Poulawack

3 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Poulawack, from 3,293 m² (0.33 ha, 0.81 acres) to 901,369 m² (90.14 ha, 222.73 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 6 neighbouring parcels touch it.

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

No zone of a development plan covers Poulawack 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.

No planning application touches the townland of Poulawack in the national file, which goes back to 2010.

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

Designated sites

• Special Area of Conservation: Moneen Mountain SAC 000054
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Moneen Mountain 000054

Recorded monuments

• CL009-031 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated on a broad limestone plateau. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996). An enclosure was visible on an aerial photograph (HSL 9102/03). On inspection in 2007 this was found to be a rectangular drystone walled enclosure (int. dims. 17.2m N-S; 16.1m E-W) of relatively modern construction built of transversely laid slabs (wall Wth 0.5-0.6m; H 0.5-0.8m up to 1m). There is an entrance (Wth 0.8m) at S. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 23 February 2016

• CL009-032001 Field system
  Description

  An extensive field system (c. 2.1km N-S; c. 1.8km E-W) on an upland plateau visible intermittently on Digital Globe (2011-2013) and on OSi Aerial Premium (2012-2018) in an area of exposed karst and some scrub cover. The fields are very irregular and some are associated with cashels (of which there are 11 in the area) and a number of enclosures. Some parts of the field system may have prehistoric elements given the presence of burial cairns including Poulawack (CL009-032002-), a ring-cairn (CL009-065----) and a wedge tomb (CL009-067----). Extensive field systems with prehistoric and medieval elements extend over most of the Burren uplands. Those currently visible on aerial or satellite imagery are outlined for mapping purposes but it is likely that they continue under scrub and meet in certain areas. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 6 September 2021

• CL009-032002 Cairn - burial cairn
  Description

  At a high point on a broad hilltop, on a limestone bedrock outcrop within a multiperiod field system (CL009-032001-), with wide views all around. Hachured and labelled ‘Carn’ on the 1842 and 1920 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Cemetery cairn’ in the RMP (1996). This suboval stone cairn (17.6m N–S; 14.7m E–W; H 2.9m) covers two subcircular concentric stone revetments and contained multiple human burials dating to c. 3350–1452 cal BC (Neolithic through Middle Bronze Age). The cairn was excavated by the Third Harvard Archaeological Expedition in Ireland, led by Hugh O’Neill Hencken (Hencken and Movius 1935). The cairn was subsequently restored (pre-excavation dims. 21.25m E–W; 20.75m N–S; H 2.5m). The cairn material consists mostly of horizontally laid limestone flags and occasional slabs set on edge and leaning toward the cairn centre (ibid., 196–7). The outermost of the two revetments (14.5m E—W; 13.4m N–S) consists of limestone slabs (H 0.45–1m; L 1–2m; T c. 0.1m) set close together on their long edge, and also leaning slightly toward the cairn centre. There may have been external packing of smaller limestone flags against the outside of this revetment (Hencken and Movius 1935, 197; Brindley and Lanting 1992, 15, Fig. 2). Its NW arc was not identified during excavation; it appears to have already been damaged when Westropp (1899, 369) visited. The inner revetment (c. 11m N–S; 10.5m E–W) comprises uncoursed limestone slabs laid horizontally forming a slightly inward-leaning wall (H 0.5–1.3m; Wth 0.3–0.6m) with a relatively smooth outer face (Hencken and Movius 1935, 196–7). Close to the outside of this wall another arc of limestone slabs was set on edge, again leaning toward the cairn centre. These slabs were most apparent from SE to SW. Ten burials (CL009-032012- to CL009-032019-) were found within the cairn (ibid., 193), ‘containing the remains of some sixteen people, mostly unburnt’ (Waddell 2010, 168). The burials and cairn development are described here chronologically. A Linkardstown burial (CL009-032019-) occupies the centre of the cairn and is the primary interment (Hencken and Movius 1935, 206–10; Ryan 1973; 1981). This is ‘Grave 8’ and ‘Grave 8A’ in Hencken’s (1935) schema. The burial was radiocarbon-dated to c. 3350 cal BC (Neolithic period) by Brindley and Lanting (1992, 16), who proposed that during this initial phase the cairn was smaller (diam. 10m), covering this burial and encircled by the slightly inward-leaning inner revetment wall (see also Jones 2013, 124). Over a thousand years later (c. 2000 cal BC) (ibid.), a cist (CL009-032015-) (‘Grave 4’) was constructed within the cairn’s kerb at NNE (Hencken and Movius 1935, 202). Two other cists (CL009-032016- and CL009-032017-) ('Grave 5’ and ‘Grave 6’) were inserted into the mound at the S and E respectively (ibid., 202–6). Based on radiocarbon dates and stratigraphic evidence, it has been proposed that between c. 1610 cal BC and c. 1432 cal BC the cairn’s height was increased by c. 1m, it was extended by c. 4m in diameter, and it was enclosed by the outer revetment of flagstones (Brindley and Lanting 1992). Several further burials were inserted: ‘Grave 1’ (CL009-032012-) was placed under the extended cairn, immediately outside the inner revetment at the SE; a cist (CL009-032013-) ('Grave 2’) was dug into the cairn at the S centre; another cist (CL009-032014-) (‘Grave 3’) at the centre; and a third cist (CL009-032018-) (‘Grave 7’) at the E (Hencken and Movius 1935, 198–202, 206; Brindley and Lanting 1992, 16). None of the kerbstones forming revetments and none of the burials were visible during an inspection in 1997. A modern standing stone (H 0.87m; Wth 0.23m; T 0.1m) was set on top of the cairn, leaning ESE. It was not recorded by Westropp (1899). Drystone structures are located c. 10m WNW and ESE of the cairn. These are the remnants of sheds from Hencken’s excavation (1934). Another cairn (CL009-032010-) lies c. 50m to NE. The following images have been uploaded: CL009-032002-_01.jpg Inner revetment wall (Hencken and Movius 1935, Pl. XX, Fig. 1) CL009-032002-_02.jpg Plan of cairn (Hencken and Movius 1935, Fig. 2, facing p. 196) CL009-032002-_03.jpg Poulawack cairn before excavation and with outer revetment exposed (Hencken and Movius 1935, PL. XVII, Figs. 1 and 2) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 12 January 2022

