Rathfran

63 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Rathfran, from 51 m² to 88,569 m² (8.86 ha, 21.89 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 14 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 Rathfran 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.

• 5 Feb 2025Unconditional

  EXTENSION OF DURATION: CONSTRUCT LOOSE HOUSE WITH CUBICLES AND SLATTED SHED WITH LOOSE HOUSE AND UNDERGROUND SLURRY STORAGE TANK ALONG WITH ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Extension of duration · Mayo County Council, 196810

• 13 Jan 2025N/a

  Section 5 Declaration: Construction of a new slatted shed and underground slurry storage tank along with all associate site works

  Permission · Mayo County Council, 258

• 3 Feb 2021N/a

  RETENTION OF EXISTING SHEDS, ALTERATIONS TO SITE BOUNDARIES FROM PREVIOUS PLANNING P05/1634, ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING DWELLING HOUSE TO INCLUDE GROUND AND FIRST FLOOR EXTENSION TO THE FRONT (SOUTH) ELEVATION, ALTERATIONS TO ALL ELEVATIONS AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Permission · Mayo County Council, 2171

• 2 Sept 2019Conditional

  CONSTRUCT LOOSE HOUSE WITH CUBICLES AND SLATTED SHED WITH LOOSE HOUSE AND UNDERGROUND SLURRY STORAGE TANK ALONG WITH ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Permission · Mayo County Council, 19681

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

Designated sites

• Special Protection Area: Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SPA 004036

Recorded monuments

• MA015-025001 Stone circle
  Description

  In pasture, located on a ridge, just below and to E of the highest point, close to the break of slope where ground falls away to S, giving excellent views over the Palmerstown River estuary and Kilalla Bay. Nephin and the Nephin Beg mountain range define the far horizon to S-SW. There is a mound (MA015-025002-) 50m to SW. This stone circle is a National Monument in State ownership (No. 389). It is indicated as ‘Cromlech’ on the 1838 OS 6-inch map where it is depicted as simple circle. It, and the adjacent mound (MA015-026002-), are indicated as ‘Cromlechs’ and are both depicted as rough circles of boulders on the 25-inch plan; on the 1922 6-inch edition the stone circle is marked with a dolmen-type symbol. De Valera & Ó Nualláin (1964, 94) record this stone circle as follows: ‘Marked ‘cromlech’ on the O.S.6” 1837. This is the more northerly of the two monuments marked under the name ‘Cromlechs’ in Rathfran in the current edition [1922] of the map. It is a stone circle consisting of some sixteen stones five of which are now prostrate. Those remaining erect are from 0.5 m. to 1.60 m. high. The stones vary from 0.85 m to 2.00 m. in length and from .40 m. to 1.2m. in thickness. The area enclosed measures 17.00 m. (N-S) by 19.00 m. (E-W).’ An inspection in 1994 recorded the stone circle as a circular area (19.5m E-W; 19m N-S) defined by a broad, low bank (Wth 4-5m; int. H 0.2m; ext. H 0.4m at N, 1.1m at S) in which are set twelve upright boulders. The boulders are rounded or irregular in form, and vary in size (Circ. c. 2.5-4m) and height (0.8-1.45m). They are set at irregular intervals around the circumference of the bank, some set against the inner face, but others set in the bank. Two large prostrate stones and a number of smaller stones protrude randomly from the bank, some or all of which may be the result of field clearance. The bank is generally rather low and degraded; there are two corresponding gaps (Wth 2-2.5m) at the E and W. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 28 November 2017

