Durrow Demesne

24 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Durrow Demesne, from 870 m² to 600,542 m² (60.05 ha, 148.4 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 36 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 Durrow Demesne 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.

• 12 Nov 2021Conditional

  NEW FLOOD LIGHTS FOR PROPOSED ASTRO PITCH WITH ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 21702

• 10 Oct 2019Refused

  (A) NEW SINGLE STOREY GYM SPORTS HALL AND TOILETS; (B) PERMISSION FOR NEW ALL-WEATHER PLAYING PITCH AND ASSOCIATED FENCING WITH FLOOD LIGHTING; (C) FLOOD LIGHTS TO THE EXISTING PITCH AND WALKWAY AND (D) PERMISSION FOR NEW RELOCATED ENTRANCE ALSO OUTDOOR GYM EQUIPMENT AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 19481

• 21 Feb 2017Conditional

  SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION TO SIDE OF DRESSING ROOMS. PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT A NEW GYM / SPORTS HALL WITH FIRST FLOOR GAMES ROOM / VIEWING AREA AND TOILETS, TO RELOCATE EXISTING ENTRANCE, ALTERATIONS TO FRONT BOUNDARY / CAR PARK, AND FOR ALL ASSOCIATED SITE DEVELOPMENT WORKS

  Retention · Offaly County Council, 1773

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 Durrow Demesne.

Recorded monuments

• OF008-067 Water mill - unclassified
  Description

  A drawing of the fields to the W of Durrow Abbey House (OF009-005002-) drawn by Reverend Sterling de Courcy Williams in 1899 shows the 'probable site of mill' which may have been the location of a pre-1700 mill (De Courcy Williams 1899, 223, 232). See attached drawing taken from De Courcy Williams 1899. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 30 April 2014

• OF009-005001 Castle - motte
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. The motte castle was built in 1186 by Hugh de Lacy, lord of meath who was killed at Durrow after the construction of this earth and timber castle. This event was described in the Annals of the Four Masters, which recorded that ‘after having finished the castle of Durrow, [Hugh de Lacy] set out, accompanied by three Englishmen, to view it. One of the men of Teffia, a youth named Gilla-gan-inathar O'Meyey [gutless lad], approached him, and drawing out an axe, which he had kept concealed, he, with one blow of it, severed his head from his body; and both head and trunk fell into the ditch of the castle. This was in revenge of Columbkille’ (O’Donovan 1856, 71-2). Situated on a slight rise of ground on the landscaped demesne of Durrow Abbey House which was probably built on site of a medieval stone castle (OF009-005002-). Durrow church (OF09-005013-), graveyard (OF009-005009-) and high cross (OF009-005010-) are 180m to the ESE. The 19th century country house marked on the OS 6-inch maps as ‘Durrow Abbey’ is located 60m to the NE. The motte is located within the landscaped grounds of Durrow Abbey House with pathways encircling the base of the motte and a walled garden area immediately to the W as shown on the 1908 ed. OS 25-inch map. Aerial photographs taken in 1973 (GSI N 535/6) indicated that the motte castle may have been constructed inside the ecclesiastical or monastic enclosure (OF009-005003-) of Durrow monastery. A sketch of the demesne drawn by Rev. Sterling De Courcy Williams in 1899 indicates that the motte was built on the line of the monastic enclosure in a similar fashion to the motte castle (OF039-003009-) at the monastery of Seir Kieran (OF039-003001-). The monument consists of a large steep sided flat topped mound or motte (H 8m; diam. at base 43m, top diam. 22m) which is heavily overgrown making examination difficult. There is no evidence of an enclosing fosse or bailey with the remains of 19th-century wall encircling the top of the mound. This wall has an arched entrance at E which leads into the interior of the summit where there is a large depression almost 1m deep. This may be the site of a destroyed gazebo with its enclosing wall (ITA Survey 1942), probably erected by the occupiers of the nearby country house in the 19th-century. The 1908 ed. OS 25-inch map depicts a small stone structure annotated as S.H. or Summer House on the summit of the motte. It would appear from the surviving remains that the Anglo-Norman motte castle was converted into a landscape feature in the 19th century by the residents of Durrow Abbey House. 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: 22 April 2014

• OF009-005002 Castle - unclassified
  Description

  National Monument in State Ownership & Guardianship No. 313. The 18th century house built by the Stepney family of Durrow was known as Durrow Castle which indicates that it was probably built on the site of the stone castle of Durrow that is mentioned in 1562 when the lands of Durrow were leased to Nicholas Harberte. The 18th century house was renamed Durrow Abbey House when a new 19th century mansion was built by Lord Norbury. This house was badly damaged by a fire and was replaced by the current Durrow Abbey House. In 1562 the medieval stone castle of Durrow is described as 'a ruined castle' and was listed in an inquisition taken of the lands of Durrow in 1569 (FitzPatrick and O'Brien 1998, 101). After the dissolution of the monasteries, the lands of Durrow monastery were initially leased to Con O'Mulloy, the late prior of Durrow which included the 'site of the priory (OF009-005008-), lands of Dorrowe, Newton, and Taghtillyn [Tihilly], rectories of Kylbryde, Ballygroder, Fryvenaghe, Kilpallyge, and Dorrowe. To hold for 21 years at a rent of 5 marks' (Nicholls 1994, 58). The lands were then leased to Nicholas Harbert who in 1567 needed 'strongholds and castles well manned' in order to protect his lands from Irish attack and as a result he set about building two 'warrlyke castles for him and his sonnes to inhabit in' (Loeber 1991, 13). The precise location of these two 16th century stone castles has not been identified within the townland of Durrow Demesne. It is possible that the present Durrow Abbey House was built on the site of one of the 16th century castles. The Stepney family who lived at Durrow until the turn of the 19th century acquired the house through marriage with Philip Rawson a descendant of Sir Edward Herbert (De Courcy Williams 1897, 143). In the early 19th century the house was sold by the Stepney family to Lord Norbury. The Ordnance Survey Field Name Books of 1837-40 recorded that ‘The castle of Durrow, was levelled to the ground by the Stepneys about 60 years ago [1780s]’. The OS letters recorded that around the year 1780 'extensive ruins of the castle of Durrow were extant immediately to the north of the moat (OF009-005001-), but that these walls were pulled down by the Stepney family to build a mansion-house, which still exists, but much enlarged and amplified by the present Lord Norbury' (De Courcy Williams 1897, 128). This house belonging to Lord Norbury was substantially destroyed by fire and in 1897 it was recorded that 'one wall of it only remaining, where it was connected with the amplifications which O'Connor speaks of as being effected by Lord Norbury, which amplifications now form the present mansion-house of Durrow Abbey' (ibid.). The present Durrow Abbey House was described by the Nationl Inventory of Architectural Heritage as a 'detached L-plan multiple-bay two-storey over basement Jacobean Revival style house, built between 1837-43, with breakfront tower and gable to north elevation and canted bays to eastern projecting bay and southern bay, courtyard buildings to rear. Built on the site of the eighteenth-century house and set within grounds of Durrow Abbey demesne' (www.buildingsofireland.ie). 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: 22 April 2014

