church; 'The old church of Kenmare is situated on the south side of the Kenmare river about one mile to the south-east of the little town of Kenmare. It consisted of a nave and choir, the nave measuring on the inside forty feet [12.2m] in length and twenty-four feet [7.3m] in breadth, and the choir twenty feet six inches [6.24m] by thirteen feet three inches [4m] and the walls of the nave are three feet [0.9m] thick and those of the choir two feet ten inches [0.86m]. A difference of style and age is clearly discernible between the nave and choir, the latter being built of large stones cemented with lime and fine sand mortar and the former of stone of comparatively small size, cemented with lime and gravel or coarse sand mortar. The walls of the choir are ten feet [3m] high in good preservation, but those of the nave nearly destroyed. The west gable is entirely destroyed, and there remains of the south wall but eight feet [2.4m] and of the north but ten feet [3m] to the height of three feet [0.9m]. The east window is semi-circular headed on the inside where it is formed of chiselled sandstone and measures five feet four inches [1.6m] in height and in width two feet three and a half inches [0.7m] at the top and two feet six inches [0.76m] at the bottom; but it was modernised and made curvilineally pointed on the outside, where its cill is five feet six inches [1.67m] from the present level of the ground. It measures on this side four feet three inches [1.3m] in height and in width five inches [0.12m] at the top and six and a half inches [0.16m] at the bottom. At the distance of five feet four inches [1.6m] from the east gable there is on the south wall of the choir a small quadrangular window rudely formed of hammered stones and measuring on the inside three feet four inches [1m] in height and two feet ten inches [0.86m] in width, and on the outside two feet two inches [0.66m] by six and a half inches [0.16m]' (O'Donovan 1983, 232-3). Saint Finan's Church and graveyard was described in 1898 as follows; 'The graveyard here is a large overcrowded place, with the holy well on the shore itself with the sea ebbing in and out of it, so that it can only be approached at low tide. The little east window of the ruined church has been made into a shrine, and is much used as a place for prayer. On the sill is a great variety of objects, a Small figure of the Virgin in delf is placed in the centre, and around that image are fragments of human bones, broken rosaries, and old scapulars, coins, beads, trinkets, buckles, buttons, crucifixes, and a great number of small personal trifles, all' worn and battered and of no intrinsic value. The various reasons for their being placed here are only known to the donors, if even to them, and the Custom is doubtless a survival of some old-world idea' (Bigger 1898, 323). According to Lewis (1837, 704), the 'ruins of the old church [KE093-035001-] still remains; also those of a small chapel, supposed to have been built by Sir Wm. Petty on the establishment of the English Colony'. The precise location of this 17th-century chapel within the graveyard has not been identified. In 2009 a graveyard survey carried out by Bernard O’Mahony of Aegis Archaeology Ltd. recorded the following details about Kenmare Old Graveyard (KE093-035002-); ‘Kenmare Old graveyard is located in the townland of Kenmare Old, parish of Kenmare, barony of Glanarought, in south Co. Kerry, approximately 1km to the southeast of the town of Kenmare on south bank of The Sound in Kenmare Bay. The Sound is visible immediately to the north of the graveyard and the peak of Mucksna Mountain is 2km to the south. The graveyard is sub-rectangular in shape and slopes to the edge of The Sound to the north. The graveyard slopes steeply to the north and east from the entrance at the southwest corner. The development of Kenmare Old through time is visible in the layout of the graveyard. The graveyard can be divided into an earliest phase – the eastern third of the graveyard – associa
- KE093-035002: Graveyard, https://heritagedata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0c9eb9575b544081b0d296436d8f60f8&query=18a4b61b268-layer-9%2CSMRS%2CKE093-035002-. In pasture, on a NNE-facing slope on the S shore of Kenmare Bay. A subrectangular area (c. 230m E-W; c. 100m N-S) with the entrance near the SW corner. The ruin of a church (KE093-035001-) stands in the NE corner. The graveyard is still in use with recent burials occurring mostly in the W section. Late 18th-century grave-markers occur in the E section and there are ivy-covered altar-tombs in the central and E sections as well as a famine plot with a memorial plaque at the centre. A holy well (KE093-035003-) is on the shoreline to the NE. Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. In 2009 a graveyard survey carried out by Bernard O’Mahony of Aegis Archaeology Ltd. recorded the following details about Kenmare Old Graveyard; ‘Kenmare Old graveyard is located in the townland of Kenmare Old, parish of Kenmare, barony of Glanarought, in south Co. Kerry, approximately 1km to the southeast of the town of Kenmare on south bank of The Sound in Kenmare Bay. The Sound is visible immediately to the north of the graveyard and the peak of Mucksna Mountain is 2km to the south. The graveyard is sub-rectangular in shape and slopes to the edge of The Sound to the north. The site was originally indicated on the 1841 edition 6-inch Ordnance Survey (OS) map as ‘Kenmare Church (in ruins)’ [KE093-035001-], ‘Burial Ground’ and ‘St Finan’s Well’ [KE093-035003- ]. The site appears to have expanded some time before 1892 with the extension of the burial ground shown on the 1892 ed. 25-inch OS map, incorporating a narrow rectangular field to the west. A footpath running southwest to northeast through the site is also shown on the 1892 map. Kenmare Old graveyard measures 95m north-south by 212m east-west and is enclosed in a random rubble stone boundary wall. The entrance to the graveyard is at the southwest corner of the graveyard. There are 1069 named headstones in the graveyard. The graveyard contains 12 memorial plaques, 20 tombs, 7 of which can be named and 4 named graveslabs, of which only one can be read. The graveyard contains 6 walled plots – plots enclosed in random rubble stone walls standing to a height of no less than 1.5m. A total of 1199 low un-inscribed stone grave markers were counted at the graveyard. The graveyard slopes steeply to the north and east from the entrance at the southwest corner. The development of Kenmare Old through time is visible in the layout of the graveyard. The graveyard can be divided into an earliest phase – the eastern third of the graveyard – associated with the ruins of the medieval church on the north of the east side of the graveyard. There is no set