Morett

360 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Morett, from 11 m² to 488,720 m² (48.87 ha, 120.77 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 80 neighbouring parcels touch it.

Download the townland as DXF, in Irish Transverse Mercator metres, with its boundary, parcels and buildings, or as GeoJSON or KML.

• M2Village Centre (City/Town/village Centre, central area)
  Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027 including Ministerial Direction (as varied) by Variation No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3, Laois · 10 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• R2Residential 1 - Existing Residential (Existing residential)
  Laois County Development Plan 2021–2027 including Ministerial Direction (as varied) by Variation No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3, Laois · 3 parcels The zoning objective in the plan

Source: Tailte Éireann and the Department of Housing (MyPlan), national zoning, CC BY 4.0.

• 19 May 2026Conditional

  Construct extension to existing agricultural store

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2660286

• 15 May 2026N/a

  Construct extension to existing agricultural store

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2660283

• 9 Apr 2026Conditional

  extend existing cottage, new septic tank treatment system, percolation area, car port, shed and all associated site works.

  Permission, 1 home · Laois County Council, 2660195

• 3 Apr 2026N/a

  extend existing cottage, new septic tank treatment system, percolation area, car port, shed and all associated site works.

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2660185

• 5 Mar 2026Conditional

  change of house and garage design from previously granted permission Ref No. 2560739

  Permission, 1 home · Laois County Council, 2660118

• 3 Mar 2026N/a

  to change house and garage design from previously granted permission Ref No. 2560739

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2660114

• 2 Mar 2026Conditional

  amend previously granted planning file 24/60638 to include amendments to the site layout plan, reposition the units, construction of covered parking bays and all associated site works.

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2660111

• 1 Dec 2025Conditional

  Planning permission for change of house type from plans approved under planning ref 25/60242 and all associated site works at Morette, Emo, Co. Laois.

  Permission, 1 home · Laois County Council, 2560794

• 12 Nov 2025Conditional

  construct new dwelling house, domestic garage, septic tank and percolation area, new site entrance and all associated works

  Permission, 1 home · Laois County Council, 2560739

• 10 Jun 2025Refused

  carry out development which will consist of permission for 1.) demolish existing dwelling house and decommission existing septic tank, 2.) new dwelling house with garage, new septic tank treatment system, percolation area and all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Laois County Council, 2560349

• 19 May 2025Conditional

  Retention Permission of Sunroom to side of Existing House, Existing Garage and Existing Pavillion and Planning Permission for a Proposed Renovation of Existing Dwelling House with Extensions to the Front & Rear of the Existing Dwelling House including changes to main roof, amendments to the Existing Garage and to include all associated site works

  Permission, 2 homes · Laois County Council, 2560299

• 24 Apr 2025Conditional

  construct new dwelling house, domestic garage, septic tank and percolation area, new site entrance and all associated works

  Permission, 2 homes · Laois County Council, 2560242

• 24 Mar 2025Conditional

  for works associated with the proposed uprate of the existing 110 kV Overhead Line (OHL) between the existing Cushaling 110 kV substation in the townland of Ballykilleen, Co. Offaly and the existing Portlaoise 110 kV substation in the townlands of Clonminam and Kylekiproe, Co. Laois. The Cushaling – Portlaoise 110 kV OHL is approximately 41.6 km long and comprises 17 no. steel lattice tower structures and 193 no. wooden pole structures. The existing circuit is located across the functional areas of Offaly County Council (OCC), Kildare County Council (KCC) and Laois County Council (LCC). Approximately 10 km of the existing OHL circuit is located within the functional area of OCC, approximately 9 km is within the functional area of KCC and approximately 22.6 km is located within the functional area of LCC. Separate planning applications are being lodged with each respective County Council. The Proposed Development across the functional area of Co. Kildare is located in the townlands of Coolelan, Kiltaghan North, Kiltaghan South, Clonmoyle West, Ummeras More, Mountrice, Mullaghroe Upper, Mullaghroe Lower, Coolatogher, Coolsickin or Quinsborough and Coolnafearagh. The Proposed Development works across the functional area of Co. Kildare will comprise: 1. The replacement (“restringing”) of the existing overhead line circuit conductor with a new higher capacity conductor including installation of a new fibre communication connection; 2. The replacement of 2 no. steel towers and their foundations; 3. The replacement of steel members at 1 no. tower; 4. Full tower painting required at 1 no. location; 5. Shear block remedial works (raise and cap) at 1 no. tower location; 6. The replacement of wooden poles only at 8 no. locations; 7. The replacement of wooden poles and crossarm at 3 no. locations; 8. The replacement of crossarm only at 4 no. locations; 9. The replacement of existing danger notices at various locations, as required; 10. The replacement of hardware and fittings, such as insulators, insulator hardware, earthwire hardware and anti-climbing guards at various locations, as required; 11. The replacement of suspension clamps, vibration dampers and compression assemblies at all locations, as required; 12. All associated temporary site development works to gain access to the existing structures including clearance of vegetation, disassembly and reassembly of gate posts/piers and removal and reinstatement of existing fencing; and 13. Other temporary associated

