Cappydonnell Big

15 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Cappydonnell Big, from 1,260 m² to 211,215 m² (21.12 ha, 52.19 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 19 neighbouring parcels touch it.

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

No zone of a development plan covers Cappydonnell Big 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.

• 16 May 2024Conditional

  extension to rear of house forming Kitchen/Dining room, fitting of splitter box and renewal of percolation area to existing septic tank and all ancillary services. Retention permission for the dormer conversion, front elevation, rear lobby, outbuildings and shed, front boundary and entrance gates

  Permission, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 2460164

• 24 Apr 2024N/a

  Extension to rear of house forming Kitchen/Dining room and all ancillary services. Retention permission of the dormer conversion, front elevation, rear lobby, outbuildings and shed, front boundary and entrance gates

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2460141

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 Cappydonnell Big.

Recorded monuments

• OF002-021 Castle - ringwork
  Description

  On a slight rise in undulating countryside. Subcircular raised platform (dims. 50m N-S; 43m E-W; H 1.7m) enclosed by a poorly preserved earth and stone bank which has been reduced to a scarp in most places, intervening fosse (Wth 4.6m, int. D 1.7m) with outer bank which is only visible from N to E. Site-specific test-trenching was carried out by Tim Coughlan of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd., under licence No. E2653 as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone dual carriageway in addition to the main centre-line testing programme. This site was identified during site-specific testing undertaken by the writer in August 2005 (A016/025). The site was excavated between October 2005 and April 2006. The area of excavation measured c. 60m north–south by 80m. The main feature of the site was a probable medieval enclosure, previously documented as a ringfort; it measured c. 50m east–west by c. 50m. Excavation results suggest that activity took place here during a number of periods and that the medieval enclosure is actually located on the site of an earlier monument. Within the internal flat platform of the large medieval enclosure were: the remains of a possible Bronze Age ring-barrow (OF002-021001-), possible associated post-holes and a stone-lined cist; possible medieval industrial pits with an associated rectangular structure; and numerous post-medieval cultivation furrows and isolated pits. The site phasing has been divided as follows. Prehistory A circular enclosure c. 14m in diameter was identified at the top of a natural gradual slope. This consisted of an enclosing ditch c. 2m wide and 1m deep. Within this was a smaller enclosing ditch c. 7m in diameter, 0.4m wide and 0.2m deep. It is felt that this may have represented the site of a possible Bronze Age barrow. The barrow was subsequently partially recut during medieval times to accommodate a large industrial furnace (OF002-021002-) with an associated area of stone metalling. Part of a human skull was found with the lower fills of the barrow. This bone may have been disturbed by the later activity in the vicinity, therefore its association with the barrow is unclear. To the north of these features was a stone-lined cist (OF002-021003-) that appeared to contain a disturbed cremation. A number of post-holes were identified between the cist and the possible barrow, although no definitive pattern has been determined. Medieval It is felt that the main enclosure – which is best described as subrectangular – was probably of medieval date. This is because of its size and its subrectangular, rather than circular, shape. This enclosure was formed by a 4m wide and 1.5m deep ditch. The excavated material from the ditch formed an internal bank, which for the most part survived intact. The bank was built on the side of the existing slope, to create a flat platform within the enclosed ditch. On the north side there was a causewayed entrance. It appears that this side of the enclosure possibly had a stoned façade on either side of the entrance. Remains of similar stone facing were evident along the inner side of the enclosing ditch at the north-east and north-west projecting corners. In this regard it seems reasonable to argue that this was probably a high-status site, imposing itself on the landscape to the north, which contains a motte. It is unclear if the site was ever fully completed as there was no evidence of any large structure that would merit such a substantial enclosure. It has been suggested by John Bradley (pers. comm.) that the site may have been Gaelic Irish, which would explain why there was little or no medieval pottery recovered during the excavation. The site has proved difficult to classify; post-excavation research into other similar site types is continuing in an effort to understand this puzzling enclosure. There appears to have been a subsequent phase of possible medieval industrial activity, particularly in the east of the enclosure. This includes the previously mentioned furnace and stone metalled surface. The material excavated from here was charcoal-rich and contained a considerable amount of burnt human and animal bone, nineteen amber beads and small amounts of metal and slag. A number of pits that appeared to have functioned as furnaces were identified to the east and north of the barrow recut, although only trace amounts of slag were recovered. Further analysis of samples from these features will be required to determine the precise nature of the activity. The pits were subsequently backfilled with stone/rubble, suggesting that there may have been some contemporary clearance on the site. A collection of post-holes and three hearths in the south of the site may have formed 1 or 2 possible structures, cutting the bank material, and are also thought to be broadly contemporary with the industrial pits. However, these structures nor the pits did not appear to be of a large enough scale to be contemporary with the original enclosure. An abundance of charred seed remains were recovered from these hearths, as well as from other features on the site, which will provide a more definitive chronology of activity at the site. Post-medieval The north-west area of the enclosure contained a number of probable plough furrows. These curved slightly following the line of a slightly deeper probable boundary that extended from the entrance in the north of the enclosure to the south-east/east. Other isolated features of possible post-medieval date were identified across the site. It seems unlikely that the site would ever have been cultivated as it is quite stony, but it is possible that this activity may be associated with the enclosure being set aside as a plot. It may have been subdivided into a garden/cultivation area and an area for grazing, etc. Other predominantly linear agricultural features were identified in the area to the west of the main enclosure. The area to the south-west of the main site revealed a corn-drying kiln (OF002-021004-), which was probably later used as a soak pit, as it was filled with large stones. This feature was 1.35m deep. Some human remains were identified on the site just below the sod. There was no obvious grave-cut and the remains had been badly disturbed. It is probable that they represent an individual who was not afforded a formal burial (OF002-021005-). Analysis and dating has yet to indicate if these remains are contemporary with the previously mentioned human skull from the barrow. Their location within the stratigraphy, however, could suggest that they are considerably later in date. Conclusion The results of the excavations at Cappydonnell Big have been something of an enigma. The excavation uncovered very few artefacts directly associated with the main feature on the site. Due to the shortage of significant finds, conclusive dating and understanding of the site will largely depend on environmental analysis. While it is hoped that dating evidence will resolve some of the issues and confirm the prehistoric elements of the site, the main enclosure in particular continues to ask more questions than it answers. It contains some of the elements of a number of site types – platform ringfort and moated site are just two potential classifications – but fails to fit comfortably into any specific category. The dearth of artefacts and datable material from the substantially sterile ditch fills adds to this problem. Hopefully the conclusion of all specialist analysis and dating will supply sufficient information to resolve the research agenda. This work was funded by Westmeath County Council and the National Roads Authority (Bennett 2010, 397-9). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/

