Rathcannon

168 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Rathcannon, from 86 m² to 492,001 m² (49.2 ha, 121.58 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 51 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.

No zone of a development plan covers Rathcannon 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.

• 24 Sept 2026N/a

  the construction of a vehicular entrance off existing private driveway, dwelling house, domestic garage, proprietary waste water treatment system with polishing filter together with all associated site works

  Outline permission · Limerick County Council, 2661112

• 31 Jul 2026N/a

  construction of an agricultural machinery shed and all associated site works

  Permission · Limerick County Council, 26177

• 20 Apr 2026Conditional

  alterations and extension of an existing dwelling-house, including demolition of front entrance, existing rear extension and removal of all chimneys, construction of new single storey extension to the rear south and east elevations, a two storey extension to the west elevation, a single storey front covered entrance, dormers at roof level to both the north and south elevations, additional associated works to the main dwelling, a new domestic wastewater treatment system, additionally, new cladding and south facing roof lights to the existing garage roof and all associated works

  Permission · Limerick County Council, 2660450

• 30 Jul 2025Conditional

  a cattle shed with slatted tank and permission to construct a straw storage shed, silage slab with effluent tank and ancillary works

  Retention · Limerick County Council, 25259

• 2 Dec 2024Conditional

  the construction of a two-storey dwelling, effluent treatment system and soil polishing filter, bored well and vehicular entrance

  Permission, 1 home · Limerick County Council, 24449

• 16 Jul 2024N/a

  the construction of a two-storey dwelling, effluent treatment system with tertiary filter, bored well and vehicular entrance

  Permission, 1 home · Limerick County Council, 24296

• 19 Mar 2024Conditional

  a slatted shed comprising of an underground slurry storage tank, shed and easi feed passage

  Permission · Limerick County Council, 2497

• 22 Dec 2023Conditional

  demolition of existing storage shed & rear extension to dwelling house, construction of two storey extension to dwelling house, construction of domestic garage, installation of proprietary packaged waste water treatment system incorporating tertiary filtration and all ancillary landscaping & site works

  Permission · Limerick County Council, 2360964

• 16 Nov 2023Conditional

  the construction of an entrance, dwelling house, garage, domestic waste water treatment system & polishing filter together with all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Limerick County Council, 2360832

• 9 Oct 2023Conditional

  (a) garage and study detached from existing dwelling house as constructed, (b) dwelling house as constructed, (c) entrance as constructed. All together with associated site works

  Retention, 1 home · Limerick County Council, 2360732

• 17 Jan 2022Conditional

  the construction of a dwelling, domestic garage, site entrance, install on-site effluent treatment system and all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Limerick County Council, 2233

• 29 Oct 2021Conditional

  construction of a dwelling house, garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system, percolation area and all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Limerick County Council, 211513

• 8 Apr 2021Conditional

  the construction of an entrance, dwelling house, garage, domestic wastewater treatment system and polishing filter together with all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Limerick County Council, 21450

• 8 Apr 2021Conditional

  the construction of an entrance, dwelling house, garage, septic tank and percolation area together with all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Limerick County Council, 21451

• 5 Mar 2021Conditional

  construction of a dwelling, domestic garage, site entrance, install on-site effluent treatment system including all associated site development works

  Permission, 1 home · Limerick County Council, 21260

• 9 Jan 2020Conditional

  a single storey detached dwelling house & site development works including; site entrance, on-site domestic waste water treatment & disposal system and a bored water well

  Permission, 1 home · Limerick County Council, 2012

• 20 Dec 2019Conditional

  the construction of a 772 sq.m steel frame agricultural wintering facility above a pre-existing reinforced concrete slurry waste storage structure

  Permission · Limerick County Council, 191278

• 25 Oct 2018Conditional

  construction of a new extension (granny flat) to side of existing dwelling house

  Permission, 1 home · Limerick County Council, 181043

• 22 Nov 2017Conditional

  construction of a single storey extension to the side of existing dwelling house together with all associated site works

  Permission · Limerick County Council, 171082

• 26 May 2017Conditional

  construction of slatted cubicle house

  Permission · Limerick County Council, 17479

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 Rathcannon.

Recorded monuments

• LI039-015 Barrow - unclassified
  Description

  In pasture, 368m E of townland boundary with Athalacca South. Depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map as an oval shaped platform defined by a scarp. Shown on the 1897 ed. OSi 25-inch map as an oval-shaped sunken area (dims. c. 13m N-S; 10m E-W) enclosed by a bank. Monument visible as an oval-shaped cropmark truncated at SE and SSW by a modern field boundary running NE-SW on the OSi orthophotograph taken between 2005-12. Cropmark clearly visible on Google Earth orthoimages. See attached Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 12 April 2021