• OF009-005003 Ecclesiastical enclosure
  Description

  National Monument in State Ownership & Guardianship No. 313. A monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Colum Cille whose original name may have been Criomthann was descended from a branch of the Ceinéal Conaill of Donegal (ibid., 211). He established a monastery at Iona in Scotland and is the earliest known founder of a church outside of Ireland (ibid., 212). Over sixty churches claim to have been founded by Colum Cille many of which have no historical documentation to support their claims (ibid., 213). No surface trace visible of the ecclesiastical enclosure of Durrow monastery which was revealed by ploughing in 1985 (O'Brien 2012, 118) in a field to the S of Durrow church (OF009-005013-) graveyard (OF009-005009-) and high cross (OF009-005010-). In 1870 Mr. Thomas Stanley of Tullamore described the location of a rampart inside the ancient gate of Durrow which appears to have been the upstanding remains of the monastic enclosure that has been subsequently levelled (Anon. 1870, 28). The rampart described by Stanley may have been the same earthwork as drawn by De Courcy Williams in 1897 (De Courcy Williams 1899, 232). A drawing of this field containing the monastic enclosure was drawn by Reverend Sterling de Courcy Williams in 1899 which shows the upstanding remains of the monastic enclosure (diam. c. 470m E-W) along with a 'backache stone' (OF009-005023-) now lost and the 'headache stone' which is the small base of the high cross (OF009-005007-) standing along the avenue into Durrow Abbey House. This drawing clearly shows the remains of the old entrance into Durrow Abbey House which is now disused and is visible as a cropmark. This avenue into Durrow Abbey House is shown on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map. Geophysical survey carried out in 2000 and 2001 identified the route of this trackway (OF009-005024-). See attached image of drawing of the termon of Durrow by De Courcy Williams in 1899. This drawing suggests the the Anglo-Norman motte castle (OF009-005001-) was built on the line of monastic enclosure. The 'Backache Stone' which no longer survives in this field may have been a bullaun stone (OF009-005023-). The 1899 drawing suggests that there was a larger enclosure surrounding Durrow monastery than that identified by the geophysical survey and aerial photographs. If this drawing is accurate it suggests that the enclosure identified on the aerial photographs and by the geophysical survey is the remains of an inner or secondary enclosure. The rampart drawn by De Courcy Williams suggests that the outer monastic enclosure was located futher to the S of the cropmark and that the curving E boundary of 'Pheasant Wood' depicted on the 25-inch OS map follows the line of the larger monastic enclosure. Aerial photographs taken by Leo Swan (SMR File) and the GSI in June 1973 (GSIAP, N 535/6) clearly shows the semi-circular cropmark of the inner monastic enclosure at Durrow (SMR File). On these aerial photographs the monastic enclosure shows up as a semi-circular enclosure defined by two concentric widely spaced crop marks representing the remains of a possible double-banked enclosure (diam. c. 250m E-W). On these aerial photographs the monastic enclosure is only visible in the field to the S of the church (OF009-005013-) and graveyard (OF009-005009-). The cropmark is clearly visible from E through S to W only. There are no visible remains of the enclosure on these aerial photographs in the fields to the N of Durrow church and graveyard and it is unlikely that there was ever an enclosing element on the N side of Durrow church and graveyard where the wet marshy land acted as a natural enclosing element for the monastery (King 2012, 129-31). The curving cropmark of the enclosure on the W side appears to turn N towards the Anglo-Norman motte castle (OF009-005001-). It is possible that this earth and timber castle was built on top of the monastic enclosure in a similar way to the motte castles at Lorrha (TN004-010012-), North Tipperary and at Seir Kieran (OF039-003009-), Co. Offaly. Recent geophysical survey carried out in 2000 and 2001 (O’Brien 2012, 119-20) confirmed the existence of the monastic enclosure identified on earlier aerial photographs of Durrow Demesne (SMR file) along with possible remains of other potential monuments to the S and SE of the outer enclosure. The geophysical survey identified the possible subsurface remains of this enclosure in an area immediately S of Durrow Abbey House (King 2012, 130) which suggests that the motte castle was built just outside the line of the monastic enclosure (O’Brien 2012, 117). However it is possible that the geophysical features in the area immediately S of Durrow Abbey House are the remains of another feature inside the enclosure. No geophysical survey was carried out in the area immediately to the S of the motte castle due to the presence of trees and vegetation. The geophysical survey carried out in 2000/01 also identified the possible remains of two inner monastic enclosures in the field to the SW and W of the church (OF009-005013-) and graveyard (OF009-005009-) (O’Brien 2012, 119, 121). The incomplete shape of the larger enclosure in the field to the SE and the termination of the cropmark on the geophysical survey in this area offers the slightest suggestion that this earthwork may have served another function. Future archaeological testing on the cropmark of the enclosure may reveal dating evidence for its construction. Limited archaeological investigations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd. under licence No. E3161 at Durrow as part of the ongoing conservation works at the National Monument on behalf of the OPW (Collins 2009, 449). Two trenches, measuring some 200m in length, 0.5m in depth and 0.5m in width, were excavated by mini-digger at either side of the avenue to Durrow House. Approximately half of the avenue’s length is within the zone of archaeological potential for the complex. These trenches are proposed for future service conduits for the church structure which now houses the high cross. The trenches were sealed with varying modern stony surfaces for the avenue, which was underlain by the natural parent material of reddish-orange/brown compacted sandy clay. According to aerial photographic evidence for the site, the avenue bisects a circular enclosing element for the early medieval monastery. However, the two trenches dug did not reveal any information on this element. It is likely that this feature does remain subsurface and the depth of the trenches dug did not reach it. Human remains were located at the western end of the southern trench. They were located outside the current graveyard (OF009-005009-), though inside the likely enclosing element of the monastery. Furthermore they lay to the north-east of a high cross base, locally known as the ‘socket stone’ (OF009-005007-). The human remains were examined in situ and found to be previously disturbed, though likely to have been articulated when buried. The remains were orientated east–west with the heads to the west, in the Christian tradition. The minimum number of individuals was estimated at three adults. It was agreed that these remains could be left in situ, protected under the proposed conduit route. A short trench was dug across the avenue at its western end to connect the two trenches with service trenches dug in the previous season. All trenches were then lined with plastic and backfilled. During the winter of 2006, a tree fall occurred immediately outside and to the north-west of the graveyard. When the area was inspected it was found that human bone had been exposed. During this season’s works, this exposed area plus the tree root ball itself were investigated. A large quantity of human bone was revealed. Upon examination it was found that most of

• OF009-005004 Enclosure
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. There was no surface evidence of an enclosure in the area marked on the aerial photographs. This was an area of marsh land an unlikely location for an enclosure, there were many 19th century field drains in this field which may have showed up on the aerial photos. 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. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF009-005005 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  A monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Colum Cille whose original name may have been Criomthann was descended from a branch of the Ceinéal Conaill of Donegal (ibid., 211). He established a monastery at Iona in Scotland and is the earliest known founder of a church outside of Ireland (ibid., 212). Over sixty churches claim to have been founded by Colum Cille many of which have no historical documentation to support their claims (ibid., 213). On the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map the holy well depicted as 'St. Columbkille's Well' is shown located in a field c. 85m to the SW of 'St. Columbkille's Island'. On the revised 1908 ed. OS 25-inch map the well is shown at a different location. On this map the holy well is depicted in the centre of 'St. Columbkille's Island'. A small grove of trees are shown standing in the area where the holy well is depicted on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map. It is possible that between 1838 and 1908 the original holy well was abandoned and a new pattern was later established at a spring well located in 'St. Columbkille's Island' and this well then became known as 'St. Columbkille's Well'. Holy well dedicated to St Colum Cille of Iona, Scotland. The well is located on flat poorly drained area enclosed by a semicircular water-filled trench depicted as St. Columbkille's Island on all editions of the OS 6-inch maps. Site of early Christian monastic enclosure (OF009-005001-), church (OF009-005013-), graveyard (OF009-005009-) and high cross (OF009-005010-) to S. The present well is enclosed by a late 19th or early 20th century stone built hut constructed with small boulders of granite and limestone with four steps leading down to the well. The water varies in depth from 0.2m to 0.75m deep. Just above the entrance to the well there is a slab with an inscription of recent origin with iron cross and votive offerings embedded into the top of the roof. In 1942 (ITA Survey) it was recorded that a local pattern was held at this well every year on the 9th of June the feastday of St Colum Cille. The pattern to the holy well is still being carried out here every year. 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: 22 April 2014