• MA015-025002 Mound
  Description

  In pasture, located on a gently sloping terrace, on a steep S-facing ridge slope with excellent views over the Palmerstown River estuary and Kilalla Bay. There is a stone circle (MA015-025001-) 50m to NE. This mound is a National Monument in State ownership (No. 389). On the 1838 OS 6-inch map it is depicted in outline as a simple oval. It, and the adjacent stone circle (MA015-026001-), are indicated as ‘Cromlechs’, and both are depicted as rough circles of boulders on the 25-inch plan; and on the 1922 OS 6-inch edition they are also marked as 'Cromlechs', but the mound is indicated with a rock symbol and the stone circle with a dolmen-type symbol. De Valera & Ó Nualláin (1964, 95) record the mound as follows: ‘This monument is marked by the symbol for a rock but is not named on the O.S.6” 1837. It is the more southerly of the two monuments marked under the name ‘Cromlechs’ in Rathfran in the current edition [1922] of the map. It consists of a roughly oval mound with some nine embedded stones, from 0.8 m. to 1.65 m. in maximum dimension, visible along the perimeter. The mound which is up to 1.00 m. high measures about 11.50 m. (E-W) by 9.00 m. (N-S). None of the stones along the perimeter appear to be set and the mound itself is used as a dump for field stones. A stone, 1.25 m. long, 0.8 m. thick and .04 m. high, is set erect about 5.00 m. north of the monument. Though in its present condition the nature of the monument must remain doubtful it may well have been a stone circle similar to No. 7 [MA015-025001-].’ Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 28 November 2017

• MA015-026001 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  In the NW corner of a modern rectangular field of rough pasture, located on a natural terrace, at the top of SE-facing slope, overlooking the estuary of the Palmerstown River, and overlooked at NW by steeply rising ground. A road, on an E-W axis, lies a few meters to N bordering the N side of the field. This rath (National Monument no. 389) is not indicated on 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps. It appears as a subcircular platform (20.6m NE-SW; c. 20m NW-SE) rising c. 1m above the surrounding field, defined by an irregular, broadly sloping scarp. The N half of the interior is level, but a rough scarp on an E-W axis marks a drop in ground level in the S third. There is a souterrain (MA015-026002-), evident as a subrectangular depression, in the NE quadrant. The scarp on the NE−SE arc of the rath is overlain by remnants of a later earth and stone field boundary, which continues beyond the rath to the NW (intersecting with the NW corner of the modern field), and for a few meters to SE where it joins low remnants of another field boundary/scarp (MA015-026004-) on a roughly NE−SW axis. There is a possible house (MA015-026003-) on a low terrace immediately to S of the rath, and a second possible house (MA015-090----) 25m to NW. There is a rath (MA015-072----) c. 100m to N and another (MA015-073----) is c. 150m to NE. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 31 August 2017

• MA015-026002 Souterrain
  Description

  Located in the NE quadrant of a rath (MA015-026001-). Surface evidence of this souterrain (National Monument No. 389) consists of an oblong depression (7.5m NW-SE; 4.7m NE-SW; D 1.1m at W). According to local information, the souterrain consists of a passage and a chamber of dry-stone construction. This is a National Monument in State care (No. 389). Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 31 August 2017

• MA015-026003 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  In rough pasture, located immediately to S of a rath (MA015-026001-), on a terrace at the top of SE-facing slope, overlooking mouth of Palmerstown River. Ground rises sharply to the NW. Not indicated on 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps. This is described in a 1978 report (SMR Files) as a ‘small rectilinear platform which may possibly be a house site (9m NE−SW x 6m NW−SE) from which a low scarp runs across the field curving up to its NE corner with traces of a low bank near the house site and at the NE corner of the field.’ When inspection in 2017 it was evident as a roughly rectangular feature (c. 8m NE−SW; 6m NW−SE), which is located c. 4m S of the irregular, broadly sloping S scarp of the rath. The rectangular outline is defined by a slight grass-covered stony rise/bank on the SE and SW sides, and by an inward (E-facing) scarp (H 0.35-0.4m) on the NW side. It is not clearly defined on the NE side. It is located on a low irregular-shaped terrace (Wth c. 10-12m) appended to the SE side of the rath, and defined on its SE-S side by a stony scarp. The remains are degraded and difficult to interpret. This is a National Monument in State care (No. 389). Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 31 August 2017