• LI039-017 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  In pasture, immediately N of townland boundary with Cloonbrien, an enclosure (LI039-018----) lies 220m to E. Annotated ‘Lisheengorm’ on historic OSi maps. Depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map as a sub-circular raised platform defined by a scarp. Partially levelled monument shown on the 1897 ed. OSi 25-inch map as a circular-shaped area (diam. c. 26m) defined by a scarp with fosse from N-E-SE and SW-W-N and bank from SSW-W-N-NE. Truncated at S by townland boundary running E-W, intersected at SE by a post-1700 field boundary running NE-SW. In 1840 the Ordnance Survey recorded this monument as ‘one of ten ancient forts…one named Lisheengorm’, ‘near the SW boundary of Rathcannon townland’ (OSNB Abbeyfeale to Bruree 139, 141). Scrub-covered monument visible on Google Earth orthoimage dated 20/09/2020. See attached Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-018 Enclosure
  Description

  In pasture, at the rear of two modern dwellings, ringfort known locally as 'Lisheengorm' (LI039-017----) lies 220m to the W. Depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map as a sub-rectangular shaped area (dims. c. 20m N-S; 27m E-W) enclosed by a field-boundary. Not shown as an antiquity on this map but as a small sub-rectangular shaped field. Not marked on 1897 ed. OSi 25-inch map, likely that the small field levelled between these map dates. In 2000 test excavations were carried out under licence No. 00E0840 by Rose Cleary to the S of the enclosure and no archaeological features or finds were uncovered (Cleary 2002, 201). No surface remains visible on OSi orthophotograph taken between 2005-12 and on Google Earth orthoimages. Remain of a small post-medieval field and not the remains of an antiquity. See attached Google Earth orthoimages Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-019 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  In reclaimed flat pasture, 50m E of the Morningstar River that forms townland boundary with Coolboy. Enclosure (LI039-021----) lies 316m to the E. Depicted on OSi historic maps as an oval-shaped platform defined by a scarp. In 1840 the Ordnance Survey recorded this monument as ‘one of ten ancient forts’ in the townland (OSNB Abbeyfeale to Bruree, 139). Surveyed by the OPW in 1964 and described as a circular-shaped platform (diam. c. 20m) defined by a scarp (H. 0.6m) with shallow fosse (Wth. 1.8m), intersected at E by a drainage channel. The interior slopes to the W, with bank (H. 0.6m) above the interior level. Monument partially levelled at E, visible on Google Earth orthoimage dated 25/03/2017, as an oval-shaped platform (dims. c. 23m NE-SW; 16m NW-SE) enclosed by a low bank with fosse from SE-S-W-N. A sub-circular shaped area (dims. c. 5m N-S; 4m E-W) visible in the NW quadrant of the interior, could be the remains of a possible hut site. Trace of outer fosse enclosing the monument transected at SE by drainage channel running NE-SW. Modern gap at E visible on Google Earth orthoimage dated 14/09/2019. See attached section drawing by Henry A. Wheeler and Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-020 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  In pasture, in the SW corner of a field, an enclosure (LI039-023----) lies 195m to the SE. Depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map as an oval shaped platform defined by a scarp. Shown on the 1897 ed. OSi 25-inch map as a sunken oval-shaped area (diam. c. 20m) enclosed by a bank, intersected at SSW by a post-1700 field boundary running NW-SE. In 1840 the Ordnance Survey recorded this monument as ‘one of ten ancient forts’ in the centre of the townland (OSNB Abbeyfeale to Bruree, 139). Partially levelled monument visible as a circular-shaped area (diam. c. 23m) enclosed by a bank from N-E-SW and W-N, with modern gaps at NW, N and E on OSi orthophotograph taken between 2005-12 and on Google Earth orthoimages. See attached Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-021 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  In reclaimed flat pasture, 365m NE of the Morningstar River that forms townland boundary with Coolboy. Ringforts (LI039-019/023----) lie 316m W and 280m to the E respectively. Depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map an oval-shaped area defined by a scarp, transected at SE by a post-1700 field boundary running NE-SW. Shown on the 1897 ed. OSi 25-inch map as a sunken oval-shaped area (diam. c. 22m) enclosed by a bank. In 1840 the Ordnance Survey recorded this monument as ‘one of ten ancient forts’ in the N of the townland (OSNB Abbeyfeale to Bruree, 139). Tree-covered monument visible on OSi orthophotograph taken between 2005-12 and on Google Earth orthoimages. See attached Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-022 Barrow - unclassified
  Description

  In flat wet reclaimed floodplains of the Morningstar River 80m to NW, ring-ditch (LI039-205----) immediately to SSE. Depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map as a sub-circular shaped platform (diam. c. 16m) defined by a scarp. Not marked on 1897 ed. OSi 25-inch map indicating that the monument was levelled between these map dates. Partially levelled monument visible as a circular-shaped area defined by a scarp and wide fosse on aerial photograph (ASIAP (328) 7, 3) taken 5/10/2002. Monument visible as a sunken circular shaped area (diam. c. 10m) standing inside a larger circular-shaped area (diam. c. 48m) defined by a waterlogged fosse visible on OSi orthophotograph taken between 2005-12 and on Google Earth orthoimages. See attached Archaeological Survey of Ireland aerial photograph (ASIAP (328) 7, 3) and Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021 See attached ASI aerial photograph ASIAP – 328/1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 on 15/10/2002.