• OF009-005006 Cross - High cross
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). There is a fragment of the shaft (L. 0.51m; Wth 0.4m; T 0.26m) of a possible high cross cemented into the S end of the W wall of the graveyard (OF009-005009-), this piece appears to have come from the shaft of a high cross and has interlace decoration on its visible side. The missing cross head described below and the fragment of the shaft cemented into wall of graveyard may belong to the same cross. The cross-head is now housed in Dublin, in the National Museum of Ireland (IA file, IA/29/1988). In 1974 the head of this high cross was removed from the monastery at Durrow. Described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 82-3) as following: 'a cross-head of sandstone stood for centuries on top of the gable of the now disused Protestant church (OF009-005013-) to the east of the main cross (OF009-005006-). It fell to the ground in the late 1950s, after which it was placed on a base just south of the church. In 1974 it was, apparently, removed to Durrow Abbey nearby, in the grounds of which the old monastic site lies. The cross-head is 43cm high, 68cm across the arms, and the lower part of the shaft has a maximum width of about 20cm. The arms expand markedly at the terminals, and it seems unlikely that the cross originally had a ring. The ends of the arms are probably not decorated. EAST FACE : (?) DAVID AS SHEPHERD. A figure stands with a crook in its left hand, and there may be a sheep with turned-back head to the right. Above the figure's head there is what is probably an angel, on the analogy of panel S3 of the Cross of the Scriptures at Clonmacnois. The figure is most likely to represent David as Shepherd, the presence of David in such a position at the centre of the cross-head being rendered quite likely in view of the David interpretation suggested here for the scene at the centre of head of the Tall Cross at Monasterboice. The arms are decorated with interlace. WEST FACE : THE CRUCIFIXION - Christ is shown in a tight-fitting garment, stretching his arms out at right angles. Stephaton and Longinus are indicated as busts beneath Christ's arms, though their attributes are not shown. At the end of the arms there is a whirl from which serpent-headed animals emerge. Above Christ's head, a bird flies upwards to the left.' 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: 23 April 2014

• OF009-005007 Cross
  Description

  A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Marked on the OS 6-inch map as the 'Socket Stone' which appears to be the base of a small cross. It is situated to the SSE of the medieval church (OF009-005013-) outside the graveyard (OF009-005009-) wall. This pyramidal shaped stone (H 0.6m; 0.25m x 0.2m x 0.15m) acted as the base of a small cross which was located on top of the W gable of the church (OF009-005013-) and is now located in the National Museum of Ireland. The base of the cross was known locally as 'the headache stone' (De Courcy Williams 1897, 135). See attached image of cross taken from De Courcy Williams 1897. Limited archaeological investigations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd. under licence No. E3161 at Durrow as part of the ongoing conservation works at the National Monument on behalf of the OPW (Collins 2009, 449). Two trenches, measuring some 200m in length, 0.5m in depth and 0.5m in width, were excavated by mini-digger at either side of the avenue to Durrow House. Approximately half of the avenue’s length is within the zone of archaeological potential for the complex. These trenches are proposed for future service conduits for the church structure which now houses the high cross (OF009-005010-). The trenches were sealed with varying modern stony surfaces for the avenue, which was underlain by the natural parent material of reddish-orange/brown compacted sandy clay. According to aerial photographic evidence for the site, the avenue bisects a circular enclosing element for the early medieval monastery (OF009-005003-). However, the two trenches dug did not reveal any information on this element. It is likely that this feature does remain subsurface and the depth of the trenches dug did not reach it. Human remains were located at the western end of the southern trench. They were located outside the current graveyard (OF009-005009-), though inside the likely enclosing element of the monastery. Furthermore they lay to the north-east of a high cross base (OF009-005007-), locally known as the ‘socket stone’. The human remains were examined in situ and found to be previously disturbed, though likely to have been articulated when buried. The remains were orientated east–west with the heads to the west, in the Christian tradition. The minimum number of individuals was estimated at three adults. It was agreed that these remains could be left in situ, protected under the proposed conduit route. A short trench was dug across the avenue at its western end to connect the two trenches with service trenches dug in the previous season. All trenches were then lined with plastic and backfilled. During the winter of 2006, a tree fall occurred immediately outside and to the north-west of the graveyard. When the area was inspected it was found that human bone had been exposed. During this season’s works, this exposed area plus the tree root ball itself were investigated. A large quantity of human bone was revealed. Upon examination it was found that most of this human bone was disarticulated and that the root action of the tree had further disturbed the remains. The human bone which remained in the ground was recorded and preserved in situ. The human bone and soil which had been entangled in the tree roots was excavated and retained for further study (Collins 2010, 402). 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

• OF009-005008 Religious house - Augustinian canons
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. No abbey building is depicted on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map. The revised 1908 ed. OS 25-inch map depicts ‘St. Columbkille’s Abbey (Site of)’ as being located in the NW quadrant of Durrow graveyard (OF009-005009-). The present late 18th century C of I church (OF009-005013-) standing in the SE quadrant of the graveyard may have been built on the site of the Augustinian Abbey church which was founded in the 12th century on the site of the sixth century monastery reputedly founded by St Colum Cille. The Augustinian abbey dedicated to St Mary was founded in the 1140s by Murchadh Ua Maoil Sheachlainn, high king of Midhe, who died at Durrow in 1153 (Ó Riain 2011, 67; Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 174). In 1541 the Abbey was converted into a parish church and was restored in the 18th century and again in 1802. No surface traces remain of the ecclesiastical enclosure (OF009-005003-) (Orpen 1907, 140) or of the Augustinian abbey (Hadcock 1964, 128). (Crawford 1913, 262-65; Lionard 1961, 95-169; Moran 1966, 289; Harbison 1970, 205-6; Barrow 1979, 176). In 2006 limited excavations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd at Durrow under licence No. CO02, E3161, as part of the ongoing conservation works at the National Monument, on behalf of the OPW. Three areas were investigated. Two were dug around the church in order to facilitate the rendering of the structure and ducting. The third area was around where the high cross (OF009-005010-) had stood. (It was moved for conservation reasons inside the church (OF009-005013-) structure.) Nothing of an archaeological nature was discovered in the first two areas; two skeletons were left preserved in situ. An area around where the cross had stood measuring 5m by 5m was opened to address the following research questions: Was the cross in its original position? What was it sitting on? Was there an earlier cross? Further information was required on the context of a cross slab excavated by De Paor in 1954: did it cover a grave, for instance? The excavation around the cross site showed that burial had occurred to the north, south and east of the cross base. Seventeen individuals were excavated, along with much disarticulated remains. Initial examination suggests that all the burials were late in date, probably none earlier than the 18th century. The cross appears to have been in its original (early medieval) position, in that all burials respected the location of the cross base. The cross rested on a layer of redeposited boulder clay, which contained a few fragments of animal bone. There was no evidence of an earlier timber cross at this location, nor was there any evidence of burial beneath the cross. The excavation results would suggest that the cross slab found by De Paor did not cover a specific grave but may have been placed to the east of the cross in order to ‘close’ that area from any further burial – perhaps placed there in the 19th century. Finds from the excavation included coffin nails and fittings, holy medals and a few shroud pins. Nothing of clearly early medieval date was recovered. A series of radiocarbon dates is proposed for the site, including the animal bone fragments recovered from beneath the cross base, which should provide a firm sequence for burial at the site and a date for the redeposited layer beneath the cross (Bennett 2009, 449). 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: 22 April 2014

