Townparks

1,133 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Townparks, from 2 m² to 67,761 m² (6.78 ha, 16.74 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 48 neighbouring parcels touch it.

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

• R2Existing Residential (Existing residential)
  Birr Local Area Plan 2023-2029, Offaly · 775 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• M1Town Centre/Mixed Use (Mixed Use, general development, opportunity/proposal site)
  Birr Local Area Plan 2023-2029, Offaly · 153 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• G5Open Space, Amenity and Recreation (Mixed/general 'green'/recreation/conservation, other)
  Birr Local Area Plan 2023-2029, Offaly · 45 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• S5Community Services/Facilities (Mixed/general community services/facilities uses)
  Birr Local Area Plan 2023-2029, Offaly · 28 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• C3Enterprise and Employment (Office, business/technology park and related)
  Birr Local Area Plan 2023-2029, Offaly · 22 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• R4Strategic Residential Reserve
  Birr Local Area Plan 2023-2029, Offaly · 9 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• R1New Residential (New/proposed residential)
  Birr Local Area Plan 2023-2029, Offaly · 6 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• R2Open Space, Amenity and Recreation (Existing residential)
  Birr Local Area Plan 2023-2029, Offaly · 1 parcels The zoning objective in the plan

Source: Tailte Éireann and the Department of Housing (MyPlan), national zoning, CC BY 4.0.

• 6 Aug 2026N/a

  change of use of the existing bakery to use as a Food Takeaway including signage, a two-storey extension to the rear of the existing property and all associated site works

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2660410

• 31 Jul 2026N/a

  development comprising works to the existing 2 No. rugby pitches which includes: 1/Installation of 2 No. prefabricated concrete spectator stands. 2/ Relocation of existing dug-out boxes. 3/Erection of 9 No. floodlighting columns complete with floodlights. 4/Erection of 2m high security fencing. 5/ Erection of 2 No. electronic scoreboards. 6/ Erection of 5 No. ball catcher nets and supporting columns, together with internal crowd control fencing and all associated site works

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2660405

• 24 Jul 2026N/a

  the following: • Staff WC located on the ground floor under the stairs. • Rear ground floor flat roof extension comprising of kitchen, dry store, cold store and staff locker room. • First floor rear extension comprising of kitchen and dining • Exterior alterations to the second floor comprising of no. 2 windows on the rear elevation and all associated site works. Planning permission is also sought to change in operating hours for the restaurant with ancillary takeaway to operate from Sunday to Thursday between 12.00hr and 00.00hr and from Friday to Saturday to operate between 12.00hr and 01.00hr

  Retention · Offaly County Council, 2660394

• 9 Jul 2026N/a

  • Staff WC located on the ground floor under the stairs. • Rear ground floor flat roof extension comprising of kitchen, dry store, cold store and staff locker room. • First floor rear extension comprising of kitchen and dining • Exterior alterations to the second floor comprising of no. 2 windows on the rear elevation and all associated site works at the above address. Permission is also sought for the change of Second Schedule, Condition no. 2, for the restaurant with ancillary takeaway to operate from Sunday to Thursday between 12.00hr and 00.00hr and from Friday to Saturday to operate between 12.00hr and 01.00hr

  Retention · Offaly County Council, 2660366

• 1 Jul 2026N/a

  (A) WORKS CARRIED OUT TO THE REAR OF THE PROPERTY TO STABILISE THE DILAPIDATED ROOF AND STRUCTURE THEREOF CULMINATING IN EXTENDING THE EXISTING REAR PERIMETER WALL TO NEW WALL PLATE LEVEL OF 2ND FLOOR TO ENABLE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FLAT ROOF IN LIEU OF THE ORIGINAL DILAPIDATIONS FLOOR/ AREA 85.5SQM. (B) FOR PLANNING PERMISSION TO RETAIN THE EXISTING RETAIL GROUND FLOOR INCLUSIVE OF THE EXISTING CELLAR AREA. (C) FOR PLANNING PERMISSION TO REFURBISH THE REMAINING ORIGINAL RESIDENTIAL AREA OF THE 1ST 2ND AND 3RD FLOORS TO ACCOMMODATE APARTMENTS CONSISTING OF 3NO. STUDIO APARTMENTS, 4 NO. 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AND 2 NO.1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS, INCLUSIVE OF NEW INTERNAL PASSENGER LIFT, CONNECTION TO ALL EXISTING PUBLIC SERVICES AND ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS. THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WILL CONSIST OF WORKS WITHIN THE CURTILAGE OF PROTECTED STRUCTURES. REFERENCE NIAH NO. 14819005 49-204, NIAH NO. 14819006 49-205, NIAH NO. 14819007 49-206 IN THE RECORD OF PROTECTED STRUCTURES OFFALY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2021-2027

  Retention, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 2662

• 12 May 2026Refused

  THE DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING TWO STOREY RUIN AND WALLED COMPOUND ON THE SITE OF THE OLD FOUNDRY YARD AND THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A 4-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONTAINING 3 TWO STOREY TOWNHOUSES TO THE NORTH-EAST AND A REBUILT TWO STOREY BUILDING TO THE SOUTH-WEST ON MOORPARK STREET CONSISTING OF A TWO BEDROOM DWELLING, VEHICULAR ENTRANCE GATES, BIN AND CYCLE STORAGE. THE PROVISION OF LANDSCAPED PRIVATE OPEN SPACE, 5 CAR PARKING SPACES, PROPOSED BOUNDARY TREATMENTS, PEDESTRIAN ENTRANCE, SIGNAGE, CONNECTIONS TO SERVICES AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITEWORKS

  Permission, 4 homes · Offaly County Council, 2645

• 9 Mar 2026Conditional

  THE CHANGE OF USE OF THE FIRST FLOOR FROM STORAGE TO RESIDENTIAL FOR THE PROVISION OF A PROPOSED 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT, A PROPOSED FIRST FLOOR FIRE EXIT WITH EXTERNAL FIRE ESCAPE STAIRCASE TO REAR, NEW WINDOWS THROUGHOUT, ALL INTERNAL MODIFICATIONS AND ASSOCIATED SITEWORKS

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2620

• 27 Feb 2026Conditional

  THE CHANGE OF USE OF TWO OUTBUILDINGS TO THE REAR OF THE MAIN RESIDENTIAL CARE BUILDING FROM STORAGE TO ANCILLARY SUPPORT ROOMS, WITH THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT COMPRISING OF COMMON/ MEETING ROOM, STUDY ROOM, GAMES ROOM, STORAGE AND W.C. PERMISSION IS ALSO SOUGHT FOR JOINING THESE TWO EXISTING OUTBUILDINGS WITH A SINGLE STOREY GLAZED LINK, ADJUSTMENTS TO OPES, NEW WINDOWS AND DOORS THROUGHOUT, REROOFING AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS AND INTERNAL MODIFICATIONS. ALL ABOVE PROPOSED WORKS ARE WITHIN THE CURTILAGES OF TWO PROTECTED STRUCTURES IN THE OFFALY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2021-2027 (RPS REFERENCES 49-223 & 49-224)

  Permission, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 2619

• 12 Feb 2026N/a

  THE CHANGE OF USE OF THE FIRST FLOOR FROM STORAGE TO RESIDENTIAL FOR THE PROVISION OF A PROPOSED 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT, A PROPOSED FIRST FLOOR FIRE EXIT WITH EXTERNAL FIRE ESCAPE STAIRCASE TO REAR, NEW WINDOWS THROUGHOUT, ALL INTERNAL MODIFICATIONS AND ASSOCIATED SITEWORKS

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2613

• 23 Dec 2025N/a

  the demolition of an existing shop and part demolition of existing viewing terrace and, the construction of a new two-storey club building containing a shop, gym, changing rooms, a common room, kitchen and toilets to the northern end of the existing playing pitch

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560686

• 18 Dec 2025Conditional

  the change of use of a former night club to additional hotel accommodation, significant alterations to the existing property including partial demolition of sections of the protected structure both internally and externally and all associated site development works to complete the development. The proposed development includes works to a protected structure OCC RPS No. 53-201 NIAH Reg. No. 14819009

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560655

• 27 Nov 2025N/a

  the consist of the change of use of a former night club to additional guest accommodation, internal alterations and all associated site development works to complete the development. The proposed development includes works to a protected structure OCC RPS No. 53-201 NIAH Reg. No. 14819009

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560599

• 11 Nov 2025N/a

  the change of use of a former night club to additional guest accommodation, internal alterations and all associated site development works to complete the development. The proposed development includes works to a protected structure OCC RPS No. 53-201 NIAH Reg. No. 14819009

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560547

• 24 Oct 2025N/a

  development at this site: Head Gardener’s House, Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co. Offaly, which is a protected structure listed on the Record of Protected Structures under OCC RPS Ref: 49-308 and is located within the curtilage of additional protected structures listed under Offaly County Council Record of Protected Structures Nos. 49-302 to 49-311 and National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Reg. Nos. 14819257, 14819258, 14819269, 14819270, 14819272, 14819275, 14819276, 14819277, 14819278, and 14819279. The proposed development will consist of the change of use of the existing derelict Head Gardener’s House to short-term letting accommodation. The works will include alterations, conservation and restoration of the existing structure and will be carried out in accordance with best conservation practice. No material alterations will be made to the architectural character of the building. All existing services are to be reused and not altered

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560518

• 24 Oct 2025N/a

  change of use of the existing derelict Head Gardener’s House to short-term letting accommodation. The works will include alterations, conservation and restoration of the existing structure and will be carried out in accordance with best conservation practice. No material alterations will be made to the architectural character of the building. All existing services are to be reused and not altered at Head Gardener’s House, Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co. Offaly, which is a protected structure listed on the Record of Protected Structures under OCC RPS Ref: 49-308 and is located within the curtilage of additional protected structures listed under Offaly County Council Record of Protected Structures Nos. 49-302 to 49-311 and National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Reg. Nos. 14819257, 14819258, 14819269, 14819270, 14819272, 14819275, 14819276, 14819277, 14819278, and 14819279

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560519

• 22 Oct 2025Conditional

  the demolition of a stone shed structure and sections of the existing stone boundary wall along Pound Street; demolitions, alterations, and elevation changes to the existing building; the construction of a single storey extension connected to the existing school building; provision of a new pedestrian entrance and new service access gates within the existing stone boundary wall on Pound Street, connections to existing services and all associated site works to complete the development. The proposed development will consist of works to a protected structure OCC RPS No. 49-321 and NIAH Reg. No. 14819291

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560503

• 22 Oct 2025Conditional

  The construction of an extension and alterations to the existing Playground Tree House and all associated site development works to complete the development within the grounds of Birr Castle. The proposed development is within the curtilage of protected structures OCC RPS No. 49-302 through to 49-311 (NIAH Reg. No. 14819257, 14819258, 14819269, 14819270, 14819272, 14819275, 14819276, 14819277, 14819278, and 14819279)

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560506

• 20 Oct 2025Conditional

  both a single and a two-storey extension to the north-west of the existing dwelling, attic conversion for the provision of two bedrooms and rooflights to the south-east. A proposed window to the north-east, adjustments to the windows and door opes throughout, all internal modifications and associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 25103

• 20 Oct 2025N/a

  Planning permission to Offaly County Council for development at this site: Head Gardener’s House, Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co. Offaly, which is a protected structure listed on the Record of Protected Structures under OCC RPS Ref: 49-308 and is located within the curtilage of additional protected structures listed under Offaly County Council Record of Protected Structures Nos. 49-302 to 49-311 and National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Reg. Nos. 14819257, 14819258, 14819269, 14819270, 14819272, 14819275, 14819276, 14819277, 14819278, and 14819279. The proposed development will consist of the change of use of the existing derelict Head Gardener’s House to short-term letting accommodation. The works will include alterations, conservation and restoration of the existing structure and will be carried out in accordance with best conservation practice. No material alterations will be made to the architectural character of the building. All existing services are to be reused and not altered.