• OF002-021001 Barrow - ring-barrow
  Description

  Site-specific test-trenching was carried out by Tim Coughlan of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd., under licence No. E2653 as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone dual carriageway in addition to the main centre-line testing programme. This site was identified during site-specific testing undertaken by the writer in August 2005 (A016/025). The site was excavated between October 2005 and April 2006. The area of excavation measured c. 60m north–south by 80m. The main feature of the site was a probable medieval enclosure (OF002-021----), previously documented as a ringfort; it measured c. 50m east–west by c. 50m. Excavation results suggest that activity took place here during a number of periods and that the medieval enclosure is actually located on the site of an earlier monument. Within the internal flat platform of the large medieval enclosure were: the remains of a possible Bronze Age ring-barrow (OF002-021001-), possible associated post-holes and a stone-lined cist; possible medieval industrial pits with an associated rectangular structure; and numerous post-medieval cultivation furrows and isolated pits. The site phasing has been divided as follows. Prehistory A circular enclosure c. 14m in diameter was identified at the top of a natural gradual slope. This consisted of an enclosing ditch c. 2m wide and 1m deep. Within this was a smaller enclosing ditch c. 7m in diameter, 0.4m wide and 0.2m deep. It is felt that this may have represented the site of a possible Bronze Age barrow. The barrow was subsequently partially recut during medieval times to accommodate a large industrial furnace (OF002-021002-) with an associated area of stone metalling. Part of a human skull was found with the lower fills of the barrow. This bone may have been disturbed by the later activity in the vicinity, therefore its association with the barrow is unclear. To the north of these features was a stone-lined cist (OF002-021003-) that appeared to contain a disturbed cremation. A number of post-holes were identified between the cist and the possible barrow, although no definitive pattern has been determined. Medieval It is felt that the main enclosure – which is best described as subrectangular – was probably of medieval date. There appears to have been a subsequent phase of possible medieval industrial activity, particularly in the east of the enclosure. This includes the previously mentioned furnace and stone metalled surface. The material excavated from here was charcoal-rich and contained a considerable amount of burnt human and animal bone, nineteen amber beads and small amounts of metal and slag. A number of pits that appeared to have functioned as furnaces were identified to the east and north of the barrow recut, although only trace amounts of slag were recovered. Further analysis of samples from these features will be required to determine the precise nature of the activity. The pits were subsequently backfilled with stone/rubble, suggesting that there may have been some contemporary clearance on the site. A collection of post-holes and three hearths in the south of the site may have formed 1 or 2 possible structures, cutting the bank material, and are also thought to be broadly contemporary with the industrial pits. However, these structures nor the pits did not appear to be of a large enough scale to be contemporary with the original enclosure. An abundance of charred seed remains were recovered from these hearths, as well as from other features on the site, which will provide a more definitive chronology of activity at the site. Post-medieval The north-west area of the enclosure contained a number of probable plough furrows. These curved slightly following the line of a slightly deeper probable boundary that extended from the entrance in the north of the enclosure to the south-east/east. Other isolated features of possible post-medieval date were identified across the site. It seems unlikely that the site would ever have been cultivated as it is quite stony, but it is possible that this activity may be associated with the enclosure being set aside as a plot. It may have been subdivided into a garden/cultivation area and an area for grazing, etc. Other predominantly linear agricultural features were identified in the area to the west of the main enclosure. The area to the south-west of the main site revealed a corn-drying kiln (OF002-021004-), which was probably later used as a soak pit, as it was filled with large stones. This feature was 1.35m deep. Some human remains were identified on the site just below the sod. There was no obvious grave-cut and the remains had been badly disturbed. It is probable that they represent an individual who was not afforded a formal burial (OF002-021005-). Analysis and dating has yet to indicate if these remains are contemporary with the previously mentioned human skull from the barrow. Their location within the stratigraphy, however, could suggest that they are considerably later in date. Conclusion The results of the excavations at Cappydonnell Big have been something of an enigma. The excavation uncovered very few artefacts directly associated with the main feature on the site. Due to the shortage of significant finds, conclusive dating and understanding of the site will largely depend on environmental analysis. While it is hoped that dating evidence will resolve some of the issues and confirm the prehistoric elements of the site, the main enclosure in particular continues to ask more questions than it answers. It contains some of the elements of a number of site types – platform ringfort and moated site are just two potential classifications – but fails to fit comfortably into any specific category. The dearth of artefacts and datable material from the substantially sterile ditch fills adds to this problem. Hopefully the conclusion of all specialist analysis and dating will supply sufficient information to resolve the research agenda. This work was funded by Westmeath County Council and the National Roads Authority (Bennett 2010, 397-9). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 08 November 2011

