Clopook

22 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Clopook, from 1,236 m² to 221,224 m² (22.12 ha, 54.67 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 16 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 Clopook 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.

• 22 Aug 2023Conditional

  Construct an extension to dwelling house, necessary renovations to same house, permission to demolish part of same house to facilitate the proposed extension and associated site works.

  Permission, 3 homes · Laois County Council, 2360328

• 18 Aug 2023N/a

  Construct an extension to dwelling house, necessary renovations to same house, permission to demolish part of same house to facilitate the proposed extension and associated site works.

  Permission · Laois County Council, 2360327

• 23 Jan 2017Conditional

  construct an agricultural shed and associated site works

  Permission · Laois County Council, 1723

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: Clopook Wood 000860

Recorded monuments

• LA019-020 Enclosure
  Description

  Cropmark of part of enclosure visible on aerial photograph (CUCAP, AYP 62). No visible surface remains. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA019-021001 Hillfort
  Description

  The placename ‘Cloghpooke’ is annotated on the 1563 map of Laois-Offaly and this hilltop fortress or hillfort is traditionally associated with the O’Moore/O'More clan. Clopook was located in the Gaelic lordship of 'Farryn O'Kalle' and in 1551 the lands of 'Powkiscastell' [Clopook] were leased to Sir John Travers (Nicholls 1994, 166). In 1569 the lands of 'Cloghpowke' [Clopook] were leased by the Crown to Francis Cosbie [Cosby] (ibid, 175-6). In 1593 the Crown leased the lands of 'Cloghpowle' [Clopook] to Alex Cosbie of Stradbally (ibid., 221). The name 'Powkiscastell' now Cloghpook can be interpreted as the stone or stone fortress of the pooka (Joyce 1871, 183). Impressive remains of a large polygonal-shaped enclosure (int. dims. c. 105m N-S; 115m E-W) known as the ‘Dun of Clopook’ situated on top of high rock outcrop similar to the Rock of Dunamase with commanding views of the surrounding countryside in all directions. Standing stone (LA019-025001-) 765m to the E, the Dun of Luggacurren (LA025-005001-) 875m to the S, church (LA019-022----) and graveyard (LA019-022001-) located 275m to the SW. Small circular pond of unknown antiquity located at base of slope 194m to the SSW. The hillfort is today situated in an area of woodland and the interior of the monument is impossible to examine due to the dense cover of vegetation covering the interior of the monument. Depicted on the 1906 25-inch OS map as a large hilltop enclosure or hillfort with causewayed entrance gap across rock-cut fosse at W. A second possible entrance gap is indicated at E with small rectangular building standing in this entrance gap. A small square-shaped building similar to a tower house (LA019-021004-) is depicted standing in the SE quadrant of the hillfort interior. Immediately to the E of this entrance gap there is a small outer bank with entrance gap acting like a barbican or defensive earthwork protecting the entrance into the hillfort interior. Neither of these buildings are depicted on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map. A cave (LA019-021002-) is depicted cut into the SW face of the rock outcrop on which the hillfort is situated. This cave is located below the hillfort cut into the SW face of the rock outcrop and is depicted on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map. A trig. station marking the OD level as 612 ft. [186m] above sea level is depicted in the N quadrant of the hillfort on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map. Present remains consist of a circular area (diam. c. 100m) defined by a bank (Wth c. 7m, int. H c. 1.75m) constructed of earth and stone, except at E where it is defined by a stone wall (Wth c. 6m, H c. 1m). Modern ramp at E. No evidence of fosse. Reference to a hut site (LA019-021003-) here (Walsh 1972, 17), and a possible castle site (LA019-021004-) (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, 243). Described by Daniel Byrne in 1852 as ‘the dun of Cloch-an-Phuca, commonly called Clopook, i.e. the Puca’s Rock, is situated in a valley about two miles, in a southerly direction from Timahoe, in the Queen’s County. It consists of a partially isolated rock, standing out from the range of hills on the northeast side of the valley, and was mot probably at a very early age occupied as one of the chief fortresses of the O’Moore’s, perhaps indeed a royal residence. The diameter of the dun at the summit, from north-east to south-west is nearly the same. Around the top are the remains of a stone and lime cemented fortification about 12 feet [3.65m] in breadth. Within this circle on the south-east are the foundations of two chambers or a castle divided into two apartments; the principal apartment is fifteen feet [4.5m] by fourteen [4.25m]. This castle stood near the verge of the dun, and was composed of stone, with lime and sand cement. The height of the dun from the surface of the land on the north and east is more than one hundred and forty feet [42m] and it is of equal height on the south-west. Within the rock, and beneath the fortification above described, is an extensive cave the entrance of which is on the south-west side. It is seven yards [6.4m] in breadth and three [2.7m] in height; as a person advances in, it is from four [3.65m] to five [4.5m] yards in breadth and at thirteen yards [11.8m] from the entrance it becomes extremely narrow, and is closed up by dry stones, lest cattle descend into the cave and be lost’(Byrne 1852, 298). Comerford recorded that the ‘Dun of Clopoke, about five miles from Dunamase (LA013-052----), is a curious object; it is a conical hill of limestone, its diameter on the summit is 312 feet [95m], and round it ran a wall. Its base was defended by a double entrenchment; from the base to the top it measures in some places 150 feet [45.7m], being very precipitous and strong on every side. Under the N.E. side of the hill is a cave (LA019-021002-)’ (Comerford 1886, 129). This monument was described in the History of Queen’s County, ‘as the famous Dun or Doon of Clopoke. This stood on an isolated rock, and apparently its sides were scarped, to render it nearly circular on the top. There, the diameter is said to be nearly 110 yards [100m]; and that surface is now nearly level. However, around the edges are the remains of a circumvallation, built with stone and lime cement. It is stated, that near the verge of the circle stood a castle (LA019-021004-) in former times, and that at its foundations were two compartments; the principal chamber being 15ft. [4.5m] by 14ft. [4.2m]. The name in Irish is said to have been Dun-Cluain-Phuc, interpreted as “the fortress of the lonely spirit’. Tradition has it, that the Dun, which is ascended by a series of irregular steps, was once a strong fortress of the O’Moore’s’ (O’Hanlon and O’Leary 1907, 342). The hillfort was recently described in the Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland as following; 'Possible multiple enclosure situated on top of prominent rock outcrop with panoramic views from the summit. The site has a total footprint of approximately 3.4ha. There is a simple entrance gap at the W and an E entrance with outworks. Possible hut structure within interior recorded by Walsh (1972, 17). Possible high Medieval tower house within interior near E entrance. Inner enclosing elements taking 0.86ha survive well throughout its circuit. Possible outer enclosing elements were identified by Grogan (2005b, 114) and have not been confirmed as being related to the hillfort. Interior is heavily overgrown and under dense tree cover. Earliest written reference by Byrne (1852). Detailed earthwork survey in second edition Ordnance Survey maps. Monument survey by Sweetman et al. (1995, 17).'(http://hillforts.arch.ox.ac.uk/records/IR0739.html) See attached Bing Maps aerial photograph taken between 06-07 November 2011 which shows growth of vegetation on the hillfort. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 6 February 2020