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560497

• 19 Oct 2025Refused

  The development will consist of a change of use from a commercial unit to a 6-bedroom guest house, refurbishment works to a Protected Structure (NIAH Registration No:14819128), and all associated site works.

  Permission, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 2560496

• 10 Oct 2025Conditional

  THE DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING REAR STRUCTURE BOILER HOUSE AND PORCH ADJOINED TO THE EXISTING DWELLING AND CONSTRUCT A NEW TWO STOREY EXTENSION AND VELUX ROOF WINDOW TO REAR OF THE EXISTING DWELLING AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS TO COMPLETE THE DEVELOPMENT

  Permission, 1 home · Offaly County Council, 2560475

• 4 Oct 2025N/a

  DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING REAR STRUCTURE BOILER HOUSE AND PORCH ADJOINED TO THE EXISTING DWELLING AND CONSTRUCT A NEW TWO STOREY EXTENSION AND VELUX ROOF WINDOW TO REAR OF THE EXISTING DWELLING AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS TO COMPLETE THE DEVELOPMENT

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560465

• 2 Oct 2025N/a

  The construction of an extension and alterations to the existing Playground Tree House and all associated site development works to complete the development within the grounds of Birr Castle. The proposed development is within the curtilage of protected structures OCC RPS No. 49-302 through to 49-311 (NIAH Reg. No. 14819257, 14819258, 14819269, 14819270, 14819272, 14819275, 14819276, 14819277, 14819278, and 14819279)

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560463

• 29 Sept 2025N/a

  development at this site: Head Gardener’s House, Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co. Offaly, which is a protected structure listed on the Record of Protected Structures under OCC RPS Ref: 49-308 and is located within the curtilage of additional protected structures listed under Offaly County Council Record of Protected Structures Nos. 49-302 to 49-311 and National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Reg. Nos. 14819257, 14819258, 14819269, 14819270, 14819272, 14819275, 14819276, 14819277, 14819278, and 14819279. The proposed development will consist of the change of use of the existing derelict Head Gardener’s House to short-term letting accommodation. The works will include alterations, conservation and restoration of the existing structure and will be carried out in accordance with best conservation practice. No material alterations will be made to the architectural character of the building. All existing services are to be reused and not altered

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560449

• 16 Sept 2025N/a

  the change of use from a commercial unit to a 6-bedroom guest house, refurbishment works to a Protected Structure (NBHS Ref:14819128), and all associated site works

  Permission · Offaly County Council, 2560423

The 25 most recent of over 100 applications.

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: Birr (Domestic Dwelling No.1, Occupied) 000569
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Birr (Domestic Dwelling No. 2, Occupied) 000568

Recorded monuments

• OF035-012 Historic town
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. An Anglo-Norman castle (OF035-012009-) and settlement had been established at Birr by 1207 and continued at least until c. 1315. By the mid-14th century the settlement had reverted to the O'Carrolls of Ely. The 'Black Castle' (OF035-012010) became one of the principal seats of the ruling branch of that dynasty and remained as such until its sale to Butler of Ormond in 1594. In 1621 as part of the Plantation of Ely O'Carroll, Laurence Parsons was granted the lands, 'castle and fortilage' of Birr which became the manor of Parsonstown and a new castle (OF035-012004-) was erected by the Parsons family. It was from this time and under Laurence Parsons' direction that Birr began to develop as a true town. In 1621 he obtained a grant of a Tuesady market and two annual fairs, to which were added a Saturday market and two more fairs in 1627. He rigorously imposed a number of bye laws in 1626-7 for the paving and cleaning of the town, for the erection of chimneys and the regulation of drinking houses. Such was the steady pace of its development and its pleasing appearance that by 1633, John Bramhall, writing to Lord Deputy Thomas Wentworth, declared that Parsonstown 'is the only town that I have found yet in all my journey fit to accommodate a traveller, having trademsen in it of all kinds' (Loeber 1988). Although virtually razed by the Confederate forces in 1642, the town recovered after the Restoration and by 1672 it had been established as a borough, returning two members to Parliament. A map of Birr made by Michael Richards in 1691 indicates that the town was esentially linear in plan, a layout which is preserved in Main St. with a subtriangular market place with a market house (OF035-012018) at the S end near the bridge (OF035-012006-). Castle St. is shown running off the Market Square with Mill Lane, Shamble Lane and Fayle's Lane leading off Maint St. to E and W. Richards also shows town defences (OF035-012007-) on his plan, the N wall running from William St. to the junction of Emmet St. the present day Spinner's Lane marking its original line. The Square was fortified with two bastions one of which possibly stood at the N end of Spinner's Lane and the other at the point where Emmet St. meets the Square. At this bastion the town wall turned S terminating on this side at a rectangular tower lying between Chapel Lane and the mill race. Ot has been suggested that portion of the town wall defences at SE are incorporated into the fabric of a later wall running from the SE end of Brendan St. towards the Manor Saw Mill. The southern defences followed the line of what is now Mill Lane. Moving W of the river, there was an additional stretch of walling which terminated in yet another bastion. With the castle (OF035-012004-) and the church (OF035-012001-) positioned in this quarter of the town and their need for protection, the western defences were reinforced with earthen embankments. Aside from the castle and church which are described elsewhere in this volume, 17th century records note additional monuments at Birr. There was a masonry bridge (OF035-012006-) crossing the River Camcor as early as 1626 which was replaced by the present structure of mid-18th century origin, and according to Cooke (1875, 45) there was a second 17th-century bridge (OF035-012014) near the castle in the vicinity of St Brendan's holy well (OF035-012005-). There was also a market cross (OF035-012015) in the town which was erected in c. 1625, a tuck mill (OF035-012017), two grist mills, five watermills (OF035-012011) and as early as 1626 a Free School (OF035-012016). A gaol (OF035-012012) is marked on Richard's plan of 1691. The survival of 17th-century domestic houses in the town is difficult to ascertain fully because the present buildings in what were the principal residential areas of the town in 1691 - Main St. and Market Square have been altered and rendered. However, several of these narrow three-storey houses are esentially 17th-century buildings, their facades added later in the 18th century. Two positively identified 17th-century which are characteristically stone-built narrow and with pitched roofs and one which carries a date of 1679 (OF035-012013), occur on the corner of Market Square and Brendan St. Another four houses, two immediately N of the above, one of which was refurbished c. 1780 by Samuel Abbot and the others on Fayle's Lane and Church Lane, may also be included. (Cooke 1875, 37-88, Bradley 1986, 20-29; Loeber Survey 1988). Dominic Delany (Excavations 1997, No. 445, 97E0352) carried out test excavations almost directly opposite the current development site, on the eastern side of Main Street, prior to the extension of the supermarket at this location. Four test-trenches were excavated. No features or finds of definite medieval date were uncovered. A possible paving layer was revealed in Trench 4, probably post-medieval. When taken in conjunction with the findings from across the road (Excavations 1997, No. 445), the paving layer is probably of 18th-century date. At the time of testing, the formation levels of the construction had not been finalised. Test-trenching was undertaken in 1999 by John Tierney under licence no. 99E0758 at the request of the client in order to satisfy planning requirements prior to development. This derelict site, lying within Birr's zone of archaeological potential, was fronted by the façades of a number of houses. Documentary research demonstrated that Church Street had been occupied by standing houses since at least the 17th century while also suggesting that the route may have been a relict of the early medieval enclosure of St Brendan's ecclesiastical settlement. On this site the client wished to construct three townhouses while retaining the façades of the original structures. The maximum depth of construction activity was 0.6m, while the ground level was to be raised by 0.1m. Four test-trenches were opened to a depth of 0.8m. These were located in the north-west and north-east corners, on a north-south axis, and along the southern foundation line. The deposits uncovered in these trenches were modern, and to this extent development would not have had a negative impact on any archaeological deposits. A test excavation was carried out in 2000 by Kenneth Wiggins under licence no. 00E0228 at Chapel Street on a small site where the construction of a terrace of three townhouses was proposed. Two trial cuttings were mechanically excavated on 14 April 2000. The excavation revealed two walls relating to 19th-century cottages that formerly occupied the site, but no archaeological features pre-dating this period were uncovered. Rubble derived from the demolition of the cottages was present on the site, and there was much artefactual material of modern origin in this debris. An assessment was carried out under licence no, 02E0322 at 23 Main Street, Birr, Co. Offaly. Three trenches were excavated: Trench 1 in the ground floor of the shop, and Trenches 2 and 3 in the yard to the rear. Trench 1 was excavated by hand in the middle of the shop floor. It measured 1m by 1m and was dug to a maximum depth of 0.5m. The floor of pine square-cut plank