  Permission · Kildare County Council, 2560302

• 24 Mar 2025Conditional

  for works associated with the proposed uprate of the existing 110 kV Overhead Line (OHL) between the existing Cushaling 110 kV substation in the townland of Ballykilleen, Co. Offaly & the existing Portlaoise 110 kV substation in the townlands of Clonminam & Kylekiproe, Co. Laois. The replacement (“restringing”) of the existing overhead line circuit conductor with a new higher capacity conductor incl. installation of a new fibre communication connection; Replacement of 8 no. steel towers & their foundations; Replacement of steel members at 1 no. tower; Full tower painting required at 3 no. locations; Shear block remedial works (raise & cap) at 6 no. tower locations; Replacement of wooden poles only at 15 no. locations; Replacement of wooden poles & crossarm at 5 no. locations; Replacement of crossarm only at 14 no. locations; Replacement of existing danger notices at various locations, as required; Replacement of hardware and fittings, such as insulators, insulator hardware, earthwire hardware and anti-climbing guards at various locations as required; Replacement of suspension clamps, vibrations dampers and compression assemblies at all locations as required; All associates temporary site development works to gain access to the existing structures including clearance of vegetation, disassembly & reassembly of gate posts/piers & removal & re instatement of existing fencing; other temporary associated & ancillary development works required for the purpose of the existing circuit, including temporary items, such as; guard poles, construction compounds (located in the townlands of Bracklone, Tullaghan, Morett, Clonaddodoran and Kyletalesha), clearance or management of vegetation, installation of silt traps, silt fences, stone tracks, ground protections mats & watercourse crossings. No additional structures are proposed along the existing circuit. Structure 203,which will be relocated approx. 101m back towards structure 202 due to its existing position on top of a gravel mound & there being potential for subsidence of the gravel in the long term. No alteration to the nature, extent, alignment, character, or voltage of the existing electricity infrastructure is proposed. In addition, works to support this uprate also include the Cushlaing-Portlaoise 110KV bay lead-in conductor uprate at the Portlaoise 110KV station. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted with this application. Full description of all works within Site Notice.

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2560147

• 24 Mar 2025Conditional

  develop at this site within the Townlands of Morett, Killone, Cappakeel, Rossmore and Raheennahown north, Co. Laois. The development will consist of a 10-year permission and 40-year operational life for a solar farm on 5 no. land parcels as described herein: West Parcel (A) (Morett townland), Central West Parcel (B) (Morett & Cappakeel. townlands), Centre Parcel (C) (Morett & Cappakeel. townlands), Centre East Parcel (D) (Cappakeel townland) and East Parcel (E) (Rossmore townland). The total site area for the proposed development is c. 249 hectares and consists of the following; c. 1,796,838sq. metres of solar photovoltaic panels on ground mounted steel frames; 44 no. hardstandings for electrical skids and storage; underground power and communication cables and ducts; c. 22,753m. of boundary security fencing; c. 12,915m. of new and existing internal access tracks including 2 no. open span bridge crossings; associated drainage infrastructure; 5 no. site entrances which include the upgrading of 2 no. access points onto the L3930, 1 no. new access point onto the L7815 local road and 2 no. new access points onto the L3930 local public road; 5 no. temporary construction compounds; landscaping and biodiversity enhancement measures and all associated site services and works. Installations of internal network cable comprise trenching for an underground medium voltage electrical cable and associated joint bays and infrastructure, for a distance of approximately 7,189 metres in length along the solar farm lands including 4 no. Horizonal Directional Drilling points to traverse the Dunrally stream and the local roads L3930, L3901 and L3817. A separate planning application will be made to An Bord Pleanála as part of a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID). This will include the provision of a 110kV substation with electrical control building and ancillary electrical infrastructure, associated compound with palisade fence which is to be located in the West Parcel (A) in the townland of Morett. The substation will connect to the national grid via. A LILO grid connection onsite. This planning application will be lodged with An Bord Pleanála in due course. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and accompanies this planning application.