pattern to the layout of the graves in this sector. This sector also contains all the tombs, walled plots, graveslabs and the vast majority of the low un-inscribed stone grave markers in the graveyard. These grave markers are randomly scattered throughout. A sub-circular chained plot with a memorial information plaque and headstone dedicated to famine victims is located on the west side of this sector of the graveyard, to the west of and adjacent to the diagonal tarmac pathway. The north side of this sector of the graveyard slopes steeply from a line just north of the church ruins for a distance of approximately 20m to the shoreline of The Sound. A tarmac pathway cuts diagonally southwest-northeast through this sector of the graveyard and continues in a circuit parallel to the eastern and southern boundary walls. The pathway extends parallel to the boundary along the south side of the graveyard to the entrance at the southwest corner. A gravel pathway at the northeast corner of the graveyard gives access to the shoreline and St Finan’s holy well. A stepped pathway through the trees to the shoreline is located 40m to the west of the ruined church. The middle sector of the graveyard, to the west of the earliest sector, is laid out in neat rows aligned north-south. The graves in this sector are accessed by 6 parallel north-south running tarmac pathways. This sector of the graveyard contains neat rows of headstones and plots and contains 136 of the 1199 low un-inscribed gravemarkers in the graveyard. There are no tombs, walled plots or graveslabs in this sector of the graveyard. The western sector of the graveyard contains the more recent burials and the plots are laid out grid-like and neatly laid out in north-south aligned rows, divided by tarmac pathways. There are only 12 gravemarkers in this sector of the graveyard and no walled plots, tombs or graveslabs’. According to Lewis (1837, 704), the 'ruins of the old church [KE093-035001-] still remains; also those of a small chapel, supposed to have been built by Sir Wm. Petty on the establishment of the English Colony'. The precise location of this 17th-century chapel within the graveyard has not been identified. Graveyard described in 1898 as follows; 'The graveyard here is a large overcrowded place, with the holy well [KE093-035003-] on the shore itself with the sea ebbing in and out of it, so that it can only be approached at low tide' (Bigger 1898, 323). Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 26 September 2022
- KE093-035003: Ritual site - holy well, https://heritagedata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0c9eb9575b544081b0d296436d8f60f8&query=18a4b61b268-layer-9%2CSMRS%2CKE093-035003-. At the foot of a steep N-facing slope, on the S shore of Kenmare Bay. The well, which is dedicated to St Finan, lies outside the NE corner of a graveyard (KE093-035002-) in which are the ruins of a church (KE093-035001-) associated with St Finan. It is covered by a recently built stone structure with a rectangular lintelled opening (H 0.63m; Wth 0.65m) from which a small stream flows. A simple Latin cross has been repeatedly scratched on outcropping rock on the N side of the well. The well is still in use as evidenced by ribbons tied to an overhanging holly tree. Pilgrims pray 'for the cure of eye ailments, as the saint himself [St Finan] had a fault with his sight' (McCarthy 1993, 14). In the 1841 it was recorded that 'patterns' were annually held here on 3 May and 14 September 'until twenty years since when they were abolished' though it was also noted that stations continued to be performed and 'many diseases are cured by its sacred waters' (OSL, 183). See attached photographs of holy well 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. St. Finan's Well was described in 1841 as; 'At the distance of of one hundred paces east-north-east of this ruin [KE093-035001-] is Saint Finan's Well (at highwater mark and in spring tides the salt water gets into it) at which 'patterns' were annually held on 3 May and 14 September until twenty years since when they were shed; but stations are nevertheless still performed at Saint Finan's Well and many diseases are cured by its sacred waters' (O'Donovan 1983, 233). Holy well described in 1898 as ; 'holy well on the shore itself with the sea ebbing in and out of it, so that it can only be approached at low tide. This well is much frequented, and many votive offerings are placed around; on the top of a slab over the well crosses are marked by the worshippers with a pebble, the same as at Feaghna [KE102-038004-], the stone being quite worn with the custom' (Bigger 1898, 323). The Marquis of Lansdowne recorded that the; 'Holy Well which has long enjoyed a great reputation for the healing quality of its waters. Hard by, and connected with the well by a well-worn path, stands the ruin of a tiny church (KE093-035001-), of unknown antiquity, of which little but the eastern lancet window now remains. The Well is called St. Finan's Well, and it seems reasonable to suppose that both it and the church owed their origin to that Saint. To distinguish him from others of the same name, he is known as 'St. Finan Lobhar' the Leper, for he is said to have suffered from leprosy which he had 'taken upon himself' in order to save the life of another. The story goes on that he was ultimately cured by drinking the water of a well to which he had been divinely directed and that in gratitude for this miracle he founded the Religious House on the island of Inisfallen (KE066-072001-) at Killarney. The records show that up to the Dissolution, the church and well of Kenmare Old were an appurtenance of the abbey in question, and it is difficult to resist the conclusion that it must have been the Holy Well of Kenmare which cured St. Finan Lobhar' (Petty-Fitzmaurice 1937, 142). Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 26 September 2022
- KE093-035004: Chapel, https://heritagedata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0c9eb9575b544081b0d296436d8f60f8&query=18a4b61b268-layer-9%2CSMRS%2CKE093-035004-. Lewis (1837, vol. 2, 38) noted that the ruins of 'a small chapel supposed to have been built by Sir Wm. Petty on the establishment of the English colony' were visible in the graveyard (KE093-035002-). This was in addition to the ruins of the old church (KE093-035001-) in the graveyard. There are no visible remains of the chapel. In 1942 the ITA survey suggested that the 'The difference in style and age as between the choir (20' 6" long by 13' 3" broad) and the nave (40' long by 24' broad); is probably due, to the fact that the structure was originally Catholic, but confiscated and made a Protestant church during the Penal Days' (ITA Survey) Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 26 September 2022