• OF035-012001 Church
  Description

  Ancient monastic site founded by St. Brendan in the seventh century associated with the illuminated manuscript known as the 'Gospels of Mac Regol' now housed in the Bodleian Library, Oxford (Bradley 1986, 20). Present remains consist of a poorly preserved remains of multiperiod square shaped church (ext. dims. 16.65m N-S; 16.95m E-W; wall T 0.7m) built with roughly coursed limestone with large sandstone quoin stones with 17th-century tower (ext. dims. 6.6m E-W; 6.5m N-S; wall T 1.7m) three storeys high added to the S end of W wall. All floors were wooden carried in the thickness of the wall with evidence of internal wooden stairs. The top of the tower has crenellated battlements with round arched entrance at ground floor level on N, S and W walls with flat headed door between church and tower. Coat of arms over W door of tower with small round headed windows at first floor level and twin light round headed windows at second floor level. The church was originally a small rectangular building (int. dims. 7.7m N-S; 15.5m E-W) with large pointed two centred single light windows of sandstone jambs with hood moulding over of possible late 13th/early 14th-century date. In the late medieval period the N wall was moved further N creating a large square shaped church with double gable roof which would have been supported by columns where the two roofs met. The N roof is lower than the S roof which would have given the church a lopsided appearance. Large flat headed door inserted in W wall at N end with two blocked windows at W end of S wall with late 18th/19th-century mortuary structure added to the centre of the S wall. Poorly preserved square shaped aumbry under E window of S gable. Probable late 13th/14th-century church built on site of ancient monastery which was later extended and fortified in the 17th-century. (Cooke 1875, 21-58; O' Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 70-4) Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012002 Graveyard
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town (OF035-012----) developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. Present remains consist of a poorly preserved remains of multiperiod square shaped church (OF035-012001-) built with roughly coursed limestone with large sandstone quoin stones with 17th-century tower three storeys high added to the S end of W wall which is located in centre of a large irregular shaped graveyard containing 18th and 19th century memorials. Excavations undertaken to the rear of 24-26 Main Street, by Daniel Noonan on behalf of the Archaeology Company under licence no. 03E0432 revealed the skeletal remains of three human burials orientated on a N-S axis and located 13m to the E of the boundary wall of St Brendans graveyard. Two separate pits and the remains of a potential ditch were also found close to the external face of the E wall of the graveyard. These burials may be associated with the medieval graveyard which may extend beyond the graveyard boundary wall especially to the E. (Noonan, D. 2003, Archaeological Assessment at 24-26 Main Street, Birr. Unpublished excavation report by the Archaeology Company) An archaeological assessment under licence no. 03E0432 of the proposed redevelopment of 24-26 Main Street, Birr, was carried out in April 2003 as part of the grant of planning permission. The three properties had been amalgamated some time in the 19th century into one long, rectangular property, running from the Main Street on the east side to the boundary of St Brendan's Church and graveyard at the west. The eastern two-thirds of the site is covered with buildings of 18th- and 19th-century date. The western third is an open garden area, up to the western boundary wall with St Brendan's. The redevelopment involves the demolition of all standing structures apart from one, and the construction of six retail units and six apartments. A 10m wayleave from the western boundary wall is to be left undeveloped. Six machine-excavated trenches were dug in the lanes and yards formed by the various ranges of buildings of the three former properties. The results from all trenches were consistent, showing that the earliest activity in this part of the site was 18th-century in date. Two phases of cobble surfaces were found, with an intermediate make-up layer of rubble and silty clay containing 19th-century pottery and brick fragments. The lower cobble layer was intermittently on top of thin dark-brown silty clay, which may have been a buried soil horizon. However, it was generally sitting on top of greenish-grey sandy clay natural. This change in yard surfaces probably represents the amalgamation of the properties some time in the 19th century and the creation of a uniform ground level throughout. A single building, Building A, retains the original ground level associated with the earlier cobbling. Architecturally, this building's thin walls, shallow roof pitch and symmetrical window and door layout, together with its significance as being the earliest recognisable structure in the sequencing of the buildings on-site, suggests that it is of 18th-century date and that the cobbling, by association, is of a similar age. A stone-lined well at the east end of the main yard, external to the buildings, was also uncovered. It is probable that the well is contemporary with the structures. No finds or features of archaeological significance were uncovered during the testing of the built-up area. A further five machine-excavated trenches were dug to assess the potential of the garden area. Testing revealed the existence of significant archaeological material, including the remains of three individuals, towards the western end. Two separate pits with signs of oxidisation and a potential ditch were also found. All of this material appears to be confined to an area that extends c. 13m from the western boundary wall, which is common with St Brendan's graveyard. A variation in subsoil towards the west side of the garden also corresponds with this area. The sediment sequence at the east end of the garden, towards the built-up area, was clear-cut, with topsoil coming straight onto natural. The garden soil contained occasional broken 19th-century ceramic pieces, including Denby jars and locally produced clay pipes. In the west side of the garden, within the 13m area, the topsoil was on top of mid-brown silty clay, which in turn lay on natural. It appears that a substantial amount of topsoil was imported onto the site during the 18th/19th centuries, especially in the east side, to bring the garden to the level it is at today. The variation in subsoil at the west end may be an earlier, surviving surface associated with the burials, which, because of their proximity to the medieval church and graveyard of St Brendan's, are of probable medieval date. The western boundary wall is probably a product of the laying out of this part of Birr in the 18th to 19th centuries and does not correspond to the original extents of the churchyard. Therefore, it is possible that the archaeological activity within the 13m area of the western wall is a surviving part of the medieval townscape, earlier than the 17th-century redevelopment of the town by the Earls of Rosse. The discovery of human remains outside the current boundary wall suggests that the church precinct was originally larger than it is today. Daniel Noonan, The Archaeology Company, Birr Technology Centre, Mill Island, Birr, Co. Offaly. An assessment of the proposed redevelopment of 24-26 Main Street, Birr, was carried out in April 2003 as part of the grant of planning permission. The three properties had been amalgamated some time in the 19th century into the one property. The property is long and rectangular, running from Main Street on the east side to the boundary of St Brendan's Church and graveyard (SMR 35:12) at the west. The eastern two-thirds of the site is covered with buildings of 18th- and 19th-century date. The western third is an open garden area, up to the western boundary wall with St Brendan's. The redevelopment involves the demolition of all standing structures, apart from one, and the construction of six retail units and six apartments. A 10m wayleave from the western boundary wall is to be left undeveloped. Six machine-excavated trenches were dug by Ellen O'Carroll of the Archaeology Company under licence no. 04E1279 in the lanes and yards formed by the various ranges of buildings of the three former properties on Main St.. The results from all six were consistent, showing that the earliest activity in this part of the site was 18th-century in date. Two phases of cobble surfaces were found, with an intermediate make-up layer of rubble and silty clay containing 19th-century pottery and brick fragments. The lower cobble layer was intermittently on top of thin dark-brown silty clay, which may have been a buried soil horizon. However, it was generally sitting on top of greenish-grey sandy clay natural. This change in yard surfaces probably represents the amalgamation of the properties sometime in the 19th century and the creation of a uniform ground level throughout. A single building, Building A, retains the original ground level associated with the earlier cobbling. Architecturally, this

• OF035-012003 Ecclesiastical site
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town (OF035-012----) developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Ancient monastic site founded by St. Brendan in the seventh century associated with the illuminated manuscript known as the 'Gospels of Mac Regol' now housed in the Bodleian Library, Oxford (Bradley 1986, 20). Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. Present remains consist of a poorly preserved remains of multiperiod square shaped church (OF035-012001-) built with roughly coursed limestone with large sandstone quoin stones with 17th-century tower three storeys high added to the S end of W wall which is located in centre of a large irregular shaped graveyard containing 18th and 19th century memorials. The church (OF035-012001-) and graveyard (OF035-012002-) were possibly built on the site of the ancient monastery of Birr. Six machine-excavated trenches were dug by Ellen O'Carroll of the Archaeology Company under licence no. 04E1279 in the lanes and yards formed by the various ranges of buildings of the three former properties on Main St.. The results from all six were consistent, showing that the earliest activity in this part of the site was 18th-century in date. Two phases of cobble surfaces were found, with an intermediate make-up layer of rubble and silty clay containing 19th-century pottery and brick fragments. The lower cobble layer was intermittently on top of thin dark-brown silty clay, which may have been a buried soil horizon. However, it was generally sitting on top of greenish-grey sandy clay natural. This change in yard surfaces probably represents the amalgamation of the properties sometime in the 19th century and the creation of a uniform ground level throughout. A single building, Building A, retains the original ground level associated with the earlier cobbling. Architecturally, this building's thin walls, shallow roof pitch, symmetrical window and door layout, together with its significance as being the earliest recognisable structure in the sequencing of the buildings on site, suggests that it is of 18th-century date and that the cobbling, by association, is of a similar age. A stone-lined well at the east end of the main yard, outside the buildings, was also uncovered. It is probable that the well is contemporary with the structures. No finds or features of archaeological significance were uncovered during the testing of the built-up area. A further five machine-excavated trenches were dug to assess the potential of the garden area. Testing revealed the existence of significant archaeological material, including three burials, towards the western end. Two separate pits with signs of oxidisation and a potential ditch were also found. All of this material appears to be confined to an area that extends c. 13m from the western boundary wall, which is common to St Brendan's graveyard. A variation in subsoil towards the west side of the garden also corresponds with this area. The sediment sequence at the east end of the garden towards the built-up area was clear-cut, with topsoil coming straight onto natural. The garden soil contained occasional broken 19th-century ceramic pieces, including Denby jars and locally produced clay pipes. In the west side of the garden, within the 13m area, the topsoil was on top of mid-brown silty clay, which in turn was on natural. It appears that a substantial amount of topsoil was imported onto site during the 18th/19th centuries, especially in the east side, to bring the garden to the level it is at today. The variation in subsoil in the west end may be an earlier surviving surface associated with the burials, which, because of their proximity to the medieval church and graveyard of St Brendan's, are of probable medieval date. The western boundary wall is probably a product of the laying out of this part of Birr in the 18th to 19th centuries and does not correspond to the original extents of the churchyard. Therefore, it is possible that the archaeological activity within the 13m area of the western wall is a surviving part of the medieval townscape of Birr that is earlier than the 17th-century redevelopment of the town by the Earls of Rosse. The discovery of human remains outside the current boundary wall suggests that the church precinct was originally larger than it is today. Ellen O'Carroll, The Archaeology Company, 17 Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of revision: 23 April 2009

• OF035-012004 Castle - unclassified
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001-/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. An Anglo-Norman castle (OF035-012009-) and settlement had been established at Birr by 1207 and continued at least until c. 1315. By the mid-14th century the settlement had reverted to the O'Carrolls of Ely. The 'Black Castle' (OF035-012010-) became one of the principal seats of the ruling branch of that dynasty and remained as such until its sale to Butler of Ormond in 1594. In 1621 as part of the Plantation of Ely O'Carroll, Laurence Parsons was granted the lands, 'castle and fortilage' of Birr which became the manor of Parsonstown and a new castle was erected by the Parsons family. Present remains consist of 19th-century castle designed by John Johnson built around the core of a 17th century castle, near to the site of a 13th-century O'Carroll castle (OF035-012010-) and a twelfth century motte castle (OF035-012009-). Earliest references to a castle located here in the 1207 (Annals of Clonmacnoise) when it was attacked and destroyed by Murchad Ua Briain. Black castle was demolished in 1778 (Girouard 1965) and replaced by lawns and parkland. Only surviving 17th-century feature is the internal staircase made of yew with bold turned balusters which rises through three storeys of the house (Bradley et. al. 1986, 26). Gatehouse with two round flanking towers were built or rebuilt between 1620-1627 by Sir Laurence Parsons (Bence-Jones 1978, 41). A drawing by Dorothy Parsons of Birr castle in 1668 depicts the house as a three storey five bay triple gable fronted house with tall Jacobean Chimney stacks with two bay three storey gable fronted L-shaped wings with dormer windows attached to the rear wall either side of the main block. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012005 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. St Brendan's holy well consists of a natural spring well situated on the grounds of Birr Castle enclosed within a modern stone canopy close to the Camcor River, church (OF035-012001-) and graveyard (OF035-012002-) located. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012006 Bridge
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001-/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. An Anglo-Norman castle (OF035-012009-) and settlement had been established at Birr by 1207 and continued at least until c. 1315. By the mid-14th century the settlement had reverted to the O'Carrolls of Ely. The 'Black Castle' (OF035-012010-) became one of the principal seats of the ruling branch of that dynasty and remained as such until its sale to Butler of Ormond in 1594. In 1621 as part of the Plantation of Ely O'Carroll, Laurence Parsons was granted the lands, 'castle and fortilage' of Birr which became the manor of Parsonstown and a new castle (OF035-012004-) was erected by the Parsons family. It was from this time and under Laurence Parsons' direction that Birr began to develop as a true town. A map of Birr made by Michael Richards in 1691 indicates that the town was esentially linear in plan, a layout which is preserved in Main St. with a subtriangular market place at the S end near the bridge. There was a masonry bridge at the S end of the town crossing the River Camcor as early as 1626 which was replaced by the present structure of mid-18th century origin, and according to Cooke (1875, 45) there was a second 17th-century bridge near the castle in the vicinity of St Brendan's holy well (OF035-012005-). The present Bridge at the S end of the town is a multi-period structure which has been widened several times. The core of this bridge may be the 17th century bridge that is mentioned in 1626. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012007 Town defences
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. An Anglo-Norman castle (OF035-012009-) and settlement had been established at Birr by 1207 and continued at least until c. 1315. By the mid-14th century the settlement had reverted to the O'Carrolls of Ely. The 'Black Castle' (OF035-012010) became one of the principal seats of the ruling branch of that dynasty and remained as such until its sale to Butler of Ormond in 1594. In 1621 as part of the Plantation of Ely O'Carroll, Laurence Parsons was granted the lands, 'castle and fortilage' of Birr which became the manor of Parsonstown and a new castle (OF035-012004-) was erected by the Parsons family. It was from this time and under Laurence Parsons' direction that Birr began to develop as a true town. A map of Birr made by Michael Richards in 1691 indicates that the town was esentially linear in plan, a layout which is preserved in Main St. with a subtriangular market place at the S end near the bridge. Richards also shows town defences (OF035-012007-) on his plan, the N wall running from William St. to the junction of Emmet St. the present day Spinner's Lane marking its original line. The Square was fortified with two bastions one of which possibly stood at the N end of Spinner's Lane and the other at the point where Emmet St. meets the Square. At this bastion the town wall turned S terminating on this side at a rectangular tower lying between Chapel Lane and the mill race. Ot has been suggested that portion of the town wall defences at SE are incorporated into the fabric of a later wall running from the SE end of Brendan St. towards the Manor Saw Mill. The southern defences followed the line of what is now Mill Lane. Moving W of the river, there was an additional stretch of walling which terminated in yet another bastion. With the castle (OF035-012004-) and the church (OF035-012001-) positioned in this quarter of the town and their need for protection, the western defences were reinforced with earthen embankments. These earthen embankments are marked on a 1691 map of the town drawn by Michael Richards as 'Cromwell's old Intrenchment'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012008 Sheela-na-gig
  Description

