Toberdaly

266 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Toberdaly, from 108 m² to 783,493 m² (78.35 ha, 193.61 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 39 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 Toberdaly 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.

• 19 Jan 2026Conditional

  construction to extend the existing two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow to the side, rear, northeast and adjacent to the Grand Canal to provide for a four-bedroom semi-detached bungalow. Permission is also sought for a new effluent treatment system and all associated site development works

  Permission, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 2660022

• 23 Dec 2025Conditional

  THE UPGRADING AND EXTENDING OF EXISTING SPORTS FACILITY. PERMISSION IS SOUGHT TO CONSTRUCT A NEW CLUBHOUSE CONTAINING 4 NUMBER DRESSING ROOMS AND A REFEREE DRESSING ROOM ALL WITH SHOWER AND W.C FACILITIES, AN OPEN PLAN GYM AND GYM STUDIO AREA, A PLANT ROOM, A MAIN RECEPTION AREA, A KITCHEN/FOOD PREP-AREA, A VIEWING GALLARY/MEETING ROOM, STORAGE ROOMS AND ASSOCIATED TOILETS AND SHOWER ROOMS. PERMISSION IS ALSO SOUGHT FOR: (A) 1 NUMBER FULL SIZED ALL WEATHER PLAYING PITCH AND ASSOCIATED PITCH LIGHTING, TO INSTALL VARIOUS EXTERNAL RACING TRACKS AND EXERCISE STATIONS, A TARMACADAM FINISHED EXERCISE WALKING TRACK AND A SECURE CHILDREN PLAY AREA, ALL WITH ASSOCIATED LOW LEVEL LIGHTING. ( B ) TO CONSTRUCT NEW CAR AND BUS PARKING FACILITIES WITH EMERGENCY OVERFLOW CAPACITY AND WITH ASSOCIATED LOW LEVEL LIGHTING, TO UPGRADE EXISTING PARKING FACILITIES, TO CREATE A NEW ENTRANCE TO PUBLIC ROAD WITH RECESSED ENTRANCE PIERS AND GATES, TO ALTER AND UPGRADE EXISTING SITE BOUNDARIES AND TO INSTALL A NEW FOUL SEWER TERTIARY WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM WITH COCO FILTERS AND INFILTRATION BEDS, PERMISSION IS ALSO SOUGHT TO INSTALL A RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM, TO UPGRADE AND CONNECT TO EXISTING SITE SERVICES AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560685

• 12 Dec 2025N/a

  The development will consist of the construction of an extension to the side/ east and rear/ north of the existing house, new effluent treatment system and all associated site development works.

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560640

• 31 Oct 2025Conditional

  the construction of a new dwelling (199.04 sq m) and domestic garage (40 sq m). Permission is also sought for the installation of a wastewater treatment system and polishing filter, and permission to close the existing agricultural entrance and construct a new domestic entrance and all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 2560528

• 8 Apr 2025Conditional

  the development of a recreational shared cycle and walkway located on Bord Na Móna lands. The development proposes the following: a) The delivery of a shared cycle and walkway on Bord na Móna lands. This will include the repurposing of 18,958 meters of existing former rail bed and 827 meters along pre-existing machine access routes. b) The proposed shared cycle and walkway will connect into the existing Grand Canal Way within the townlands of Coole and Knockballyboy; the Public Amenity Facilities at Mountlucas Wind Farm within the townlands of Clonarrow or Riverlyons and Drumcaw or Mountlucas; and the Cloncreen Wind Farm Amenity Track within the townland of Clongarret. c) The construction of car and / or bicycle parking facilities at a number of gateway locations along the proposed route and the provision of EV Charging spaces at the Gateway locations. This will include; i. 3 Type 3 Gateways, ii. 2 Type 4 Gateways, iii. 7 Minor Rest Points d) Upgrade works to 2 no. local access road crossings, and 6 no. agricultural crossings. e) Upgrade works to the Croghan Tippler Bridge (BNM Ref 37-109) and the Ballycon Rail Bridge (BNM Ref 37-112). f) The construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge extending to 30.5 meters spanning the Grand Canal within the Coole townland, located adjacent to the existing Grand Canal lift bridge (BNM Ref 37-05). g) The erection of wayfinding and interpretative signage at Gateway locations along the route. h) The implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) nature-based drainage proposals at the Gateway locations to cater for surface water drainage at car park locations. i) Fencing and screening will be erected where required for biodiversity reasons which will include 7,636 meters of ecological screening. j) All other ancillary and associated site work. This Planning Application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS)