• LI039-023 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  In poorly drained woodland area, ringfort (LI039-020----) lies 195m to the NW. Depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map as an oval shaped platform defined by a scarp. Shown on the 1897 ed. OSi 25-inch map as an oval-shaped area (dims. c. 25m N-S; 22m E-W ) enclosed by a bank with external fosse from E-SE, SW-W-N, intersected from N to SE by a post-1700 field boundary running NW-SE, with an entrance gap at W. In 1840 the Ordnance Survey recorded this monument as ‘one of ten ancient forts’ in the centre of the townland (OSNB Abbeyfeale to Bruree, 139). Monument visible as a circular-shaped area enclosed by tree-lined bank with gap in the W on OSi orthophotograph taken between 2005-12 and on Google Earth orthoimage dated 05/04/2006. Monument completely overgrown on subsequent Google Earth orthoimages. See attached Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-024 Enclosure
  Description

  In reclaimed flat pasture, ringfort (LI039-023----) 280m to the W. Depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map an oval-shaped area defined by a scarp. Shown on the 1897 ed. OSi 25-inch map as a sunken oval-shaped area (dims. c. 11m N-S; 14m E-W) defined by a bank from NW-N-NE and reduced to a scarp elsewhere. In 1840 the Ordnance Survey recorded this monument as ‘one of ten ancient forts’ in the N of the townland (OSNB Abbeyfeale to Bruree, 139). Levelled monument visible as circular-shaped cropmark on OSi orthophotograph taken between 2005-12 and on Google Earth orthoimage dated 05/04/2006. Visible as a shallow depression on Google earth orthoimage taken 20/09/2020. See attached Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-025 Ringfort - unclassified
  Description

  In pasture, miscellaneous excavated site (LI039-190----) lies 180m to the W. Depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map as an oval shaped platform defined by a scarp. Not marked on 1897 ed. OSi 25-inch map, indicating that the monument was levelled between these map dates. In 1840 the Ordnance Survey recorded this monument as ‘one of ten ancient forts’ in the centre of the townland (OSNB Abbeyfeale to Bruree, 139). No surface remains visible of levelled monument in modern farmyard on OSi orthophotograph taken between 2005-12 and on Google Earth orthoimages. See attached Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-026 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Atop rise of ground in pasture, 375m W of townland boundary with Ballinculloo, standing stone (LI039-020----) lies 195m to the NW. Depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map as an oval shaped platform defined by a scarp with OS trig. station marking spot height of 316 ft. OD in centre of earthwork. Local area annotated 'Knockdarnan' on 1840 ed. OSi map. Shown on the 1897 ed. OSi 25-inch map as a raised oval-shaped area (dims. c. 54m NE-SW ) defined by a scarp and external fosse from SW-W-N-NE. On this map the OS Trig. station is depicted on the SW edge of the scarp of the monument. In 1840 the Ordnance Survey recorded this monument as ‘one of ten ancient forts’ in the centre of the townland (OSNB Abbeyfeale to Bruree, 139). Monument visible on aerial photograph (ASIAP (305) 37, (328) 12) taken 13/09/2002 and 05/10/2002. Surveyed by the ASI and described as an oval-shaped platform (dims. 48.6m N-S; 56.5m E-W) enclosed by an earth and stone bank (Wth 6.5m; H 2.53m) visible from NE-E-S and partially levelled elsewhere. The interior is clear and slopes naturally to the E. Levelled monument visible as an oval-shaped cropmark on OSi orthophotograph taken between 2005-12 and as oval-shaped platform enclosed by a bank from N-E-S-SE cropmark of fosse on Google Earth orthoimage dated 24/09/2018. A linear cropmark running NE-SW which intersects the monument at SW is visible on Google Earth orthoimage dated 24/09/2018 and 20/09/2020. See attached sketch plan from ASI survey, aerial photographs (ASIAP (305) 37, (328) 12) taken 13/09/2002 and 05/10/2002. and Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-027001 Bawn
  Description