  Permission, 1 home · Laois County Council, 2560148

• 4 Dec 2024N/a

  The development consists of a part single storey/part two storey dwelling, a garage, a septic tank and percolation area, a site entrance and associated site works

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2460735

• 12 Nov 2024Conditional

  erect a 24m lattice telecommunications support structure on a 1.2 metre high raised foundation (providing an overall height of 25.2 metres) together with associated antennas and dishes and to remove the existing 15 metre lattice telecommunications structure with antennas (providing an overall height of 16.96 metres). The proposed development is all enclosed within an existing compound

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2460688

• 23 Oct 2024Conditional

  demolish an existing shed, construct two two-bedroom detached units (pod 1&2), and convert an existing barn building to two two-bedroom units with sensory rooms to cater for ambient able, disabled, and general holiday lets and short-term accommodation. It will also include a bike store for assisted cycle units, bin storage, and all associated site works

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2460638

• 19 Oct 2024N/a

  Construct two no. two-bedroom detached units and convert an existing barn building to two no. two bedroom units with sensory rooms to cater for ambient able, disabled and general holiday lets and short-term accommodation, bike store for assisted cycle units, bin storage and all associated site works

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2460635

• 18 Oct 2024N/a

  construct two no. two-bedroom detached units and convert an existing barn building to two no. two bedroom units with sensory rooms to cater for ambient able, disabled and general holiday lets and short-term accommodation, bike store for assisted cycle units, bin storage and all associated site works

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2460630

• 16 Oct 2024N/a

  construct two no. two-bedroom detached units and convert an existing barn building to two no. two bedroom units with sensory rooms to cater for ambient able, disabled and general holiday lets and short-term accommodation, bike store for assisted cycle units, bin storage and all associated site works

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2460626

• 3 Jul 2024Conditional

  construct agricultural machine shed, turf store and all associated site works.

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2460394

• 28 Jun 2024N/a

  construct an agricultural machine shed, turf store and all associated site works.

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2460378

• 27 May 2024Conditional

  Build an extension to the rear of existing dwelling house, amendments to elevations and all associated site works.

  Permission, 1 home · Laois County Council, 2460287

• 22 May 2024N/a

  build an extension to the rear of existing dwelling house, amendments to elevations and all associated site works

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2460282

The 25 most recent of 51 applications.

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

Designated sites

• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: The Great Heath Of Portlaoise 000881

Recorded monuments

• LA008-010 Font (present location)
  Description

  Now located in St John's church, moved from grounds of Emo Park demesne (LA009-006-) c. 1935. It may originally have been in Coolbanagher church (LA008-014001-). The font, which has an octagonal basin (max. int. diam. 0.57m, max. D 0.25m, T 0.1m) with a central drain-hole, is set on a modern base. Its eight panels are elaborately decorated with carvings in relief of angels or foliage designs and divided from each other by a twisted vine. Punch-dressing indicates a late medieval date (JKAS 1904, Vol. IV, 196-7; Roe 1947, 82-3). The panels contain angels carved in relief with a Bishops Head with open mouth from which a vine sprouts outwards, stylised vine leafs and bunches of grapes are found carved on several panels. This vine leaf motif coupled with the Bishop symbolises the church and the followers of the church which is linked to the scrament of Baptism where the person becomes a member of the church (symbol of the Bishop) and a follower of Christ (Vine leaf). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-016 Enclosure
  Description

  Hachured as a very large circular enclosure (max. diam. c. 70m) on the 1841 edition of the OS 6-inch map. No surface remains. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-017 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated in slightly elevated position, ringfort (diam. c. 52m) defined by a large earthen bank (max. Wth c. 7m, int. H 2.6m, ext. H 3.5m). A large gap (Wth 4m) at NNE probably indicates the position of the original entrance, now widened. No evidence of fosse, the outer face of which has been cut back by earth-moving machinery. (JKAS 1904, 236-7) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-018 Burial ground
  Description

  'Skeaghnakilla Graveyard' marked on the 1841 edition of the OS 6-inch map, as a small almost square area along a field fence, is not indicated on later map editions No visible surface remains. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-019 Road - road/trackway
  Description

  Over a mile long section of ancient road running E-W, is marked on all editions of OS 6-inch maps. The E section is marked 'Site of' on the 1909 edition No visible surface remains. The W section is covered by a modern road (O'Flanagan 1933, vol. 1, 219). Archaeological testing on the trackway was carried out by Grace Fegan in 2003 under excavation licence no. 03E0140. Archaeological testing on the trackway was carried out by Eoghan Moore in 2003 under excavation licence no. 03E0429. Excavation by Grace Fegan revealed a metalled stone surface (Wth 2.69m; 0.08m thick) of well preserved cobbles which were set in a dark organic sandy silt. A sherd of Saintonge pottery was found within the layer of extremely compacted yellow clay that directly overlay the cobbles. This site was later fully excavated by Eoghan Moore under licence number 03E0429 (Bennett 2006, 292). The excavation by Eoghan Moore involved an area of 25m N-S by 45m E-W. The stone surface of the 'ancient road' was made up of larger stones, with a length of more than 0.1m, and smaller stones that measured less than 0.1m. Two linear wheel ruts were also identified running along one part of the road surface. The combined evidence of the artefacts and local knowledge/folklore would suggest that the 'ancient road' was primarily used during the medieval/early modern period (c. 1200 to mid 19th century) (Bennett 2006, 293) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-020 Ringfort - unclassified
  Description