• OF002-021002 Metalworking site
  Description

  Site-specific test-trenching was carried out by Tim Coughlan of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd., under licence No. E2653 as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone dual carriageway in addition to the main centre-line testing programme. This site was identified during site-specific testing undertaken by the writer in August 2005 (A016/025). The site was excavated between October 2005 and April 2006. The area of excavation measured c. 60m north–south by 80m. The main feature of the site was a probable medieval enclosure (OF002-021----), previously documented as a ringfort; it measured c. 50m east–west by c. 50m. Excavation results suggest that activity took place here during a number of periods and that the medieval enclosure is actually located on the site of an earlier monument. Within the internal flat platform of the large medieval enclosure were: the remains of a possible Bronze Age ring-barrow (OF002-021001-), possible associated post-holes and a stone-lined cist (OF021-021003-); possible medieval industrial pits with an associated rectangular structure; and numerous post-medieval cultivation furrows and isolated pits. The barrow was subsequently partially recut during medieval times to accommodate a large industrial furnace (OF002-021002-) with an associated area of stone metalling. Part of a human skull was found with the lower fills of the barrow. This bone may have been disturbed by the later activity in the vicinity, therefore its association with the barrow is unclear. To the north of these features was a stone-lined cist (OF002-021003-) that appeared to contain a disturbed cremation. A number of post-holes were identified between the cist and the possible barrow, although no definitive pattern has been determined. Medieval It is felt that the main enclosure (OF002-021----) – which is best described as subrectangular – was probably of medieval date. There appears to have been a subsequent phase of possible medieval industrial activity, particularly in the east of the enclosure. This includes the previously mentioned furnace and stone metalled surface. The material excavated from here was charcoal-rich and contained a considerable amount of burnt human and animal bone, nineteen amber beads and small amounts of metal and slag. A number of pits that appeared to have functioned as furnaces were identified to the east and north of the barrow recut, although only trace amounts of slag were recovered. Further analysis of samples from these features will be required to determine the precise nature of the activity. The pits were subsequently backfilled with stone/rubble, suggesting that there may have been some contemporary clearance on the site. A collection of post-holes and three hearths in the south of the site may have formed 1 or 2 possible structures, cutting the bank material, and are also thought to be broadly contemporary with the industrial pits. However, these structures nor the pits did not appear to be of a large enough scale to be contemporary with the original enclosure. An abundance of charred seed remains were recovered from these hearths, as well as from other features on the site, which will provide a more definitive chronology of activity at the site. Post-medieval The north-west area of the enclosure contained a number of probable plough furrows. These curved slightly following the line of a slightly deeper probable boundary that extended from the entrance in the north of the enclosure to the south-east/east. Other isolated features of possible post-medieval date were identified across the site. It seems unlikely that the site would ever have been cultivated as it is quite stony, but it is possible that this activity may be associated with the enclosure being set aside as a plot. It may have been subdivided into a garden/cultivation area and an area for grazing, etc. Other predominantly linear agricultural features were identified in the area to the west of the main enclosure. The area to the south-west of the main site revealed a corn-drying kiln (OF002-021004-), which was probably later used as a soak pit, as it was filled with large stones. This feature was 1.35m deep. Some human remains were identified on the site just below the sod. There was no obvious grave-cut and the remains had been badly disturbed. It is probable that they represent an individual who was not afforded a formal burial (OF002-021005-). Analysis and dating has yet to indicate if these remains are contemporary with the previously mentioned human skull from the barrow. Their location within the stratigraphy, however, could suggest that they are considerably later in date. Conclusion The results of the excavations at Cappydonnell Big have been something of an enigma. The excavation uncovered very few artefacts directly associated with the main feature on the site. Due to the shortage of significant finds, conclusive dating and understanding of the site will largely depend on environmental analysis. While it is hoped that dating evidence will resolve some of the issues and confirm the prehistoric elements of the site, the main enclosure in particular continues to ask more questions than it answers. It contains some of the elements of a number of site types – platform ringfort and moated site are just two potential classifications – but fails to fit comfortably into any specific category. The dearth of artefacts and datable material from the substantially sterile ditch fills adds to this problem. Hopefully the conclusion of all specialist analysis and dating will supply sufficient information to resolve the research agenda. This work was funded by Westmeath County Council and the National Roads Authority (Bennett 2010, 397-9). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 08 November 2011