• CL009-032003 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  At the N edge of a broad hilltop, in rough pasture overlooking Kilcorney Valley to N and with wide views all around except to SSW where the ground rises, and within a multiperiod field system (CL009-032001-). Hachured on the OS 25-inch plan (1897) and Cassini edition (1920) of the OS 6-inch map. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). This raised subcircular area (diams. 24m N–S; c. 20.5m E–W) is defined by a drystone wall built of horizontally laid stones (av. Wth c. 2.5m; ext. H 1.4–1.7m). The outer wall-face is best preserved from N–NE and at SW. The interior contains a souterrain (CL009-032005-) in the N sector. An enclosure (CL009-150----) lies c. 107m to NE. A cairn (CL009-032010-) lies c. 144m to SSW.    Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Conn Herriott   Date of upload: 30-9-2025

• CL009-032005 Souterrain
  Description

  In the N sector of a cashel (CL009-032003-). Listed as ‘Souterrain(s)’ in the RMP (1996). This souterrain is a roughly Z-shaped structure and comprises a passage (L 5.65m) leading to a chamber. The probable drop entrance - located to N of centre of the cashel – is to a passage which extends NW (L 2.7m; Wth 1.2m), with two roof lintels intact. It then turns N (L 2.95m; Wth 1.07–1.2m; H 1.3m). The S part of this section is collapsed and full of rubble. To the N of this, the passage is rock-cut on the E side and drystone-built (L 1.77m) on the N part of the W side. Two roof lintels cover the N section (L 1.8m) of the passage. There is a niche (H 0.5m; Wth 0.8m; D 0.7–0.93m) in the W wall of the passage at the N end, 0.2m below the lintels. Extending N from the passage, a lintelled creep (Wth 0.57m; H 0.62m; Depth 0.8m) leads to the middle of the S wall of the chamber (3.7m E–W; 1.74m N–S; H 1.3m) which is located within the cashel wall, and is orientated roughly E-W. The chamber is roughly rectangular, except that its N side follows the curve of the cashel wall’s outer face. The W end of the chamber seems to be rounded, but the wall here has collapsed inward. The E, S and W walls are corbelled. There are four lintels in place on the roof.    Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Conn Herriott    Date of upload: 30-9-2025