• OF009-005009 Graveyard
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). This rectangular shaped graveyard encloses many headstones belonging to the 18th and 19th century and unmarked headstones of unknown date. The western wall has three early Christian cross-slabs (OF009-005011-; 005015-/ 005016-) attached to it along with a fragment of a high cross (OF009-005006-). The C of I church (OF009-005013-) is located in the centre of the graveyard. Bishop Dopping’s Visitation Book of 1682-85 described the churchyard at Durrow as at that time enclosed or ‘fenced’ in by a stone wall (Ellison 1975, 5), however the present graveyard wall appears to date from the 19th rather than the 17th century. The high cross (OF009-005006-) has been moved from the graveyard and is now housed inside the C of I church which has been recently conserved by the OPW. The mullion (H 0.53m) of a twin-light window of late medieval date can be seen in the NW quadrant of the graveyard. The mullion has a glazing groove (Wth 0.01m) on both sides, this stone probably came from the medieval church of Durrow. The hood moulding (diam. 0.66m; H 0.25m) of a narrow single-light (Wth 0.11m) round headed window has been inserted into the centre of the W graveyard wall. The hood moulding has terminals decorated with a four leaf floral motif, one of which no longer survives. In 2006 limited excavations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd at Durrow under licence No. CO02, E3161, as part of the ongoing conservation works at the national monument, on behalf of the OPW. Three areas were investigated. Two were dug around the church (OF009-005013-) in order to facilitate the rendering of the structure and ducting. The third area was around where the high cross (OF009-005010-) had stood. (It was moved for conservation reasons inside the church structure.) Nothing of an archaeological nature was discovered in the first two areas; two skeletons were left preserved in situ. An area around where the cross had stood measuring 5m by 5m was opened to address the following research questions: Was the cross in its original position? What was it sitting on? Was there an earlier cross? Further information was required on the context of a cross slab excavated by De Paor in 1954: did it cover a grave, for instance? The excavation around the cross site showed that burial had occurred to the north, south and east of the cross base. Seventeen individuals were excavated, along with much disarticulated remains. Initial examination suggests that all the burials were late in date, probably none earlier than the 18th century. The cross appears to have been in its original (early medieval) position, in that all burials respected the location of the cross base. The cross rested on a layer of redeposited boulder clay, which contained a few fragments of animal bone. There was no evidence of an earlier timber cross at this location, nor was there any evidence of burial beneath the cross. The excavation results would suggest that the cross slab found by De Paor did not cover a specific grave but may have been placed to the east of the cross in order to ‘close’ that area from any further burial – perhaps placed there in the 19th century. Finds from the excavation included coffin nails and fittings, holy medals and a few shroud pins. Nothing of clearly early medieval date was recovered. A series of radiocarbon dates is proposed for the site, including the animal bone fragments recovered from beneath the cross base, which should provide a firm sequence for burial at the site and a date for the redeposited layer beneath the cross (Collins 2009, 449). Further limited archaeological investigations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd. under licence No. E3161 at Durrow as part of the ongoing conservation works at the National Monument on behalf of the OPW (Collins 2009, 449). Two trenches, measuring some 200m in length, 0.5m in depth and 0.5m in width, were excavated by mini-digger at either side of the avenue to Durrow House. Approximately half of the avenue’s length is within the zone of archaeological potential for the complex. These trenches are proposed for future service conduits for the church structure which now houses the high cross. The trenches were sealed with varying modern stony surfaces for the avenue, which was underlain by the natural parent material of reddish-orange/brown compacted sandy clay. According to aerial photographic evidence for the site, the avenue bisects a circular enclosing element for the early medieval monastery. However, the two trenches dug did not reveal any information on this element. It is likely that this feature does remain subsurface and the depth of the trenches dug did not reach it. Human remains were located at the western end of the southern trench. They were located outside the current graveyard, though inside the likely enclosing element of the monastery. Furthermore they lay to the north-east of a high cross base, locally known as the ‘socket stone’. The human remains were examined in situ and found to be previously disturbed, though likely to have been articulated when buried. The remains were orientated east–west with the heads to the west, in the Christian tradition. The minimum number of individuals was estimated at three adults. It was agreed that these remains could be left in situ, protected under the proposed conduit route. A short trench was dug across the avenue at its western end to connect the two trenches with service trenches dug in the previous season. All trenches were then lined with plastic and backfilled. During the winter of 2006, a tree fall occurred immediately outside and to the north-west of the graveyard. When the area was inspected it was found that human bone had been exposed. During this season’s works, this exposed area plus the tree root ball itself were investigated. A large quantity of human bone was revealed. Upon examination it was found that most of this human bone was disarticulated and that the root action of the tree had further disturbed the remains. The human bone which remained in the ground was recorded and preserved in situ. The human bone and soil which had been entangled in the tree roots was excavated and retained for further study (Collins 2010, 402). 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