• OF002-021003 Cist
  Description

  Site-specific test-trenching was carried out by Tim Coughlan of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd., under licence No. E2653 as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone dual carriageway in addition to the main centre-line testing programme. This site was identified during site-specific testing undertaken by the writer in August 2005 (A016/025). The site was excavated between October 2005 and April 2006. The area of excavation measured c. 60m north–south by 80m. The main feature of the site was a probable medieval enclosure (OF002-021----), previously documented as a ringfort; it measured c. 50m east–west by c. 50m. Excavation results suggest that activity took place here during a number of periods and that the medieval enclosure is actually located on the site of an earlier monument. Within the internal flat platform of the large medieval enclosure were: the remains of a possible Bronze Age ring-barrow (OF002-021001-), possible associated post-holes and a stone-lined cist; possible medieval industrial pits with an associated rectangular structure; and numerous post-medieval cultivation furrows and isolated pits. The site phasing has been divided as follows. The barrow was subsequently partially recut during medieval times to accommodate a large industrial furnace (OF002-021002-) with an associated area of stone metalling. Part of a human skull was found with the lower fills of the barrow. This bone may have been disturbed by the later activity in the vicinity, therefore its association with the barrow is unclear. To the north of these features was a stone-lined cist (OF002-021003-) that appeared to contain a disturbed cremation. A number of post-holes were identified between the cist and the possible barrow, although no definitive pattern has been determined. Medieval It is felt that the main enclosure – which is best described as subrectangular – was probably of medieval date. There appears to have been a subsequent phase of possible medieval industrial activity, particularly in the east of the enclosure. This includes the previously mentioned furnace and stone metalled surface. The material excavated from here was charcoal-rich and contained a considerable amount of burnt human and animal bone, nineteen amber beads and small amounts of metal and slag. A number of pits that appeared to have functioned as furnaces were identified to the east and north of the barrow recut, although only trace amounts of slag were recovered. Further analysis of samples from these features will be required to determine the precise nature of the activity. The pits were subsequently backfilled with stone/rubble, suggesting that there may have been some contemporary clearance on the site. A collection of post-holes and three hearths in the south of the site may have formed 1 or 2 possible structures, cutting the bank material, and are also thought to be broadly contemporary with the industrial pits. However, these structures nor the pits did not appear to be of a large enough scale to be contemporary with the original enclosure. An abundance of charred seed remains were recovered from these hearths, as well as from other features on the site, which will provide a more definitive chronology of activity at the site. Post-medieval The north-west area of the enclosure contained a number of probable plough furrows. These curved slightly following the line of a slightly deeper probable boundary that extended from the entrance in the north of the enclosure to the south-east/east. Other isolated features of possible post-medieval date were identified across the site. It seems unlikely that the site would ever have been cultivated as it is quite stony, but it is possible that this activity may be associated with the enclosure being set aside as a plot. It may have been subdivided into a garden/cultivation area and an area for grazing, etc. Other predominantly linear agricultural features were identified in the area to the west of the main enclosure. The area to the south-west of the main site revealed a corn-drying kiln (OF002-021004-), which was probably later used as a soak pit, as it was filled with large stones. This feature was 1.35m deep. Some human remains were identified on the site just below the sod. There was no obvious grave-cut and the remains had been badly disturbed. It is probable that they represent an individual who was not afforded a formal burial (OF002-021005-). Analysis and dating has yet to indicate if these remains are contemporary with the previously mentioned human skull from the barrow. Their location