• LA019-021002 Cave
  Description

  A cave (LA019-021002-) is cut into the SSW face of the prominent limestone rock / hill now covered in ash and hazel woodland c. 4m below the hillfort of Clopook (LA019-021001-) as depicted on the 1907 ed. of the OS 25-inch map. Clopook church (LA019-022----) and graveyard (LA019-022001-) are located 270m to SSW. The cave opening (Wth 6.6m H 1.8m)faces SSW and is annotated as 'Cave' on the 1839 ed. OS 6-inch map. A pathway leads up from the base of the hill on the W side to the opening of the cave. Present remains consist of a large wide opening in the cliff face which leads into an irregular shaped chamber (L 11.5m; max. H 2.5m; max. Wth 5.2m) with clay floor which narrows at back of cave into a passage running NE for an undetermined distance. Evidence of badger setts burrowed into clay floor in NW quadrant of cave, located 7m in from entrance of cave. Directly inside cave to the NW the clay floor has two shallow holes (dims. 1m x 1.4m; D 0.2m) with spoil heaped up around openings which are probably the result of animal burrowing. The clay floor of the cave appears to be quite deep as the opening of the badger setts measured 0.5m wide by 0.7m deep and continued down into the floor of the cave. At the NE end of the cave the clay floor narrows to form a channel or passage (Wth 0.55m x D 0.6m) which runs NE for an undetermined length, it is not clear if this narrow passage has been formed by animal burrowing. The cave was described in 1965 as on the ‘south side of the crag on which is situated the Dun or Fort of Clopook. The cave entrance is 5 ft. (1.52m) high by 12 ft. (3.65m) wide but the floor shelves upwards and the cave becomes impassable after 20ft. (6m)’ (Coleman 1965, 17). Described by Daniel Byrne in 1852 as ‘the dun of Cloch-an-Phuca, commonly called Clopook (LA019-021001-), i.e. the Puca’s Rock, is situated in a valley about two miles, in a southerly direction from Timahoe, in the Queen’s County. It consists of a partially isolated rock, standing out from the range of hills on the northeast side of the valley, and was mot probably at a very early age occupied as one of the chief fortresses of the O’Moore’s, perhaps indeed a royal residence. Within the rock, and beneath the fortification above described, is an extensive cave the entrance of which is on the south-west side. It is seven yards [6.4m] in breadth and three [2.7m] in height; as a person advances in, it is from four [3.65m] to five [4.5m] yards in breadth and at thirteen yards [11.8m] from the entrance it becomes extremely narrow, and is closed up by dry stones, lest cattle descend into the cave and be lost’ (Byrne 1852, 298). This cave was possibly used an Early Christian hermitage and is locally associated with St. Fiac of the monastery of Sleaty (LA032-018001-). Comerford recorded this tradition and described the cave as located underneath ‘the hill is a cave running 36 feet [11m] and about 10 feet [3m] wide at the mouth, a receptacle for robbers in former ages. The cave, which appears to be a natural one, is, as yet open, runs to an extent of 7 or 8 yards [7m] into the rock, and is from 5 to 6 or 7 feet [2m] high. It is said this cave runs farther into the rock than at first appears to an observer, and that a narrow passage, leading from it, gives admission to an internal part which is extensively wide, and the height of a man. In the Vita Tripartita of St. Patrick, written by St. Evin, it is stated that St. Fiacc, Bishop of Sletty [Sleaty LA032-018001-], used to go, on Shrove Tuesday, to a cave on the hill of Drum-Coblai, bringing with him five barley loaves mingled with ashes. At the end of Lent he returned to Sletty to celebrate the festival of Easter with his brethern, bringing with him a portion of one of the loaves. The learned author of the Loca Patriciana identifies the cave at the Dun of Clopoke as that to which St. Fiacc used to retire for the penitential observance of Lent. It is distant about 7 miles north-west of Sletty. There lingers still, he remarks, in the locality a tradition that in long ages past a Saint used to retire to this cave to pray and fast, after which he returned to his distant church by a subterraneous passage leading south’ (Comerford 1886, 129). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Updated by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 23 March 2015

• LA019-021003 Hut site
  Description

  Reference to a hut site in the fort (LA019-021001-) (Walsh 1972, 17). In an upland area. No visible surface remains. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA019-021004 Castle - unclassified
  Description