• CL009-032006 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated on a gentle S-facing slope c. 250m SE of Poulawack cairn (CL009-032010-). Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the RMP (1996). An enclosure was noted on an OS 6-inch map at this location in 1994 (pers. comm. T. Coffey, SMR file). This is a small circular enclosure (diam. c. 12m) defined by a drystone wall of modern construction. The map notation may have intended to indicate the rectangular cashel (CL009-032011-) c. 60m to the S. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 23 February 2016

• CL009-032007 Cairn - unclassified
  Description

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

• CL009-032008 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  In rough pasture within a multiperiod field system (CL009-032001-), c. 50m from NE edge of a plateau overlooking Kilcorney Valley, but with limited views. This well-preserved rectangular structure (ext. dims. L 10m E–W; Wth 4.5m N–S; int. dims. L 8.3m E–W; Wth 3.4m N–S) is defined by the footings of double-faced walls (Wth 0.6–0.7m; H 0.4m). The inner and outer wall-faces are built of stone slabs (max. L 1.2m; T 0.1m; av. H 0.4m; max. H 0.7m), with a core of loose stones now covered by grass. At NW, the outer wall-face is covered by a later drystone field wall. The E parts of the N and S sidewalls have been removed leaving gaps (Wth 3.35m) in the N wall and (Wth 2.8m) in the S wall.   Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Conn Herriott   Date of upload: 30-9-2025

• CL009-032010 Cairn - unclassified
  Description

  In rough pasture near the summit of a broad hill with wide views, and within a multiperiod field system (CL009-032001-). This is a partly damaged grass-covered subcircular cairn (diams. 12.1m N–S; 11.7m E–W; H 0.8–1.1m). The upper surface (diams. 5.6m E–W; 4.7m N–S) is quite level possibly due to spoil dug from a central crater (2.5m N–S; 2.4m E–W; D 0.4m) having been spread around and this disturbance had been noted previously (Coffey 1996, 58). A kerbstone (L 1m; Wth 0.2m; H 0.2m) is visible at E edge of the cairn. Stones lying flat on the cairn may be from field clearance. Poulawack cairn (CL009-032002-) lies c. 50m to the SW.    Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Conn Herriott   Date of upload: 30-9-2025

• CL009-032011 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On a gentle S-facing slope in rough pasture, within a large multiperiod field system (CL009-032011-). This poorly preserved, irregularly sub-rectangular cashel (L 41.5m N–S; Wth 32m E–W) is defined by a double-faced stone wall (Wth at N 1.6m; int. H 0.4–0.8m; max. ext. H 1.4m) which has generally collapsed to form a grass-covered spread (Wth 3–5m). The outer wall-face is visible from S-W-N but is obscured along the the E by the collapsed stone spread. The entrance may have been near the W end of the S wall, where two N–S-oriented upright limestone pieces (E stone L. 0.7m; H. 0.7m; W stone L. 0.6m; H 0.95m) lie c. 1.7m N of the outer wall-face. These stones are 2m apart, but some walling at the E of this gap may narrow the possible entrance width to 1.4m, if contemporary with the cashel’s occupation. A small, crudely built and probably later house site (int. dims. 5m N–S; 2.5m E–W) in the SE corner is defined by collapsed wall spreads (Wth c. 1.5m; H 0.4m) and there is a circular grass-covered mound (diam. c. 4m; H 0.4m) to N of centre. Drystone walls are built over the cashel’s outer wall-face from W-N- E and there is a modern entrance near the S end of the E wall. Another rectilinear cashel (CL009-237----) lies c. 25m to SE. There is an enclosure (CL009-032006-) c. 55m to N. A hut site (CL009-236----) lies c. 98m to NW.   Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Conn Herriott   Date of upload: 30-9-2025