• MA015-026004 Enclosure
  Description

  Located on level ground in the N end of a modern rectangular pasture field, immediately E of a rath (MA015-026001-). The level ground is part of a natural terrace, at the top of SE-facing slope, overlooking mouth of Palmerstown River. Ground rises sharply to the NW. A road, on a roughly E-W axis, borders the N end of the field. This possible enclosure is not indicated on OS 6-inch maps. An inspection in 1978 recorded it as a low bank/scarp, which extended to E and NE from the S side of the rath (MA015-026001-), defining the curving S side of a roughly D-shaped area (c. 35-40m NE−SW; c. 45m NW−SE), with the straight side at N formed by the modern road-side fence (SMR File: OPW Field Notes). An inspection in 2017 found that the curving scarp/bank is extant where it borders a low terrace on which a possible house (MA015-026003) is located, immediately to S of the rath, but it has been levelled where it extended through the field to E and NE of this. Though termed an ‘enclosure’ in the 1978 report, the bank/scarp may simply have been a field boundary. Its significance and date is uncertain –it appears to post-date the rath, but clearly differs in orientation to, and most likely predates, the current rectilinear grid of fields. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 31 August 2017

• MA015-031 Historic town
  Description

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

• MA015-031001 Church
  Description

  Within a graveyard (MA015-031002-), located on top of a hillock on the shores of the Palmerstown River. estuary. This medieval church is mentioned in Papal Letters in the 'Calendar of the Papal Register relating to Great Britain and Ireland': in 1448-9 (Papal Letters 9) it is referred to as the ‘perpetual vicarage of Rathfran’, and in 1455 (Papal Letters 10) its vicar William OMochan was described as an excommunicate who continued to celebrate mass (Bradley and Dunne 1989, 43). It is not shown on the 1838 OS 6-inch map, but on the 1922 edition it is named ‘Templemurry Church (in Ruins)’, indicating that it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It consists of the very ruined remains of a rectangular building (c. 9m E−W; c. 5.5m N−S) with walls (T c. 0.6-0.7m) of mortared stone. The E and W gables have fallen; sod-covered heaps of stone mark their original location. Both the N and S walls are largely concealed by overgrowth, and little of their structure can be seen. Traces of rough lime render/plaster adhere to the inner face of both walls. The N wall survives to a height of 0.6m, with its inner face still intact, but its external face is a sod-covered stony slump; the S wall retains a height of 1.1m at its W end, and remnants of a buttress lean against its external face at the E end. In the 1980’s a piscine was noted towards the E end of the S wall; its pointed trefoil arch had fallen and was lying on the ground (Bradley and Dunne 1989, 43). These features are no longer visible. Graveslabs, engulfed in overgrowth, cover most of the internal space. Attached images: MA015-031001-_01.JPG Interior of church; N wall at Right; viewed from E MA015-031001-_02.JPG S wall viewed from W Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 24 October 2018

• MA015-031002 Graveyard
  Description

  This graveyard encompasses a hillock located at the shoreline on the inner tidal reaches of the Palmerstown River estuary. The graveyard is named ‘Templemurry Grave Yard’ on the 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps. On the 1838 edition it is indicated as a roughly D-shaped area (c. 60m NW−SE; c. 40m NE−SW), delineated by a curving dashed line; by the time of the 1922 edition, the graveyard had been expanded to W and the E, and was enclosed by a straight wall at N and E. Later in the 20th-century it was further expanded to N and NE to its current extent, bordered at N by a concrete wall, at E by a mortared stone wall and defined along the SW side by the shoreline scarp. The oldest part of the graveyard, which incorporates a ruined medieval church (MA015-031001-), is located on the level top of the hillock, an area of about 30m in diameter, but it also extends down the S and SW-facing slopes where the ground falls away towards the shoreline. There is a high density of graves, many of which are marked by low, uninscribed upright stone markers, with the outline of some graves indicated by low rectangular heaps small stones. Intermixed with these, are formal 18th- and 19th-century headstones, ledgers, and a small number of box and table tombs, as well as a few burial plots enclosed by a low wall or wrought-iron railings. The ground surface is uneven, with areas of surface subsidence that have disturbed or displaced some gravemarkers. The oldest part of the graveyard is densely vegetated with long grass, ivy and moss, and there is a line of impenetrable overgrowth at the base of the slope, bordering the shoreline. Such overgrowth may not have been a problem in 1898, when visitors to the graveyard complained that ‘certainly it is not much to the credit of the Killala Poor-Law Guardians that they still permit the bullocks of graziers to roam freely over its graves.’ (Proceedings, ‘The Excursion’. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 1898, vol. 28, 293). There is asouterrain (MA015-031004-) in the NW slope of the hillock, on the N edge of the oldest part of the graveyard; a holy well (MA015-031003-) is located downslope at the W limits of the graveyard, and a medieval friary (MA015-031005-) is located 140m to W. Attached images: MA015-031002-_01.JPG Highest part of the graveyard, just W of the church MA015-031002-_02.JPG Box tomb MA015-031002-_03.JPG Summit of the hill. Rathfran abbey visible in distance. MA015-031002-_04.JPG 19th-century graveslab MA015-031002-_05.JPG Early 19th-century headstone Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 23 October 2018