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560115

• 29 Jan 2025N/a

  the development of a recreational shared cycle and walkway located on Bord Na Móna lands. The development proposes the following: a) The delivery of a shared cycle and walkway on Bord na Móna lands. This will include the repurposing of 18,958 meters of existing former rail bed and 827 meters along pre-existing machine access routes. b) The proposed shared cycle and walkway will connect into the existing Grand Canal Way within the townlands of Coole and Knockballyboy; the Public Amenity Facilities at Mountlucas Wind Farm within the townlands of Clonarrow or Riverlyons and Drumcaw or Mountlucas; and the Cloncreen Wind Farm Amenity Track within the townland of Clongarret. c) The construction of car and / or bicycle parking facilities at a number of gateway locations along the proposed route and the provision of EV Charging spaces at the Gateway locations. This will include; i. 3 Type 3 Gateways, ii. 2 Type 4 Gateways, iii. 7 Minor Rest Points. d) Upgrade works to 2 no. local access road crossings, and 6 no. agricultural crossings. e) Upgrade works to the Croghan Tippler Bridge (BNM Ref 37-109) and the Ballycon Rail Bridge (BNM Ref 37-112). f) The construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge extending to 30.5 meters spanning the Grand Canal within the Coole townland, located adjacent to the existing Grand Canal lift bridge (BNM Ref 37-05). g) The erection of wayfinding and interpretative signage at Gateway locations along the route. h) The implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) nature-based drainage proposals at the Gateway locations to cater for surface water drainage at car park locations. i) Fencing and screening will be erected where required for biodiversity reasons which will include 7,636 meters of ecological screening. j) All other ancillary and associated site work. This Planning Application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS)

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560023

• 12 Aug 2024Conditional

  THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DWELLLING AND A DOMESTIC GARAGE AND A WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND A VEHICULAR ENTRANCE AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Permission, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 24112

• 7 Aug 2024N/a

  CONSTRUCTION OF A DWELLING AND A DOMESTIC GARAGE AND A WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND A VEHICULAR ENTRANCE AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 24106

• 3 Jul 2024Conditional

  Construction of new dwelling house, access driveway, bored well, secondary treatment system and soil polishing filter, percolation area and all associated site works and services

  Permission, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 2460251

• 13 Jun 2023Refused

  STORAGE CONTAINERS AND PORTACABIN AS POSITIONED/LOCATED AND ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Retention, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 23275

• 8 Mar 2022Conditional

  CONSTRUCTION OF A PROPOSED SINGLE-STOREY DWELLING, OUTBUILDING WITH COMBINED STABLES, A PROPOSED SEPTIC TANK WITH PERCOLATION AREA, A BORED WELL, AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITEWORKS, INCLUDING A PROPOSED SITE ENTRANCE.

  Permission, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 22104

• 11 Jun 2021Conditional

  SOLAR PV PANELS GROUND MOUNTED ON SUPPORT STRUCTURES WITHIN A TOTAL SITE AREA OF 1.73 HECTARES, TO INCLUDE FENCING AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL INVERTERS AND CABLING, DUCTING AND OTHER ANCILLARY INFRASTRUCTURE

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 21364

• 11 May 2021N/a

  CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR PV PANELS GROUND MOUNTED ON SUPPORT STRUCTURES WITHIN A TOTAL SITE AREA OF 1.73 HECTARES, TO INCLUDE FENCING AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL INVERTERS AND CABLING, DUCTING AND OTHER ANCILLARY INFRASTRUCTURE

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 21292

• 30 Apr 2019Refused

  DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF A SOLAR PV ENERGY DEVELOPMENT WITHIN A SITE AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 15HA. THIS AREA WAS REMOVED BY MEANS OF CONDITION NO. 2 IN PREVIOUS PLANNING REFERENCE PL2/16/246

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 19194

• 9 Apr 2019N/a

  DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF ALTERATION TO PLANNING CONDITION NO 2 OF PLANNING REFERENCE 16246 IN ORDER TO PERMIT DEVELOPMENT OF A SOLAR PV ENERGY DEVELOPMENT WITHIN A SITE AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 15hA

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 19156

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

Designated sites

• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Grand Canal 002104

Recorded monuments

• OF010-419 Structure - peatland
  Description

  A single piece of brushwood (L 0.66m; diam. 0.05m) in the drain face. The wood is in moderate condition and set in poorly humified Sphagnum peat with some Eriophorum and ericaceous remains. This site is 0.5m above SMR OF010-421----. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-421 Structure - peatland
  Description

  Two pieces of light brushwood (L 0.89m; Wth 0.43m; D 0.04m) in the drain face. The wood is in good condition and set in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with some Eriophorum. This site is 0.5m below SMR OF010-419----. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-422 Structure - peatland
  Description