  Rathcannon Castle (LI039-027001-) and bawn described by the Ordnance Survey in 1840 as follows; ‘In the townland of Rathcannon on a lofty hill in this parish, are the ruins of an extensive Castle. It consists of an outer wall enclosing a great extent of ground with a square tower and dwelling house now much ruined. The dwelling house is on the west side and is now thatched and inhabited by a poor family. The square tower or castle is in the northwest corner, but only its north wall and a fragment of the west and east walls remain. Its north side measures on the outside thirty three feet seven inches [10.2m] and is at present about thirty feet [9m] in height. The walls of this tower are four feet seven inches [1.4m] in thickness and well built. The east side of the outer wall or bawn of this castle is thirty five paces [27m] in length and the north side forty paces [30m]. The four walls form nearly a square, but they are now so ruined that it is difficult to ascertain their original height or whether they had more than one tower. They are four feet three inches [1.3m] thick and the north wall, which is in tolerable preservation, is not less than seventeen feet [5m] high, but no part of the south wall is more than ten feet [3m] high. At the north east corner there are two flights of stone steps leading to the top of the wall’ (O’Flanagan 1929, 111). The 1654-56 Civil Survey of Limerick recorded that in 1641 Mrs. Ann Casey, a protestant was the owner of the lands in Rathcannon which contained a 'castle [LI039-027002-] a bawne & an orchard' (Simington 1938, 127). Westropp (1906-7, 168-9) recorded the following details about Rathcannon Castle; 'The C[astle]. is on a bold, rocky ridge, and consists of a walled court, with a square tower to the north-west, and a residence to the west. The tower is broken; the north wall, 33½ feet [10.2m] long, and parts of the sides remain it is 30 feet [9.1m] high, with walls 4½ feet [1.4m] thick. The east face of the court is 105 feet [32m] long, the north 120 [36.6m] feet. At the north-east angle are two flights of steps to the top of the wall; no ornamental features remain' (O.S.L., 9, p. 371). Castle and bawn described by Salter (2004, 93) as follows; 'Footings of a wall 1m thick enclose a bawn 40m by 30m with a low cliff below the east side, where a higher fragment remains at the chamfered-off SW corner. Footings of a building lie in the NW corner, and at the SW corner is a fragmentary tower house 10m by 7.8m with evidence of a former vault over the third storey. Adjoining the destroyed east side of the tower was a later wing, now represented by footings and its end gable with fireplaces on two levels. This Casey seat, originally a possession of the earls of Kildare, passed by marriage to Sir Drury Wray but in 1624 was held by Sir William Parson'. Castle walls partially collapsed in October 2017 as a result of Hurricane Ophelia. Google Earth orthoimages shows the wall footings of a large rectangular shaped area (dims. c. 75m N-S x 28m E-W) to the W of the tower which may be the remains of a walled garden or orchard mentioned in the 1654-56 Civil Survey. Possible cropmark of a hollow way or road visible on Google Earth orthoimages to E with possible traces of settlement or house sites to NE of castle. Field system of uncertain antiquity visible on orthophotos to NW of Rathcannon Castle. See attached Google Earth orthoimages Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 25 April 2021 See attached ASI aerial photograph ASIAP – 328/8, 10, 11 on 15/10/2002.

• LI039-027002 Castle - tower house
  Description

  Rathcannon Castle and bawn (LI039-027001-) described by the Ordnance Survey in 1840 as follows; ‘In the townland of Rathcannon on a lofty hill in this parish, are the ruins of an extensive Castle. It consists of an outer wall enclosing a great extent of ground with a square tower and dwelling house now much ruined. The dwelling house is on the west side and is now thatched and inhabited by a poor family. The square tower or castle is in the northwest corner, but only its north wall and a fragment of the west and east walls remain. Its north side measures on the outside thirty three feet seven inches [10.2m] and is at present about thirty feet [9m] in height. The walls of this tower are four feet seven inches [1.4m] in thickness and well built. The east side of the outer wall or bawn [LI039-027001-] of this castle is thirty five paces [27m] in length and the north side forty paces [30m]. The four walls form nearly a square, but they are now so ruined that it is difficult to ascertain their original height or whether they had more than one tower. They are four feet three inches [1.3m] thick and the north wall, which is in tolerable preservation, is not less than seventeen feet [5m] high, but no part of the south wall is more than ten feet [3m] high. At the north east corner there are two flights of stone steps leading to the top of the wall’ (O’Flanagan 1929, 111). The 1654-56 Civil Survey of Limerick recorded that in 1641 Mrs. Ann Casey, a protestant was the owner of the lands in Rathcannon which contained a 'castle a bawne [LI039-027001-] & an orchard' (Simington 1938, 127). Westropp (1906-7, 168-9) recorded the following details about Rathcannon Castle; 'A manor of the Earl of Kildare; after the attainder of Silken Thomas, the Manors of Adare, Crome, Rachanan [Rathcannon], and Tobernea were in the King's hands, 1540 (C.S.P.I., p. 254). 1583 J. and Moriert Buy macKynery had been slain at Rachanyn, in rebellion of Gerald, Earl of Desmond (Inq. Exch., 38). 1622 Jas. Casey settled his C[astle]. of Rathcannon (Inq. Exch., 198). 1624 Sir W. Parson held C[astle]. late estate of J. Casey (Inq. Chan., 44, 190). Sir Drury Wray, by his marriage with the eldest dau. of T. Casey (who died 1637), and his wife, Bridget, dau. of Sir J. Dowdall, of Kilfenny, succeeded to Rathcannon (see Trustee Map, 16). Fabric - The C[astle]. is on a bold, rocky ridge, and consists of a walled court [LI039-027001-], with a square tower to the north-west, and a residence to the west. The tower is broken ; the north wall, 33½ feet [10.2m] long, and parts of the sides remain it is 30 feet [9.1m] high, with walls 4½ feet [1.4m] thick. The east face of the court is 105 feet [32m] long, the north 120 [36.6m] feet. At the north-east angle are two flights of steps to the top of the wall; no ornamental features remain' (O.S.L., 9, p. 371). Rathcannon Castle described by Salter (2004, 93) as follows; 'Footings of a wall 1m thick enclose a bawn [LI039-027001-] 40m by 30m with a low cliff below the east side, where a higher fragment remains at the chamfered-off SW corner. Footings of a building lie in the NW corner, and at the SW corner is a fragmentary tower house 10m by 7.8m with evidence of a former vault over the third storey. Adjoining the destroyed east side of the tower was a later wing, now represented by footings and its end gable with fireplaces on two levels. This Casey seat, originally a possession of the earls of Kildare, passed by marriage to Sir Drury Wray but in 1624 was held by Sir William Parson'. Listed by Donnelly (1999, 37) as a Type 5 tower house which consists of tower houses with 'rectangular floor plans each of which is unique to an individual site, though each building had architectural features which placed them firmly within the Irish Gothic tower house tradition' (ibid. 22). Castle walls partially collapsed in October 2017 as a result of Hurricane Ophelia. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 25 April 2021