• MA015-031003 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  In a narrow depression at the base of a W-facing slope of a hillock, on the W margins of a graveyard (MA015-031002-). There is a medieval church (MA015-031001-) 90m to SE on top of the hill. Indicated on the 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps as ‘Holy Well’, the rectangular housing (int. dims. 1.05m E−W; 0.6m N−S; H 0.82m) of mortared stone captures a natural spring which flows from the base of the slope. The structure is built into the hill slope. The façade is well finished with regular-shaped blocks of stone, and is topped by a roughly triangular apex incorporating a small rectangular recess. There is a central rectangular opening into the interior which is roofed by a single horizontal slab. The outflow from the well extends to W, in a shallow, open channel which intersects with a stream flowing SE into the estuary. The well was dedicated to St. Brendan, and was traditionally visited on Garland Sunday (Bradley and Dunne 1989, 45). Attached image: MA015-031003-_01.JPG viewed from NW Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 24 October 2018

• MA015-031004 Souterrain
  Description

  In a graveyard (MA015-031002-), located at the break of slope on the NW slope of the hillock which the graveyard encompasses. According to local information, this souterrain was uncovered during grave-digging in the second half of the 20th century, but its exact location was not recorded at that time (Bradley and Dunne 1989, 46). In 2018, ground subsidence exposed the souterrain again. The surface opening (0.6m E−W; 0.4m N−S) was too narrow and unstable to allow access to the souterrain, however, two in situ roof lintels were visible at a depth of c. 1m below ground surface, covering a chamber; one lintel with a long axis aligned roughly NW-SE, the other set perpendicular to the E end of the former, and slightly higher than it. A third large stone, tipping downwards into the cavity from its N side, may be a displaced lintel. A portion of the chamber wall was also visible, consisting of seven courses of corbelled, dry-stone walling, aligned NNE−SSW (Zajac 2019, 7). In February 2019 archaeologically-monitored remedial works were undertaken to preserve the souterrain and insure public safety: a concrete slab was laid down to seal the opening into the souterrain, and it was then covered with soil (Zajac 2019). Attached images: MA015-031004-_01.JPG surface opening viewed from E MA015-031004-_02.JPG in situ lintels visible in base of subsidence hole, viewed from W MA015-031004-_03.JPG in situ lintel visible in base of subsidence hole, viewed from E Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 8 April 2019