• CL009-032012 Burial
  Description

  Situated under Poulawack cairn (CL009-032002-), on the bedrock outcrop surface immediately SE of the cairn’s inner revetment. Excavated by the Third Harvard Archaeological Expedition in Ireland, under Hugh O’Neill Hencken (Hencken and Movius 1935), who subsequently restored the cairn. This crouched inhumation (‘Grave 1’ in Hencken’s schema) is composed of the very poorly preserved remains of an adult male, buried in a contracted position, lying on the right side and facing W (Hencken and Movius 1935, 198). The burial was partly covered by horizontal limestone slabs. Immediately to the N–NE there were five upright slabs (H c. 0.3–0.6m; L c. 0.4m; T c. 0.1m), four of which formed a NW–SE row. It is unclear whether these slabs are the remains of an irregular cist (Hencken and Movius 1935, 198; Ryan 1981, 134). The burial has been radiocarbon dated to 1486–1452 cal BC (Brindley and Lanting 1992). This falls within the final broad phase of mortuary activity at Poulawack cairn, during the mid-second millennium BC, when the 'Grave 2' and 'Grave 3' cists (CL009-032013- and CL009-032014-) were also constructed, and possibly also the 'Grave 7' cist (CL009-0032018-) (ibid.) although the evidence for the latter’s date is equivocal. The following image has been uploaded: CL009-032012-_01.jpg Grave 1 from SE with inner revetment behind (Hencken and Movius 1935, Pl. XIX, Fig. 1) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 12 January 2022

• CL009-032013 Cist
  Description

  Situated S of centre in the upper part of Poulawack cairn (CL009-032002. Excavated by the Third Harvard Archaeological Expedition in Ireland, under Hugh O’Neill Hencken (Hencken and Movius 1935), who subsequently restored the cairn. ‘Grave 2’ in Hencken’s schema, this subrectangular cist (int. dims. 0.8m E–W; 0.45–0.5m N–S; H 0.6–0.65m) was made up of N and S sidestones set on their long edges, two overlapping endstones at the E, one at the W, and two overlapping capstones. The cist had no slab flooring; instead, the sides and ends were supported underneath by smaller stones. The grave contained cremated human remains, mostly likely of an adult female (Hencken and Movius 1935, 198). A flint end-scraper and bone point found in the cairn matrix beneath the cist were interpreted by the excavators as burial offerings from the grave which had been washed down (ibid., 201, 209, Fig. 9). This cist was constructed within a suboval pit (c. 6.5m N–S; c. 4m E–W; D c. 1.8m) dug into the top of the cairn (ibid., Fig. 2, 199). The cist did not yield samples for radiocarbon dating, however, a cist (CL009-032014-) found c. 1.5m to the N within the same pit and therefore likely to be roughly contemporary (ibid.) was later radiocarbon-dated to between c. 1610 cal BC and c. 1432 cal BC (Brindley and Lanting 1992, 16). This falls within the final broad phase of mortuary activity at Poulawack cairn, during the mid-second millennium BC, when ‘Grave 1’ (CL009-032012-) was also added, and possibly also ‘Grave 7’, a cist (CL009-0032018-) (ibid.) although the evidence for the Grave 7 date is equivocal. The following images have been uploaded: CL009-032013-_01.jpg Cist plan and section (Hencken and Movius 1935, Fig. 5) CL009-032013-_02.jpg Photograph showing the location of Graves '2' and '5' within the cairn (Hencken and Movius 1935, Pl. XX, Fig. 2) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 12 January 2022

• CL009-032014 Cist
  Description

  Situated in the upper centre of Poulawack cairn (CL009-032002-). Excavated by the Third Harvard Archaeological Expedition in Ireland, under Hugh O’Neill Hencken (Hencken and Movius 1935), who subsequently restored the cairn. ‘Grave 3’ in Hencken’s schema, this irregular subrectangular cist (int. dims. 0.9m N–S; 0.5m E–W; H 0.4m) comprised one W and two E sidestones set on their long edges, and five capstones laid transversely. Three irregular slabs made up the cist floor, on which were found disturbed and fragmentary human skeletal remains, probably of a young adult female placed in a contracted position on its right side facing E (Hencken and Movius 1935, 201). Together with an adjacent cist (CL009-032013-) located c. 1.5m to the S, this cist was constructed within a suboval pit (c. 6.5m N–S; c. 4m E–W; D c. 1.8m) dug into the top of the cairn (ibid., 199). This cist 'Grave 3' (CL009-032014-) was radiocarbon-dated to between c. 1610 cal BC and c. 1432 cal BC (Brindley and Lanting 1992, 16). This falls within the final broad phase of mortuary activity at Poulawack cairn, during the mid-second millennium BC, when the burial 'Grave 1' (CL009-032012-) was also added, and possibly also 'Grave 7', a cist (CL009-0032018-) (ibid.) although the evidence for the Grave 7 date is equivocal. The following images have been uploaded: CL099-032014-_01.jpg Photograph of exposed cists (Hencken and Movius 1935, Pl. XX, Fig. 3) CL009-032014-_02.jpg Cist plan and section (Hencken and Movius 1935, Fig. 5) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 12 January 2022