• LI039-027003 Settlement deserted - medieval
  Description

  Rathcannon Castle (LI039-027001-) and bawn (LI039-027002-) described by the Ordnance Survey in 1840 as follows; ‘In the townland of Rathcannon on a lofty hill in this parish, are the ruins of an extensive Castle. It consists of an outer wall enclosing a great extent of ground with a square tower and dwelling house now much ruined. The dwelling house is on the west side and is now thatched and inhabited by a poor family. The square tower or castle is in the northwest corner, but only its north wall and a fragment of the west and east walls remain. The east side of the outer wall or bawn of this castle is thirty five paces [27m] in length and the north side forty paces [30m]. The four walls form nearly a square, but they are now so ruined that it is difficult to ascertain their original height or whether they had more than one tower’ (O’Flanagan 1929, 111). The 1654-56 Civil Survey of Limerick recorded that in 1641 Mrs. Ann Casey, a protestant was the owner of the lands in Rathcannon which contained a 'castle [LI039-027002-] a bawne & an orchard' (Simington 1938, 127). Castle walls partially collapsed in October 2017 as a result of Hurricane Ophelia. Google Earth orthoimages shows the wall footings of a large rectangular shaped area (dims. c. 75m N-S x 28m E-W) to the W of the tower which may be the remains of a walled garden or orchard mentioned in the 1654-56 Civil Survey. Possible cropmark of a hollow way or road visible on Google Earth orthoimages to E with possible traces of settlement or house sites to NE of castle. Field system of uncertain antiquity visible on orthophotos to NW of Rathcannon Castle. See attached Google Earth orthoimages Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Micheál Mac Gearailt Date of upload: 10 November 2021 See attached ASI aerial photograph ASIAP – 328/8, 10, 11 on 15/10/2002.

• LI039-028 Earthwork
  Description

  In rough wet pasture, well 40m to SE, enclosure (LI039-025----) lies 430m to SW. Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Identified as an oval-shaped earthwork on aerial photograph (GSIA 543). Monument visible as a sunken oval-shaped area or pond (dims. c. 28m N-S; 18m E-W) enclosed by a wide bank, opening at SSW, intersected at SW by a linear cropmark running NE-SW into a drainage channel on OSi orthophotograph taken between 2005-12. Visible as a possible pond feature on Google Earth orthoimages. Doubtful antiquity may be the remains of a natural pond. See attached Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-029 Hillfort
  Description

  The hillfort was recently described in the Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland as following; 'Sub oval multiple enclosure positioned at the summit of an isolated hill, with excellent views overlooking the surrounding low-lands. The site has a total footprint of approximately 2.9ha. Bivallate for its entire circuit with no recorded entrance features. The enclosing elements are widely spaced and are separated by 23 - 200m. This variation is due to the outer enclosing element following the contours of the natural limestone plateau. No evidence for any internal features on the surface (Grogan 2005, 113). The central enclosing element is depicted in the first and second editions of the Ordnance Survey maps. Condit (1995, 36) released a basic plan of the site in 1995.' (http://hillforts.arch.ox.ac.uk/records/IR0686.html) Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 30 January 2020