• OF009-005010 Cross - High cross
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Colum Cille whose original name may have been Criomthann was descended from a branch of the Ceinéal Conaill of Donegal (ibid., 211). He established a monastery at Iona in Scotland and is the earliest known founder of a church outside of Ireland (ibid., 212). Over sixty churches claim to have been founded by Colum Cille many of which have no historical documentation to support their claim (ibid., 213). Until recently the Durrow high cross stood in the W quadrant of Durrow graveyard (OF009-005009-) a short distance to the W of the W gable of the C of I church (OF009-005013-) as depicted on all editions of the OS six-inch maps. The high cross has been moved from this location and is now housed inside the C of I church which has been recently conserved by the OPW. A 3D model of the high cross can be downloaded from Offaly County Council website at www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Heritage/Archaeology/3D_Surveying_of_Archaeological_Monuments/ In 2006 limited excavations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd at Durrow under licence No. CO02, E3161, as part of the ongoing conservation works at the national monument, on behalf of the OPW. Three areas were investigated including an area around where the cross had stood measuring 5m by 5m was opened to address the following research questions: Was the cross in its original position? What was it sitting on? Was there an earlier cross? Further information was required on the context of a cross slab excavated by De Paor in 1954: did it cover a grave, for instance? The excavation around the cross site showed that burial had occurred to the north, south and east of the cross base. Seventeen individuals were excavated, along with much disarticulated remains. Initial examination suggests that all the burials were late in date, probably none earlier than the 18th century. The cross appears to have been in its original (early medieval) position, in that all burials respected the location of the cross base. The cross rested on a layer of redeposited boulder clay, which contained a few fragments of animal bone. There was no evidence of an earlier timber cross at this location, nor was there any evidence of burial beneath the cross. The excavation results would suggest that the cross slab found by De Paor did not cover a specific grave but may have been placed to the east of the cross in order to ‘close’ that area from any further burial – perhaps placed there in the 19th century (Collins 2009, 449). The Durrow high cross was described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 79-82) as following; 'The complete monolithic cross is 3.16m high, 1.39m across the arms, and the shaft is 46cm wide and 31cm thick at the bottom. It rests on a base which measures 1.30m by 1.10m at ground level, and which is 38cm high. The sides of the base are slightly convex, and have a step hear the top. The base has grooved lines forming a base-line above which are the frames of two undecorated panels-two each on the broader faces, and one each on the sides. The cross has a roll moulding around the edges, and the smaller roll mouldings framing the panels come in from each side between the panels and double back on themselves without meeting in the centre. This moulding has a number of small horizontal grooves, best seen on the north side. The head has a smaller moulding inside the roll moulding on the edges. EAST FACE Shaft Plinth : Due to its heavily worn condition, the subject matter of the plinth is difficult to ascertain. On the left there is what could be the head of a ringed cross on a possible shaft, or a lamb with ringed head, but the nature of the small ring on the right is more enigmatic. In the centre there may be a human figure flanked by an animal or bird, or it could be two centaurs face to face, but identification is very uncertain. E1: THE RAISED CHRIST - A figure of Christ in the upper centre of the panel has an angel on either side of the head. His feet rest on the knees of two long-robed figures in profile who are seated opposite one another beneath him. They hold an open book between them, and represent Apostles, almost certainly Peter and Paul. E2 : A panel of interlace forming circular devices. E3 : THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC - Abraham is shown in profiel on the left, with his sword over his right shoulder, and holding up in his left hand an enigmatic object best interpreted as the fire. On the right is his son Isaac, whose left knee is on the ground. Isaac holds an axe above the altar in his left hand, and his right is placed just above the altar. A rope around his body holds the wood for the sacrificial fire on his back, and above him is the angel which holds the hind leg of the ram in front of him. Head Centre: (?) THE LAST JUDGEMENT - Christ stands in centre wearing a long robe with slightly diagonal folds at the waist. In his left hand he holds a cross-staff, and in his right a sceptre with a head blossoming out into a spiral foliate ornament on each side. Above his head is the lamb in a circle. He stands on an interlace, presumably symbolising clouds. On the right there is angel with folded hands, and on his left a seated angel blowing a pipe. At the end of the pipe there is a single human head, the significance of which is not clear. South arm : DAVID PLAYING THE LYRE - David is seated, facing towards Christ, and placing his hand on a lyre resting on his lap. His left knee protrudes in an anatomically curious fashion. The frame at the end of the arm bears an upright panel of interlace, with volutes above and below. North arm : DAVID SLAYS THE LION. - David has his left knee on the back of the lion whose jaws he pulls asunder with his hands. In front of him, in the contraction of the arm, there is a lamb with upright neck which presumably belongs to this scene rather than to (?) THE LAST JUDGEMENT. The frame at the end of the arm is similar to that on the south arm, except that the interlace is more tightly meshed. Top : A square panel has a rounded boss in each corner, on one of which interlaced decoration is preserved. Emerging from them are some animals which bite one another in the centre, and others with their heads on the outer periphery of the bosses. Above this panel is the roof, decorated with an imitation of shingles. The ring : The ring has roll mouldings on the edges, framing panels of animal interlace in the lower left and upper right segments, and fretwork with spiral terminations in the lower right segment. The nature of the decoration in the upper left segment is not clear. Attached to the inner surface of the ring are the cylinders, the ends of which are decorated with a round boss surrounded by a circle of pellet decoration. SOUTH SIDE Shaft Plinth : On the plinth two winged animals are seen in profile, contorting the neck so that the head is almost frontal. The animals stand opposite one another under a tree. The right-hand animal seems to grasp the stem of the tree with its right front paw. S 1 : EVE GIVES THE APPPLE TO ADAM. - Cain, with sharply pointed nose and dressed in a tunic with wavy hem at knee-level, is shown in profile on the left. He holds up a curved club with which he strikes the head of his brother Abel, who is shown in a frontal pose, wearing a long robe with rope-like front, and placing his hands on his lap. S 3 : DAVID AS KING - David, seated frontally and wearing a flowing moustache and interlaced beard, holds a sword up over his right shoulder and a shield with central boss in his left hand. By his side, two upright animals put their heads on his lap. Head Underside of ring : Snake and heads - The sunken panel in the centre has a snake - with its head and tail on top and its back decorated with pelleting - which coils its way among three human heads. It is flanked by a pa

• OF009-005011 Cross-slab
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Early Christian cross-inscribed slab (dims. H 0.88; Wth 0.7m; T 0.21m) possibly of 9th century date that was built into E face of W wall of Durrow graveyard (OF009-005009-). This slab along with four others have been recently moved into the conserved C of I church (OF009-005013-) which now houses the high cross (OF009-005010-). Described by Crawford (1913, 263) as a 'rectangular sandstone slab 2ft. 11in. (0.89m) by 2ft. 6in. (0.76m), incised with a ringed cross, having a square centre, and rectangular extremities, all containing knots. The arms of the cross are nearly equal in length, and the ring is ornamented with plaits. Below the cross is the inscription or do cathalan'. Durrow (c) in Crawfords catalogue of cross-slabs at Durrow. This slab was described by Macalister (1949, 41-2) as`an equal-armed cross in a circle contained within a rectangular frame in relief. A square expansion at the centre with a spiral interlacement in the centre: rectangular expansions at the ends of the arms with ordinary interlacements...On the circle are running spirals, alternatively round and square'. The inscription reads O~R~DOCHATHALAN which can be expanded to OROIT DO CHATHALAN (Petrie and Stokes 1878, 56-7). See attached drawing of image taken from Macalister 1949. 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: 23 April 2014