  Three pieces of heavy brushwood, with a stake 2m to the SE, on the field surface (L 2.98m min.; Wth 0.5m; D 0.1m min.). The pieces of brushwood are 0.14-0.37m apart and are approximately parallel. The stake (L 0.2m max.; diam. 0.04m) is cut to an irregular wedge point. The site is in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with some Eriophorum. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-423 Structure - peatland
  Description

  A single piece of brushwood (L 0.56m; diam. 0.06m) on the field surface. It has been broken into three pieces and is partially milled away but a multi-faceted pencil point survives at one end. It lies in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with Eriophorum. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-424 Road - class 2 togher
  Description

  The site (L 37.6m min.; Wth 2.27m; D 0.39m) is orientated N-S and consists of brushwood (diam. 0.012-0.06m) and roundwoods (diam. 0.062-0.1m). The majority of the elements are densely packed and longitudinally laid but composition and scale (Wth 0.98-2.27m) is slightly variable along its length. At the initial sighting the brushwood and roundwoods are densely packed and longitudinally laid, while twigs are deposited as two discrete beds at the center and W extent of the site. There are a small number of irregularly laid pieces, two of which sit outside the main concentration. Woodworking is evidenced by four pieces with metal-cut toolmarks and a split timber at the central sighting. The site is in well-humified Sphagnum peat with Eriophorum and ericaceous remains. Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-425 Road - class 3 togher
  Description

  A dense deposit (L 1.88m min.; Wth 0.68m min.; D 0.07m min.) of over eighty pieces of mostly light brushwood and occasional twigs on the field surface. The pieces are closely set, overlap and are up to three pieces deep. Most of the elements are orientated E-W and the remainder are orientated N-S. The overall orientation of the site is indiscernible. Two pieces of heavy brushwood, orientated N-S, are situated at the N limit of the site. The condition of the wood is variable with a wedge point evident on one of the pieces. The site is in moderately humified Sphagnum and Eriophorum peat. It is possible that this site may be a hurdle given that the majority of the elements are uniform in size and are both straight and regular. SMR OF010-438---- is 4.47m to the S. Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-426 Structure - peatland
  Description

  A heavy roundwood, with a piece of light brushwood overlying it (L 1.32m min.; Wth 1.4m min.; D 0.08m min.). A second roundwood is present in the opposing drain face. This latter piece has a degraded pencil point at one end. The wood is in poor to moderate condition and lies in poorly humified Sphagnum and Eriophorum peat. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-427 Road - class 3 togher
  Description

  The site (L 1.5m min.; Wth 2.14m; D 0.2m) is orientated NNE-SSW and consists of brushwood (diam. 0.01-0.06m), roundwoods (diam. 0.085m max.) and twigs. The elements are closely spaced and the majority of the wood is longitudinally laid. A number of roundwoods are set perpendicular to these but their position may be due to machine disturbance. Occasional twigs are scattered on top of the other elements. A number of pieces have metal-cut chisel points. The site is in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with some ericaceous remains. Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-428 Structure - peatland
  Description

  Six pieces of light brushwood and a stake (L 0.39m; Wth 0.39m; D 0.02m) on the field surface. The elements are closely set and irregularly laid, with the stake positioned at one edge of the deposit. Worked wood was noted when the site was first identified but was not evident during the recording stage. Milling had taken place prior to recording and may have destroyed any woodworking evidence. The site is in well-humified Sphagnum peat with ericaceous remains and Menyanthes seeds. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-430 Structure - peatland
  Description

  A deposit of brushwood and roundwoods (L 0.9m min.; Wth 2.57m; D 0.29m). The elements are regularly laid and appear to be deposited at regular intervals, 0.1-0.2m apart. The site is in well-humified Sphagnum peat with ericaceous remains and Phragmites. SMR OF010-431----, SMR OF010-434---- and SMR OF010-435---- are within a 1m radius of the site. SMR OF010-429---- lies to the N at a comparable level. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-431 Road - class 3 togher
  Description

  The site (Wth 1.35m; D 0.32m) consists of brushwood (diam. 0.025-0.04m) and occasional twigs. The majority of the wood is densely packed and laid parallel, with the heaviest elements dominating the upper portion of the site. It appears as though there are two separate deposits set 0.28m apart but this impression may be due to machine disturbance. To the W, the elements are parallel and tightly packed, while the pieces to the E are dispersed and less regular. There is no evidence for woodworking. The site is in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with Eriophorum. SMR OF010-430----, SMR OF010-434---- and SMR OF010-435---- are within a 1m radius of the site. SMR OF010-429---- lies to the N at a comparable level. Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-432 Structure - peatland
  Description

