Letter

91 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Letter, from 93 m² to 212,364 m² (21.24 ha, 52.48 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 25 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 Letter 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.

• 3 Nov 2025Refused

  To A.) Construct three glamping pods served by a mechanical treatment tank and percolation area B.) Upgrade existing entrance C.) Construct car park to serve glamping pods D.) Construct an amenity area with viewing dome and all associated site works

  Permission · Kerry County Council, 2561018

Source: National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Applicants are not shown.

Designated sites

No designated site (Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, Natural Heritage Area or proposed one) touches the townland of Letter.

Recorded monuments

• KE079-065001 Children's burial ground
  Description

  Calluragh Burial Ground (KE079-065001-): This site is located in rough pasture on the S facing slope of the spur which runs W from Bentee mountain. It consists of an oval platform, measuring 17.7m N-S x 25m E-W, on which an ogham stone, two possible leachta and a burial area are located. The platform reaches a maximum height of 2.8m at S, where a possible entrance survives as a recessed area flanked on one side by an upright pillar. The original limits of the site may be preserved in a curving field boundary at E. The burial area occupies the W portion of the platform, which features a large number of uninscribed slabs that stand up to .6m high. The site continued to be used as a ceallúnach until the 1930s (local information). 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. 962. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

• KE079-065002 Ogham stone
  Description

  KE079-065004- is located in rough pasture on the S facing slope of the spur which runs W from Bentee mountain. It consists of an oval platform, measuring 17.7m N-S x 25m E-W, on which an ogham stone, two possible leachta and a burial area are located. The platform reaches a maximum height of 2.8m at S, where a possible entrance survives as a recessed area flanked on one side by an upright pillar. The original limits of the site may be preserved in a curving field boundary at E. Ogham Stone (KE079-065002-): This stone stands close to the SE corner of KE079-065001-, and is 1.22m high, .28 wide and .1m thick. It inclines slightly to S. Macalister (1945, 233) read the inscription as: ANM GATTEGLAN Only the initial three and final four characters are now clearly discernible. The inscription was executed in finely incised scores which are obscured on the stone’s lichen-covered surface. Macalister noted that the E was indicated by the forfid. 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. 962. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

• KE079-065003 Leacht
  Description

  KE079-065004- is located in rough pasture on the S facing slope of the spur which runs W from Bentee mountain. It consists of an oval platform, measuring 17.7m N-S x 25m E-W, on which an ogham stone, two possible leachta and a burial area are located. The platform reaches a maximum height of 2.8m at S, where a possible entrance survives as a recessed area flanked on one side by an upright pillar. The original limits of the site may be preserved in a curving field boundary at E. Leachta: Within the NE sector of the site is an oval mound (KE079-065004-) measuring c. 5m long and .3m high. It is of stony composition, including some quartz. S of the leacht a small area, c. 4m N-S x 5m E-W, is defined by upright slabs, some laid contiguously. This may be a second leacht (KE079-065005-). 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. 962. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

• KE079-065004 Ecclesiastical enclosure
  Description

  Calluragh Burial Ground (KE079-065001-): This site is located in rough pasture on the S facing slope of the spur which runs W from Bentee mountain. It consists of an oval platform, measuring 17.7m N-S x 25m E-W, on which an ogham stone, two possible leachta and a burial area are located. The platform reaches a maximum height of 2.8m at S, where a possible entrance survives as a recessed area flanked on one side by an upright pillar. The original limits of the site may be preserved in a curving field boundary at E. The burial area occupies the W portion of the platform, which features a large number of uninscribed slabs that stand up to .6m high. The site continued to be used as a ceallúnach until the 1930s (local information). Ogham Stone (KE079-065002-): This stone stands close to the SE corner of the site, and is 1.22m high, .28 wide and .1m thick. It inclines slightly to S. Macalister (1945, 233) read the inscription as: ANM GATTEGLAN Only the initial three and final four characters are now clearly discernible. The inscription was executed in finely incised scores which are obscured on the stone’s lichen-covered surface. Macalister noted that the E was indicated by the forfid. Leachta: Within the NE sector of the site is an oval mound (KE079-065003-) measuring c. 5m long and .3m high. It is of stony composition, including some quartz. S of the leacht a small area (KE079-065004-), c. 4m N-S x 5m E-W, is defined by upright slabs, some laid contiguously. This may be a second leacht. 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. 962. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