• OF009-005013 Church
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. In centre of graveyard, a late medieval church (ext. dims. 21m E-W; 8m N-S) which according to Davies (1942) was mainly rebuilt in 1802. The W doorway with its flat head, scroll brackets, scroll keystone with three urns over door indicates a late 17th/early 18th-century date for its erection. The interior was inaccessible due to the dangerous condition of the church. On the floor just inside the door there is a late medieval graveslab (OF009-005017) dated 1665 and carved pear shaped head (OF009-005018) with bulging eyes, pursed lips and undulating cheeks on the W wall (Davies 1942). The graveyard contains a well preserved 10th century high cross (Nat. Mon.) and several early Christian cross-slabs (De Courcy Williams 1897) now incorporated into the graveyard wall to the W of the church. There is a small rectangular shaped stone (H 0.6m) which tapers towards the top with rectangular socket (0.2m by 0.25m) presumably the base of a small cross. A small cross which was on the E gable and now in the Nat. Museum may belong to the above cross socket (De Courcy Williams 1897, 128-9). No surface trace of ecclesiastical enclosure (OF009-005003-) (Orpen 1907, 140) or Augustinian abbey (Hadcock 1964, 128). (Crawford 1913, 262-65; Lionard 1961, 95-169; Moran 1966, 289; Harbison 1972, 205-6; Barrow 1979, 176) A monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). He established a monastery at Iona in Scotland and is the earliest known founder of a church outside of Ireland (ibid., 212). Over sixty churches claim to have been founded by Colum Cille many of which have no historical documentation to support their claim (ibid., 213). The present late 18th century C of I church (OF009-005013-) standing in the SE quadrant of the graveyard was probably built or incorporated fabric of the medieval parish church of Durrow which in turn was probably built on the site of the Augustinian Abbey church founded in the 12th century. The Augustinian abbey dedicated to St Mary was founded in the 1140s by Murchadh Ua Maoil Sheachlainn, high king of Midhe, who died at Durrow in 1153 (Ó Riain 2011, 67; Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 174). In 1541 the Abbey was converted into a parish church and was restored in the 17th and 18th centuries and once more in 1802. Bishop Dopping’s Visitation Book of 1682-85 described the church at Durrow as ‘a parochial church belonging to the Monastery of Durrow. Church and chancel ill repaired [Lately in repair but much out of order by the troubles (1693)]’ (Ellison 1975, 4-5). The Visitation book goes on to state the church contained a ‘reading desk and pulpit but no font. A table but not railed, no carpet, cloth chalice or flagon’(ibid., 5). The church in 1682-5 possessed no bells, it had two windows that were glazed, a clay floor and a shingled roof (ibid. 5). The churchyard or graveyard (OF009-005009-) in 1682-5 was at that time enclosed or ‘fenced’ in by a stone wall (ibid., 5). According to the Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ireland of 1844-45, St. Columba’s C. of I. church at Durrow was ‘built many years ago at the private expense of Mrs. Fox’ (Anon 1846, 166). Reverend De Courcy Williams (1897, 143) recorded that in 1733 the parish church of Durrow was out of repair and Mrs Frances Fox who was the daughter and heiress of Sir Edward Herbert of Durrow ‘pulled the church down and rebuilt it at her own expense’. In the SE quadrant of Durrow graveyard (OF009-005009-), a late 18th century church (ext. dims. 21m E-W; 8m N-S) probably built on the site of or incorporates fabric of the medieval church which according to Davies (ITA Survey 1942) was mainly rebuilt in 1802. The W doorway with its flat head, scroll brackets, scroll keystone with three urns over the door indicates a late 17th/early 18th-century date for its construction. The church has been recently converted into a heritage centre by the OPW and now houses the Durrow high cross which formerly sttod in the graveyard to the W of the church. During these conservation works a 17th-century graveslab (OF009-005017-) dated 1665 was moved from inside the church and is now located up against the inner face of the N wall of the graveyard. The remains of a carved pear shaped head (OF009-005018-) with bulging eyes, pursed lips and undulating cheeks can be seen high up on the external face of the W wall of the church (ITA Survey 1942). The graveyard contained several early Christian cross-slabs (OF009-005015-/020-) that have been moved inside the church and mounted on the internal face of the S wall. A small cross which was on the E gable of the church is now housed in the National Museum may belong to the above cross socket (De Courcy Williams 1897, 128-9). No surface remains visible of the ecclesiastical enclosure (OF009-005003-) (Orpen 1907, 140) or of the 12th century Augustinian abbey which may have been located inside Durrow graveyard (Hadcock 1964, 128). In 2006 limited excavations were undertaken by Tracy Collins of Aegis Archaeology Ltd at Durrow under licence No. CO02, E3161, as part of the ongoing conservation works at the national monument, on behalf of the OPW. Three areas were investigated. Two were dug around the church in order to facilitate the rendering of the structure and ducting. The third area was around where the high cross had stood. (It was moved for conservation reasons inside the church structure.) Nothing of an archaeological nature was discovered in the first two areas; two skeletons were left preserved in situ. An area around where the cross had stood measuring 5m by 5m was opened to address the following research questions: Was the cross in its original position? What was it sitting on? Was there an earlier cross? Further information was required on the context of a cross slab excavated by De Paor in 1954: did it cover a grave, for instance? The excavation around the cross site showed that burial had occurred to the north, south and east of the cross base. Seventeen individuals were excavated, along with much disarticulated remains. Initial examination suggests that all the burials were late in date, probably none earlier than the 18th century. The cross appears to have been in its original (early medieval) position, in that all burials respected the location of the cross base. The cross rested on a layer of redeposited boulder clay, which contained a few fragments of animal bone. There was no evidence of an earlier timber cross at this location, nor was there any evidence of burial beneath the cross. The excavation results would suggest that the cross slab found by De Paor did not cover a specific grave but may have been placed to the east of the cross in order to ‘close’ that area from any further burial – perhaps placed there in the 19th century. Finds from the excavation included coffin nails and fittings, holy medals and a few shroud pins. Nothing of clearly early medieval date was recovered. A series of radiocarbon dates is proposed for the site, including the animal bone fragments recovered from beneath the cross base, which should provide a firm sequence for burial at the site and a date for the redeposited layer beneath the cross (Collins 2009, 449). 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: 07 November 2011

• OF009-005015 Graveslab
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Coffin-shaped graveslab (H 1.08m; Wth 0.59m; T 0.18m) dating from the 12th-15th centuries that was built into the E face of the W wall of the graveyard (OF009-005009-) at Durrow. This graveslab has been moved into the disused C of I church (OF009-005013-) where it has been mounted on the S wall of the church. The church has been recently restored by the OPW and now houses the Durrow high cross (OF009-005010-) and some of the cross-slabs (OF009-005016-) that were located in the surrounding graveyard (OF009-005009-). Graveslab described by Crawford (1913, 263) as 'the lower portion of a tapered slab of sandstone 3 ft. 4in. (1.01m) by 1 ft. 10 in. (0.55m) bearing a cross formed of two bands, which fork and interlace in the arms and are joined to the two bands which form the enclosing panel. The bands are mitred at the centre and interlaced with a ring. There is a partially effaced inscription in three lines in the upper sinister corner'. Durrow (a) in Crawfords catalogue of cross-slabs at Durrow. This slab was recorded by Macalister in 1949 when he described it as consisting of a 'slab, top broken, bearing a Latin cross with a circle surrounding the centre: partly decorated with interlacement. Inscription in three lines in the upper sinister canton, undeciphered. This slab is here mentioned lest it should seem to have been omitted, but it is actually of the 16th century' (Macalister 1949, 42). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 23 April 2014

• OF009-005016 Cross-slab
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Early Christian cross-inscribed slab (H 1.1m; Wth 0.42m; T 0.19m) of possible 10th century date described by Crawford (1913, 263) as 'a narrow slab of sandstone 3ft. 7in.(1.09m) by 1ft. 4in. (0.41m), incised with one of the finest cross designs known. A ringed Latin cross of three lines, with square centre, and three rectangular extremities containing knots. The top is semicircular and contains a spiral pattern. The segments of the ring are ornamented with a running design of spirals. In one line down the sinister side is inscribed Or do aigidiu'. This can be translated as Pray for Aigide (Petrie and Stokes 1878, 56). The slab was described by Macalister (1949, 40-1) as `an unusually elaborate five-line cross, square expansions at the centre and the three lower terminals, a semi-circular expansion at the top, all decorated with interlacements and spiral patterns'. Listed as Durrow (b) in Crawfords catalogue of cross-slabs at Durrow. See attached image of cross-slab taken from Macalister 1949. According to Lionard (1961, 127) this slab was probably dedicated to Aegidium or Egidius who was probably the father of Aed, mac Aicidi, lord of Teffia who died in 954-55. This cross-slab has been moved into the C of I church (OF009-005013-) where it has been mounted on the S wall of the church. The church has been recently converted into a heritage centre by the OPW and now houses the Durrow high cross (OF009-005010-) and the cross-slabs (OF009-005015-/020-) that were located in the surrounding graveyard (OF009-005009-). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 23 April 2014