  Two pieces of brushwood (diam. 0.04-0.025m), one roundwood (diam. 0.08m) and a near vertical stake (L 0.7m min.; Wth 0.56m; D 0.07m). The elements are dispersed and irregularly laid. The site is in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with a large amount of Eriophorum. SMR OF010-429---- is approximately 0.3m below the site. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-433 Structure - peatland
  Description

  A deposit of brushwood and a yoke fragment (01E0663:3) on the field surface (L 1.24m; Wth 0.62m; D 0.11m). The site consisted of eight pieces of irregularly laid brushwood (diam. 0.012-0.051m), set two pieces deep. The heaviest pieces were situated to the S and the lighter elements dominated the N extent of the site. The brushwood were widely spaced with the artefact deposited among the lightest elements to the N. The yoke fragment (L 0.56m; Wth 0.16m; D 0.08m min.) was recovered and is a finely carved composite object of wood and leather. The main body consists of the curved terminal end of the yoke with the remains of a perforated shaft. This is attached to a semi-circular wooden toggle by a leather strap looped through a perforation at the end of the main body, secured by a piece of a dressed brushwood. The site was in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with Eriophorum. Small woody roots were evident within the peat to the SE. Radiocarbon dated to 889-543 cal. BC (UCD 0211). A horn (01E0663: 24), was recovered 26.7m to the E. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-434 Structure - peatland
  Description

  A roundwood, two pieces of light brushwood and seven possible stave fragments in the drain face (Wth 0.84m; D 0.27m). The roundwood and the pieces of brushwood are unevenly spaced and irregularly laid. The stave fragments overlie these and are closely packed together, one/two pieces deep. Woodworking with a metal tool is clearly evident. The site is in well-humified Sphagnum peat with Eriophorum. SMR OF010-430----, SMR OF010-431---- and SMR OF010-435---- are within 1m of the site. SMR OF010-429---- lies to the N at a comparable level. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-435 Road - class 3 togher
  Description

  The site (Wth 2.56m; D 0.25m) consists of disturbed roundwoods (diam. 0.08-0.14m) and brushwood (diam. 0.03-0.06m), densely packed and regularly laid. The majority of the wood has a NE-SW orientation but the orientation of the site is unclear. Three roundwoods, orientated NW-SE may represent transverse elements. There is no evidence of woodworking. The site is in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with some Eriophorum. SMR OF010-430----, SMR OF010-431---- and SMR OF010-434---- are within 1m of the site. Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-436 Structure - peatland
  Description

  A roundwood with a degraded chisel point on the field surface (L 2.64m min.; diam. 0.08m). The piece has been extensively damaged by machinery and desiccation. It is situated in poorly humified Sphagnum peat with Eriophorum and ericaceous remains. A split timber fragment (Wth 0.03m), is located 0.2m to the S but its association is unclear. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-437 Structure - peatland
  Description

  A deposit (L 0.68m min.; Wth 4.33m; D 0.7m min.) of brushwood (diam. 0.02-0.06m), roundwoods (diam. 0.062-0.1m) and occasional twigs. The elements are unevenly spaced, irregularly laid and are between two to five pieces deep. The wood is situated in two different peat strata. The majority of the pieces are in well-humified Sphagnum peat with ericaceous remains, while the remaining material is located above this in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with fibrous roots. This upper material is lighter in character and most likely constitutes a separate structure. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF010-438 Structure - peatland
  Description

  A large roundwood, three pieces of light brushwood and occasional twigs (L 0.76m; Wth 0.27m min.; D 0.08m min.). The wood is in poor to moderate condition. SMR OF010-425---- is 4.47m to the N. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF011-013 Castle - tower house
  Description