  Depicted on the 1906 25-inch OS map as a large hilltop enclosure or hillfort (LA019-021001-) with causewayed entrance gap across rock-cut fosse at W. A second possible entrance gap is indicated at E with small rectangular building standing in this entrance gap. A small square-shaped building similar to a tower house is depicted standing in the SE quadrant of the hillfort interior. Immediately to the E of this entrance gap there is a small outer bank with entrance gap acting like a barbican or defensive earthwork protecting the entrance into the hillfort interior. Neither of these buildings are depicted on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map. A possible castle was situated in SE quadrant of hillfort (LA019-021001-). This possible castle was described in the History of Queen’s County, ‘as the famous Dun or Doon of Clopoke (LA019-021001-). This stood on an isolated rock, and apparently its sides were scarped, to render it nearly circular on the top. It is stated, that near the verge of the circle stood a castle in former times, and that at its foundations were two compartments; the principal chamber being 15ft. [4.5m] by 14ft. [4.2m]. The name in Irish is said to have been Dun-Cluain-Phuc, interpreted as “the fortress of the lonely spirit’. Tradition has it, that the Dun, which is ascended by a series of irregular steps, was once a strong fortress of the O’Moore’s’ (O’Hanlon and O’Leary 1907, 342). Clopook was located in the Gaelic lordship of 'Farryn O'Kalle' and in 1551 the lands of 'Powkiscastell' [Clopook] were leased to Sir John Travers (Nicholls 1994, 166). In 1569 the lands of 'Cloghpowke' [Clopook] were leased by the Crown to Francis Cosbie [Cosby] which included the rectory of Ballequillane (ibid, 175-6). In 1593 the Crown leased the lands of 'Cloghpowle' [Clopook] and the 'rectory of Ballequillan with the tithes extending to Ballequillan, Cloghpowle, Towinlevan, Nenaghe, Ballickhullen, and Curragh' to Alex Cosbie of Stradbally (ibid., 221). In 1624 the inquisition into the property of the deceased Peter Davells listed 'Cloghpooke & Ballequillen' as part of his estate (Cal. inq. post mortem, 25 Jas. I). No visible surface remains of this castle can be identified although the interior of the monument is covered in dense vegetation making examination of the interior impossible. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. 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: 12 December 2013

• LA019-021005 Excavation - miscellaneous
  Description

  Post-holes located around the edge of the Dun of Clopook (LA019-021001-) (Feehan 1983, 411). No visible surface remains. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA019-022 Church
  Description