  The S portion of a possible rectangular earthwork (C c. 50m SE-SW) is hachured on the 1841 edition of the OS 6-inch map and indicated only as a field fence on later editions No visible surface remains. Archaeological testing in the vicinity of this monument was carried out by Martin Doody in 2003 under excavation licence no. 03E0642. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-035 Burnt mound
  Description

  New monument discovered in 2003 during excavations of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme by Jonathan Dempsey of Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd under licence number 03E0623. This site was located in an area of deep fill and was protected and reburied and preserved in situ. Described as Morett 3 this site consists of an irregular spread of burnt mound material which measured 13m NNE - SSW by 3.5m by 0.2m thick. The spread consisted of friable black/brown clayey silt with frequent charcoal flecks, occasional charcoal fragments, heat-fractured subangular stones up to 0.1m in length and larger sub-rounded to subangular stones up to 0.3m in diameter. Lenses of black/brown plastic peat were also visible. The peat also appeared to underlie the site (Bennett 2006, 282). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-036 Fulacht fia
  Description

  New monument discovered in 2003 during excavations of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme by Jonathan Dempsey of Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd under licence number 03E0623. This site was located in an area of deep fill and was protected and reburied and preserved in situ. Described as Morett 7 this site consists of two, smaller spreads of fulacht material 55m E-NE of burnt mound (LA008-035) (Bennett 2006, 282). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-037 Burnt mound
  Description

  New monument discovered in 2003 during excavations of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme by Jonathan Dempsey of Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd under licence number 03E0623. This site was located in an area of deep fill and was protected and reburied and preserved in situ. Described as Morett 9 this site consists of a spread of burnt mound material 20m SE of another burnt mound (LA008-035) (Bennett 2006, 282). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-038 Burnt mound
  Description

  New monument discovered in 2003 during excavations of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme by Jonathan Dempsey of Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd under licence number 03E0623. This site was located in an area of deep fill and was protected and reburied and preserved in situ. Described as Morett 11 this site consists of an irregular spread of burnt mound material measuring 6.3m E-W x 4.1m N-S (Bennett 2006, 282). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-039 Pit
  Description

  New monument discovered in 2003 during excavations of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme by Jonathan Dempsey of Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd under licence number 03E0623. This site was located in an area of deep fill and was protected and reburied and preserved in situ. Described as Morett A this site consists of a small irregular pit (0.65m N-S by 0.5m by 0.1m deep. The fill was a dark brown silty clay with flecks of charcoal and burnt clay (Bennett 2006, 283). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-040 Pit
  Description