• MA015-031005 Religious house - Dominican friars
  Description

  In pasture, located on lowlying ground on the N bank of the Palmerstown River, at a point where the river becomes tidal and opens into Rathfran Bay, an estuarine inlet on the W side of the broad Killala Bay. This location, to our eyes tranquil and scenic, overlooking the river and sheltered by gently rising ground at W, N and E, would have provided the monastery with strategic access to transport, trade and fishing in the bay and along the course of the river. This is a National Monument in state ownership (no. 269). Named ‘Rathfran Abbey’ on the 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps, it is more accurately defined as a friary, founded in 1274 for the order of Friars Preachers or Dominicans, and dedicated to the Holy Cross. There is some uncertainty about the founder: it may have a member the d’Exeter/Mac Jordans family, perhaps Sir Richard D’Exeter, or it may have been Sir William de Burgh, sometime Lord Justice of Ireland, whose wife was a d’Exeter. Events in the turbulent history of the friary during the 15th and 16th centuries are catalogued by Gwynne and Hadcock (1970, 228): Letters in the Calendar of Papal Register record that in 1438 an indulgence was granted to those giving alms and donations towards refurbishmentthe of the friary as it was without a refectory, bell tower and bell, and other buildings were becoming ruinous; in 1458 it was once again reported as being impoverished and reduced by wars and other disasters; in 1513 the Annals of Ulster record that Edmond Mac William de Burgo was killed in the friary by his nephews, the sons of his brother Walter; in 1577 following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, a lease of the site ‘of the late dissolved house of Fryers Preachers of Rathbranne, by the sea’’ was made to Thomas Exeter, at which time the friary had one small house adjoining and a ruinous mill; in 1590 the Annals of Loch Cé record that the abbey was burned by Sir Richard Bingham, Governor of Connacht, and in 1596 the property was granted to Wm. Taaffe. It is known that, despite the loss of their monastery, Dominican friars maintained a presence in the neighbourhood up to the end of the 18th century: In 1731 two friars were living at Templemurray and Ballysakeery, and in 1756 five were living in a cottage in Mullaghnacroiste. The remains of the friary stand stark and roofless. They consist of a rectangular nave and chancel church, with a side chapel on the S side of the nave, a two-storey domestic building attached to the NE end of the chancel, and immediately to N of the church, a cloister surrounded by remnants of a domestic range, and immediately to N of that, a second courtyard enclosed by a further range of buildings. Two main building phases are evident: the primary construction of the church and cloister in the 13th century, followed in the late 14th/15th century, and later, by episodes of rebuilding and expansion, including remodelling of the chancel windows, changes to the nave, and the additions of the side chapel at S, the two-storey residence to NE, and a series of external buttresses. The church (int. 33.5m E–W; 7.2m N–S) is constructed of mortared limestone rubble, and the walls stand to almost their full original height. The main entrance is through a doorway in the W gable, which does not retain its original stonework. The interior appears now as a long, undifferentiated space, but originally a rood screen would have separated the chancel at E, where the altar stood, from the nave at W. The chancel is dominated by a large window spanning much of the width of the E gable; the window was originally a three-light structure, but has collapsed, and all that survives are the banded angle shafts on the interior splay of the embrasure. Also lighting the chancel is a row of five tall, two-light windows, with plain pointed heads, in the S wall. Three of these windows were modified in the later medieval period: two were partly blocked up to create smaller windows, one with round-arched heads, and the westernmost in the row was reduced to a single light when it was slighted by the construction of the E wall of the S chapel. The easternmost window was from the beginning shorter than the other four, allowing space beneath for a pair of recesses for a piscina (water basin with drainage hole) and sidilia (seats for clergy). The piscina recess has a finely moulded trefoil head, and contains two shelves and twin basins. The larger, sedilia recess, immediately to W, has a semicircular moulded arch. A finely matched pair of trefoil-headed recesses, directly opposite, in the N chancel wall, may have been tomb recesses. A projecting, moulded horizontal band or string course, which respects the piscina and sidilia recesses, extends W along the S wall beneath the row of windows, terminating just beyond the fifth window in an oval carved-stone human head, positioned on its side. This decorative terminal, which is now greatly eroded, may mark the original dividing line between the chancel and nave. Three tall, single-light lancet windows in the S wall originally lit the nave, but all were blocked up when the S chapel was attached to the nave. There is a small, trefoil-headed piscina recess in the S wall of the nave, with a shelf and twin basins. To W of this is a doorway leading from the nave into the side chapel. It has a hanging eye on the W side of its embrasure, which would have held a wooden door. A second doorway opens from the nave into the chapel at the W end of the S wall. The side chapel (16.6m E–W; 3.7m N–S) was probably constructed in the late 14th- or early 15th-century. It extends roughly half way along the S wall of the church, with its W wall flush with, but not keyed into, the W gable of the church. It was accessed from outside through a doorway (now blocked up) at the W end of its S wall. The highlight of the chapel is its elegant E window, a twin-light pointed-arched lancet, with finely executed quatrefoil tracery, and external hood moulding. In the main church, above the doorway in the W gable, there is a twin-light window with round-arched heads, and hollow spandrels beneath a square-headed hood moulding on the exterior face. This is a late insertion, replacing an earlier window. Directly above the window, in the external wall face, there is a small stone crucifixion plaque, carved in false relief, with a projecting stone hood above it. Two doorways (the westernmost now blocked up) in the N wall of the nave open directly onto the cloister ambulatory or walkway, which was originally roofed; the support stones for the roof still project from the external wall of the church. The cloister arcade does not survive, and the square cloister and its enclosing domestic range are now reduced to low walls/foundations. The domestic range is visible in outline as a series of contiguous, interconnected rectangular rooms that border the cloister at W, N and E: these would originally have been two-story buildings, housing the refectory, kitchens, dormitory, store rooms, etc. One chamber at the SE corner of the range retains a partly intact vaulted roof. Unusually, there is a second square courtyard immediately to N, enclosed on the W, N and E by another suite of rectangular buildings/rooms, all now reduced to wall footings. The domestic range was also accessible from the chancel, through a pointed arched doorway, which opens into a narrow corridor or lobby. Immediately to W, are remnants of stairs which led to the upper storey of the cloistral range. To the E, another doorway opens into the ground floor of a narrow, two-story residential building, which projects to N from the chancel, with its E wall flush with the E gable of the chancel. It was probably added to the chancel in the late 14th- or early 15th-century, probably subsuming a pre-existing sacristy at ground floor level. An E–W cross wall divides the ground level into two rooms. The upper storey, possibly the prior’s quarters, is furnished with a large fireplace in the centre of t