• OF009-005017 Graveslab
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. In centre of Durrow graveyard (OF009-004009-), a late 18th century church possibly built on the site of a medieval church (OF009-005013-) which according to Davies (ITA Survey 1942) was mainly rebuilt in 1802. This church has been recently conserved by the OPW and during the conservation works a 17th century graveslab belonging to the De Renzi family of Hollow House (OF009-023---) in the townland of Ballynasrah or Tinnycross was moved from inside the church and has now been placed up against the W face of the W wall of an 18th century burial enclosure of the Armstrong family located in NE quadrant of graveyard. This graveslab bears the inscription 'Here Lyeth the body of Francis Derenci who dyed in Tinicros in the yeare of our Lord God 1665'. It is decorated with two stags, which were inspired by the de Renzy coat of arms (De Courcy Williams 1897, 137). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 22 April 2014

• OF009-005018 Stone head
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. In the centre of Durrow graveyard (OF009-005009-), a late 18th century church possibly built on the site of a medieval church (OF009-005013-) which according to Davies (ITA Survey 1942) was mainly rebuilt in 1802. The stone head is incorporated into the external face of the W gable of the church above the doorway. The church has been recently conserved by the OPW and now houses the Durrow high cross (OF009-005010-) and some of the cross-slabs (OF009-005015-/020-) that were located in the surrounding graveyard (OF009-005009-). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revision: 22 April 2014

• OF009-005019 Cross-slab
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Early Christian cross-inscribed slab (H 2.04m; Wth 1.49m; T 0.14m) that was built up against the E face of the W wall of Durrow graveyard (OF009-005009-). This cross-slab has been moved into the C of I church (OF009-005013-) where it has been placed on the surface of the church beneath the E window. The church has been recently conserved by the OPW and now houses the Durrow high cross (OF009-005010-) and some of the cross-slabs (OF009-005015-/020-) that were located in the surrounding graveyard (OF009-005009-). Roughly rectangular-shaped sandstone slab decorated with incised cross with central circular boss filled with a decorative motif, the circular shaped terminals of the cross contain various decorative motifs while the incised shaft of the cross is decorated with interlace patterns The incised cross with central circular boss and four circular terminals are contained within an incised rectangular shaped border decorated with interlace patterns. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 23 April 2014

• OF009-005020 Cross-slab
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Early Christian cross-inscribed slab (H 1.27m; Wth 0.57m; T 0.09m) that was built up against the E face of the W wall of Durrow graveyard (OF009-005009-). This cross-slab has been moved into the C of I church (OF009-005013-) where it has been mounted on the S wall of the church. The church has been recently conserved by the OPW and now houses the Durrow high cross (OF009-005010-) and some of the cross-slabs (OF009-005015-/020-) that were located in the surrounding graveyard (OF009-005009-). Sandstone rectangular-shaped slab with faintly incised ringed-cross with rectangular expansions at the ends of three arms containing decorative motifs. The incised shaft of the cross contains interlaced patterns. The base of the cross shaft tapers and forms a circular disc-shaped terminal. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 23 April 2014

• OF009-005021 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. A monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14). Colum Cille whose original name may have been Criomthann was descended from a branch of the Ceinéal Conaill of Donegal (ibid., 211). He established a monastery at Iona in Scotland and is the earliest known founder of a church outside of Ireland (ibid., 212). Over sixty churches claim to have been founded by Colum Cille many of which have no historical documentation to support their claims (ibid., 213). Holy well dedicated to St Colum Cille of Iona, Scotland. On the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map the holy well depicted as 'St. Columbkille's Well' is shown located in a field c. 85m to the SW of 'St. Columbkille's Island'. On the revised 1908 ed. OS 25-inch map the well is shown at a different location. On this map the holy well (OF009-005005-) is depicted in the centre of 'St. Columbkille's Island'. A small grove of trees are shown standing in the area where the holy well is depicted on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map. It is possible that between 1838 and 1908 the original holy well was abandoned and a new pattern was later established at a spring well located in 'St. Columbkille's Island' and this well then became known as 'St. Columbkille's Well'. 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: 28 April 2014

• OF009-005022 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated on a low natural hillock 195m N of Durrow Abbey House (OF009-005002-) and 300m NW of Durrow church (OF009-005013-) and graveyard (OF009-005009-). Curving arc on E side of possible enclosure shows up as a partial cropmark on GSI aerial photograph (GSIAP N. 535/6) taken in 1973 (SMR File). Geophysical survey carried out in 2006 confirmed the identification of a large sub-circular shaped enclosure (diam. c. 110m E-W; 100m N-S) defined by a double ditch with possible entrance gap to S (King 2012, 128). A sub-square shaped feature in the E quadrant of the enclosure suggests the presence of possible structure, while other internal ditches suggest the possibility of divisions within the enclosure. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 29 April 2014

• OF009-005023 Bullaun stone
  Description

  A sketch of the field to the S of Durrow church (OF009-0050013-) and graveyard (OF009-005009-) containing the monastic enclosure was drawn by Reverend Sterling de Courcy Williams in 1899 which shows the upstanding remains of the monastic enclosure (OF009-005003-) along with a 'backache stone' now lost and the 'headache stone' which is the small base of the high cross (OF009-005007-) standing along the avenue into Durrow Abbey House. In 1870 there is a reference to this 'backache stone' when Mr. Thomas Stanley of Tullamore recorded that ‘within the ancient gate of Durrow, immediately behind the rampart (OF009-005003-), a conglomerate rests upon a raised piece of green sward. It is about four and a-half feet long. And due west of it, at some distance, there is a singularly marked limestone, most famous as curing pains in the back’ (Anon. 1870, 28). See attached drawing taken from De Courcy Williams 1899 which shows location of backache stone. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 29 April 2014

• OF009-005024 Road - road/trackway
  Description

  Geophysical Survey carried out in 2000 and 2001 in the fields to the S of Durrow church (OF009-005013-) and graveyard (OF009-005009-) identified a possible trackway running up to the possible entrance on the SE side of the monastic enclosure (OF009-005003-) at Durrow (O'Brien 2012, 121). This trackway is visible as a cropmark on OSI aerial photographs of Durrow. A drawing of this field containing the monastic enclosure was drawn by Reverend Sterling de Courcy Williams in 1899 which shows the upstanding remains of the monastic enclosure along with a 'backache stone' now lost and the 'headache stone' which is the small base of the high cross standing along the avenue into Durrow Abbey house. This drawing clearly shows the remains of the old entrance into Durrow Abbey House which is now disused and covered in grass. See attached image of drawing of the termon of Durrow by De Courcy Williams in 1899. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 29 April 2014

• OF009-005025 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  Geophysical Survey carried out in 2000 and 2001 in the fields to the S of Durrow church (OF009-005013-) and graveyard (OF009-005009-) identified a possible rectangular shaped house with internal hearth that was associated with a possible field system (OF009-005026-) which may represent the remains of a small farmstead located outside the monastic enclosure (OF009-005003-) to the SE (O'Brien 2012, 121). Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 29 April 2014