• LI039-030 Enclosure
  Description

  In pasture, truncated at N by the L1414, enclosure (LI039-150----) lies 230m to the SW. Not depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map. Shown on the 1897 ed. OSi 25-inch map as a D-shaped area (dims. c. 10m N-E; 19m E-W) defined by a scarp and external fosse, truncated at N by public road running E-W. In 1840 the Ordnance Survey recorded this monument as ‘one of ten ancient forts’ in the townland (OSNB Abbeyfeale to Bruree, 139). Levelled monument visible as D-shaped cropmark on OSi orthophotograph taken between 2005-12 and on Google Earth orthoimages. See attached Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-146 Standing stone
  Description

  In pasture 175m W of ringfort (LI039-026---). Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Outline of standing stone visible on OSi orthophoto taken between 2005-12 and on Google Earth orthoimages. See attached Google Earth orthoimages Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 10 May 2021

• LI039-150 Earthwork
  Description

  In pasture 130m NE of a watercourse that marks the townland boundary with Ballincurra. Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Identified by Bruff aerial photographic survey in 1986 (Bruff 31; AP 5/2063) as a possible enclosure. No surface remains visible on OSi orthophoto taken between 2005-12 or on Google Earth orthoimage dated 20/09/2020. See attached Bruff aerial photographs (31) and Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 11 May 2021

• LI039-151 Earthwork
  Description

  In improved pasture 130m W of a watercourse that marks the townland boundary with Ballinrea. Ringfort (LI039-033----) lies 250m to NE. Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Identified by Bruff aerial photographic survey in 1986 (Bruff 32; AP 5/2063) as a possible enclosure. No surface remains visible on OSi orthophoto taken between 2005-12. Faint traces of cropmark of small circular feature visible on Google Earth orthoimages. See attached Bruff aerial photographs (32) and Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 11 May 2021

• LI039-154 Enclosure
  Description

  In area of rock outcrop now in reclaimed pasture immediately S of townland boundary with Ballincurra. The most N of three enclosures (LI039-154/156---) located in close proximity to each other on a NW-SE axis. Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Identified by Bruff aerial photographic survey in 1986 (Bruff 36.1 & 36.3; AP 5/2063) as a possible enclosure with adjoining field system. No surface remains visible on OSi orthophoto taken between 2005-12. Cropmark of levelled enclosure and levelled field system visible on Google Earth orthoimage dated 04/04/2013. No surface remains visible on recent Google Earth orthoimages See attached Bruff aerial photograph (36.1 & 36.3) and Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 11 May 2021

• LI039-155 Enclosure
  Description

  In area of rock outcrop now reclaimed pasture S of townland boundary with Ballincurra. The central of three enclosures (LI039-154/156---) located in close proximity to each other on a NW-SE axis. Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Identified by Bruff aerial photographic survey in 1986 (Bruff 36.2; AP 5/2063) as a possible enclosure. No surface remains visible on OSi orthophoto taken between 2005-12. Cropmark of levelled enclosure visible on Google Earth orthoimage dated 04/04/2013. No surface remains visible on recent Google Earth orthoimages See attached Bruff aerial photograph (36.2) and Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 12 May 2021

• LI039-156 Enclosure
  Description

  In area of rock outcrop now reclaimed pasture S of townland boundary with Ballincurra. The S of three enclosures (LI039-154/156---) located in close proximity to each other on a NW-SE axis. Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Identified by Bruff aerial photographic survey in 1986 (Bruff 36.4; AP 5/2063) as a possible enclosure. No surface remains visible on OSi orthophoto taken between 2005-12. Cropmark of levelled enclosure visible on Google Earth orthoimage dated 04/04/2013. No surface remains visible on recent Google Earth orthoimages See attached Bruff aerial photograph (36.4) and Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 12 May 2021