• MA015-031006 Graveslab
  Description

  Located within a church (MA015-031005-), mounted on E gable, on the S side of the window embrasure. A trapezoidal-shaped slab, almost the entire surface of which is filled with finely executed, elaborate decoration in four panels, enclosed by an incised groove frame. Three panels are of dense, intricate foliage, and a fourth contains six animals, which appear to represent lions passant, arranged in three opposing pairs. A narrow plain band surrounds the decorated area, separating it from the finely moulded edges of the slab. There is no dedicatory inscription or date, but the style of carving suggests a 15th- or early 16th- century date. Blotches of lichen partly obscure the carving. Attached images: MA015-031006-_01.JPG -Graveslab MA015-031006-_02.JPG -detail of carved animal MA015-031006-_03.JPG -detail of carved foliage Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 13 December 2018

• MA015-031007 Graveslab
  Description

  Located within a church (MA015-031005-) mounted on the E gable, on the N side of the window embrasure. A trapezoidal-shaped limestone slab, broadest at top. On it is carved in false relief, a shafted cross, with the crossing of the arms enclosed within a circle. The arms and shaft have expanded terminals. The arms extend the full width of the slab; the shaft extends almost the full length of the slab. Flanking the shaft is an inscription carved in false relief: on one side of the shaft, is a decorative IHS, and on the other, a Latin inscription extending in two vertical lines, which reads: IOHANNES O MMNILA ME FIERI FECIT 1618. Attached images: MA015-031007-_01.JPG -Graveslab MA015-031006-_02.JPG -detail of carving Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 13 December 2018

• MA015-072 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  In rough pasture, located on a terrace on a SE-facing slope overlooking mouth of Palmerstown River. Immediately to NW the ground rises steeply. There is a farmyard immediately to SE. This ringfort is not shown on any edition of the OS 6-inch maps. It consists of a slightly raised circular area (26.7m NW-SE; 25.7m NE-SW) defined by a low, sod-covered stony bank (Wth 3.9m at S; int. H 0.2m; ext. H 0.6m). The bank is particularly low and degraded at N (Wth 3.3m; int. H 0.3m; ext. H 0.1m). The interior, which slopes slightly down to S-SE, has an uneven surface, strewn with much sod-covered stone. There is a very low section of bank at E, and a break (Wth 2.7m) in the bank at N, but it is unclear if either represents an original entrance. Remnants of a stony bank (Wth 1.2m; H 0.2m), on a NW-SE axis, bisects the interior roughly centrally. In the E half of the interior there is a possible house (MA015-072002-). Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 7 December 2018