• CL009-032015 Cist
  Description

  Situated within Poulawack cairn (CL009-032002-), cut into the N side of the inner revetment. Excavated by the Third Harvard Archaeological Expedition in Ireland, under Hugh O’Neill Hencken (Hencken and Movius 1935), who subsequently restored the cairn. ‘Grave 4’ in Hencken’s schema, this ‘especially carefully and regularly constructed’ (ibid., 202) subrectangular cist (int. dims. 0.55m NE–SW; 0.37–0.45m NW–SE; H 0.31m) comprised a vertical limestone slab to form each side, and a single floor stone. The capstone was missing, and the sparse disturbed contents—found under the floor stone—included unburnt bones of an adult and child. A sample of these remains was radiocarbon-dated to the late third millennium BC (Brindley and Lanting 1992, 16). During this second broad phase of mortuary activity at Poulawack cairn, cists ('Grave 5’ and ‘Grave 6’, CL009-032016- and CL009-032017-) were also constructed in the S and E parts of the mound respectively (Brindley and Lanting 1992, 16; Hencken and Movius 1935). The following image has been uploaded: CL009-032015-_01.jpg Cist plan and section (from Hencken and Movius 1935, Fig. 5) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 18 January 2022

• CL009-032016 Cist
  Description

  Situated on the surface of the bedrock outcrop under the S centre of Poulawack cairn (CL009-032002-). Excavated by the Third Harvard Archaeological Expedition in Ireland, under Hugh O’Neill Hencken (Hencken and Movius 1935), who subsequently restored the cairn. ‘Grave 5’ in Hencken’s schema, this rectangular short cist (int. dims. 0.75m NNW–SSE; 0.3–0.45m WSW–ENE; H 0.55m) (Waddell 1970) had roughly vertical walls, each consisting of a single rectangular limestone slab standing on its long edge, on which rested a large capstone slab (L 1.15m; Wth 0.85m; T 0.16m) (Hencken and Movius 1935, 202). The cist’s floor was the limestone outcrop under Poulawack cairn (CL009-032002-). Here were found the scattered unburnt bones of a child (c. six years) laid with its head perhaps at the N, and an adolescent (c. 12–14 years) with its head at the S (ibid., 204). Also found in the cist was ‘a very tiny potsherd of Bronze Age date’ (ibid.). The human remains were later radiocarbon-dated to that era, more specifically to c. 2000 cal BC (Brindley and Lanting 1992, 16)—the second general phase of mortuary activity at Poulawack cairn (ibid.), during which the 'Grave 4' and 'Grave 6' cists (CL009-032015- and (CL009-032017-) were also constructed in the N and E parts of the mound respectively (Brindley and Lanting 1992, 16; Hencken and Movius 1935). The following images have been uploaded: CL009-032016-_01.jpg Photo of 'Grave 5' showing bones (Hencken and Movius 1935, Pl. XIX, Fig. 2) CL009-032016-_02.jpg Photo of cairn with cists (Hencken and Movius 1935, Pl. XX, Fig. 2) CL009-032016-_03.jpg Plan and section (from Hencken and Movius 1935, Fig. 6) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 19 January 2022