  Found in the Birr area and now housed in the National Museum (Coll. 1956:14; Cherry 1992, 6). Interesting and unusual Sheela-na-gig which is carved in relief on the underside of a large hammer dressed limestone corbel (0.3m x 0.24m x 0.42m). The figure consists of a poorly preserved pear shaped face which is carved on the upward sloping part of the corbel with a small round body with bow shaped arms pulling vulva apart, which is represented by a small circular hole. There are two small circular breasts one between each arm. The head is the dominant part of the figure being carved in high relief and placed on the most visible part of the corbel. The rest of the body is carved in lower relief and is placed on the lower underside of the corbel. May have originally come from the medieval church (OF035-012001-) in the town of Birr. Described by Freitag as a ‘figure carved on curved underside of oblong stone (dims. H -0.53m; Wth 0.3m) which might be a broken-off corbel; quite weathered. Large (now) featureless head on elongated thick neck. Thin bent arms with small round breasts under armpits. Both well shaped hands in front of body, pointing to vulva whose irregular shape looks torn. Lower part of sculpture appears to have been deliberately damaged. Legs no longer traceable’ (Freitag 2004,125). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 05 June 2012

• OF035-012009 Castle - motte
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001-/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. An Anglo-Norman castle (OF035-012009-) and settlement had been established at Birr by 1207 and continued at least until c. 1315. By the mid-14th century the settlement had reverted to the O'Carrolls of Ely. The 'Black Castle' (OF035-012010-) became one of the principal seats of the ruling branch of that dynasty and remained as such until its sale to Butler of Ormond in 1594. In 1621 as part of the Plantation of Ely O'Carroll, Laurence Parsons was granted the lands, 'castle and fortilage' of Birr which became the manor of Parsonstown and a new castle (OF035-012004-) was erected by the Parsons family. The O'Carroll Castle known as 'The Black Castle' may have been built on top of the Anglo-Norman motte both of which were pulled down and levelled in the 18th century by the residents of Birr Castle. Black castle was demolished in 1778 (Girouard 1965) and replaced by lawns and parkland. No surface remains visible of the Black Castle and there are only the slightest remains of the levelled motte in an area overlooking the Camcor River to the W of Birr Castle which is the residence of the Parsons family. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012010 House - fortified house
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001-/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. An Anglo-Norman castle (OF035-012009-) and settlement had been established at Birr by 1207 and continued at least until c. 1315. By the mid-14th century the settlement had reverted to the O'Carrolls of Ely. The 'Black Castle' became one of the principal seats of the ruling branch of that dynasty and remained as such until its sale to Butler of Ormond in 1594. In 1621 as part of the Plantation of Ely O'Carroll, Laurence Parsons was granted the lands, 'castle and fortilage' of Birr which became the manor of Parsonstown. Present remains at Birr consist of 19th-century castle designed by John Johnson built around the core of a 17th century castle (OF035-012004-), near to the site of a 13th-century O'Carroll castle and a twelfth century Anglo-Norman motte castle (OF035-012009-). Earliest references to a castle located here in the 1207 (Annals of Clonmacnoise) when it was attacked and destroyed by Murchad Ua Briain. Black castle was demolished in 1778 (Girouard 1965) and replaced by lawns and parkland. This castle is illustrated as a rectangular building located on the edge of a steep cliff edge overlooking the Camcor River on the 1691 Richards map of Birr. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012011 Mill - unclassified
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated memmers of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. An Anglo-Norman castle (OF035-012009-) and settlement had been established at Birr by 1207 and continued at least until c. 1315. By the mid-14th century the settlement had reverted to the O'Carrolls of Ely. The 'Black Castle' became one of the principal seats of the ruling branch of that dynasty and remained as such until its sale to Butler of Ormond in 1594. In 1621 as part of the Plantation of Ely O'Carroll, Laurence Parsons was granted the lands, 'castle and fortilage' of Birr which became the manor of Parsonstown. There was also a market cross in the town which was erected in c. 1625, a tuck mill (OF035-012017), two grist mills, five watermills and as early as 1626 a Free School. The Manor Saw Mill facing onto St Brendan St. may have been built on the site of one of the 17th centurywatermills. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012012 Prison
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. An Anglo-Norman castle (OF035-012009-) and settlement had been established at Birr by 1207 and continued at least until c. 1315. By the mid-14th century the settlement had reverted to the O'Carrolls of Ely. The 'Black Castle' (OF035-012010) became one of the principal seats of the ruling branch of that dynasty and remained as such until its sale to Butler of Ormond in 1594. In 1621 as part of the Plantation of Ely O'Carroll, Laurence Parsons was granted the lands, 'castle and fortilage' of Birr which became the manor of Parsonstown and a new castle (OF035-012004-) was erected by the Parsons family. It was from this time and under Laurence Parsons' direction that Birr began to develop as a true town. In 1621 he obtained a grant of a Tuesady market and two annual fairs, to which were added a Saturday market and two more fairs in 1627. There was also a market cross in the town which was erected in c. 1625, a tuck mill (OF035-012017), two grist mills, five watermills (OF035-012011) and as early as 1626 a Free School. A gaol is marked on Richard's plan of 1691. Unlocated gaol or prison within the modern town of Birr, from Richard's plan the gaol appears to have been located at the junction of Moorpark St. and High St. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012014 Bridge
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001-/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. An Anglo-Norman castle (OF035-012009-) and settlement had been established at Birr by 1207 and continued at least until c. 1315. By the mid-14th century the settlement had reverted to the O'Carrolls of Ely. The 'Black Castle' (OF035-012010) became one of the principal seats of the ruling branch of that dynasty and remained as such until its sale to Butler of Ormond in 1594. In 1621 as part of the Plantation of Ely O'Carroll, Laurence Parsons was granted the lands, 'castle and fortilage' of Birr which became the manor of Parsonstown and a new castle (OF035-012004-) was erected by the Parsons family. It was from this time and under Laurence Parsons' direction that Birr began to develop as a true town. In 1621 he obtained a grant of a Tuesady market and two annual fairs, to which were added a Saturday market and two more fairs in 1627. He rigorously imposed a number of bye laws in 1626-7 for the paving and cleaning of the town, for the erection of chimneys and the regulation of drinking houses. Such was the steady pace of its development and its pleasing appearance that by 1633, John Bramhall, writing to Lord Deputy Thomas Wentworth, declared that Parsonstown 'is the only town that I have found yet in all my journey fit to accommodate a traveller, having trademsen in it of all kinds' (Loeber 1988). Although virtually razed by the Confederate forces in 1642, the town recovered after the Restoration and by 1672 it had been established as a borough, returning two members to Parliament. A map of Birr made by Michael Richards in 1691 indicates that the town was esentially linear in plan, a layout which is preserved in Main St. with a subtriangular market place at the S end near the bridge (OF035-012006-). There was a masonry bridge (OF035-012006-) crossing the River Camcor as early as 1626 which was replaced by the present structure of mid-18th century origin, and according to Cooke (1875, 45) there was a second 17th-century bridge near the castle in the vicinity of St Brendan's holy well (OF035-012005-). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012015 Cross - Market cross
  Description

  Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174. An Anglo-Norman castle (OF035-012009-) and settlement had been established at Birr by 1207 and continued at least until c. 1315. By the mid-14th century the settlement had reverted to the O'Carrolls of Ely. The 'Black Castle' (OF035-012010) became one of the principal seats of the ruling branch of that dynasty and remained as such until its sale to Butler of Ormond in 1594. In 1621 as part of the Plantation of Ely O'Carroll, Laurence Parsons was granted the lands, 'castle and fortilage' of Birr which became the manor of Parsonstown and a new castle (OF035-012004-) was erected by the Parsons family. It was from this time and under Laurence Parsons' direction that Birr began to develop as a true town. In 1621 he obtained a grant of a Tuesady market and two annual fairs, to which were added a Saturday market and two more fairs in 1627. He rigorously imposed a number of bye laws in 1626-7 for the paving and cleaning of the town, for the erection of chimneys and the regulation of drinking houses. Although virtually razed by the Confederate forces in 1642, the town recovered after the Restoration and by 1672 it had been established as a borough, returning two members to Parliament. There was a masonry bridge (OF035-012006-) crossing the River Camcor as early as 1626 which was replaced by the present structure of mid-18th century origin, and according to Cooke (1875, 45) there was a second 17th-century bridge (OF035-012014) near the castle in the vicinity of St Brendan's holy well (OF035-012005-). There was also a market cross (OF035-012015) in the town which was erected in c. 1625, a tuck mill (OF035-012017), two grist mills, five watermills (OF035-012011) and as early as 1626 a Free School. This unlocated market cross was probably situated in the present Market Square. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012017 Mill - unclassified
  Description

  Tuck Mill that is marked on 1691 plan of Birr town and as the 'Little Mill' on Michael Richards map of Birr from 1691 (Feehan and Rosse 2007, 13-15) Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012018 Market-house
  Description

  Market House that is marked on Michael Richards map of Birr from 1691 (Feehan and Rosse 2007, 13-15). This market house was located in the Market Square and has since been demolished. Market Cross (OF035-012015) would have been located in close proximity to the Market House. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

• OF035-012019 Chapel
  Description

  Site of Roman Catholic chapel indicated on 1691 map of Birr drawn by Michael Richards, this chapel appears to have been located on the grounds of the present Roman Catholic Church in Birr. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Architectural heritage

• Cumberland House, house, 1740–1780 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached five-bay three-storey over raised basement former house, built c.1760, with gabled breakfront to facade and gabled bay and lean-to extension to rear. Now in commercial use. Set back from Emmet Square. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks, rendered parapet walls and coping to gables. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with sill course to first floor, rendered cornice and quoins. Timber sash windows with stone sills and rendered surrounds. Round-headed window openings to basement with timber sash windows. Venetian and Diocletian style windows to breakfront. Square-headed door opening with tooled limestone Gibbsian surround and timber panelled double doors, accessed by limestone steps, flanked by wrought-iron railings. Front site bounded by plinth wall with limestone coping surmounted by wrought-iron railings and accessed through wrought and cast-iron gate. Entrance gate flanked by stone wheel guards. Castellated wall with carriage entrance to north-west.

• House, 1740–1780 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace three-bay three-storey house, built c.1760, with integral carriage arch, return and extension to rear. House fronts directly onto Emmet Square. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystacks. Smooth render to walls. Timber sash windows with tooled limestone sills. Round-headed door opening with rendered surround. Timber doorcase with panelled pilasters and console brackets supporting frieze and cornice, surmounted by fanlight. Timber panelled door. Integral carriage arch with rendered surround and timber battened doors, flanked by stone wheel guards. Round-headed door opening to north with replacement timber door, giving access to rear site which is bounded by a random coursed stone wall with rubble and brick infill.

• J.J. Murphy and Sons, house, 1740–1780 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace three-bay three-storey house, built c.1760, now also in use as a shop and garage, with two-storey return to rear. House fronts directly onto Emmet Square. Hipped slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystack. Channelled render to ground floor, ruled-and-lined render to first with limestone cornice and rendered quoins. Timber sash windows with stone sills and rendered surrounds, display window to ground floor. Round-headed door opening with block-and-start surround, replacement glazed timber door and fanlight. Door accessed by stone steps with moulded nosing. Front site with 1950s petrol pumps.

• Cumberland Column, monument, 1745–1750 · Regional interest
  Description

  Freestanding ashlar limestone Doric column, erected in 1746, mounted on an ashlar pedestal with plinth and cornice. Located at the centre of Emmet Square. Lamp posts to each corner and protective cast-iron bollards surrounding platform. Formally supported statue of the Duke of Cumberland which was removed in the early twentieth century. Plaque inserted to pedestal reads: 'Erected by Birr Town Council to commemorate the bicentenary of the execution of Robert Emmet 1778-1803. Emmet Square was renamed in his honour in 1922. "When my country takes her place among the nations of the earth, then and not till then, let my epitaph be written", R. Emmet.'