• LI039-189 Cremation pit
  Description

  In pasture 450m N of a Rathcannon Castle (LI039-027001-). Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Identified as (BGE 3/75/2-3) in 2002 by Ken Wiggins (Licence 02E0119) during topsoil-stripping on the Bord Gáis Éireann Pipeline to the West. Excavated in 2002 by Kate Taylor under licence No. 02E0498 the results of which were summarised as follows; ‘There were twelve definite cremation burials within the cemetery (1, 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 27, 29, 33, 35). All were in similar pits, circular or oval in plan and 0.26–0.9m wide, although most were over 0.4m wide. The profiles varied from steeply concave to more conical; some had possible stake-holes in the base. The pits were 0.16–0.6m deep. The fills of all of the burials were similar: fine, dark brown/black silts with a charcoal component of up to 80%. Small fragments of cremated and crushed bone were evident throughout the fills, generally in greater concentration toward the base. Six of the burials (1, 3, 5, 9, 27, 29) were initially masked by a thin deposit of mid-orange/brown silty clay, which made them almost indistinguishable from the surrounding natural geological deposits. One pit (9), the largest feature excavated, produced a collection of prehistoric pottery sherds from the centre of the deposit. Excavation revealed that the cuts of these pits were carefully executed, with smoothly finished sides and bases in the natural geological deposits. Despite their proximity, most of the pits did not cut each other, suggesting that they had been clearly marked during the lifetime of the cemetery. Two of the burials (35 and 11) cut other features. Pit 35 slightly truncated the eastern edge of Pit 33 and was itself partially truncated by a stone-lined field drain that was visible only in the excavated section of Pit 35. Pit 11 was between Pits 9 and 13, cutting the fills of each, including the masking layer over Pit 9. It is possible, given the perfectly central position of Pit 11, that this truncation was not accidental and was intended to create or illustrate a link between the occupants of the graves. Pit 11 had another unusual feature, a hidden chamber cut into the western side of the main pit, undercutting the natural surface. The hole was c. 0.25m in diameter, the minimum size for an adult hand to excavate. A high concentration of bone fragments was noted in this chamber, suggesting that a handful or bag of cremation residue was deliberately placed there. Two possible blind burials (7 and 31) lay at the edges of the complex of burial-pits and were similar to these features in all respects other than the absence of cremated bone and the smaller charcoal component. It is possible that these features were symbolic interments without any human remains. Certainly, the pits appear to have been treated in the same manner as the burials, with Pit 31 being masked. Alternatively, these may represent the holes for timber posts marking the location of the cemetery. The stake-holes (19, 21, 23, 25) were at the eastern and southern edges of the complex. They were circular, with diameters of 0.07–0.1m, and were 0.05–0.1m deep. It is possible that they held markers for the cemetery boundary; however, given the size of the features, any stakes would have been small. An assemblage of pottery was recovered, both during excavation and from the soil samples (100% of each burial was sampled). Anna Brindley has examined part of the assemblage: 35 fragments from the largest cremation pit, 9. These have been shown to represent a single (incomplete) vessel of Middle–Late Bronze Age date (Taylor 2004, 340-2)’. A radiocarbon date of determination on charcoal from one of the burials gave a date of 1520-1210 cal. BC (Taylor, 2003, 27). Monument has been fully excavated and is not visible on aerial images. Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 20 May 2021

• LI039-190 Pit
  Description

  In pasture 180m E of ringfort (LI039-025----). Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Identified as BGE 3/75/4-5 in 2002 by Ken Wiggins (Licence 02E0119) during topsoil-stripping on the Bord Gáis Éireann Pipeline to the West. Excavated in 2002 by Brian Halpin under licence No. 02E0394 the results of which were summarised as follows; ‘Topsoil-stripping of Bord Gáis Éireann’s Pipeline to the West in Rathcannon townland, Co. Limerick, uncovered a single pit measuring 1.12m east–west by 0.61m. The cut was sub-oval with a shallow and generally flat base. It had two fills. The upper was dark grey, silty clay with minor amounts of charcoal and sandstone; the lower was a brown/grey silty clay that was very rich in charcoal. There was no indication of in situ burning in the feature. Topsoil-stripping in the same townland uncovered two shallow pits. They were not associated with any other features. The pits were next to each other and aligned north–south. Both were subcircular and exhibited a gradual U-shaped cut in the yellow/orange boulder clay. They measured 1.4m east–west by 1.2m–1.5m. The fills were an almost identical, charcoal-rich, silty, sandy clay with burnt and heat-shattered sandstone. This is indicative of the fill of a fulacht fiadh, in which the local landscape is rich. It is not known whether these pits were purposely dug or natural depressions. There was no evidence of in situ burning (Halpin 2004, 342)’. Monument has been fully excavated and is not visible on aerial images. Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 22 May 2021

• LI039-191 Excavation - miscellaneous
  Description

  In pasture 100m W of the townland boundary with Ballincurra. Rathcannon Castle (LI039- 027001) lies 440m to SE. Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Identified as BGE 3/76/17 in 2002 by Ken Wiggins (Licence 02E0119) during topsoil-stripping on the Bord Gáis Éireann Pipeline to the West. Excavated in 2002 by Kate Taylor under licence No. 02E0503 the results of which were summarised as follows; ‘A single feature was excavated. It was irregular in both plan and profile, measured at least 1.24m north–south by 0.79m and was 0.42m deep. The base and northern edge of the feature could not be clearly established. No artefacts were recovered during the excavation, and no samples were taken. It is thought that the remains represented a small pit or post-hole that had been damaged by an animal burrow. It is also possible that the entire feature was a product of animal activity without the intervention of human agency (Taylor 2004, 342-3)’. Feature has been fully excavated and is not visible on aerial images. Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 22 May 2021