• MA015-072001 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  Located in the E half of a rath (MA015-072001-). This consists of a sub-rectangular structure (7m NW-SE; 5.3m NE-SW) defined by a sod-covered stone bank/wall (Wth 1.4m; int. H 0.3m; ext. H 0.3m). It may represent the remains of a house. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 7 December 2018

• MA015-073 Ringfort - unclassified
  Description

  In rough to average pasture, located at break of slope at top of a SE-facing slope overlooking mouth of Palmerstown River. To NW ground rises to a high ridge that dominates the skyline. This ringfort is not shown on any edition of the OS 6-inch maps. It consists of a slightly raised circular area (26.6m N-S; 27.7m) enclosed by a stony bank (Wth 3m; int H 0.5m; ext. H 0.3m at N) on W-N, reduced to a barely discernible rise at N-NE and to a scarp (H 1.1m at S) elsewhere. It is built up on the E and S to compensate for the natural slope creating a fairly level interior with only a slight slope to S-SE. As a result, the interior is almost flush with external ground level to N, but the perimeter at S has a pronounced external drop. There is a break (Wth 8m) in the bank at E. The break is flanked on the S side by a low bank which extends for 5m to SE beyond the ringfort. A field wall, bordering a trackway, on a NW-SE axis, clips NE edge of the ringfort. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 7 December 2018

• MA015-090 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  In the NE corner of a modern rectangular field, located on level ground, at top of a SE-facing slope overlooking the estuary of the Palmerstown River. Not indicated on the 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps. Oval stony structure (7m NNE-SSW; 8.4m WNW-ESE) defined by an irregular stony rim or bank, which is higher and more substantial on the SW half (Wth c. 4m; int. H 0.5m; ext. H 0.75m). The interior surface appears slightly raised above exterior ground level, and is concealed by grass, but feels stony underfoot. There is a low area or gap (Wth 0.8m) at NE. The nature of this monument is unclear; it is obscured by dense, long vegetation. It may be the remnants of a house or a small enclosure, but the possibility that it is simply a field clearance cairn cannot be discounted. There is a rath (MA015-026001) c. 25m to SE. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 31 August 2017

• MA015-091001 Enclosure
  Description

  In pasture, on level ground on top of a ridge, with a steep fall of ground to S−SE. A large rectangular field, named ‘Fair Green’ on the 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps, is located c. 140m to N. This enclosure is not shown on the 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps. It consists of a penannular area (diam. 16m) defined at N−E by an inward-facing scarp (H 0.7-0.8m) topped with a slightly raised external lip, and at ESE−W by a bank (Wth 1.2m; H 0.4-0.5m) of earth and stone. The bank has a flattened top, and relatively vertical sides. There is a broad break/gap (Wth 9m) in the bank is at NW. In the interior, at the base of the inward-facing scarp there is a very shallow depression/possible ditch (Wth c. 1m), which can be traced N−SE. The interior is level, and flush with exterior ground level at NW (in the area of the break in the bank), but on the NE arc the inward-facing scarp is cut into an area of raised exterior ground occupied by a second roughly circular enclosure (MA015-091002-), which lies immediately to E. A low, grass-covered linear field bank lies 5m to N of the enclosure. It extends ENE−WSW for the almost the full width of the modern field. To N of this, and parallel to it, are fragmentary remains of a second bank, suggesting that the two banks flank the remains of a trackway (Wth 4.5-5m). A discrete, roughly trapezoidal grid of small rectilinear fields extend down the steep SE-facing slope of the ridge from the SE and S side of the enclosure, on an orientation at variance to the current pattern of large rectangular walled fields. This enclosure, and the adjacent one (MA015-091002-), is of uncertain date and function. They both differ somewhat in morphology from ringforts in this area; they may be post-medieval in date. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 11 December 2017