within the stratigraphy, however, could suggest that they are considerably later in date. Conclusion The results of the excavations at Cappydonnell Big have been something of an enigma. The excavation uncovered very few artefacts directly associated with the main feature on the site. Due to the shortage of significant finds, conclusive dating and understanding of the site will largely depend on environmental analysis. While it is hoped that dating evidence will resolve some of the issues and confirm the prehistoric elements of the site, the main enclosure in particular continues to ask more questions than it answers. It contains some of the elements of a number of site types – platform ringfort and moated site are just two potential classifications – but fails to fit comfortably into any specific category. The dearth of artefacts and datable material from the substantially sterile ditch fills adds to this problem. Hopefully the conclusion of all specialist analysis and dating will supply sufficient information to resolve the research agenda. This work was funded by Westmeath County Council and the National Roads Authority (Bennett 2010, 397-9). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 08 November 2011

• OF002-021004 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  Site-specific test-trenching was carried out by Tim Coughlan of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd., under licence No. E2653 as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone dual carriageway in addition to the main centre-line testing programme. This site was identified during site-specific testing undertaken by the writer in August 2005 (A016/025). The site was excavated between October 2005 and April 2006. The area of excavation measured c. 60m north–south by 80m. The main feature of the site was a probable medieval enclosure (OF002-021----), previously documented as a ringfort; it measured c. 50m east–west by c. 50m. Excavation results suggest that activity took place here during a number of periods and that the medieval enclosure is actually located on the site of an earlier monument. Within the internal flat platform of the large medieval enclosure were: the remains of a possible Bronze Age ring-barrow (OF002-021001-), possible associated post-holes and a stone-lined cist; possible medieval industrial pits with an associated rectangular structure; and numerous post-medieval cultivation furrows and isolated pits. The site phasing has been divided as follows. e barrow was subsequently partially recut during medieval times to accommodate a large industrial furnace (OF002-021002-) with an associated area of stone metalling. Part of a human skull was found with the lower fills of the barrow. This bone may have been disturbed by the later activity in the vicinity, therefore its association with the barrow is unclear. To the north of these features was a stone-lined cist (OF002-021003-) that appeared to contain a disturbed cremation. A number of post-holes were identified between the cist and the possible barrow, although no definitive pattern has been determined. Post-medieval The north-west area of the enclosure (OF002021----) contained a number of probable plough furrows. These curved slightly following the line of a slightly deeper probable boundary that extended from the entrance in the north of the enclosure to the south-east/east. Other isolated features of possible post-medieval date were identified across the site. It seems unlikely that the site would ever have been cultivated as it is quite stony, but it is possible that this activity may be associated with the enclosure being set aside as a plot. It may have been subdivided into a garden/cultivation area and an area for grazing, etc. Other predominantly linear agricultural features were identified in the area to the west of the main enclosure. The area to the south-west of the main site revealed a corn-drying kiln (OF002-021004-), which was probably later used as a soak pit, as it was filled with large stones. This feature was 1.35m deep. Some human remains were identified on the site just below the sod. There was no obvious grave-cut and the remains had been badly disturbed. It is probable that they represent an individual who was not afforded a formal burial (OF002-021005-). Analysis and dating has yet to indicate if these remains are contemporary with the previously mentioned human skull from the barrow. Their location within the stratigraphy, however, could suggest that they are considerably later in date (Bennett 2010, 397-9). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 08 November 2011