• House, 1740–1780 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay four-storey house, built c.1760, with central integral carriage arch and two-storey return to rear. House abuts three-bay two-storey structure to west and fronts directly onto street. Also used as office. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Ruled-and-lined render to ground floor with pebbledashed render to upper storeys, smooth render to rear elevation. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills, casement windows to rear. Round-headed door opening to western bay with tooled stone block-and-start surround, timber panelled door and fanlight supported by cornice. Square-headed door opening inserted to eastern bay with glazed and timber door with overlight. Hotel car park located to the rear site.

• House, 1740–1780 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay four-storey house, built c.1760, with three-storey canted-bay to east of façade and shopfront to ground floor. House fronts directly onto Emmet Square. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Hipped roof to canted bay. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with stucco quoins, rendered plinth and fluted pilasters to ground floor. Replacement timber casement windows with stone sills and stucco architraves having fluted pilasters with acanthus leaf capitals, plain frieze and cornice with egg-and-dart mouldings. Paired round-headed display windows to shopfront and ground floor. Square-headed door opening accesses shop with recessed glazed timber door.

• House, 1820–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Corner-sited three-bay three-storey house, built c.1840, with modern timber shopfront to ground floor. Fronting directly onto street with gable end fronting Emmet Square. Hipped slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, red brick chimneystack, terracotta pots and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with rendered quoins, with smooth render to shop. Timber sash windows with painted sills and moulded stucco surrounds. Cambered-arched door opening with stucco surround, pilastered timber doorcase with console brackets and overlight above glazed and panelled timber door. Modern timber shopfront comprises timber pilasters with intermittent display windows surmounted by fascia. Recessed door opening with timber and glazed door having tooled limestone step with mosaic inset to entranceway with the name Myles.

• House, 1740–1780 · Regional interest
  Description

  Corner-sited three-bay three-storey house, built c.1760, with modern shops to ground floor. Building fronts onto O'Connell Street and onto Emmet Square. Hipped tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Rendered walls with stucco quoins and eaves course. Replacement uPVC windows with painted sills. Segmental-headed door opening with pilastered doorcase with console brackets, timber panelled door and spoked fanlight. Eastern shopfront comprising timber pilasters flanking display window and double glazed timber doors with timber fascia. Western shopfront with timber pilasters, display window, recessed timber panelled double doors, tiled threshold and wrought-iron gates. Awning to timber fascia board.

• Coaching inn, 1740–1750 · Regional interest
  Description

  Corner-sited eight-bay three-storey inn, built c.1745, with integral carriage arch to south with single-storey above and adjoining perpendicular six-bay two-storey wing to south. Fronts directly onto Emmet Square. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roof to southern wing is hidden by curvilinear parapet with painted illustration and date plaques. Pebbledashed walls with smooth render to plinth and eaves course. Ruled-and-lined render to adjoining wing. Original and replacement timber sash windows with rendered surround and painted sills. Segmental-headed door opening with moulded stucco surround, replacement glazed timber door and fanlight, flanked by sidelights. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch to south of main façade, accessing rear site.

• House, 1740–1780 · Regional interest
  Description

  Corner-sited three-bay three-storey house, built c.1760, with integral carriage arch, return to rear and shopfront to ground-floor. House fronts directly onto Emmet Square. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks, some cast-iron rainwater goods and skylight to rear. Hipped slate roof to return with red brick and rendered chimneystacks. Smooth render to ground floor with pebbledash to upper storeys of façade with rendered sill courses at first and second floor levels. Pebbledash to side elevation and smooth render to rear elevation and return. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Integral carriage arch with timber lintel and double timber battened doors. Shopfront with display window, timber panelled door with overlight and rendered fascia board.

• Birr Post Office, post office, 1900–1905 · Regional interest
  Description

  End of terrace three-bay two-storey post office with attic storey, built in 1903, having gabled breakfront to façade, central gable to rear elevation and extensions to rear. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, red brick chimneystack, stone coping to gabled breakfront and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Roof hidden behind stone parapet and central gable. Hipped and pitched slate roofs with terracotta ridge tiles to outer extensions, flat roof to central extension. Ashlar limestone to ground floor of façade with red brick to upper storey and gable. String course and quoins to breakfront. Smooth rendered rear elevation with pebbledash and smooth render to extensions. Tooled limestone segmental pediment to apex of breakfront gable with date carved to frieze, tooled stone scrolls to base and finial. Timber sash windows with stone sills and keystones to first floor. Roughcast render to extension. Timber casement windows with cut stone surrounds and hoodmoulding to gabled breakfront. Segmental-headed window openings to ground floor with tooled stone surround enclosing recessed canted-bays with timber casement windows to ground floor. Segmental-headed timber casement windows to rear extension. Central entrance to breakfront with segmental-headed door opening beneath limestone canopy with glazed timber double doors and by fanlight, entrance flanked by square-headed timber sash windows. Limestone date plaque with metal harp surmounts entrance.

• Ormond House, house, 1880–1920 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1900, with extensions to rear and east, now also used as an auctioneers and a public house. Set back from Emmet Square. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with full-height Doric pilasters to east and west of façade. Rendered cornice to eaves. Timber casement windows with rendered surrounds having keystones and stone sills. Square-headed door opening with rendered surround, overlight and replacement glazed timber double doors accessed by limestone steps. Front site bounded by rendered plinth wall with stone coping, surmounted by wrought-iron railings. Abutting single-storey to east with modern timber shopfront.

• House, 1880–1920 · Regional interest
  Description

  Corner-sited three-bay two and three-storey house, built c.1900, now in use as a guest house, fronting onto Emmet Street and Emmet Square. Pitched slate and tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth rendered plinth, pebbledashed walls with smooth rendered full-height Doric pilasters to gable and end bay, surmounted by frieze and eaves-cornice. Smooth rendered sill courses to first and second floors. Emmet Square elevation with stucco frieze having guilloche and flower head motif to first floor level. Replacement uPVC windows with stone sills, stucco surround and carved stone mask in keystone of ground floor window on Emmet Street and first floor window on Emmet Square. Square-headed door opening with block-and-start stucco surround with masked keystone. Timber pilastered doorcase with console brackets, fluted frieze surmounted by overlight, with timber panelled double doors. Door accessed by limestone step. Emmet Square entrance with square-headed opening, stucco surround with masked keystone, replacement timber double doors and openwork timber overlight. Accessed by modern limestone steps. Front site to Emmet Square enclosed by rendered plinth wall, surmounted by tooled limestone coping stones and wrought-iron railings. Modern metal gate gives access to front site.

• Hamilton House, house, 1850–1890 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terrace of three- and two-bay two-storey houses, built c.1870, now in single use as commercial office, with modern extension to rear, fronting directly onto Emmet Street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystack. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with quoins and rendered cornice. Cambered-arched window openings with tooled limestone sills, timber sash and replacement timber windows, Wyatt windows to north and south of first floor. Segmental-headed door openings with all with rendered block-and-start surrounds, stone steps and threshold, timber pilastered doorcases, with frieze, cornice and fanlight. Timber panelled and timber and glazed doors.

• Ballin Valley, house, 1790–1830 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey over raised basement house, built c.1810, with return and extension to rear. Now converted to two dwellings. Set back from street behind railings. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast render to walls. Replacement uPVC windows with stone sills, wrought-iron balconettes to first floor windows. Segmental-headed door opening with pair of replacement timber and glazed doors and overlights inserted. Tooled limestone steps flanked by cast-iron railings give access to entrance. Front site bounded by low plinth wall surmounted by cast-iron railings.

• The Midland Mineral Water Company, house, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820, with paired integral carriage arches. Set back from the street behind railings. Formerly used as a mineral water production site. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks, terracotta pots and cast-iron rainwater goods. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with quoins and raised stucco signage to façade. Timber sash windows with rendered surround and stone sills. Square-headed door opening with stucco surround, overlight and replacement timber door. Entrance accessed by limestone steps. Paired integral carriage arches with stucco quoins to surround. Northern arch retains timber battened doors. Rendered plinth wall surmounted by limestone coping and cast-iron railings bounds front site.

• House, 1820–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced two-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1840, with return. Set back from street behind railings. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks with terracotta pots and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth render to basement with pebbledash to upper storeys. Replacement uPVC windows with stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with timber panelled door flanked by replacement sidelights and fanlight. Entrance accessed by limestone steps flanked by wrought-iron railings. Low plinth wall surmounted by painted stone coping and wrought-iron railings bounds front site.

• House, 1820–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced six-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1840. Set back from the street behind railings. Pitched slate roof with rendered chimneystacks, terracotta pots, roof vent and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Pebbledashed walls with smooth render to basement. Replacement timber casement windows with tooled stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with rendered surround, fanlight and replacement timber panelled door, flanked by sidelights and accessed by limestone steps over basement. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch with timber battened door. Cobbled floor surface to arch with limestone wheel guard. Front site bounded by cast-iron railings set to rendered wall with limestone coping.

• House, 1830–1870 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced two-bay three-storey house, built c.1850, with integral carriage arch and return to rear. House fronts directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast render to walls. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Square-headed door opening with moulded stucco surround, timber panelled door and overlight. Square-headed integral carriage arch opening with timber battened door.

• Birr Methodist Church, church/chapel, 1815–1825 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay double-height gable-fronted Wesleyan chapel, built in 1820, with single-storey central entrance porch, abutting school, built in 1896, to rear. In use as a Methodist Church. Chapel set back from street. Pitched slate roof with rendered chimneystack and stone coping to gable front. Ashlar limestone walls to façade with date plaque to pediment. Smooth render to rear and side elevations. Tooled stone plinth and cornice to façade. Pointed-arched window openings with chamfered surround and traceried windows to upper storey. Tudor arched window openings with chamfered surround to ground floor of façade and porch with stained glass windows. Tudor arched door opening set within projecting porch, with tooled limestone surround and timber battened double doors. Front site bounded by tooled limestone wall surmounted by cast-iron railings.

• Vianney, manse, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay single-storey over basement manse, built c.1820, with return to rear. Set behind boundary wall to front site. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks, terracotta pots and terracotta ridge tiles. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with channelled quoins. Replacement uPVC windows with stone sills and rendered hoodmouldings with label stops. Round-headed door opening with timber spoked fanlight, timber surround comprising engaged Doric columns flanking timber panelled door and sidelights. Limestone steps to door flanked by wrought-iron handrail and seats. Cast- and wrought-iron railings to ruled-and-lined rendered wall with wrought-iron gates to front site. Vehicular entrance to south with square-profile cut stone gate piers, set at an angle, with cast- and wrought-iron gates.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  One of a pair of semi-detached three-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820. Set back from street. Pitched slate roof with smooth rendered chimneystacks and terracotta pots. Pebbledashed façade, smooth rendered gable and roughcast rendered rear elevation. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Timber casement windows to basement. Segmental-headed door opening within coved stucco surround having timber spoked fanlight and timber doorcase comprising engaged fluted Doric columns, flanking timber panelled door and sidelights. Limestone steps to door. Wrought- and cast-iron railings surmounted on rendered wall with stone coping to front site. Outbuildings to rear site.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  One of a pair of semi-detached three-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820. Set back from street. Pitched modern slate roof with rendered chimneystacks and terracotta pots. Pebbledashed façade and rear and smooth rendered side elevation. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills. Replacement uPVC windows to rear. Segmental-headed door opening within coved recess with timber spoked fanlight, timber doorcase comprising engaged Doric columns flanking timber panelled door and sidelights. Limestone steps to door. Front site bounded by wrought- and cast-iron railings surmounting rendered wall with limestone coping. Stone outbuilding with hipped slate roof to rear site.