  In the SW corner of a raised formal walled garden (dims. c. 46m N-S x 35m E-W) belonging to the ruins of Toberdaly House constructed in the mid-18th century which stands 24m to the NE. Situated on top of high ground with commanding views over the surrounding countryside. Croghan Hill [769 ft. OD] clearly visible 4.1km to the W, the summit of Clonin Hill visible 1.8km to the N. Extensive views of bogland in the townland of Coole to the S. Toberdaly Castle (OF011-013----) with possible bawn was possibly built as a low squat-shaped tower originally by the O’Connor’s in the 14th or 15th century, with an adjoining bawn or curtain wall that was reused as the wall of the formal garden belonging to Toberdaly House, built by the Nesbitt family in the 18th century. During this period the land around the N and E side of the tower was raised to create a formal garden for Toberdaly House, when the medieval tower house became a corner tower on the SW angle of the formal walled garden. The ground floor doorway in the E wall was removed and inserted into the present location at second floor level in the 18th century in order to facilitate access to an octagonal-shaped gazebo constructed on top of the tower house. During this period the interior of the castle was converted into a dovecote with the insertion of stone nesting boxes into the inner face of the N wall at first and second floor levels. Toberdaly House was burnt down on the 15th of April 1923 during the Irish Civil War and only the S wall of this house survives standing today (McKenna 2017, 148). Present remains consist of a multi-period, three storey high tower-house (ext. dims. 9.3m by 7.4m; wall T 1.2)with a slight base batter and walls built of random rubble with dressed alternating quoin stones. The castle stands approximately 9.3m high from the top of the parapet wall to the outer ground surface on the S side of the castle. Sometime around the second half of the 16th century the castle walls were heightened with the insertion of a barrel vault and possibly the addition of an upper storey with diagonally opposite angle machicolations on the NE and SW corners of the wall-walk. During this rebuilding phase the floor levels were altered and a possible flat-headed fireplace was inserted into the north wall. The line of the original wooden ceiling over the ground floor cuts across the rear-arch of the ground floor window in the south wall showing that the floor levels of the castle have been altered. The stone vaulted ceiling over the entresol (intermediate floor between two main floors) chamber also cuts across the head of the window in the east wall of the castle confirming that this building was heightened when a stone vault was added to the castle in order to support the mural stairs leading up to the upper floor and wall walk of the castle. The stone vault over the entresol partially cuts across the head of the flat-headed doorway leading off the spiral stairs. Ground Floor: Entrance: Originally the castle was entered through a ground-floor doorway located in the centre of the E wall that is now blocked up. The pointed limestone punch-dressed doorway with externally rebated jambs measures 1.65m high by 0.9m wide. A yett-hole measuring 0.09m in diameter is visible in the S jamb-stone of the doorway with two pintle holes on the opposite side of the jambs which indicates that it was protected externally by an iron grill/grate or yett which sat into the external rebate of the door surround. The iron yett swung across from right to left and was supported by two iron hinges, the pintle holes of which are still visible in the N jamb-stones of the doorway. This iron yett when closed protected the inner wooden door of the castle. The yett was closed from the lobby area of the castle. The draw-chain of the yett was pulled through a yett hole from the mural passage leading into the spiral stairs at ground floor level. This yett hole is still visible in the inner face of the east wall of the mural passage off the lobby area leading into the spiral stairs now destroyed at ground floor level in the south-east angle. Ground floor lobby area & spiral stairs: The main doorway leads into a ruinous lobby area measuring c.1m by 1.2m from which a spiral-stairs measuring 1.8m in diameter was located in the SE angle. From this stairs all the upper floors were accessed. An interesting feature of this stairs is that it is contained within a square tower which projects into the main chambers of the tower giving the first floor and entresol and unusual L-shaped floor plan. This interesting plan suggests that the spiral stairs was inserted into an earlier castle, resulting in a first-floor plan that is rarely found on other castles in county Offaly. The spiral stairs is lit by a series of narrow slit-opes and is capped by a beehive corbelled roof at entresol level. The lobby entrance of the ground floor was protected by a mural guard room measuring c.1.3m x 1.1m located to the N of the lobby in the NE angle. This guard chamber was lit by a slit-ope in the N wall. The purpose of the guard room was to protect the entrance-lobby area. Ground floor main chamber: The main ground floor chamber measures internally 5.45m x 5.2m and was accessed off the lobby area. The ground floor had a wooden ceiling c. 2.2m high that was carried in beam holes measuring 0.3m wide by 0.37m high by 0.45m deep that are visible in the N wall. The ground floor is poorly lit with only the remains of one broken out window in the centre of the S wall. The rear arch of this window cuts across the floor of the ceiling of this chamber suggesting that the floor level was altered in the 16th century. There are the remains of wicker centring visible on the underside of this window embrasure. There are no visible remains of any other windows lighting this chamber. However the W wall of the castle appears to have been rebuilt or refaced and there may originally have been a window in the centre of this wall similar to the window in the centre of the S wall. The ivy cover on the external face of the W wall makes it impossible to identify any blocked up window. The raising of the land on the N and E sides of the castle prevents examination of the external face of these walls at ground floor level. In the centre of the N wall there is a flat-headed aumbry or wall-cupboard measuring 0.9m wide by 0.6m deep by 0.75m high which may be the remains of an original window that was partially blocked up and converted into a wall-niche. The possible remains of a rear arch belonging to a window may still be seen above the flat-headed wall niche. There is a second small niche measuring 0.4m wide by 0.6m deep by 0.6m high located in the NW angle. There is a small wall niche measuring 0.65m wide by 0.6m deep located off centre to the S in the E wall and a fourth niche measuring 1m wide by 0.4m deep located in the SE angle of the S wall. First Floor: The first-floor chamber measures 6.65m long by 5.4m wide by 2.2m high and is accessed through a pointed dressed limestone doorway off the spiral stairs in the SE angle. Directly inside this doorway in the S wall there are the remains of 2 semi-circular rear-arches belonging to two blocked-up windows. The shape of the rear-arches is very similar to the rear-arches of the windows at Castlearmstrong (OF007-037----). The segmental headed rear-arch of a window embrasure now blocked up is visible located off centre to the E in the N wall of this floor. To the west of this window in the centre of the wall there is a possible large flat-headed fireplace of 16th century appearance measuring 1.5m wide by 1.43m high and c.1m deep. The identification of this feature as a fireplace is uncertain as the opening has been infilled in the 18th century when it was converted into a dovecote with insertion of stone nesting boxes. No evidence of a chimney flue could be found on the wall-walk of t