• CL009-032017 Cist
  Description

  Situated in the E centre of Poulawack cairn (CL009-032002-). Excavated by the Third Harvard Archaeological Expedition in Ireland, under Hugh O’Neill Hencken (Hencken and Movius 1935), who subsequently restored the cairn. This double cist was numbered ‘Grave 6’ and ‘Grave 6A’ by Hencken (ibid., 204), and comprised a single five-sided structure divided unevenly into two cists, both covered by a single capstone (L 1.73m; Wth 1.35m; T 0.2m)—‘by far the largest [capstone] of any cist in the cairn’ (Hencken and Movius 1935, 204). The larger of these two cists was ‘Grave 6’ (int. dims. 0.85m NNW–SSE; 0.4–0.7m WSW–ENE; H 0.88m), at the NE. On the single limestone slab comprising its floor were burnt bones of a young man. Under the floor stone were small fragments of unburnt bones representing several individuals: a child of about six years, a 12–14 year-old adolescent, and a large male of about 30. The latter was interpreted by Hencken (ibid.) to be the disturbed bones of an individual interred in ‘Grave 6A’ (see below). A bone sample from the adolescent in ‘Grave 6’ was later dated to c. 2000 cal BC (i.e. Early Bronze Age) (Brindley and Lanting 1992, 16). Between the floor stone and a sidestone of ‘Grave 6’ was found a decorated sherd of Beaker pottery (Chalcolithic / Early Bronze Age) (Ryan 1973). To the SW within the same polygonal structure, ‘Grave 6A’ (0.95m NW–SE; 0.35m NE–SW; H 0.9m) was divided from ‘Grave 6’ by a sidestone. It had no floor stones, but at its base there were scattered uncremated bones of a large adult male of about 30, and others belonging to an adolescent—believed by Hencken (Hencken and Movius 1935, 205) to be the same individual detected under ‘Grave 6’, with movement of remains being due to rodents and water action. Together with the 'Grave 4 and Grave 5' cists (CL009-032015- and CL009-032016-), this double cist represents a second broad phase of activity at the cairn, post-dating the site’s primary Linkardstown burial (CL009-032019-) under the centre of the cairn by over a thousand years (Brindley and Lanting 1992). A third general phase of interments at Poulawack cairn took place c. 500 years later, in the mid-second millennium BC. This includes the 'Grave 1' burial (CL009-032012-), the 'Grave 2' and 'Grave 3' cists (CL009-032013- and CL009-032014-), and possibly also the 'Grave 7' cist (CL009-0032018-) (ibid.) although the evidence for the latter’s date is equivocal (Hencken and Movius 1935, 198–202, 206). The following images have been uploaded: CL009-032017-_01.jpg Plan and section (Hencken and Movius 1935, Fig. 7) CL009-032017-_02.jpg Photo of 'Graves 6 and 7' (Hencken and Movious 1935, Pl. XXI, Fig. 1) CL009-032017-_03.jpg Photo of cairn with exposed cists from SE (Hencken and Movius 1935, Pl. XX, Fig. 3) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 19 January 2022

• CL009-032018 Cist
  Description

  Situated in the E centre of Poulawack cairn (CL009-032002-). Excavated by the Third Harvard Archaeological Expedition in Ireland, under Hugh O’Neill Hencken (Hencken and Movius 1935), who subsequently restored the cairn. ‘Grave 7’ in Hencken’s (ibid., 206) schema, this small irregular cist (int. dims. 0.7m N–S; 0.4m E–W; H 0.25m) comprised an E sidestone, two small overlapping N endstones and a S endstone. The cist was covered by two capstones. Inside the cist were found disturbed and fragmentary skeletal remains of a human infant, about eighteen months old. Under the cist were found charcoal fragments, one possibly poplar (or willow) and another likely yew (ibid.). Hencken (ibid.) suggested that this cist had no W sidestone because it rested against the external packing-stones around the double cist (CL009-032017-) immediately to the W (later radiocarbon-dated to c. 2000 cal BC [Brindley and Lanting 1992, 16). Hencken proposed that the two cists were contemporary, as there was no evidence of a later disturbance in the cairn marking the insertion of this cist (CL009-032018-). Although it was not possible to acquire a radiocarbon date Brindley and Lanting (1992, 16) favoured assignment of this cist to a later general phase of mortuary activity at Poulawack cairn, in the mid-second millennium BC. This broad phase appears to have also included the ‘Grave 1’ burial (CL009-032012-), and the ‘Grave 2’ and ‘Grave 3’ cists (CL009-032013- and CL009-032014-) (Brindley and Lanting 1992, 16; Hencken and Movius 1935, 198–202, 206). The following images have been uploaded: CL009-032018-_01.jpg Photo of Graves 6 and 7 (Hencken and Movious 1935, Pl. XXI, Fig. 1) CL009-032018-_02.jpg Photo of cairn and exposed cists from SE (Hencken and Movius 1935, Pl. XX, Fig. 3) CL009-032018-_03.jpg Plan and section (from Hencken and Movius 1935, Fig. 6) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 19 January 2022