• Saint Brendan's Church (Birr), church/chapel, 1810–1820 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached Church of Ireland church, built in 1815, to a design by architect John Johnson, with four-bay nave and five-stage tower. Extended in 1876 by the architect Sir Thomas Drew. Pitched slate roof hidden by castellated parapet. Ashlar limestone buttresses to random coursed limestone walls to cornice and castellated parapets with pinnacles. Various window openings: round-headed, ogee-arched and pointed-arched openings with tooled limestone surrounds and hoodmouldings. Large east window with stone tracery and stained glass. Decorative clock, blind windows and lancet openings with vents to tower. Various door openings. Main entrance to west with carved stone surround, hoodmoulding, timber panelled door and decorative timber fanlight, flanked by smaller similar openings to side aisles. Interior with galleries to rear and sides of nave. Memorial plaques to walls. Marble altar furniture. Ribbed vaulted ceiling springing from quatrefoil-profile columns with foliate bosses. Site bounded by low limestone plinth wall, surmounted by wrought-iron railings. Intermittent stone wheel guards surround railings. Cobbles surround church.

• Sexton's house, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached two-bay two-storey gable-fronted former sexton's house, built c.1830, with single-storey porch to façade. Now in private residential use. Fronts directly onto Oxmantown Mall. Pitched roof with terracotta pantiles, ridge cresting, red brick chimneystack and cast-iron rainwater goods. Terracotta pantiles and ridge cresting to porch. Pebbledashed walls and exposed timber beams to gable. Timber casement windows with stone sills. Stained glass oculus to east elevation. Projecting entrance porch with square-headed door opening having timber battened door and stone threshold. Low plinth wall to road with limestone coping stones, bounding site to east. Landscaped public walkway to west.

• House, 1810–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey house, built c.1830, with integral carriage arch. House fronts directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystack and cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth rendered walls. uPVC windows with tooled stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with stucco surround, pilastered doorcase surmounted by fanlight with timber panelled door accessed by limestone steps. Segmental-headed carriage arch with replacement timber doors.

• House, 1810–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey house, built c.1830. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystack and cast-iron rainwater goods. uPVC windows with tooled stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with stucco surround and uPVC door flanked by pilastered doorcase surmounted by fanlight. Door accessed by concrete step.

• House, 1870–1910 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced five-bay two-storey house, built c.1890, with integral carriage arch and shopfront to ground floor. House fronts directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystack and cast-iron rainwater goods. Pebbledashed walls with rendered plinth. Timber sash windows with stone sills to upper storey. Modern timber shopfront with display windows flanking glazed timber door with overlight, fascia and cornice. Square-headed integral carriage arch gives access to rear site.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay two-storey house, built c.1820, with integral carriage arch and return to rear. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Render has been removed from random coursed stone facade. Yellow brick surrounds to timber sash windows with stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with yellow brick surround and timber spoked fanlight. Timber Doric pilasters flanking timber door with tooled limestone entrance step. Integral carriage arch with yellow brick to arch and double timber battened doors.

• House, 1810–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced five-bay two-storey house, built c.1830, with integral carriage arch and return to rear. House fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast rendered walls with eaves course. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Round-headed door opening within coved rendered surround, timber spoked lantern fanlight and timber panelled door with tooled limestone steps and cast-iron bootscrapers. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch with double battened timber door.

• House, 1820–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey house, built c.1840, with integral carriage arch and return to rear. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks, terracotta pots and cast-iron rainwater goods. Ruled-and-lined render to walls. Moulded render surrounds and stone sills to replacement timber windows. Round-headed door opening with moulded surround, replacement timber spoked fanlight and timber door. Tooled limestone steps to entrance. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch with double timber door.

• House, 1810–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced two-bay two-storey house, built c.1830. Fronting directly onto street. Hipped tiled roof with rendered chimneystack. Smooth rendered plinth with pebbledashed walls. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Round-headed door opening with coved surround, recessed timber doorcase with pilasters supporting frieze, cornice and fanlight. Replacement timber door accessed by limestone steps.

• House, 1810–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey double-pile house, built c.1830, with integral carriage arch. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks and terracotta pots. Roughcast rendered walls. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Recessed round-headed door opening with coved surround, doorcase with Doric pilasters flanking timber door with glazed fanlight. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch with double timber doors.

• Gates/railings/walls, 1900–1905 · Regional interest
  Description

  Screen wall, dated 1902. Screen wall forms boundary to road and encloses site with single-storey buildings. Ruled-and-lined render to wall with stone plinth course, Doric pilasters to ends and cornice. Curvilinear scroll surmounting wall with plaque inscribed "1902". Segmental-headed carriageway with horse's head keystone and timber battened doors.

• House, 1820–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay two-storey house, built c.1840, with integral carriage arch. House fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with rendered chimneystacks. Roughcast render to walls with smooth rendered plinth. Replacement tripartite timber casement windows with stone sills. Square-headed door opening with moulded and splayed surround, replacement timber panelled door and stained glass overlight. Remains of wrought-iron bootscraper to front site. Integral carriage arch with double timber battened doors.

• House, 1790–1830 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced five-bay two-storey house, built c.1810, with two-storey return. House fronts directly onto street. Historically in use as a police barracks. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth rendered plinth and pebbledashed wall. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills. Replacement timber casement windows to rear elevation and return. Round-headed door opening with coved stucco surround and timber panelled door with spoked fanlight. Stone outbuildings with pitched slate roof abutting house and walled garden to rear site.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay two-storey house, built c.1820, with two integral carriage arches and extension to rear. Possibley originally two two-bay two-storey houses. Now derelict. House fronts directly onto street. Pitched modern slate roof with rendered chimneystacks, terracotta pots and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast render to walls. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with flat-panelled pilasters flanking sidelights and timber panelled door, surmounted by fanlight. Tooled limestone steps give access to doorway. Segmental-headed integral carriage arches with moulded surrounds and timber battened double doors.

• House, 1860–1865 · Regional interest
  Description

  Semi-detached four-bay two-storey over basement house, built in 1861, with shared integral carriage arch to centre, return and flat-roofed extension to rear. Set back from street. Hipped slate roof with rendered chimneystacks, terracotta ridge tiles and cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth render to walls. Plaque above integral carriage arch reads: 'Cumberland Terrace 1861'. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills and rendered surrounds. Segmental-headed windows to basement. Timber panelled door flanked by pilasters with console brackets supporting fanlight set in rendered segmental-arched opening, approached by tooled limestone steps. Integral carriage arch to north, shared with neighbour, has timber battened door. Date plaque above carriage arch. Site bounded by rendered plinth with stone coping surmounted by decorative cast-iron railings.

• House, 1860–1865 · Regional interest
  Description

  Semi-detached three-bay two-storey over basement house, built in 1861, with shared integral carriage arch to centre, return and extension to rear. Set back from road. Hipped slate roof with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth rendered façade with roughcast render to gable-end and rear. Plaque above integral carriage arch reads: 'Cumberland Terrace 1861'. Timber sash windows with tooled limestone sills. Segmental-headed windows to basement. Timber panelled door flanked by pilasters with console brackets supporting fanlight set in rendered segmental-headed surround. Door approached by limestone steps. Timber battened door to carriage arch. Roughcast-rendered outbuilding to rear with corrugated iron roof. Former wash house to rear. Site bounded to street by decorative cast-iron railings on rendered plinth with stone coping.

• , 1840–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached two-bay two-storey gable-fronted former church hall, built in 1845, flanked by crenellated entrances and with two-storey return, two-storey extension and entrance porch to north. Now used as a market. Set back from street. Pitched slate roof with rendered chimneystack, terracotta ridge tiles, timber bargeboards and cast-iron rainwater goods. Ruled-and-lined render to façade. Roughcast render to side elevations. Timber windows to façade with mullions, transoms, geometric glazing bars and stone sills. Timber sash and replacement windows to rear and side elevations. Entrance porch to north with crenellated parapet and rendered string course. Pointed-arched door opening with timber door. Similar entrance to south, allowing access to rear site. Site bounded to street by wrought- and cast-iron railings on a tooled limestone plinth.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace three-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820, with integral carriage arch and extension to rear. Set back from street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystacks behind parapet wall. Smooth rendered basement to plinth, roughcast render to walls with quoins. Timber sash windows with painted sills. Segmental-headed door opening with stucco surround, timber panelled door flanked by pilasters and console brackets, surmounted by teardrop fanlight having central hub. Entrance door accessed by cut stone steps over basement. Timber battened double doors to segmental-headed carriage arch. Front site bounded by tooled limestone plinth wall surmounted by wrought- and cast-iron railings. Stone wheel guard to base of steps. Two-storey outbuilding to rear of site.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced two-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820, with return to rear. Set back from street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks and terracotta ridge tiles, behind parapet wall. Smooth rendered basement to plinth course with roughcast rendered walls. Replacement uPVC windows with painted sills. Segmental-headed door opening with stucco surround and timber panelled door, flanked by pilasters with console brackets and tear drop fanlight with central hub. Entrance accessed by cut limestone steps over basement. Front site bounded by tooled stone plinth wall surmounted by wrought- and cast-iron railings. Two-storey outbuilding with pitched slate roof to rear of site.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace two-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820, with extension to rear. Set back from street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks and terracotta ridge tiles, behind parapet wall. Roughcast render to walls with smooth rendered basement, plinth course and quoins. Replacement uPVC windows with painted sills. Segmental-headed door opening with timber panelled door, flanked by pilasters with console brackets and timber spoked fanlight. Entrance accessed by cut limestone steps over basement. Front site bounded by tooled stone plinth wall surmounted by wrought- and cast-iron railings. Tooled limestone gate piers give access to rear of site.

• Post box, 1880–1900 · Regional interest
  Description

  Wall-mounted cast-iron post box, erected c.1890, with VR royal cipher and crown motif. Maker’s mark ‘W.T. Allen & Co. London’ to base. Set within rendered wall.

• School, 1820–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached five-bay single-storey school house, built c.1840. Now in private residential use. House fronts directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystacks. Smooth rendered plinth course and pebbledashed walls. Replacement uPVC windows with single timber sash window to western bay, all with painted sills. Round-headed door opening with tooled stone surround and replacement timber door and fanlight. Wrought-iron gate accesses rear site.

• The Rectory, gate lodge, 1820–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay single-storey former gate lodge, built c.1840, with gabled porch to front. Now in private residential use. Set within the grounds of the former glebe house. Pitched slate roof with scalloped courses, terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Timber bargeboards and finials to gables and porch. Roughcast rendered walls. Timber casement windows with cast-iron lattice glazing bars and stone sills. Square-headed door opening with timber battened door. Set within boundary wall with ruled-and-lined rendered piers surmounted by limestone capping stones, cast- and wrought-iron gates.

• The Rectory, rectory/glebe/vicarage/curate's house, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached L-plan three-bay two-storey over basement rectory, built c.1830, with porch to front and later extensions to rear. Set within its own grounds. Hipped slate roof with oversailing eaves, ashlar chimneystacks and terracotta pots. Stone parapet to porch roof. Pebbledashed walls. Timber sash windows with stone sills to basement with replacement windows and stone sills to rest of house. Square-headed door opening with timber panelled door with brass door furniture accessed by limestone steps with wrought-iron railings. Two-storey outbuilding to rear with corrugated roof. Rear yard accessed through segmental-headed brick arched opening set within ashlar piers. Cast-iron gate piers to front site with wrought-iron gate.

• Electricity substation, 1945–1950 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached two-bay single-storey Electricity Supply Board substation, built in 1949. Set within own site. Pitched slate roof. Rendered walls. Square-headed openings to front elevation with rendered surround and timber doors. Blind round-headed opening to side elevations. Date plaque to front elevation. Rendered wall with gate bounds site.