• OF011-013001 Bawn
  Description

  In the SW corner of a raised formal walled garden (dims. c. 46m N-S x 35m E-W) belonging to the ruins of Toberdaly House constructed in the mid-18th century which stands 24m to the NE. Situated on top of high ground with commanding views over the surrounding countryside. Croghan Hill [769 ft. OD] clearly visible 4.1km to the W, the summit of Clonin Hill visible 1.8km to the N. Extensive views of bogland in the townland of Coole to the S. Toberdaly Castle (OF011-013----) with possible bawn was possibly built as a low squat-shaped tower originally by the O’Connor’s in the 14th or 15th century, with an adjoining bawn or curtain wall that was reused as the wall of the formal garden belonging to Toberdaly House in the 18th century. During this period the land around the N and E side of the tower was raised to create a formal garden for Toberdaly House, when the medieval tower house became a corner tower on the SW angle of the formal walled garden. An octagonal-shaped gazebo was constructed on top of the tower house and the interior of the castle was converted into a dovecote. Present remains consist of a multi-period, three storey high tower-house with a slight base batter and walls built of random rubble with dressed alternating quoin stones. A section of wall (L c. 29m) running out to the E from the SE angle of the tower which now acts as a retaining wall for the 18th century walled garden of Toberdaly House may be the remains of a medieval bawn wall contemporaneous with Toberdaly Castle. There is no straight joint visible at the junction between the lower S wall of the tower house and the S retaining wall of the raised formal garden which suggests that this wall is contemporaneous with the tower. A second wall now covered in ivy and impossible to examine, runs off the NW angle of the tower which also served as the W retaining wall for the raised garden of Toberdaly House that is depicted on the 1838 ed. OSi 6-inch map. It is unclear what section if any of of this wall dates from the medieval period and what section dates from the 18th century. The 1550 survey of the O’Connor lands of east Offaly, described Toberdaly Castle as, ‘an old ruynouse base courte whereof a greate parte of the wallys standeth’ in the ‘Towne of Tobberdallaghe’ that was situated in the ‘Lordship of Towtemoyglyncholgen [Tuath Maigh Clann Colgain/Totmoy]’ (Curtis 1930, 321). The description of the castle as a 'base courte' may be a reference to the bawn/curtain wall of an enclosure-type castle rather than a tower house but this is uncertain. See attached 1908 ed. OSi 25-inch map showing location of castle on SW angle of walled garden of Toberdaly House Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 24 February 2022

• OF011-014 Designed landscape - tree-ring
  Description

  Sited on a rise on eastern side of hill, completely levelled. Siting would suggest a ringfort. Marked as an earthwork possible on first edition of the OS 6-inch map. Its close proximity to tree-rings associated with Toberdaly House may suggest that this feature was a landscape feature associated with Toberdaly 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/revision: 23 December 2011-

• OF011-015 Enclosure
  Description

  Aerial photo (GSI N 546/545) shows remains of possible enclosure. Not visible at ground level. Its close proximity to tree-rings associated with Toberdaly House may suggest that this feature was a landscape feature associated with Toberdaly 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. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF011-016 Enclosure
  Description

  Site levelled c. 1988, marked Bull Ring on OS 6-inch 2nd ed. Map and shows on aerial photo (GSI N 546/545) as a subcircular enclosure defined by a ditch. Not visible at ground level. 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