• KE079-065005 Leacht
  Description

  KE079-065004- is located in rough pasture on the S facing slope of the spur which runs W from Bentee mountain. It consists of an oval platform, measuring 17.7m N-S x 25m E-W, on which an ogham stone, two possible leachta and a burial area are located. The platform reaches a maximum height of 2.8m at S, where a possible entrance survives as a recessed area flanked on one side by an upright pillar. The original limits of the site may be preserved in a curving field boundary at E. Leachta: Within the NE sector of the site is an oval mound (KE079-065004-) measuring c. 5m long and .3m high. It is of stony composition, including some quartz. S of the leacht a small area, c. 4m N-S x 5m E-W, is defined by upright slabs, some laid contiguously. This may be a second leacht (KE079-065005-). 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. 962. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

• KE079-066 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Internal diam. 21m N-S, 20m E-W This circular univallate rath is located on a level terrace on the S slopes of Bentee, overlooking the Oghermong river to S. The heavily overgrown bank is composed of earth and gravel with a large stone content. There are many gaps along its circuit, but none appears to represent the original entrance. It has a maximum external height at W of 1.8m, an internal height of 1m at NE and it measures 3.5m in basal width. An overgrown stony mound in the NW quadrant of the interior may be the remnants of a hut. 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. 531. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE079-066001 Hut site
  Description

  An overgrown stony mound in the NW quadrant of the interior may be the remnants of a hut. 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. 531. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE079-067 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Internal diam. 26m N-S, 38.5m E-W This poorly preserved rath is located in pasture on the S slopes of Bentee and lies c. 330m NE of KE079-066----. Its bank rises 2.6m above external ground level and features a number of breaks along its circuit. A field boundary overlies it at N. The bank does not rise substantially above the level of the interior, which is occupied by a series of E-W cultivation ridges. Abutting the S side of the rath is a level platform, 12m in average width, which is defined at its outer edge by a low earthen bank. The platform is traversed by a series of N-S cultivation ridges and is raised 1.8m above surrounding ground level. 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. 532. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 July 2013

• KE079-067001 Cultivation ridges
  Description

  ...the interior, which is occupied by a series of E-W cultivation ridges. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 532. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE079-068001 Castle - unclassified
  Description

  Mac Crehin's Castle: Apart from its enclosing earthwork there are no visible remains of this castle, which was located on the lower S slopes of Bentee mountain. It is associated with the MacCrohan branch of the O'Sullivan Mores (Smith 1756, 107), and is referred to as 'Letirmiccrohan' in RIA MS 24 K 43. Occupied by one Cnogher MacCroghon in 1656 (King 1931, 223), it was confiscated and granted to Alexander Eagers in 1667 (King 1909, 169). No trace of the castle survived in 1841 (OSL), and Delap recorded that it had been demolished to build adjoining farm houses (1910b, 227) The surviving remains at the site of the castle consist of a low rectangular platform, 30m N-S x 32m E-W internally, which is defined by a bank and an external fosse at N, E and W. The bank is poorly preserved and survives best at N where it is .5m high and 2.25m in width. Here the fosse, which is U-shaped in profile, averages 7m in width and 1.35m in depth. At E and W the bank and fosse are less well-defined. A low causeway, 5.5m wide, interrupts the fosse midway along its slightly curving E side and may indicate the location of the original entrance to the earthwork. A deeply channelled stream skirts this feature at E, and may have been bridged at this point. Slight traces of a channel which may have served to direct water from the stream into the fosse are visible extending from the latter's midpoint at N. The interior of the site is uneven and is raised slightly above external ground level. A slight hollow of subrectangular shape, 18m N-S x 16m E-W, occurs in the NW quadrant and is enclosed by a low bank, 3m in average width. In the SE quadrant is a large, sod-covered, subrectangular mound, 13.3m E-W x 12.7m N-S, which may represent the location of the castle. Raised 1.4m above internal ground level, its flat upper surface measures 8m E-W x 7.2m N-S. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1114. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE079-068002 Earthwork
  Description