  New monument discovered in 2003 during excavations of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme by Jonathan Dempsey of Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd under licence number 03E0623. This site was located in an area of deep fill and was protected and reburied and preserved in situ. Described as Morett B this site consists of a small subcircular pit (0.45m N-S by 0.4m by 0.15m deep. The fill was a dark brown silty clay with occasional flecks of charcoal (Bennett 2006, 283). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-041 Field system
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Eamonn Cotter under licence number 03E0461 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Area A which was excavated revealed two prominent field boundaries, an area of activity associated with post holes, a bowl furnace and a charcoal production pit (Bennett 2006, 293). Area B was on the flat ground c. 20m E of area A. A group of bowl furnaces was excavated here, as well as a pit which was probably used to produce charcoal for the furnace (Bennett 2006, 293). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-042 Barrow - ditch barrow
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Eamonn Cotter under licence number 03E0461 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Area C encompassed the summit and slopes of the low hill which dominates the immediate landscape. Excavation in this area revealed a ditch-barrow located on the E slope of the low hill measuring 15m in diameter and enclosed by a U-shaped ditch (Wth 0.8-1.8m; D 0.9m). No archaeological features were uncovered within the barrow (Bennett 2006, 293). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-043 Enclosure
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Eamonn Cotter under licence number 03E0461 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. A second, smaller enclosure (diam. 8.5m) defined by a ditch (Wth 0.51m; D 0.12m) was located approx. 30m to the SW of the ditch-barrow (LA008-042). A large iron axehead was found near the centre of the enclosure (Bennett 2006, 293-4). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-044 Burial
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Eamonn Cotter under licence number 03E0461 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Approx. 25m to the S of the ditch-barrow (LA008-042) four human inhumations were found. Three were in a single, shallow grave and were aligned E-W. The fourth was c. 15m to the E and was aligned NE-SW. It too was in a shallow grave, but a setting of small rounded stones had been placed around it (Bennett 2006, 293-4). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-045 Metalworking site
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Eamonn Cotter under licence number 03E0461 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Area B was on the flat ground c. 20m E of area A. A group of bowl furnaces was excavated here, as well as a pit which was probably used to produce charcoal for the furnace (Bennett 2006, 293). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-046 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Eamonn Cotter under licence number 03E0461 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Four corn-drying kilns were found to the E of the barrow and the burials, on the E slope of the hill. They were sited 16m apart along a NW-SE line, following the contour of the hill, and each individual kiln lay on the same alignment (i.e at right angles to the slope). All had a figure of eight ground plan and esentially consisted of two circular pits, one deeper than the other, the deeper one containing the hearth. In length the kilns ranged from 2.2m to 2.6m, while the deepest sections were c. 0.8m deep and the shallower sections c. 0.3m. The upper fill of one of the kilns produced quantities of iron slag and seems to have been reused as a bowl furnace (Bennett 2006, 293-4). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-047 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Eamonn Cotter under licence number 03E0461 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Four corn-drying kilns were found to the E of the barrow and the burials, on the E slope of the hill. They were sited 16m apart along a NW-SE line, following the contour of the hill, and each individual kiln lay on the same alignment (i.e at right angles to the slope). All had a figure of eight ground plan and esentially consisted of two circular pits, one deeper than the other, the deeper one containing the hearth. In length the kilns ranged from 2.2m to 2.6m, while the deepest sections were c. 0.8m deep and the shallower sections c. 0.3m. The upper fill of one of the kilns produced quantities of iron slag and seems to have been reused as a bowl furnace (Bennett 2006, 293-4). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-048 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Eamonn Cotter under licence number 03E0461 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Four corn-drying kilns were found to the E of the barrow and the burials, on the E slope of the hill. They were sited 16m apart along a NW-SE line, following the contour of the hill, and each individual kiln lay on the same alignment (i.e at right angles to the slope). All had a figure of eight ground plan and esentially consisted of two circular pits, one deeper than the other, the deeper one containing the hearth. In length the kilns ranged from 2.2m to 2.6m, while the deepest sections were c. 0.8m deep and the shallower sections c. 0.3m. The upper fill of one of the kilns produced quantities of iron slag and seems to have been reused as a bowl furnace (Bennett 2006, 293-4). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-049 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Eamonn Cotter under licence number 03E0461 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Four corn-drying kilns were found to the E of the barrow and the burials, on the E slope of the hill. They were sited 16m apart along a NW-SE line, following the contour of the hill, and each individual kiln lay on the same alignment (i.e at right angles to the slope). All had a figure of eight ground plan and esentially consisted of two circular pits, one deeper than the other, the deeper one containing the hearth. In length the kilns ranged from 2.2m to 2.6m, while the deepest sections were c. 0.8m deep and the shallower sections c. 0.3m. The upper fill of one of the kilns produced quantities of iron slag and seems to have been reused as a bowl furnace (Bennett 2006, 293-4). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-052 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1367 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Morett 2 was an irregular features which measured 2.5m E-W by 1.2m by 0.1m deep. This feature was possible the remains of a heavily disturbed corn-drying kiln. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-053 Burial
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1367 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Morett 5 consisted of a skeleton, possibly of a female adult orientated NNE-SSW in an extended supine position with skull facing W. The skeleton was placed in a shallow grave cut, irrregular in shape, measuring 1.35m N-S by 0.8m by 0.27m deep. No finds were recovered from the burial. A burial of a horse was in a separate grave-cut 0.7m to the E of the female inhumation (Bennett 2006, 295). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-054 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1367 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Morett 6 was the truncated remains of a keyhole-shaped kiln. It measured 2.4m NNW-SSE by 1.2m by 0.19m at its greatest width. The base of the kiln sloped slightly upwards, from SSE to NNW. The location of a fire-spot at the SSE was indicated by a subcircular spread of compact, heavily oxidised sandy silt, 0.51m in diameter (Bennett 2006, 295). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-055 Burial
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1367 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Morett 13 was located 91m SSW of Morett 5 (LA008-053). This heavily disturbed extended inhumation, probably of an adult, was orientated E-W. The grave-cut was subrectangular with rounded corners, measuring 1.75m E-W by 1m by 0.07m deep. No grave goods were associated with this burial. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-056 Pit
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1367 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Morett 12 was an irregular pit which measured 1.1m E-W by 0.9m by 0.06m deep. Four fills were identified. The presence of charcoal in the fills and oxidation on the base of the pit would indicate that burning had occurred in situ (Bennett 2006, 295). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-057 Burial
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1367 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Morett 14 was 47m WSW of Morett 13 (LA008-055). This skeleton of a young, probably female, adult was orientated N-S. It was in an extended supine position. The skeleton had been placed in a linear grave-cut with irregular edges, measuring 1.6m N-S by 0.55m by 0.16m deep (Bennett 2006, 296). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-058 Enclosure
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1368 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Morett 4 consisted of a possible ring-ditch, sub-oval in shape, with internal dimensions of 15.4m N-S by 11m. The enclosure was defined by a V-shaped ditch (Wth 2.1m; D 0.64m). A possible antennae ditch (Wth 1.1m; D. 0.48m) extended from the main ditch to the NNW. There was a possible entrance at the NNW. A C-shaped structure with external dimensions of 4.05m N-S by 4.45m was identified in the N part of the interior of the enclosure. It was defined by a gully with a U-shaped profile. There was no physical relationship between this feature and the enclosing ditch (Bennett 2006, 296). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-059 Fulacht fia
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1368 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Morett 8 was a sub-oval pit which measured 1.2m N-S by 1.1m by 0.23m deep that was filled by a loose black/brown sandy clay, subangular heat fractured and fire-reddened stones. A flake of chert was recovered from this deposit (Bennett 2006, 296). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-060 Pit
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1368 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Morett 10 consisted of a subrectangular pit which measured 2.1m N-S by 1.4m by 0.85m deep and had smooth regular sides and a flat base (Bennett 2006, 296). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-061 Burial
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1624 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Orientated E-W, the skeleton was in an extended supine position, with the skull facing to the S. The skeleton had been placed in a shallow grave-cut 1.69m in length by 0.65m in width by 0.49m deep (Bennett 2006, 296). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-062 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1624 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. A heavily truncated corn-drying kiln was located immediately to the N of a burial (LA008-060). This keyhole shaped feature measured 3.21m in length and was orientated ENE/WSW. The base of the drying bowl was located at the WSW (Bennett 2006, 296-7). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-063 Fulacht fia
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1624 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. On a link road to the exisitng N7, two pits and the portion of a possible trough for a burnt mound that lay within the roadline were excavated. This was sub-oval in shaped and measured 2m NW/SE by 0.9m E-W by 0.3m depth. The possible pits and trough had a fill of burnt-mound-like material (Bennett 2006, 297). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA008-064 Church
  Description