• OF009-005026 Field system
  Description

  Geophysical Survey carried out in 2000 and 2001 in the fields to the S of Durrow church (OF009-005013-) and graveyard (OF009-005009-) identified a possible rectangular shaped house with internal hearth that was associated with a possible field system (OF009-005026-) which may represent the remains of a small farmstead located outside the monastic enclosure (OF009-005003-) to the SE (O'Brien 2012, 121). Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 29 April 2014

• OF009-005027 Barrow - ring-barrow
  Description

  Geophysical Survey carried out in 2000 and 2001 in the fields to the S of Durrow church (OF009-005013-) and graveyard (OF009-005009-) identified the remains of two possible ring barrows (OF009-005028-) which appear to have been cut across by the later monastic enclosure (OF009-005003-) at S (O'Brien 2012, 121). Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 29 April 2014

• OF009-005028 Barrow - ring-barrow
  Description

  Geophysical Survey carried out in 2000 and 2001 in the fields to the S of Durrow church (OF009-005013-) and graveyard (OF009-005009-) identified the remains of two possible ring barrows (OF009-005027-) which appear to have been cut across by the later monastic enclosure (OF009-005003-) at S (O'Brien 2012, 121). Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 29 April 2014

• OF009-006 Burial mound
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. No surface trace of low knoll originally enclosed by a bank enclosing an area measuring 150m in diameter which was levelled in the 1980's, revealing several extended skeletons seven of which were fully excavated. The remains were of both sexes, children and adults in pits orientated E-W with the head to the W which were excavated by the National museum (NMI 1985) prior to its destruction. There was evidence of successive burial and perhaps also of burial in rows. No finds were made. Human bones were also unearthed in another glacial knoll some 200m to the N (NMI file 1985). Prior to its destruction this earthwork was described by Reynolds (1972) as a partially destroyed mound enclosed by a bank visible at NE with wide external fosse visible at N only. According to Davies (ITA Survey 1942) the site which he described as a fort consisted of a circular area (diam. 14yds) enclosed by earthen bank (ext. H 2-3 ft.) and external fosse. On the NE side there was a deep depression 9 ft. wide which cut through the ridge, sloping SE the enclosing bank rises up to a height of 9 ft. from the depression. This depression appears to be ancient and may have been an old trackway running through the ridge; its depth on the side away from the fort is up to 5 ft, the bank rises 1 ft from inside on E and is level on the other sides. The centre slopes SW and few old trees are growing on it (ITA Survey 1942). Described in 1977 as an earthwork or a partly destroyed ringfort that is enclosed by an earthen bank and external fosse (ASI file). This fort or mound was located on a natural glacial knoll with early Christian site (OF009-005----) to the NNW and remains of early Christian enclosure in the same field (OF009-005003-). This earthwork was described by the Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society in the 1970's as consisting of a raised oblong shaped platform (H 0.75m; dims. 20m N-S by 16m E-W) situated on a ridge that is cut to a depth of 3m at NE side. A second mound (OF009-031----) described by Davies in 1942 was located nearby to the SW. It is unclear whether this cemetery that was excavated by the National Museum in 1985 incorporated the two earthworks (OF009-006----/031----), one of which was marked on the OS 6-inch maps as Sheean Hill. The cemetery or burial ground appears to have been a much larger site that was defined by a bank enclosing an area approx. 150m in diameter. The relationship betweent the two earthworks (OF009-006----/031----) is unclear. 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. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF009-031 Mound
  Description

  National Monument No. 313. No surface remains of mound described by Oliver Davies in 1942 as 'Close to the fort [OF009-006] on Sheeaun Hill, at N end of a ridge just below summit. The mound is about 2 feet high and 6yds. Across, circular, grassed, apparently composed of small stones and earth. There is no fosse, but it looks like a burial-mound. Beside it is a large limestone boulder, much weathered along the cracks, but there are no clearly artificial markings on it.' (ITA Survey 1942). 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. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Architectural heritage

• Durrow Abbey, farmyard complex, 1830–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Ranges of multiple-bay single- and two-storey outbuildings, built in 1833, and arranged around two courtyards with modern concrete additions. Set within grounds of Durrow Demesne. Now mostly disused. Hipped slate roofs with terracotta ridge tiles, ashlar chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Tooled ashlar limestone walls. Timber sash windows to upper storey with tooled limestone sills. Segmental-headed door openings. Circular opening with date plaque to south-west elevation. Squared limestone turbine house to centre of north-west courtyard. Yellow brick workers' accommodation to north-west of site. Walled garden and moat to rear of site, also associated with Durrow Demesne.

• Durrow Abbey, gate lodge, 1835–1845 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached T-plan three-bay single-storey gate lodge, built c.1840 with return to rear. Not in use. Set within grounds of Durrow Demesne. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, ashlar chimneystacks, coping and cast-iron rainwater goods. Triple-light timber windows with limestone hoodmoulding. Square-headed door opening in north projection with timber panelled door and limestone hoodmoulding. Plaque with crown and fleur-de-lis on north projection gable wall and hoodmoulding. Yellow brick pitched roofed return to rear. Palladian style wrought-iron gateway to east, set on ashlar limestone plinth with carriage arch and pedestrian gates to centre.

• Durrow Abbey, church/chapel, 1720–1760 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached gable-fronted Church of Ireland church with two bays to nave, built c.1733. Under restoration in 2004. Roofless with cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth render to walls. Round-headed window openings with tooled limestone surround. Square-headed door opening with elaborate limestone surround with keystone and scroll brackets supporting cornice surmounted by three urns. Bellcote to west gable. Chimney to southern elevation supported on limestone corbels. Disused graveyard to site with early medieval grave slab to western wall. Site bounded by random coursed wall and wrought-iron gates. Saint Columba's well located to north-east of church, with barrel vaulted roof, accessed by descending tooled limestone steps.

• Durrow Abbey, country house, 1835–1845 · National interest
  Description

  Detached L-plan multiple-bay two-storey over basement Jacobean Revival style house, built between 1837-43, with breakfront tower and gable to north elevation and canted bays to eastern projecting bay and southern bay, courtyard buildings to rear. Built on the site of the eighteenth-century house and set within grounds of Durrow Abbey demesne. Pitched slate roof with ashlar limestone chimneystacks, terracotta ridge tiles and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Ashlar limestone walls with string coursing and pinnacles to angles. Variety of square-headed fenestration with some hoodmouldings and limestone transoms and mullions. Pointed-arched door opening to eastern elevation with tooled limestone surround and timber door, square-headed door opening to rear with overlight chamfered surround and hoodmoulding. Courtyard to rear with single-storey buildings, open arcading and crenellations accessed through pointed-arched door opening to west. External access to eastern façade by limestone balustraded steps and piers supporting carved stone urns. Ashlar gate piers to west. Ranges of outbuildings, gates and gate lodge associated with 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

About 1 in 5 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.

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.

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

Name

Durrow Demesne · Darú

Area

2,457,276 m² (245.73 ha, 607.21 acres)

Civil parish

Durrow, and its townlands

Barony

Ballycowan

Electoral division

Durrow, the unit of the census

Neighbouring townlands

Aghancarnan, Ballybought, Coniker, Culleen, Gormagh, Keeloge (Co. Westmeath), Kildangan

Placenames

Durrow Demesne on logainm.ie, the Placenames Database of Ireland

Townlands, civil parishes, baronies and electoral divisions, National Statutory Boundaries, Tailte Éireann, 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.