• OF011-019 Enclosure
  Description

  Aerial photo (GSI N 546/545) indicates two rectangular shaped and one circular enclosure. N rectangular enclosure not to be seen at surface level, SE one appears as a slightly raised rectangular area but is unlikely to be of archaeological interest. The circular site (OF011-019001-) is a slight mound (diam c. 20m, max H 0.75m). May possibly be a barrow or merely a natural feature since it is not well defined. On good pasture land beside a drainage stream to the west and high bog to the south. This site consists of a sub-rectangular area enclosed by a bank on average 0.5m high and between 4.5m to 3m in width. The interior has a slight indulation in a NE/SW direction. The maximum NS diameter is 45m while the maximum EW diameter measures 34m. Close to the bank on the western side is a masonry ramp which allows access to the stream. This site is located near to the Grand Canal and may in fact be contemporary with the building of the canal. 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

• OF011-019001 Enclosure
  Description

  Aerial photo (GSI N 546/545) indicates two rectangular shaped and one circular enclosure. N rectangular enclosure (OF011-019----) not to be seen at surface level, SE one appears as a slightly raised rectangular area but is unlikely to be of archaeological interest. The circular site is a slight mound (diam c. 20m, max H 0.75m). May possibly be a barrow or merely a natural feature since it is not well defined. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF011-019002 Enclosure
  Description

  No surface trace visible of rectangular shaped enclosure shown on aerial photographs (GSI N 545/6). The central circular enclosure appears on the ground as a slightly dished shaped mound (diam 20m; max. H 0.75m) most pronounced from E to S with no definite enclosing element. Possibly a barrow but may be a natural feature. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF011-045 Children's burial ground
  Description

  Located on top of Madams Hill with tower house (0F011-013----) nearby. Not visible at ground level. Site was bulldozed a couple of years ago. 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

• OF011-060 Barrow - unclassified
  Description

  A possible barrow (ext. diam. 10.8m; int. diam. 7.86m.) on the field surface. The site consists of a circular stone bank enclosing a flat interior. There is no evidence for an entrance feature, internal ditch or funerary deposit; however, it has been substantially disturbed by milling activity. The least disturbed sections, at the field center to the E and W, were cleared of loose peat revealing a bank (Wth 1.37-1.64m). The stones (av. L 0.22m; av. diam. 0.14m) are packed in a haphazard, irregular manner with various stone types and sizes in use. The majority of the stones can be described as cobbles, while a very small number of flags are present. There is a lot of natural wood in close proximity. An ex situ flint flake, a possible hone stone and a possible quartzite hammer stone (01E0663:14; 01E0663:15 and 01E0663:17) were recovered from the stone bank and a possible quartz hammer stone (01E0663:16) was recovered 24.8m to the W. (01E0663:4), a possible arrowhead, may also derive from this site. The site is in a soil-like peat with traces of minerals (e.g. sand) and a thin lens of charcoal immediately below this. SMR OF011-059---- is approximately 15m to the NW and may be associated. In 2008 archaeological testing was carried out by Jane Whitaker of ADS Ltd. in Toberdaly and Clonin townlands in Ballybeg Bog, Co. Offaly, on 22–26 September 2008. A stone enclosure (OF011–060---) and stone-lined hearths (OF011–059----) were initially identified during a survey by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit in 2001, when they were recorded as a barrow and prehistoric habitation site. The sites, which are located 15m apart, were partially excavated by Ellen O’Carroll (formerly of ADS Ltd) at the site, in 2002. The area (NGR 251372 / 233357) subject to testing, in 2008, was located on a Bord na Móna production field between the two sites. This central production field was not investigated at the time of excavation but the northern drain face was cleaned and charcoal and stones were recorded within the section. The site has been set aside from production since 2002; however, Bord na Móna wished to establish the full extent of the site in order to put an appropriate programme of works in place. The purpose of the testing was to determine the full extent of the archaeological features/activity at the site. The licence was re-activated and transferred in September 2008. A total of five trenches were excavated by hand to archaeological levels. Archaeological features were recorded in three of the five trenches and were composed of charcoal spreads and charcoal and stone features. The archaeological activity was orientated north-west/south-east over three production fields and measured 45m in length and a minimum of 35m in width. A total of seventeen flint lithics were recorded and recovered from three of the trenches. The radiocarbon dates obtained after the survey and the excavation indicate that the site, as a whole, dates to between 4220 and 2300 bc (Bennett 2011, 302). Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload/revision: 08 November 2011

• OF011-061 Road - class 3 togher
  Description

  The site (L 5.5m min.; Wth 1.66m; D 0.16m) is orientated NNE-SSW and consists of light brushwood and twigs on the field surface and in the opposing drain face. The majority of the wood is widely spaced and longitudinally laid but portions of it are densely packed, incorporating beds of twigs, and there are some transverse elements. Woodworking is evidenced by a single metal-cut chisel point. The site is in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with some Eriophorum and ericaceous remains. Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Architectural heritage

• Forge/smithy, 1875–1885 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached gable-fronted single-bay single-storey former forge, built in 1880. Now used as an outbuilding for animals. Fronting onto roadway. Corrugated-iron roof. Random coursed walls with tooled stone quoins. Window openings have been blocked. Horseshoe-arched opening with tooled stone surround and surmounted by date plaque 'AD 1880'.