• CL009-032019 Linkardstown burial
  Description

  Situated under the centre of Poulawack cairn (CL009-032002-). Excavated by the Third Harvard Archaeological Expedition in Ireland, under Hugh O’Neill Hencken (Hencken and Movius 1935), who subsequently restored the cairn. This Linkardstown burial (1.3m NNE–SSW; 1.1m WNW–ESE; H 1m), recorded as ‘Grave 8’ and ‘Grave 8A’ by Hencken (ibid., 206), was a polygonal limestone slab structure made up of two irregular parallel E–W-oriented cists. These were constructed on exposed limestone bedrock, covered by several uneven layers of overlapping capstones, and surrounded by 49 limestone propping slabs (c. 3.45m N–S; c. 2.55m E–W) set on edge, leaning toward the cists. The N cist (int. dims. 0.7m E–W; 0.4m N–S; H 0.75–0.85m), ‘Grave 8’, had two N sidestones and one S sidestone. Its E and W endstones were set (max. D c. 0.45m) into two parallel grykes. The cist floor was paved by three flagstones. On these were found a small number of unburnt bones, which were heavily disturbed. On the basis of the relative proportions of bones in this cist and ‘Grave 8A’ adjacent to the S, Hencken (ibid., 209–10) reasoned that this cist probably originally held the unburnt remains of an infant, about one year old. Also found in the cist were a flint hollow scraper (ibid., 208) of Neolithic type (Ryan 1981; Brindley and Lanting 1992, 13), a large boar tusk and two small non-diagnostic potsherds (Hencken and Movius 1935, 206; Ryan 1981). Separated from ‘Grave 8’ by a double partition of upright slabs, the S cist ‘Grave 8A’ was larger (int. dims. 0.95m E–W; 0.4–0.5m N–S; H 0.9m). Its W endstone was inserted in the same gryke used to support the W endstones of ‘Grave 8’. Single upright slabs formed the E end, and N and S sides. This cist’s floor was unpaved; instead, six E–W-oriented stones (H 0.5m) stood on edge within its interior. On and between these upright stones were disarticulated bones of four individuals—a young adult female (about 21 years), a middle-aged male (40–45 years), a middle-aged female, and the infant who Hencken (ibid. 209–10) suggested was probably interred in ‘Grave 8’, with some of its bones being moved to ‘Grave 8A’ by rodents and water action. Most of one skull’s fragments lay at the W end of the cist. Also found on the floor was a large oyster shell (ibid., 209). An analysis of human teeth from ‘Grave 8A’ has yielded some information about diet, disease and physiological stress (Beckett 2011, 404–5). Because ‘Grave 8A’ was probably too small to hold three adult bodies, Hencken (ibid., 210) suggested that this was a secondary interment of disarticulated bones. Alternatively, each body may have been placed in the cist at intervals, resulting in disturbance by successive depositions and the overlying cairn’s construction (Beckett 2011, 411). The burial was radiocarbon-dated to c. 3350 cal BC (Neolithic period) by Brindley and Lanting (1992, 16), who proposed that during this initial phase the cairn was smaller (diam. 10m), covering this burial and encircled by the inner kerb. The builders of this Linkardstown burial constructed Poulawack cairn as a final resting place for these individuals—perhaps ‘a family for whom they had special regard’ (Hencken and Movius 1935, 210). The following images have been uploaded: CL009-032019-_01.jpg Plan of burial (Hencken and Movius 1935, Fig. 8) CL009-032019-_02.jpg Section drawing (Hencken and Movius 1935, Fig. 6) CL009-032019-_02.jpg Graves 8 and 8A with surrounding slabs (Hencken and Movius 1935, Pl. XXI, Fig. 2) Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 19 January 2022

• CL009-032020 Enclosure
  Description

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

• CL009-171 Children's burial ground
  Description

  On a rise in the floor of Eanty Valley, in pasture with a cliff ascending c. 24m to the S. This small subrectangular area (13.5m NW-SE; 12.2m NE-SW) comprises three parallel lazy bed-like linear ridges (Wth 2-5m) oriented NW-SE, with spaces (0.5-0.7m) between them. There are slight banks (Wth 0.8-2m; H 0.2-0.3m) on the NE and SW sides, with fainter remains of another at the SE. It appears that the ridges were truncated on the SE and NW. Some field stones are found in the interior but there are no grave markers. The landowners believe this to be a burial ground. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 6 July 2022