• MA015-091002 Enclosure
  Description

  In pasture, on level ground on top of a ridge, with a steep fall of ground to S−SE. A large rectangular field, named ‘Fair Green’ on the 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps, is located c. 140m to N. This enclosure is not shown on the 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps. It consists of a subcircular area (7m E−W; c. 9m N−S) defined at SW−E by slight bank/ inward-facing scarp (H 0.3m) topped with a slightly raised external lip, reduced to a barely discernible undulation at SE−SW. It is located on the E side of a roughly semicircular platform (diam.14-15m) defined at SW−N by a slight scarp, and at N−E by a bank (Wth 2.4m; int. H 0.2; ext. H 0.6m). Another enclosure (MA015-091001-) abuts the platform at W, and a field bank, which appears to flank the S side of a relict ENE−WSW trackway (Wth 4.5-5m), abuts the N edge of the platform. This enclosure, and the conjoined enclosure (MA015-091001-), is of uncertain date and function. They differ somewhat in morphology from ringforts in this area; they may be post-medieval in date. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 11 December 2017

Architectural heritage

• Summerhill House, country house, 1700–1777 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached five-bay two-storey over part raised basement country house with dormer attic, extant 1777, on a shallow cruciform plan centred on single-bay full-height pedimented breakfront; three-bay two-storey rear (north) elevation centred on single-bay full-height gabled breakfront. Occupied, 1911. Sold, 1929. Derelict, 1976. Now in ruins. Pitched roof on a cruciform plan now missing with fine roughcast chimney stacks having shallow stringcourses below cut-limestone capping, and no rainwater goods surviving on tooled cut-limestone "Cyma Recta" or "Cyma Reversa" cornice centred on "Cyma Recta" or "Cyma Reversa" open bed pediment (breakfront). Fine roughcast walls on chamfered cushion course on fine roughcast base with concealed tooled hammered limestone flush quoins to corners. Square-headed central door opening approached by flight of overgrown steps with dragged cut-limestone lugged surround supporting "Cyma Recta" or "Cyma Reversa" cornice on pulvinated frieze. Square-headed flanking window openings with drag edged dragged cut-limestone sills, and dragged cut-limestone surrounds with four-over-four timber sash windows now missing. "Venetian Window" (first floor) with drag edged dragged cut-limestone sill, and dragged cut-limestone surround centred on keystone with six-over-six timber sash window now missing. Square-headed window openings with drag edged dragged cut-limestone sills, and drag edged dragged cut-limestone lintels with six-over-six timber sash windows now missing. Square-headed window openings (gables) with drag edged dragged cut-limestone sills, and concealed dressings framing some four-over-two timber sash windows. Interior in ruins including (ground floor): central hall retaining remains of carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled reveals or shutters with remains of carved timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled reveals, and run moulded plasterwork cornice to ceiling; and remains of timber surrounds to door openings to remainder framing timber panelled reveals with remains of timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled reveals or shutters. Set in unkempt grounds on a slightly elevated site with drag edged rusticated limestone ashlar piers to perimeter having beaded stringcourses below drag edged dragged cut-limestone capping.

• Summerhill House, walled garden, 1700–1838 · Regional interest
  Description

  Walled garden, extant 1838, on a square plan with coursed or snecked limestone boundary wall to perimeter having overgrown rounded coping. Now disused. Set in unkempt grounds shared with Summerhill House.

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 Rathfran, 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 Rathfran.

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 Rathfran with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Mayo.

Name

Rathfran · Ráth Bhrannaibh

Area

1,219,135 m² (121.91 ha, 301.25 acres)

Civil parish

Templemurry, and its townlands

Barony

Tirawley

Electoral division

Lackan South, the unit of the census

Census 2022

460 people lived in 181 households in the Lackan South electoral division. 86% of households owned their home. 27% of homes were built since 2001. 15% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 18% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Breastagh, Cashel, Rathfranpark, Steelaun

Placenames

Rathfran 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.