• LI039-192 Excavation - miscellaneous
  Description

  In pasture 400m NE of Rathcannon Castle (LI039- 027001-). Not depicted on OSi historic maps. Identified as BGE 3/76/19-20 in 2002 by Ken Wiggins (Licence 02E0119) during topsoil-stripping on the Bord Gáis Éireann Pipeline to the West. Excavated in 2002 by Kate Taylor and Liam McKinstry under licence No. 02E0497 the results of which were summarised as follows; ‘Nine cut features and two spreads were recorded. The eastern part of the site showed a series of stratified remains with three phases of activity. The features in the western area could not be assigned to these phases but are thought to be broadly contemporaneous. The earliest phase in the eastern part of the site was represented by two small pits, a short length of gully and a small spread of material. These were followed by a curvilinear gully that cut several of the earlier features. Covering all of these deposits was an earthen bank, also visible in the adjacent fields, an element of the surrounding abandoned field system. No associated ditch was evident, but this may be due to modern truncation of the area. The western features could not be assigned to any phase, but it is probable that they were related to the eastern features. There were five pits in this area. Two small, isolated pits contained silty fills including a moderate amount of animal bone and a small piece of iron slag. The remaining pits, however, appeared to have had an industrial purpose. They were distinctively circular, with deep bowl-shaped profiles, and the fills contained high quantities of burnt stone, charcoal and ash-like material. There was also, in one case, evidence of in situ burning. Finds from these pits were a large quantity of animal bone and a piece of what appeared to be metalworking residue, probably lead run-off. Although no directly datable artefacts were recovered, the fresh appearance of the animal bone collected from all phases and areas of the site suggests that the material is late medieval or post-medieval. The limited evidence of metalworking is curious as it suggests an industrial element to the activity, in contrast to the domestic appearance of the animal bone assemblage. Analysis of the residues will allow greater interpretation of the industrial activities. It is also hoped that further research will provide information on the date of the field system and hence the features lying below the earthen bank (Taylor and McKinstry 2004, 343)’. Monument has been fully excavated and is not visible on aerial images. Compiled by: Martin Fitzpatrick Date of upload: 22 May 2021

• LI039-194 Burial
  Description

  Described in 2007 as following; 'A pit containing cremated animal bone produced a radiocarbon date of 800-510 cal. BC' (Grogan, O’Donnell, & Johnston 2007, 302.)

• LI039-205 Ring-ditch
  Description

  In flat wet reclaimed floodplain of the Morningstar River 80m to NW, immediately SSE of barrow (LI039-022----). Cropmark of ring-ditch (diam. c. 19m) bisected by a post-1700 drainage channel running E-W visible on Digital Globe aerial image taken 2011-13. See attached Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 14 April 2021

• LI039-206 Ring-ditch
  Description

  In grassland, 30m NE of ringfort (LI039-017----). Cropmark of ring-ditch (diam. c. 19m) visible on Google Earth orthoimages. See attached Google Earth orthoimages. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 14 April 2021

Architectural heritage

• Athlacca Bridge, bridge, 1790–1810 · Regional interest
  Description

  Four-arch road bridge over the River Morningstar, built c. 1800, with recent concrete V-cutwaters to east and west elevations. Rubble sandstone walls. Dressed sandstone voussoirs to round-headed arches. Render copings to parapet walls.

• Catholic Church of Saint John the Baptist, church/chapel, 1830–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Freestanding gable-fronted single-cell Roman Catholic church, built in 1840, comprising four-bay nave, open work bellcote and recent porch to front (south) elevation. Pitched artificial slate roof. Lined-and-ruled rendered walls with render plinth course having limestone buttresses to front elevation. Pointed arch opening with limestone surround, render hoodmoulding and timber Y-tracery stained glass window. Pointed arch openings to nave having limestone surrounds and timber Y-tracery stained glass window. Square-headed opening to porch with timber battened door. Square-headed opening to east elevation having timber battened door. Pointed arch opening to interior with chamfered limestone surround and stained glass overlight over half-glazed timber panelled double-doors. Timber battened ceiling to interior. Timber gallery with trefoil-headed motifs. Marble memorial plaque to west wall. Limestone font to south having octagonal base and inscribed marble font. Marble altar and reredos. Graveyard to site. Pair of square-profile rendered piers to south with double-leaf metal gates and rendered boundary walls.

• Chimney, 1890–1895 · Regional interest
  Description

  Freestanding chimney, dated 1892, with octagonal shaft on red brick English Garden Wall bond square-profile base. Cut-limestone plaque inscribed: "SITE OF/LOCAL CREAMERY/FROM 1890s-1997".

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 Rathcannon, 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 high, moderately low, low, partly inferred.

Terrain model

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

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.

• Rathcannon, Athlacca5 sales

Name

Rathcannon · Ráth Chanann

Area

8,646,248 m² (864.62 ha, 2,136.53 acres)

Civil parish

Athlacca, and its townlands

Barony

Coshma

Electoral division

Athlacca, the unit of the census

Census 2022

402 people lived in 156 households in the Athlacca electoral division. 80% of households owned their home. 23% of homes were built since 2001. 11% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 1% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Athlacca North, Athlacca South, Ballinculloo, Ballincurra, Ballinrea, Camas South, Carrigeen, Clogher East, Clogher West, Cloonbrien, Coolboy, Crean, Drombeg, Maidstown, Raymondstown, Tullerboy

Placenames

Rathcannon 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.