• CL009-198 Rock scribing - folk art
  Description

  On a fairly flat face of rock outcrop with some natural fissures facing E, about 5m above a bend in the road from Carron church (CL009-075001-) to Ballydoora cross-roads is a chase or hunt scene of indeterminate date. Three individual riders on galloping horses can be made out on the rock face because they have been white-washed or painted white. The rock face (L 4m; H 1-1.2m) has a grass shelf in front of it and the ground falls away in further shelves down to the road. The rock may have been burnt, rendering the surface somewhat flaky and allowing light carving. Rock faces to the S are stepped back from the road but no carvings are evident there. The most northerly leading horse is the most easily distinguished. The smoothing of the flaky rock for the legs is very clear and the two back legs utilize faults in the rock to represent hooves (max. L 0.65m; max. H 0.55m). The horse is depicted galloping at full tilt. The horseman, the horse's head and the back of the horse are not properly incised in the rock although it could be suggested that the horseman is helmeted. The central horse (L 0.65m; max. H 0.6m) is also well defined around the legs, especially the forelegs. The paint has faded more than the leading horseman and does not occupy all the smoothed area of the rock. The S rider is poorly defined, even though the rock has been burnt in preparation (L 0.58m; H 0.45m). The quarry, further N along the same rock face consists of only scratches in the rock. There are a number of incised lines in an area c. 0.7m long by 0.4m high. It seems to have a pointed snout - more like a beak and possibly long legs like a bird. Although this panel had been burnt no attempt was made to paint it. According to local information the scene hasn't been painted for many years and is supposed to commemorate a hunt which went from Leamaneh to Ballyvaughan during which a man was killed. The leading animal was supposed to be a hare which was the object of the chase. Coffey (1995, 15-16) mentions a second theory that they might be associated with ‘The caves of the Wild Fairy Horses’ in Kilcorney townland. Further carvings to S apparently included a ship but these have been removed. The following images have been uploaded: CL009-198----_01.jpg View of painted horses on the rock face above the roadway. CL009-198----_02.jpg Series of painted horses from E. CL009-198----_03.jpg View of the two horses furthest to the N. CL009-198----_04.jpg Close-up of the second horse. CL009-198----_05.jpg Close-up of the third horse. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Michael Moore Date of upload: 19 August 2019

• CL009-236 Hut site
  Description

  On a gentle S-facing slope on a karst plateau and within an extensive field system (CL009-032001-). A circular hut site (diam. c. 8.5m) defined by a grassed-over stone wall, visible on Digital Globe (2011-2013) and on OSi orthophotography (MapGenie 2013-2018). A subrectangular cashel (CL009-032011-) lies c. 96m to the SE. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 29 March 2023

• CL009-237 Ringfort - cashel
  Description

  On a gentle S-facing slope on a karst plateau and within an extensive field system (CL009-032001-). A subrectangular cashel (c. 25m N-S; c. 25m E-W) defined by a grassed-over stone wall, visible on Digital Globe (2011-2013) and on OSi orthophotography (MapGenie 2013-2018). A later field boundary overlies the N and E sides and the N half of the W side. A larger subrectangular cashel (CL009-032011-) lies c. 25m to the NW. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 29 March 2023

Architectural heritage

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

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

Radon

At the centre of the townland of Poulawack, about 1 in 5 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

The 1:50,000 map rates the landslide susceptibility here as moderately high, moderately low, low, partly inferred.

Terrain model

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

Flooding

The Office of Public Works publishes its flood maps on floodinfo.ie.

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

No address of the register names Poulawack with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Clare.

Name

Poulawack

Area

911,669 m² (91.17 ha, 225.28 acres)

Civil parish

Carran, and its townlands

Barony

Burren

Electoral division

Castletown, the unit of the census

Neighbouring townlands

Ballydoora, Caherconnell, Iskancullin, Magheraweeleen, Poulcaragharush

Placenames

Poulawack 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.