  Possible church site according to local historian Mr Jackie Hyland who identifies this site as the potential site of a fifth century wooden church associated with St Patrick. He believes that this irregular shaped platform defined by a scarp and outer fosse indicates the possible site of a fifth century church associated with St Patrick. It now consists of a grove of hazel trees in a corner of a field which is known locally as Killinadun Upper (Church of the fort). Nearby Doon Fort (LA008-017) located 320m to the SE. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA009-021001 House - fortified house
  Description

  A Fitzgerald castle built c. 1580 (Hore 1866, 534-5). Rectangular tower house (dims. 15.5m E-W, 11.5m N-S; wall T 2.5m at W, 1.3m of N) built on rock outcrop and constructed with rubble limestone, roughly coursed. It is four storeys high with NE, SE and SW angles extant but with most of connecting walls levelled. Large central chimney stack and associated fireplaces in E gable. Bartizans on NE and SW angles. No evidence of murder-hole, garderobes or doorway (Fitzgerald 1904, 285-96; Comerford 1883, Vol. II, 144-54). Situated atop rock outcrop with good views in all directions. Late sixteenth century rectangular fortified house four storeys high with attic. The walls are externally rendered and built with roughly coursed limestone rubble with dressed quoin stones and a base batter. All floors were wooden and the floor joists rested on wall plates which were carried on corbels which are visible on the internal face of the W gable. There was a fireplace at each floor level in the E gable which had a tall chimney stack crowned by four diagonal chimney stacks with cut stone cornicing. The ground floor may have been divided into two rooms by a cross wall of which the grass covered foundations survive running across the centre of the ground floor from centre of N wall to centre of S wall. This wall would have created two rooms at ground floor and upper floor levels. No evidence of where original doorway was located. String coursing visible along all four walls of castle at wall walk level and around the gable at wall walk and higher up around chimney stack. Evidence of unglazed flat headed windows with iron grill holes and punch dressed limestone chamfered jambstones of late medieval date. Single light round headed window in centre of E gable at fourth floor level. At ground floor level in the centre of the E gable there is a large fireplace. In the NE angle at ground floor level there is a stone built wall oven heated from the central freplace. At second floor level in the NE angle there is access to a mural stairs in the E gable which gives access to a destroyed machicolation in the centre of the E gable. This stairs is lighted by an angle loop in the NE angle at second floor level. Underneath the string course at wall walk level on both side walls there are a series of drain holes underneath each one there was a large water spouts which take the water away from the wall walk. Only one water spout survives at SW angle. Evidence of gun loops in circular bartizans at NE and SW angles. Austin Coopers drawing of the castle in 1781 depicts the castle as a four storey high three bay castle with gable ended chimney stacks on both E and W gables, and possible gable fronted in the centre of the lateral S and N walls. The gables were surmounted by tall rectangular chimey stacks that supported four diamond shaped chimney flues on both gables. The N wall appears to have had large flat headed windows possibly twin lights with rectangular hood mouldings over the windows. At this time the N side wall of the castle and the W gable were upstanding, by 1903 both of these walls were no longer upstanding and the castle was in its current condition. In the 1870's much of the S wall of the castle collapsed and around 1893 a large section of the W and N walls collapsed. In the Elizabethan period the castle was attacked and burned, and Gerald Oge Fitzgerald and his wife were murdered there. Gerald had married the daughter of John Bowen of Ballyadams Castle. Their son 'Yellow Gerald Fitzgerald' escaped murder by being at the castle of Ballyadams when his parents were murdered. Fortified house stood in the centre of a large square shaped bawn (LA009-021009-) of which only the wall footings survives 19m to the N of the castle and 18m to the S of the castle. No visible remains of bawn wall to E or W of tower house. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA009-021003 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  Recently renovated area around well reconstructed. Morrett church (LA009-021004-) lies c. 40m to SSE. Bullaun stone (LA029-021007-) stone located beside holy well. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA009-021004 Church
  Description