  Mac Crehin's Castle: Apart from its enclosing earthwork there are no visible remains of this castle, which was located on the lower S slopes of Bentee mountain. It is associated with the MacCrohan branch of the O'Sullivan Mores (Smith 1756, 107), and is referred to as 'Letirmiccrohan' in RIA MS 24 K 43. Occupied by one Cnogher MacCroghon in 1656 (King 1931, 223), it was confiscated and granted to Alexander Eagers in 1667 (King 1909, 169). No trace of the castle survived in 1841 (OSL), and Delap recorded that it had been demolished to build adjoining farm houses (1910b, 227) The surviving remains at the site of the castle consist of a low rectangular platform, 30m N-S x 32m E-W internally, which is defined by a bank and an external fosse at N, E and W. The bank is poorly preserved and survives best at N where it is .5m high and 2.25m in width. Here the fosse, which is U-shaped in profile, averages 7m in width and 1.35m in depth. At E and W the bank and fosse are less well-defined. A low causeway, 5.5m wide, interrupts the fosse midway along its slightly curving E side and may indicate the location of the original entrance to the earthwork. A deeply channelled stream skirts this feature at E, and may have been bridged at this point. Slight traces of a channel which may have served to direct water from the stream into the fosse are visible extending from the latter's midpoint at N. The interior of the site is uneven and is raised slightly above external ground level. A slight hollow of subrectangular shape, 18m N-S x 16m E-W, occurs in the NW quadrant and is enclosed by a low bank, 3m in average width. In the SE quadrant is a large, sod-covered, subrectangular mound, 13.3m E-W x 12.7m N-S, which may represent the location of the castle. Raised 1.4m above internal ground level, its flat upper surface measures 8m E-W x 7.2m N-S. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 1114. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 31 July 2013

• KE079-069 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Internal diam. 25m N-S, 27m E-W This poorly preserved univallate rath is located on the W bank of a tributary of the Oghermong river and affords an excellent view from S to W of Ballinskelligs Bay and Valencia Harbour. A N-S roadway bisects the site. The enclosing element at E is gapped in several places. At W the bank rises 2.3m externally and 2m internally. It has an average basal width of 4.1m and features a possible entrance gap at W, 2.1m wide. The bank is composed of earth and gravel and is intermittently revetted internally with upright slabs and horizontal coursing. An oblong-shaped mound occurs within the SW quadrant of the rath's interior. It may be sod-covered upcast from the roadway. Elsewhere, the interior is rather bumpy and uneven. A lintelled opening to a souterrain (KE079-069001-) occurs at the inner base of the bank at NW. The souterrain, though not accessible, appears to run N beneath the bank. The external face of the bank bulges at this point. 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. 533. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE079-069001 Souterrain
  Description

  A lintelled opening to a souterrain (KE079-069001-) occurs at the inner base of the bank at NW. The souterrain, though not accessible, appears to run N beneath the bank. The external face of the bank bulges at this point. 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. 533. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013

• KE079-143001 Hut site
  Description

  The Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) is in the process of providing information on all monuments on The Historic Environment Viewer (HEV). Currently the information for this record has not been uploaded. To access available information for research purposes please make an appointment in advance with the Archive Unit (open Fridays 10.00 am – 5.00 pm), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Custom House, Dublin 1 D01W6XO or email NMarchive@housing.gov.ie.

• KE079-143002 Hut site
  Description

  The Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) is in the process of providing information on all monuments on The Historic Environment Viewer (HEV). Currently the information for this record has not been uploaded. To access available information for research purposes please make an appointment in advance with the Archive Unit (open Fridays 10.00 am – 5.00 pm), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Custom House, Dublin 1 D01W6XO or email NMarchive@housing.gov.ie.

• KE079-143003 Hut site
  Description

  The Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) is in the process of providing information on all monuments on The Historic Environment Viewer (HEV). Currently the information for this record has not been uploaded. To access available information for research purposes please make an appointment in advance with the Archive Unit (open Fridays 10.00 am – 5.00 pm), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Custom House, Dublin 1 D01W6XO or email NMarchive@housing.gov.ie.

Architectural heritage

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

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 high, moderately high, moderately low, low, on the 1:50,000 map.

Terrain model

No LiDAR survey of the Office of Public Works covers the centre of the townland of Letter.

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

Name

Letter · Leitir

Area

2,766,703 m² (276.67 ha, 683.67 acres)

Civil parish

Caher, and its townlands

Barony

Iveragh

Electoral division

Caher, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Caher electoral division: 2,061 people in 819 households; 72% of households own their home; 27% of homes were built since 2001; 17% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 19% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Carhan Upper, Garranearagh, Garranebane, Killoe, Laharan South, Oghermong

Placenames

Letter 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.