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).

## Architectural heritage (National Inventory of Architectural Heritage)

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

## Ground and risks (Radon Risk Map of Ireland, EPA; Landslide Susceptibility Classification and LiDAR, Geological Survey Ireland)

- Radon: at the centre of the townland of Kenmare Old, about 1 in 5 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home: https://www.epa.ie/environment-and-you/radon/radon-testing/#d.en.82887
- Landslides: The 1:50,000 map rates the landslide susceptibility here as high, moderately high, moderately low, low, partly inferred.
- Terrain model: no LiDAR survey of the Office of Public Works covers the centre of the townland of Kenmare Old.
- Flooding: the flood maps of the Office of Public Works, https://www.floodinfo.ie/map/floodmaps/, linked only: their licence does not allow re-use.

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.

## Downloads

- DXF, in Irish Transverse Mercator metres, with its boundary, parcels and buildings, for a drawing program: https://everytownland.com/kerry/kenmare-old.dxf
- GeoJSON, in WGS 84, for a map: https://everytownland.com/kerry/kenmare-old.geojson
- KML, for Google Earth: https://everytownland.com/kerry/kenmare-old.kml

## Homes sold (Residential Property Price Register)

No address of the register names Kenmare Old with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Kerry: https://everytownland.com/kerry.md

## Neighbouring townlands (National Statutory Boundaries, Tailte Éireann)

- Ballygriffin: https://everytownland.com/kerry/ballygriffin.md
- Gortalinny North: https://everytownland.com/kerry/gortalinny-north.md
- Gortnadullagh: https://everytownland.com/kerry/gortnadullagh.md
- Mucksna: https://everytownland.com/kerry/mucksna.md

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.

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Everytownland reads the registered freehold land and the statutory boundaries of Tailte Éireann, the national zoning, planning file and heritage records of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Residential Property Price Register. A parcel is the land of a title, not an address. The owner's name is in the Land Registry of Tailte Éireann: a copy of the folio can be ordered on landdirect.ie, for a fee; this site names no owner. A price is the price recorded for a past sale, not a valuation.

Sources: Cadastral Parcels Freehold, Townlands, Civil Parishes, Baronies, Electoral Divisions and Buildings, Tailte Éireann, CC BY 4.0; national zoning of development plans (GZT, MyPlan) and National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0, applicants not shown; designated sites, National Parks and Wildlife Service, CC BY 4.0; Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service, CC BY 4.0; National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, CC BY 4.0; Residential Property Price Register, Property Services Regulatory Authority, re-used with the source acknowledged.

- Page: https://everytownland.com/kerry/kenmare-old
- In JSON: https://everytownland.com/api/townland/kerry/kenmare-old