  Only part of W wall of the church (max. l 8m, wall T 0.8m), built of rubble limestone, and a fragment of S wall (L 1.18m) with remains of a segmental arch, indicating a S aisle, survive. The N jambstone of a possible doorway is visible in W wall. An eighteenth/nineteenth century headstone from the graveyard (LA009-021008-) decorated with simple a incised cross and the initials WD has been built into stile in stone wall of farmhouse lane to the W of the church (JKAS 1904, Vol. IV, 194). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA009-021007 Bullaun stone
  Description

  Bullaun stone (L 1.1m x Wth 0.50m) with single hollow depression (diam. 0.25m ; D 0.11m) located beside holy well (LA009-021003-) dedicated to St Brigid. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA009-021008 Graveyard
  Description

  Situated atop low rise of rock outcrop in grassland with good views in all directions. 19th century headstone with simple incised cross and the initials WD built into stile in stone wall of farmhouse laneway to W of church (LA009-021004-). (JKAS 1904, Vol. IV, 194). No surface remains of levelled graveyard which would have been located to the S, E and W of the church (LA009-021004-) Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA009-021009 Bawn
  Description

  Situated atop rock outcrop with good views in all directions. Late sixteenth century rectangular tower house (LA009-021001-) known as Morrett Castle standing today four storeys high with attic. Tower house stood in the centre of a large square shaped bawn (approx int. dims. 49m N-S; 45m E-W) of which only the wall footings survives 19m to the N of the castle and 18m to the S of the castle. No visible remains of bawn wall to E or W of tower house. The 1838 edition of the OS 6-inch map shows the castle standing inside a small circular earthwork or low platform with the remains of an enclosing fosse depicted from E to S only. This circular platform with partial enclosing fosse may be a depiction of a small destroyed bawn with enclosing fosse. The 1906 edition of the OS 6-inch map depicts this earthwork as a rectangular platform which may suggest that this earthwork is the remains of a levelled bawn associated with Morret Castle. Today there are no surface remains of the fosse to the E and S of the castle. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 08 December 2011

• LA009-022 Water mill - horizontal-wheeled
  Description

  Mill discovered in 1952 and investigated that year by Lucas and Danaher (Lucas 1953, 15-27). Understructure of the mill consisting of the dam, large wooden trough and the wheelhouse was uncovered. Site now levelled and covered over. No visible surface remains. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA009-023 Enclosure
  Description

  A circular enclosure (max. diam. c. 50m) is hachured on all editions of the OS 6-inch maps. Site now levelled. No visible surface remains. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA009-058 Fulacht fia
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Eoghan Moore under licence number 03E0804 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Site had originally been identified during centre line testing by Ros O Maolduin under licence number 03E0128. Situated in a low-lying field that, until recent land reclamation, had been a wet meadow/mardsy area. A mound (dims. 12m N-S by 8.5m E-W; D 0.3m) of burnt material with a series of artificial pits exterior to the area occupied by the burnt material of the fulacht fia. Two of the pits constitued the trough and the waterhole of the fulacht fia. The waterhole was exterior to the area occupied by the burnt mound while the trough was lying partly beneath the burnt mound and partly outside it (Bennett 2006, 294). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA009-059 Excavation - miscellaneous
  Description

  New monument uncovered during excavation by Jonathan Dempsey under licence number 03E1349 in advance of the M7 Heath-Mayfield motorway scheme. Referred to as Morett 1, this site consists of a man-made water channel, two pits and a stake hole (Bennett 2006, 295). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA009-065 Enclosure
  Description

