Rathfeston

50 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Rathfeston, from 881 m² to 270,092 m² (27.01 ha, 66.74 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 14 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 Rathfeston 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.

• 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

• 13 Mar 2025Conditional

  1. REAR EXTENSION TO NORTH ELVATION, SIDE PORCH TO EAST ELEVATION AND FRONT PORCH TO SOUTH ELEVATION OF THE EXISTING SINGLE STOREY DWELLING. 2.RETENTION FOR TURF STORAGE SHED TO FRONT AND ALSO DRY STORAGE SHED TO THE REAR & ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Retention, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 2560073

• 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

• 1 Nov 2021Conditional

  CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION TO AN EXISTING GARAGE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DETACHED SINGLE STOREY SUNROOM, AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Retention, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 21678

• 23 Jun 2020Conditional

  LAYING AN UNDERGROUND ELECTRICITY CABLE OF UP TO 110KV AND ASSOCIATED DUCTING AND ANCILLARY DEVELOPMENT PRIMARILY WITHIN THE PUBLIC ROAD TO FACILITATE THE CONNECTION OF THE PERMITTED MOANVANE WIND FARM WITHIN THE TOWNLANDS OF RATHFESTON, BALLYKEAN, BALLYDUFF, RAHEENBEG, KILCOONEY, BALLINTOGHER, GORTEENKEEL AND BALLYNAKILL (OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL REF. 17/335; AN BORD PLEANÁLA REF. PL19 .301619) TO THE NATIONAL ELECTRICITY GRID VIA THE EXISTING MOUNTLUCAS 110KV SUBSTATION IN THE TOWNLAND OF BALLYNAKILL, CO. OFFALY. PERMISSION IS ALSO SOUGHT TO INSTALL A SUBSTATION WITHIN THE TOWNLAND OF KILCOONEY TO REPLACE THE SUBSTATION PERMITTED AS PART OF THE MOANVANE WIND FARM. PERMISSION IS ALSO SOUGHT TO EXTEND THE EXISTING MOUNTLUCAS SUBSTATION LOCATED WITHIN THE TOWNLAND OF BALLYNAKILL, CO. OFFALY TO INCLUDE AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING COMPOUND TO ACCOMMODATE A BUSBAR EXTENSION AND DEDICATED BAY. PERMISSION IS SOUGHT FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS. AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT (EIAR) AND A NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT (NIS) HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND SUBMITTED IN RESPECT OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

  Permission, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 20218

• 27 Apr 2020N/a

  LAYING AN UNDERGROUND ELECTRICITY CABLE OF UP TO 110KV AND ASSOCIATED DUCTING AND ANCILLARY DEVELOPMENT PRIMARILY WITHIN THE PUBLIC ROAD TO FACILITATE THE CONNECTION OF THE PERMITTED MOANVANE WIND FARM WITHIN THE TOWNLANDS OF RATHFESTON, BALLYKEAN, BALLYDUFF, RAHEENBEG, KILCOONEY, BALLINTOGHER, GORTEENKEEL AND BALLYNAKILL (OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL REF. 17/335; AN BORD PLEANAILA REF. PL19 .301619) TO THE NATIONAL ELECTRICITY GRID VIA THE EXISTING MOUNTLUCAS 110KV SUBSTATION IN THE TOWNLAND OF BALLYNAKILL, CO. OFFALY. PERMISSION IS ALSO SOUGHT TO INSTALL A SUBSTATION WITHIN THE TOWNLAND OF KILCOONEY TO REPLACE THE SUBSTATION PERMITTED AS PART OF THE MOANVANE WIND FARM. PERMISSION IS ALSO SOUGHT TO EXTEND THE EXISTING MOUNTLUCAS SUBSTATION LOCATED WITHIN THE TOWNLAND OF BALLYNAKILL, CO. OFFALY TO INCLUDE AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING COMPOUND TO ACCOMMODATE A BUSBAR EXTENSION AND DEDICATED BAY. PERMISSION IS SOUGHT FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS. AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT (EIAR) AND A NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT (NIS) HAVE BEEN PREPARED IN RESPECT OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 20156

• 4 Mar 2020Conditional

  (A) ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSION TO EXISTING DWELLING HOUSE (B) RETENTION PERMISSION FOR DOMESTIC SHED/FUEL STORE AS CONSTRUCTED AND ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS

  Permission, 2 homes · Offaly County Council, 2068

• 2 Aug 2019Conditional

  A) ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSION TO THE REAR OF EXISTING HOUSE AND ANCILLARY SITE WORKS. B) RETENTION PERMISSION FOR DOMESTIC GARAGE / SHED AND SECOND GATED DOMESTIC SERVICE ENTRANCE

  Permission, 2 homes · Offaly County Council, 19388

• 12 Jul 2019N/a

  A) ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSION TO THE REAR OF EXISTING HOUSE AND ANCILLARY SITE WORKS. B) RETENTION PERMISSION FOR DOMESTIC GARAGE/SHED AND SECOND GATED DOMESTIC SERVICE ENTRANCE

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 19344

• 11 Jul 2019Refused

  CONVERSION OF OUTBUILDINGS TO SEPARATE LIVING ACCOMODATION

  Retention, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 19340

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

Designated sites

No designated site (Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, Natural Heritage Area or proposed one) touches the townland of Rathfeston.

Recorded monuments

• OF018-079 Road - class 1 togher
  Description

  A substantial site (L 239.01m min.; Wth 2.87m; D 0.26m) of planks, roundwoods, mixed brushwood and pegs, orientated NE-SW. There is a marked WSW kink at the SW extent where the site is less well preserved. The surviving width (Wth 1.52-4.36m) and the depth (D 0.02-0.26m) varies along the length of the site. At one sighting it is composed of timbers (Wth 0.1-0.25m; D 0.02-0.05m), roundwoods (diam. 0.16m max), mixed brushwood and pegs. Most of these elements are transversely laid. The heavier elements are densely packed with the voids between them filled with brushwood. This material lies in poorly humified Sphagnum peat with some Eriophorum, fibrous roots and Menyanthes seeds. This site was dendrochronologically dated to 650±9 BC (Q10135). Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). This site was identified by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (UCD) during their 2001 survey as a primary togher orientated from north-east to south-west and recorded at five locations on the field surface. It was recorded as being composed of a single layer of planks, roundwoods, mixed brushwoods and pegs (Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (UCD) 2002). A dendrochronological date of 650±9 BC was obtained from a sample of oak retrieved from this trackway. Four cuttings were excavated under licence no. 04E0723 along this trackway, one towards each end and two along its length. Three of the cuttings measured 10m by 5m and the fourth measured 6m by 4m. The excavation revealed the remains of a northeast/south-west-orientated trackway dating to the Late Bronze Age (based on the date obtained by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (UCD)). The trackway appeared to have allowed passage across a narrow part of the bog between two areas of dry land. The construction of this track appears to be relatively uniform along its length, although the damage in some of the cuttings makes it difficult to be sure. The basic construction consisted of transverse planks on longitudinal roundwoods and brushwood packing to create a walking surface c. 3.5m in width. A whitish-grey sandy deposit found on some of the wood is likely to be a by-product of the felling and transportation process, but also could conceivably be a deliberate deposit to provide better grip between the elements. Further research into the woodworking evidence and into parallels for this trackway is ongoing, and the results of dating and environmental samples are pending. Reference Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (UCD) 2002 Archaeological survey report: Clonad Bog, Co. Offaly. Unpublished report commissioned by Dœchas, the Heritage Service. Eoin Corcoran, Archaeological Development Services Ltd, Windsor House, 11 Fairview Strand, Dublin 3. Date of revision: 23 April 2009

• OF018-106 Structure - peatland
  Description

  A radially split plank (L 0.27m min.; Wth 0.21m; D 0.05m) in the drain face. It lies in well-humified Sphagnum peat with fibrous roots. The plank was dendrochronologically dated to AD 1205±9 (Q10136). 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

• OF018-108 Structure - peatland
  Description

  A deposit of brushwood (diam. 0.01-0.058m), one roundwood (diam. 0.076m) and occasional twigs (L 2.84m; Wth 1.66m; D 0.09m). The wood is dispersed and regularly laid, with the majority of elements orientated N-S. The other pieces are orientated E-W. Woodworking is evidenced by metal-cut chisel points. The site is in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with some Eriophorum. This deposit may be the remnants of a larger linear 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

• OF018-109 Road - class 3 togher
  Description

  The site (L 7.68m; Wth 1.8m; D 0.06m) is orientated NW-SE and is constructed of brushwood (diam. 0.01-0.055m) with occasional roundwoods. The elements are widely spaced and longitudinally laid. Woodworking is evidenced by two degraded, metal-cut chisel points. The site is in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with Eriophorum. SMR OF018-115---- is approximately 1.4m to the S. Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF018-110 Road - class 3 togher
  Description