• Toberdaly House, worker's house, 1630–1670 · Regional interest
  Description

  Ranges of two-storey terraced cottages and outbuildings, built c.1650, within former Toberdaly House demesne, with two projecting ranges to south. Pitched slate, tiled and corrugated-iron roofs. With stone and rendered chimneystacks and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Variety of wall finishes; smooth render, random coursed stone, roughcast render and ashlar stone walls to southern range. Variety of window openings. Northern ranges with half-dormers with uPVC windows, stone sills and yellow brick surrounds. Round-headed window opening to projecting southern range with tooled stone surround, stone sill and timber battened shutters. Square-headed opening to southern range with uPVC window, tooled block-and-start surround and stone sill. Variety of door and carriage openings. Segmental-headed carriage arches to southern range with timber battened double doors. Square-headed door openings to southern range with block-and-start tooled limestone surrounds, stone thresholds and timber battened doors. Square-headed door openings to north within projecting gable-fronted porches with replacement uPVC door and timber panelled doors.

• Toberdaly Bridge, bridge, 1790–1800 · Regional interest
  Description

  Single-arch masonry canal bridge, built c.1797, spanning Grand Canal. Squared random rubble limestone walls with dressed string course, voussoirs and coping to parapet. Deck humped with ramped approaches.

• Toberdaly House, worker's house, 1800–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Pair of detached three-bay single-storey cottages, built c.1830, abutting walled garden to east. Cottage to south now in domestic use. Southern house with pitched slate roof, terracotta ridge tiles, red brick chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Rendered wall to façade with squared coursed limestone walls to rear and side elevations with red brick quoins. Replacement uPVC windows with stone sills. Square-headed door opening with replacement timber door with red brick surround accessed by stone steps. House to north with hipped slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles and random coursed limestone walls with yellow brick quoins. Timber sash windows with stone sills and yellow brick surrounds. Square-headed door opening with timber battened door, yellow brick surround and accessed by stone steps. Extensive walled gardens to east with random coursed walls.

• Toberdaly House, farmyard complex, 1810–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Complex of multiple-bay single- and two-storey farmyard buildings, built c.1830, around courtyard within Toberdaly House Demesne. Pitched slate and corrugated-iron roofs with terracotta ridge tiles. Single-pitch roof to central building. Cut stone bellcote to south-east corner. Random coursed walls with tooled stone eaves course to some buildings. Window openings with tooled stone sills and brick surrounds. Square-headed door openings with timber battened doors and moulded brick surrounds. Square- and round-headed integral carriage arches. Three-bay two-storey house to north with pitched slate roof, pebbledashed walls and timber sash windows. Complex entered through segmental-headed arch in south range with cut stone voussoirs. Ashlar gate piers to south.

• Toberdaly House, folly, 1760–1800 · Regional interest
  Description

  Gothic style octagonal gazebo, built c.1780, surmounted on former ruined tower house in the grounds of Toberdaly House. Random coursed walls with coping. Pointed- and round-arched openings with red brick surrounds. Pointed-arched opening in tower house wall with tooled stone surround, moved to its present location to give access to folly. Bartizans to tower walls. Ruined Georgian house, to north-east, of limestone construction with vaulting surviving. Segmental-headed arch with cut stone voussoirs set in squared coursed bawn wall. Octagonal shaped gate piers with dome caps and cast-iron gates to road to north giving access to demesne.

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 high, 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 Toberdaly.

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 Toberdaly with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Offaly.

Name

Toberdaly · Tobar Dálaigh

Area

6,273,749 m² (627.37 ha, 1,550.28 acres)

Civil parish

Castlejordan, and its townlands

Barony

Warrenstown

Electoral division

Ballyburly, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Ballyburly electoral division: 1,388 people in 478 households; 82% of households own their home; 32% of homes were built since 2001; 5% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 0% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Ballyhugh, Barrysbrook, Clonin, Clonmeen, Coole, Newtown, Rathcobican, Road, Togher

Placenames

Toberdaly 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.