  Situated atop high ground with good panoramic views in all directions. The impressive hillfort known as the Dun of Clopook (LA019-021001-) is located 270m to the NNE. A circular pond of unknown antiquity can be seen in the adjoining field 55m to the N of the graveyard (LA019-022001-). Present remains consist of a nave (ext. dims. 12.9m E-W; 8.4m N-S; wall T 0.9m) and chancel (ext. dims. 9.7m E-W; 6.2m N-S) church constructed with roughly coursed limestone rubble standing in the centre of an irregular-shaped graveyard (LA019-022001-). This medieval church was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Comerford 1886, 128). According to Byrne (1856, 37) the ‘ancient name of this church is Bla-kil-anan [Bealaquillane]; “Bla” is a corruption of “Baile”, a town, so the compound may signify the town of Anan’s wood, or the church of Anan’s town. By these expositions it appears that the place took its name from the Irish goddess Áine’. The W wall of the nave no longer survives intact and a railing has been inserted into the S wall of the chancel. The interior of the chancel contains some early 18th century grave-slabs, one of which belongs to a priest called Roger Moore who died in 1706. The original doorway into the church was located in the centre of the S wall of the nave, only the lower jambstones of this doorway survives. Evidence of a destroyed single light window located off centre to E in N and S walls of nave. The chancel is entered through a wide segmental arched opening (Wth 2.15m). No other features visible. The church was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. According to the Patent Rolls of Edward VI, on Nov. 24th, 1550, Bernard Dempsie was presented to the vicarage of Bealaquillane [Clopook] (Comerford 1886, 128). Clopook was located in the Gaelic lordship of 'Farryn O'Kalle' and in 1551 the lands of 'Powkiscastell' [Clopook] were leased to Sir John Travers (Nicholls 1994, 166). In 1569 the lands of 'Cloghpowke' [Clopook] were leased by the Crown to Francis Cosbie [Cosby] which included the rectory of Ballequillane (ibid, 175-6). In 1593 the Crown leased the lands of 'Cloghpowle' [Clopook] and the 'rectory of Ballequillan with the tithes extending to Ballequillan, Cloghpowle, Towinlevan, Nenaghe, Ballickhullen, and Curragh' to Alex Cosbie of Stradbally (ibid., 221). In 1624 the inquisition into the property of the deceased Peter Davells listed 'Cloghpooke & Ballequillen' as part of his estate (Cal. inq. post mortem, 25 Jas. I). The church was described in the 19th century as consisting of a ‘nave and chancel; the nave measured 38 feet [11.6m] by 18 [5.5m]; the chancel, which has a round-headed arch, 24 feet [7.3m] by 15 [4.6m]. There are traces of an east window, and also of two lancet windows in the nave, 9 inches [0.23m] wide on the outside, one in the north, the other in the south wall’ (ibid.). The church was once more described in the History of the Queen’s County in 1907 as ‘the old church near this spot is now a ruin, the nave of which measures 38 ft. [11.6m] in length by 20 ft. [6m] in breadth. The walls are 3 ft. [0.9m] in thickness, and although built with surface stone, and not wholly perfect, the portions remaining are well preserved and covered with ivy. The west gable and wall are gone. The door was in the south side wall. A window was on either side wall. There is a choir [chancel] attached, and it is 20 ft. [6m] in length by 14 ft. [4.25m] in width. There is an end window in its gable, but the side walls are greatly ruined. There is a beautiful choir [chancel] arch connecting with the nave, having been built with chiselled stones, and elegantly turned. At present, it is about 5ft. [1.5m] over-ground from the springing of the arch; but the soil beneath has been filled up with graves. Within the choir [chancel] may yet be seen the flag-tomb of Rev. Roger Moore, said to have been born in 1640, and to have died December 28th, A.D. 1706, another account has it in 1720’ (O’Hanlon and O’Leary 1907, 343). Comerford (1886, 128) recorded the tradition that in ‘the immediate vicinity of Clopoke is a place called “the Mass Field”, where the faithful used to assemble for the celebration of the divine mysteries in the penal times’. See attached Bing Maps aerial photograph taken between 06-07 November 2011 which shows church and graveyard. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. 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: 12 December 2013

• LA019-022001 Graveyard
  Description

  D-shaped shaped graveyard (int. dims. 53m N-S; 60m E-W) enclosed by a 19th century stone wall containing post 1700 memorials. Church (LA019-022----) located in centre of graveyard. S side of graveyard intersected by a public road running on an E-W axis. The church was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. According to the Patent Rolls of Edward VI, on Nov. 24th, 1550, Bernard Dempsie was presented to the vicarage of Bealaquillane [Clopook] (Comerford 1883-86, 128). See attached Bing Maps aerial photograph taken between 06-07 November 2011 which shows church and graveyard. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

• LA019-023 Enclosure
  Description

  A subcircular enclosure visible on aerial photograph (GSI, S 168-9). No visible surface remains. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Architectural heritage

• Graveyard/cemetery, 1725–1775 · Regional interest
  Description

  Graveyard with various cut stone grave markers, c. 1750 to the present. Remains of detached medieval abbey to site. Now in ruins.

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 Clopook, 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 high, 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 Clopook.

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 Clopook with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Laois.

Name

Clopook · Cloch an Phúca

Area

1,384,512 m² (138.45 ha, 342.12 acres)

Civil parish

Tullomoy, and its townlands

Barony

Stradbally

Electoral division

Luggacurren, the unit of the census

Census 2022

329 people lived in 111 households in the Luggacurren electoral division. 90% of households owned their home. 23% of homes were built since 2001. 10% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 0% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Fallowbeg Lower, Fallowbeg Middle, Guileen, Luggacurren, Tomoclavin, Tullomoy

Placenames

Clopook 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.