  The site (Wth 2.8m; D 0.7m) is constructed of brushwood (diam. 0.015-0.05m), roundwoods (diam. 0.065-0.08m), and beds of twigs. The elements are irregularly laid, densely packed and up to fifteen pieces deep. The majority of pieces are concentrated towards the centre of the site with the heavier elements dominating the upper and central areas. A possible timber fragment and a sandy mineral deposit are also incorporated into the site. A number of elements have degraded chisel points. The site is in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with ericaceous remains and fibrous roots. Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF018-111 Road - class 3 togher
  Description

  The site (L 1.6m min.; Wth 0.8m; D 0.3m) is orientated NNW-SSE and constructed of roundwoods (diam. 0.068-0.13m) and heavy brushwood. The wood is predominantly longitudinally laid and is two/three pieces deep. The larger elements are concentrated above the smaller ones forming a substantial walking surface. Woodworking is not evident. The site sits in moderately humified Sphagnum peat. It is 0.75m below the E side of the Late Bronze Age site SMR OF018-016----. The site may be related to SMR OF018-112---- further to the NW, which runs along the same line and has a similar, although slighter, composition. Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF018-112 Road - class 2 togher
  Description

  The site (L 93.39m min.; Wth 0.22m; D 0.13m) is orientated NW-SE The site consists of closely set longitudinal roundwoods (diam. 0.08-0.093m) and heavy brushwood. It was identified in opposing drain faces at three sightings, 0.52-0.92m below the field surfaces. These elements are one piece deep and two/three elements wide, forming a narrow walking surface. The wood is in good condition and there is evidence for branch-trimming. It sits in moderately humified Sphagnum peat containing Eriophorum and ericaceous remains. The site may be related to SMR OF018-111---- further to the SE which runs along the same line and has a similar, although more substantial, composition. SMR OF018-111---- is 0.75m below SMR OF018-016----, a Late Bronze Age togher, at one point along its E extent. Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF018-113 Structure - peatland
  Description

  Two parallel pieces of light brushwood in the drain face (Wth 0.11m; D 0.15m). One piece is cut to a wedge point. The wood is in good condition and sits in moderately humified Sphagnum and Eriophorum peat containing ericaceous remains. 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

• OF018-114 Road - class 3 togher
  Description

  Ten timbers and off-splits (L 1.5m min.; Wth 0.39m; D 0.06m) orientated NE-SW on the field surface. The planks (L 0.73m max.) are closely set, overlapping each other. They appear to be radially split, with some trimming. The wood is in poor condition as a result of milling and sits in well-humified Sphagnum and Eriophorum peat. Compiled by: Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College Dublin). Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF018-115 Structure - peatland
  Description

  Two light roundwoods and three pieces of mixed brushwood (L 1.88m min.; Wth 1.22m; D 0.05m). The pieces are irregularly laid and widely spaced. Woodworking with a metal tool is evidenced. The elements are at the boundary between poorly humified and well-humified Sphagnum and Eriophorum peats. SMR OF018-109---- is approximately 1.4m 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

• OF018-202 Platform - peatland
  Description

  This site is located in the industrial peatlands of Clonad Bog. It was recorded in a drain face c. 0.14m below the field surface during the 2013 Reassessment Peatland Survey (Whitaker 2014). On excavation in 2014 (licence 14E0354) the site was exposed to be a possible platform. A single cutting, measuring 5x2m, was opened; the E extent of the cutting was truncated by a drain. The overlying peat was well-humified Sphagnum peat. The possible platform was composed of closely placed NW-SE orientated brushwood and roundwood elements, measuring a maximum of 1.4m in length. They were laid a maximum of two layers deep. The underlying peat was moderately humified. A fragment of alder was chosen for AMS dating and returned a result of cal. 1923-1752 BC (UBA 26630). Compiled by: Jane Whitaker/Femke Vleeshouwer Date of upload: 25 February 2020

Architectural heritage

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

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

Radon

About 1 in 5 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

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

Terrain model

LiDAR of the Office of Public Works, flown in 2011, at 2 m: tile OPW_2139 (ZIP).

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

Name

Rathfeston · Ráth Phiastúin

Area

3,920,388 m² (392.04 ha, 968.75 acres)

Civil parish

Geashill, and its townlands

Barony

Philipstown Upper

Electoral division

Rathfeston, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Rathfeston electoral division: 460 people in 150 households; 90% of households own their home; 44% of homes were built since 2001; 3% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 1% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Ballyduff, Ballyduff South, Clonad, Gorteenkeel, Killarles, Raheenbeg

Placenames

Rathfeston 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.