• House, 1840–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay two-storey house, built c.1850, with extension to side. Set within its own grounds. Hipped slate roof with ridge tiles, rendered chimneystack and cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth rendered plinth, quoins and eaves course. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Recessed round-headed door opening with Doric pilasters flanking replacement timber door surmounted by fanlight. Yellow brick outbuilding with corrugated roof to rear.

• House, 1850–1890 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay two-storey house, built c.1870, with pubfront inserted to ground floor and extension to rear. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with stone plinth and eaves course. uPVC windows with moulded surrounds and stone sills. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch opening with timber battened double doors. Shopfront with ruled-and-lined rendered stallriser, fluted timber pilasters flanking display window and replacement timber door with overlight. Fascia board and cornice with painted lettering. Four cast-iron lanterns applied to façade. Stone drain for water collection to pubfront.

• House, 1840–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay two-storey house, built c.1850, with integral carriage arch. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth rendered plinth, quoins and eaves course to roughcast rendered walls. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Square-headed door opening with overlight and timber panelled door. Segmental-headed carriage arch with timber battened double doors, with flanking stone wheel guards.

• House, 1870–1910 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey house, built c.1890, with single-bay set within single-storey building to west. Fronting directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks with terracotta pots and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast rendered walls with smooth rendered plinth, channelled quoins, dentil eaves course and dentil string course to first floor. Square-headed window openings with timber sash windows having margin lights and stone sills. Segmental-headed window opening to central bay of first floor with timber sash window having margin lights and stone sill. Square-headed door opening with replacement glazed timber door and overlight.

• House, 1840–1880 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey house, built c.1860. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks with terracotta pots and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with smooth rendered plinth. Timber sash windows with moulded stucco surrounds and stone sills. Square-headed door opening with moulded stucco surround and replacement glazed timber door.

• Beech Villa, house, 1840–1880 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace four-bay two-storey house, built c.1860, with extensions to rear. Set back from street. Hipped tiled roof with coping to south, terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystacks. Roughcast rendered walls. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Square-headed door opening with moulded stucco surround, timber doorcase comprising fluted pilasters surmounted by console brackets with sidelights, overlight and timber panelled door. Front site bounded by rendered plinth wall surmounted by wrought-iron railings. Ashlar gate piers with wrought-iron gates set in curved wall to north giving access to rear. Stone outbuilding to rear site with pitched slate roof.

• Birr Courthouse, court house, 1810–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached five-bay two-storey castellated court house, built c.1830, with gabled breakfronts to end bays. Now also serving as county council offices. Historically in prison use. Set back from street. Hipped and double-pitched slate roofs with terracotta ridge tiles, hidden behind castellated parapet, with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast render to walls with tooled limestone plinth, string course and eaves courses. Variety of round and square-headed window openings with timber sash windows and tooled limestone sills. Round-headed door opening with tooled limestone surround, fanlight and timber panelled doors. Interior entrance hall with run-in-situ plaster cornice and timber staircase. Wrought-iron railings to front site set to ashlar limestone wall with cut stone coping. Rear site bounded by random coursed wall, accessed through square-headed arch set to castellated ashlar limestone wall. Pedestrian gate set to rendered wall to north.

• House, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Semi-detached three-bay single-storey house, built c.1830. Set back from street. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Rendered facade. Square-headed window openings with patent reveals, replacement uPVC windows to stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with timber spoked fanlight and sidelights to timber panelled door. Wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials to front site surmounting rendered wall with gate.

• House, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Semi-detached three-bay single-storey house, built c.1830. Set back from street. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Render has been removed to reveal random coursed limestone wall with tooled limestone plinth. Replacement uPVC windows with yellow brick surrounds and stone sills. Segmental brick-arched door opening with timber spoked fanlight, timber panelled door with sidelights. Cast-iron gate piers and gate give access to front site bounded by random coursed stone wall surmounted by wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials.

• Townsend House, house, 1820–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace four-bay two-storey house, built c.1840, with integral carriage arch. Now in use as a bed and breakfast. Set back from road. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks. Smooth rendered walls with plinth course. Replacement uPVC windows with stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with tooled stone surround with timber spoked fanlight, timber panelled door with brass door furniture and uPVC sidelights. Accessed by stone steps. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch with timber battened double doors. Wrought- and cast-iron railings and gates to front site, railings surmounted on rendered plinth wall with limestone coping.

• Brendan House, house, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820, with extension to rear. Now in use as offices. Set back from street. Hipped slate roof with rendered chimneystacks, some cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast rendered walls with stone plinth, quoins and tooled stone eaves course. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Segmental-headed moulded surrounds to ground floor windows. Wyatt window to first floor. Segmental-headed door opening with timber panelled door, decorative lead fanlight and sidelights. Cut limestone steps access entrance, flanked by wrought-iron railings. Interior having decorative plasterwork and open-well timber staircase to entrance hall. Cast-iron railings to front site with anthemion and arched finials to cut stone plinth wall with tooled stone octagonal gate piers and fluted octagonal capping stones. Rendered wall with stone coping flanks house with pointed-arched opening with wrought-iron gate giving access to rear site.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Semi-detached three-bay three-storey house, built c.1820, with return and extension to rear. Set back from the road. Hipped slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Ruled-and-lined render to walls. Replacement timber casement windows with stone sills. Round-headed door opening with coved surround, timber spoked fanlight and replacement timber panelled door with tooled limestone threshold. Two-storey stone outbuilding to rear site. Low plinth wall with cut stone coping stones surmounted by wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials and gate bounds front site. Lane runs to side of site. Rear is accessed through wrought-iron gates.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Semi-detached three-bay three-storey house, built c.1820, with return to rear. Set back from road. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Ruled-and-lined render to walls. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills. Round-headed door opening with coved surround, timber spoked fanlight, timber panelled door and limestone threshold. Bounded by low plinth wall with cut stone capping surmounted by cast-iron railings and gate. Stone outbuilding with corrugated-iron roof and carriage arch opening to rear site.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace three-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820, with integral carriage arch and return to rear. Set back from street. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystacks. Smooth render to walls. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills. Round-headed door opening with moulded surround, spider web fanlight and tooled stone threshold. Timber panelled door flanked by fluted Doric columns, accessed by cut limestone steps with flanked by cast-iron railings. Front site bounded by rendered plinth wall surmounted by cut stone coping and cast- and wrought-iron railings with gate giving access to front of site. Two-storey converted outbuilding to rear. Rear yard bounded by random coursed rubble wall.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey over raised-basement house, built c.1820, with return to rear. Set back from street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystack with terracotta pots and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast render to walls with smooth render to basement. Rendered quoins and plinth course. Timber sash windows with stone sills. UPVC replacement windows to basement. Segmental-headed door opening with coved surround, timber spoked fanlight, sidelights, engaged Doric columns and timber panelled door, accessed by limestone steps which are flanked by cast-iron railings and seats. Front site bounded by wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials surmounting rendered wall with stone coping.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820, with integral carriage arch and return. Set back from street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystack with terracotta pots and cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth rendered walls. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with coved surround timber spoked fanlight and timber doorcase comprising engaged Doric columns, flanking timber panelled door with sidelights, accessed by limestone steps flanked by wrought-iron railings and seats. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch opening with timber battened double doors. Front site is bounded by wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials surmounting rendered plinth wall with stone coping. Single- and two-storey rendered outbuildings to rear with tiled roofs.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced six-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820, with integral carriage arch, return and extension to rear. Set back from street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, stone coping to gable-end, rendered chimneystacks with terracotta pots and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast rendered façade with walls with sill course to ground floor and eaves course. Smooth render to side elevation. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with coved surround, timber spoked fanlight and timber doorcase, comprising engaged Doric columns which flank timber panelled door and sidelights. Limestone steps to door with wrought-iron handrail and seats and cast-iron bootscraper. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch with timber battened double doors. Wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials and gate bound front site set on ruled-and-lined rendered wall with stone coping.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced five-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820, with integral carriage arch. Set back from the street. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks with terracotta pots and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast rendered walls. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills. Round-headed door opening with coved surround, timber spoked fanlight and timber panelled door accessed by limestone steps and flanked by wrought-iron railings set on rendered wall. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch with timber battened double doors. Wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials to ashlar stone wall bound front site, accessed by cast-iron gates.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace five-bay two-storey over basement house, built c.1820, with integral carriage arch. Set back from road. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Render has been removed to reveal random coursed limestone facade with ruled-and-lined render to gable-end. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills and yellow brick surround. Round-headed door opening with coved surround, timber panelled door with timber spoked fanlight, accessed by limestone steps, flanked by a low plinth wall. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch opening with timber battened door with tooled stone jambs. Front site bounded by tooled limestone plinth wall surmounted by wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  One of a pair of four-bay three-storey over basement houses, built c.1820, with carriage arch to east. Set back from road. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystacks. Roughly dressed course limestone walls with ruled-and-lined render to gable end. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills and tooled stone surrounds. Replacement windows to basement. Round-arched door opening with cut stone voussoirs, tooled stone doorcase comprising engaged Doric columns supporting fluted cornice with rosettes, lead petal fanlight and timber panelled door. Entrance approached by flight of tooled limestone steps. Segmental-headed carriage arch opening, accessing rear site, within rendered surround with timber battened double doors. Site bounded to front by wrought- and cast-iron railings surmounting tooled limestone plinth wall.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  One of a pair of four-bay three-storey over basement houses, built c.1820, with carriage arch to west. Set back from road. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughly dressed coursed limestone walls with ruled-and-lined render to gable end. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills and surrounds. Round-arched door opening with cut stone voussoirs, tooled stone doorcase comprising engaged Doric columns supporting engaged Doric columns supporting fluted cornice with rosettes, lead petal fanlight and timber panelled door. Tooled limestone steps lead to entrance. Segmental-headed carriage arch with tooled stone surround and timber battened double doors accesses rear site. Front site bound to front by wrought- and cast-iron railings surmounting tooled limestone plinth wall.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace four-bay two-storey house, built c.1820, with integral carriage, abutted by single-storey extension which links converted former L-plan outbuilding, now used as a restaurant. Set back from street. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystacks. Roughcast render to walls. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with coved rendered surround, spoked fanlight, sidelights with glazing bars and timber panelled door, accessed by limestone steps. Segmental-headed carriage arch with timber battened double doors. Front site bounded by wrought- and cast-iron railings surmounting tooled limestone plinth with rendered yellow brick walls to east and west. Painted stone outbuilding to rear site, now converted to restaurant use with pitched corrugated asbestos roof, linked to house by modern single-storey structure.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay two-storey house, built c.1820, with integral carriage arch. Set back from street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks and terracotta pots and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast rendered facade with tooled stone eaves course with brackets. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Round-headed door opening with moulded surround, timber pilasters flanking timber panelled door with spoked fanlight, accessed by limestone steps. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch opening with timber battened door. Front site bounded by wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials surmounting tooled limestone plinth wall.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay two-storey house, built c.1820, with integral carriage arch. Set back from street. Pitched slate roof, red brick chimneystacks with terracotta pots and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Ruled-and-lined render to facade. Weather slating to side elevation. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Round-headed door opening with tooled stone surround, timber pilasters and console brackets flanking timber panelled door, surmounted by timber spoked fanlight. Tooled limestone step to entrance accessed by terracotta tiled path to front site. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch with timber double doors. Front site bounded by wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials surmounting tooled stone plinth wall.

• House, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay two-storey house, built c.1830, with integral carriage arch. Set back from street. Pitched tiled roof, rendered chimneystacks with terracotta pots and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Rendered facade with quoins, now clad with creeper. Timber sash windows with stone sills and moulded stucco surrounds. Round-headed door opening with coved rendered surround, replacement timber panelled door with stained-glass panelling and timber spoked fanlight. Tiled path leading to entrance. Segmental-headed carriage arch opening with metal doors and stone wheel guards. Front site bounded by low cut stone plinth wall surmounted by wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials.