• OF002-021005 Burial
  Description

  Site-specific test-trenching was carried out by Tim Coughlan of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd., under licence No. E2653 as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone dual carriageway in addition to the main centre-line testing programme. This site was identified during site-specific testing undertaken by the writer in August 2005 (A016/025). The site was excavated between October 2005 and April 2006. The area of excavation measured c. 60m north–south by 80m. The main feature of the site was a probable medieval enclosure (OF002-021----), previously documented as a ringfort; it measured c. 50m east–west by c. 50m. Excavation results suggest that activity took place here during a number of periods and that the medieval enclosure is actually located on the site of an earlier monument. Within the internal flat platform of the large medieval enclosure were: the remains of a possible Bronze Age ring-barrow (OF002-021001-), possible associated post-holes and a stone-lined cist; possible medieval industrial pits with an associated rectangular structure; and numerous post-medieval cultivation furrows and isolated pits. The site phasing has been divided as follows. e barrow was subsequently partially recut during medieval times to accommodate a large industrial furnace (OF002-021002-) with an associated area of stone metalling. Part of a human skull was found with the lower fills of the barrow. This bone may have been disturbed by the later activity in the vicinity, therefore its association with the barrow is unclear. To the north of these features was a stone-lined cist (OF002-021003-) that appeared to contain a disturbed cremation. A number of post-holes were identified between the cist and the possible barrow, although no definitive pattern has been determined. The north-west area of the enclosure (OF002021----) contained a number of probable plough furrows. Other predominantly linear agricultural features were identified in the area to the west of the main enclosure. The area to the south-west of the main site revealed a corn-drying kiln (OF002-021004-), which was probably later used as a soak pit, as it was filled with large stones. This feature was 1.35m deep. Some human remains were identified on the site just below the sod. There was no obvious grave-cut and the remains had been badly disturbed. It is probable that they represent an individual who was not afforded a formal burial (OF002-021005-). Analysis and dating has yet to indicate if these remains are contemporary with the previously mentioned human skull from the barrow. Their location within the stratigraphy, however, could suggest that they are considerably later in date (Bennett 2010, 397-9). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 08 November 2011

Architectural heritage

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

Designated sites: National Parks and Wildlife Service. Recorded monuments: Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service. Buildings: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Works at or in relation to a recorded monument need two months' written notice to the National Monuments Service (National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, section 12).

Radon

About 1 in 10 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

Susceptibility moderately low, low, low (inferred), on the 1:50,000 map.

Terrain model

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

Flooding

The flood maps of the Office of Public Works: floodinfo.ie.

Radon Risk Map of Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency; Landslide Susceptibility Classification, Geological Survey Ireland; both CC BY 4.0. LiDAR: contains Irish Public Sector Data (Geological Survey Ireland & the Office of Public Works) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence.

No address of the register names Cappydonnell Big with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Offaly.

Name

Cappydonnell Big · Ceapaigh Dhónaill Mhór

Area

779,761 m² (77.98 ha, 192.68 acres)

Civil parish

Ardnurcher or Horseleap, and its townlands

Barony

Kilcoursey

Electoral division

Kilcumreragh, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Kilcumreragh electoral division: 553 people in 187 households; 88% of households own their home; 34% of homes were built since 2001; 8% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 0% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Ardnurcher Glebe, Attiblaney, Ballykilleen, Cappydonnell Little, Cloncraff, Kilmalady Big, Kilmalady Little, Russagh

Placenames

Cappydonnell Big 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.