  Located in a relatively level location (c. 82m OD) in a gently undulating landscape now characterised by tillage and pastoral farming. Sited towards the N boundary of a field currently in use for tillage purposes (Google Earth July 2023); this field has evidence of a number of cropmark features on this imagery (Google Earth August 2022 - see below). Landscape slopes very gently downwards to the NE towards a stream\former millrace associated with a water mill(s) (LA009-022----), located c. 285m to the NE, and slopes very gently upwards to the W\WNW towards a low hillock on which is sited the remains of Morret Castle (LA009-021001-), located c. 370m to the W\WNW, with Morret Church (LA009-021004-) located adjacent (c. 150m) to the S of castle site. This possible enclosure is faintly visible as a cropmark on Google Earth (August 2022) imagery of the area. It consists of a truncated subcircular feature (est. ext. dims c. 53.15m N-S x 44.8m E-W) that is defined by a ditch (est. Wth c. 2-3m) of which just over half of the N arc is visible in the above imagery. The S arc of the possible enclosure is truncated by a linear feature (possibly a former field boundary) that runs c. 250 across the field from E to W in a low sweeping arc; the S arc of this possible enclosure is not visible below this linear feature on the available imagery. No definitive evidence for an entrance gap. There is another possible enclosure(s) (LA009-066----) located c. 75m to the S\SSW within the same modern field on the Google Earth (August 2022) imagery. Compiled by: T.J. O'Meara based on details provided by Jean-Charles Caillère Uploaded on: 16/07/2023 See attached: LA009-065----_01 Google Earth Aerial\Satellite Imagery (August 2022)

• LA009-066 Enclosure
  Description

  Located in a relatively level low-lying location (c. 82m OD) in a gently undulating landscape now characterised by tillage and pastoral farming. Sited to the S of the centre of a field currently in use for tillage purposes (Google Earth July 2023); this field has evidence of a number of cropmark features on this imagery (Google Earth August 2022 – see below). Landscape slopes very gently downwards to the NE towards a stream\former millrace associated with a water mill(s) (LA009-022----), located c. 385m to the NE, and slopes very gently upwards to the NW towards a low hillock on which is sited the remains of Morret Castle (LA009-021001-), located c. 480m to the W\WNW, with Morret Church (LA009-021004-) located adjacent (c. 150m) to the S of castle site. This enclosure is visible as a cropmark on Google Earth (August 2022) imagery of the area. It consists of a subcircular feature (est. ext. dims c. 44.77m N-S x 50.1m E-W) that is defined by a ditch (est. Wth c. 2.5m) that can largely be traced along the entire circuit in the above imagery apart from portions of the arc to the NE and NW that are not visible. No definitive evidence for an entrance gap. Modern powerline pole\pylon located roughly to the centre of the site. An additional circular enclosure appears to be attached\conjoined to the S of the above enclosure in the available imagery. This consists of the S portion of a subcircular enclosure (est. ext. dims c. 50.34m N-S x 67.95m E-W) that is defined by a ditch (est. Wth c. 2m) of which only the S half of the arc is visible in the above imagery. The ditch of this lower enclosure may conjoin with the ditch of the enclosure to the N (unclear in imagery). There is another possible enclosure (LA009-065----) located c. 75m to the N\NNE within the same modern field on the Google Earth (August 2022) imagery. Source: Google Earth (August 2022) Compiled by: T.J. O'Meara based on details provided by Jean-Charles Caillère Uploaded on: 18/07/2023 See attached: LA009-066----_01 Google Earth Aerial\Satellite Imagery (August 2022)

• LA014-001 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated on a ridge in undulating countryside. A subcircular enclosure (dims. c. 21.5m E-W, c. 27.8m N-S) defined by a scarp (H c. 1.2m) from NE-NW. No evidence of fosse or original entrance. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Architectural heritage

• Saint John's Church (Coolbanagher), church/chapel, 1780–1790 · National interest
  Description

  Detached neo-Classical Church of Ireland church, completed 1786. Designed by James Gandon. Renovated and remodelled, c. 1870, with apsidal chancel added and ceiling removed. Designed by Thomas Drew.

• Saint John's Church (Coolbanagher), mausoleum, 1785–1800 · Regional interest
  Description

  Neo-Classical mausoleum, dated 1788 and 1798. Designed by James Gandon.

• Farm house, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached single-storey thatched farmhouse, c.1830.

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

At the centre of the townland of Morett, about 1 in 10 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

The 1:50,000 map rates the landslide susceptibility here as moderately low, low, partly inferred.

Terrain model

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

Flooding

The Office of Public Works publishes its flood maps on floodinfo.ie.

Radon Risk Map of Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency, and Landslide Susceptibility Classification, Geological Survey Ireland, both under 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 Morett with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Laois.

Name

Morett · Maigh Reichead

Area

7,836,130 m² (783.61 ha, 1,936.35 acres)

Civil parish

Coolbanagher, and its townlands

Barony

Portnahinch

Electoral division

Emo, the unit of the census

Census 2022

1,338 people lived in 393 households in the Emo electoral division. 89% of households owned their home. 31% of homes were built since 2001. 7% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 2% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Cappakeel, Coolbanagher, Emo Park, Garryduff, Greatheath, Killimy, Killone

Placenames

Morett 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.