• House, 1830–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey house, built c.1840. Set back from street. Pitched slate roof with rendered chimneystacks and terracotta pots. Ruled-and-lined rendered facade with rendered quoins. Timber sash windows with stone sills and rendered surrounds. Segmental-headed door opening with rendered surround, sidelights, fanlight and timber panelled door. Tiled path leading to entrance. Cast- and wrought-iron railings with spear-headed finials surmounting low stone plinth wall bounds front site.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace three-bay two-storey house, built c.1810. Set back from street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystacks with terracotta pots. Roughcast render to walls with plaque reading 'Oxmantown Mall' to facade. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with sidelight, spoked fanlight and timber panelled door. Front site bounded by cast- and wrought-iron railings surmounting tooled stone plinth wall.

• Oxmantown Hall, 1880–1890 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached gable-fronted three-bay two-storey Tudor Revival former parish hall, built in 1888, with first floor breakfront to façade, seven bays to side elevation and extension to rear. Now used as a theatre. Set within its own grounds. Pitched slate roof with oversailing eaves to front section, terracotta ridge cresting, ashlar chimneystacks, central cast-iron roof vent and carved timber bargeboards. Random coursed stone walls with red brick eaves course to side elevation and angled buttresses to corners. First floor breakfront with timber framing and roughcast rendered panels enclosing timber casement windows. Supported by pulvinated frieze with foliate decoration and carved timber heraldic beast brackets with shields resting on tooled stone pedestals. Square-headed window openings to ground floor of façade with stone mullions and timber glazing bars. Timber casement windows to side elevation with stone and red brick surrounds with stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with tooled stone cornice, foliate spandrels, tooled stone surround and flat-panelled timber double doors. Cast-iron railings set within tooled stone plinth wall to front site. Tooled stone gate piers with tooled stone capping, cast-iron lantern and cast-iron gates. Tooled paving stone with inscription: 'Oxmantown Mall Town Hall 1888'.

• Walcot Cottage, house, 1830–1850 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay single-storey over basement house, built c.1840, with timber porch to façade and return to rear. Now used as offices. Set back from street. Hipped slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks with terracotta pots and cast-iron rainwater goods. Lean-to slate roof to return. Roughcast rendered walls. Timber sliding sash windows with stone sills and cast-iron balconettes. Segmental-headed door opening with moulded stucco surround, timber spoked fanlight and timber panelled double doors, accessed by limestone steps. Carved timber porch to entrance with flat roof. Square-headed timber battened doors to rear. Interior hall with very fine plasterwork. Front site bounded by cast-iron railings surmounting low limestone plinth wall.

• Walcot, house, 1760–1800 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached five-bay two-storey house, built c.1780, with gable-fronted entrance bay with wings to south, integral carriage arch, rear return and single-storey rear extension. Set within its own grounds. Pitched slate roofs with rendered chimneystacks, terracotta pots, terracotta ridge tiles and cast-iron rainwater goods. Timber bargeboards and finial to entrance bay. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with rendered quoins and plinth. Moulded rendered surrounds to timber sash windows with stone sills. Round-headed door opening with timber panelled door and fanlight. Replacement sidelights. Roundel with carved mask over door. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch opening with rendered surround and cast-iron gate giving access to rear yard. Converted outbuildings to rear with pitched slate roof and roughcast rendered walls. Site bounded by rendered wall with cast-iron railings, gates and cast-iron and ashlar piers. Gate lodge in ruins.

• House, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace two-bay two-storey house, built c.1830. Fronting directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystack. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with rendered plinth and painted quoins to north. Timber sliding sash windows with tooled stone sills, first floor window sills supported by stone brackets. Round-headed door opening with timber battened door and timber spoked fanlight.

• House, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced two-bay two-storey house, built c.1830, with lean-to extension to rear. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystack. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with stone plinth and painted quoins to south. Timber sliding sash windows with tooled stone sills, first floor window sills supported by stone brackets. Wrought-iron balconettes to first floor windows. Round-headed door opening with timber battened door and timber spoked fanlight.

• House, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced two-bay two-storey house, built c.1830. Fronting directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles, smooth rendered chimneystack and cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth rendered plinth with ruled-and lined render to walls, painted quoins to north. Replacement aluminum windows with stone sills, first floor window sills supported by stone brackets. Round-headed door opening with replacement door and fanlight.

• House, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced two-bay two-storey house, built c.1840. Fronting directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, smooth rendered chimneystack and cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth rendered plinth with ruled-and lined render to walls, painted quoins to south. Timber sliding sash windows with stone sills, first floor window sills supported by stone brackets. Round-headed door opening with timber battened door and spoked fanlight.

• House, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced two-bay two-storey house, built c.1830, with extension to rear. Fronting directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Lean-to roof to extension. Pebbledashed walls. Timber sliding sash windows with stone sills. Timber casement windows to rear extension. Segmental-headed door opening with fanlight and timber panelled door.

• House, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay two-storey house, built c.1830, with extension to rear. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Lean-to roof to extension. Pebbledashed walls. Timber sliding sash windows with stone sills. Timber casement windows to extension. Segmental-headed door opening with fanlight and timber panelled door.

• House, 1820–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  End-of-terrace three-bay two-storey house, built c.1830, with extensions to rear. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Pebbledashed walls. Timber sliding sash windows with tooled stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with timber battened door surmounted by fanlight and concrete step. New extension to rear with pitched roof and concrete block walls. Corrugated-iron extension to rear elevation. Outdoor toilet to yard with pitched slate roof, stone walls and timber battened door.

• Saint Brendan's Masonic Lodge 163, meeting house, 1855–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached single-bay (three-bay deep) double-height gable-fronted Society of Friends' meeting house, built 1858, on an L-shaped plan; three-bay single-storey wing (east). For sale, 1911. Sold, 1913, to accommodate alternative use. Pitched (gable-fronted) slate roof; pitched slate roof (wing), clay ridge tiles, cut-limestone coping to gables on cut-limestone ogee kneelers, and cast-iron rainwater goods on cut-limestone eaves on cut-limestone ogee consoles retaining cast-iron downpipes. Roughcast battered walls on cut-limestone chamfered plinth with cut-limestone quoins to corners. Camber-headed door opening (wing) with three cut-limestone steps, and cut-limestone block-and-start surround having chamfered reveals framing timber boarded double doors having overlight. Camber-headed window openings with cut-limestone surrounds having chamfered reveals framing two-over-two timber sash windows having horizontal glazing bars. Full-height interior with carved timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors, and dentilated plasterwork cornice to ceiling centred on egg-and-dart-detailed decorative plasterwork ceiling roses. Set back from line of street on a corner site with coursed rubble limestone boundary wall to perimeter having hammered or rough hewn limestone soldier course coping.

• House, 1770–1810 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay three-storey house, built c.1790, with integral carriage arch, return and extensions to rear. House fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystacks. Catslide slate roof to return and pitched tiled roof to extension. Render has been stripped from facade to reveal random coursed stonework with yellow brick surrounds to openings. Roughcast render to side and rear elevations. Replacement uPVC windows with stone sills. Round-headed door opening with replacement timber door and spoked fanlight. Segmental-headed integral carriage arch opening with timber battened doors.

• House, 1780–1820 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced three-bay three-storey house, built c.1800, with returns and extensions to rear. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with rendered and brick chimneystacks and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Pitched and hipped slate roofs to return. Pitched, flat and lean-to roofs to extensions. Smooth rendered plinth with pebbledashed walls, smooth rendered quoins and eaves course. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with replacement timber panelled door, sidelights and fanlight.

• House, 1820–1860 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced four-bay three-storey house, built c.1840, with integral carriage arch, three-storey return and extensions to rear. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with rendered chimneystacks and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Pitched slate roof to return and hipped tiled roof to extension. Ruled-and-lined render to façade, smooth and roughcast render to rear with exposed yellow brick. uPVC windows with stone sills. Segmental-headed door opening with timber panelled door and replacement fanlight, flanked by engaged Doric columns on stone bases, accessed over limestone threshold. Segmental-headed carriage arch gives access to rear site.

• Avoca, church/chapel, 1830–1870 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached gable-fronted single-storey hall or meeting house, built c.1850, with entrance porch to west. Now used as a private house. Set back from street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge cresting, rendered chimneystack and timber bargeboards to gables. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with crenellated parapet over entrance door. Pointed-arched window opening with hoodmoulding and replacement stained glass window with painted sill. Pointed-arched door opening with hoodmoulding and replacement timber battened door. Set back from street behind random rubble wall with cut stone capping surmounted by wrought- and cast-iron railings with spear-headed finials and gate giving access to front site.

• House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced two-bay two-storey house, built c.1820. Fronting directly onto street. Pitched tiled roof with rendered chimneystack. Smooth rendered plinth with roughcast render to facade. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills. Round-headed door opening, timber battened door with cast-iron door furniture and blocked up fanlight. Limestone threshold to entrance.

• House, 1820–1825 · Regional interest
  Description

  Terraced five-bay two-storey former house, built c.1823, with façade altered c.1890. Line of the façade angled to follow the curving street. Integral carriage opening to east end with cattle bars to base. Now in use as public house. Fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles and rendered chimneystacks. Ruled-and-lined render to walls with rendered full-height pilasters. Segmental-headed window openings with stone sills, carved stone surrounds and timber sash windows. Segmental-headed door opening with stucco surround and replacement timber double doors with fanlight and concrete stop. Recessed rendered fascia above ground floor openings. Square-headed carriage arch with timber battened double doors, carriage opening flanked by stone wheel guards.

• Marian Hall, outbuilding, 1950–1960 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay single-storey former outbuilding, built c.1955. Now used as scout's hall and set within grounds of Marian hall. Pitched corrugated-iron roof with cast-iron vents and bargeboards with finials to gable ends. Corrugated-iron walls. Timber fixed and casement windows with timber sills. Square-headed door opening with timber door and concrete threshold. Plaque above door.

• Marian Hall, community centre, 1950–1955 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached multiple-bay two-storey hall, built in 1954, with flat-roofed entrance extension to front and side and flat-roofed extension to rear. Set within its own grounds. Pitched corrugated asbestos roof to hall with rendered chimneystack and cast-iron vents. Flat roof to entrance extension. Roughcast rendered walls to hall with smooth rendered vertical buttresses dividing bays to side elevation. Brick to extension walls. Fixed and casement windows with brick surrounds and stone sills. Square-headed door opening with large flanking sidelights and overlight. Brick wall with gate piers and concrete coping with metal railings and double gates to front site.

• House, 1840–1880 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay two-storey house, built c.1860, with two-storey return and flat-roofed single-storey extension to rear, abutted by two-storey stone outbuilding to north-east. Walls flank facade. House fronts directly onto street. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and some cast-iron rain water goods. Pebbledashed walls with smooth rendered quoins and plinth. Timber sash windows with tooled stone sills and rendered surround. Round-headed door opening with spoked fanlight, stone step and replacement glazed timber door.

• House, 1880–1920 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached five-bay single-storey double-pile house, built c.1900, set within its own grounds. Hipped slate roofs with terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Smooth rendered plinth and quoins, roughcast render to walls. Timber sash windows with stone sills. Segmental-headed porch opening with moulded rendered surround accessing recessed square-headed door opening with glazed timber door, overlight and sidelights. House bounded by random coursed wall with tooled stone square-profile gate piers surmounted by eagles and with wrought-iron gates giving access to site.

• Saint Brendan's Church, church/chapel, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Boundary walls and railings, erected c.1820, enclosing the medieval site of Saint Brendan's church with remains of nave and tower, surrounded by burial ground. Site bounded by random course stone wall to south, west and east and ruled-and-lined rendered plinth wall to north surmounted by wrought-iron railings. Square-profile limestone gate piers with base, carved frieze, cornice and pyramidal capping stones with decorative wrought-iron gates giving access to site. Gates were made by Finnegan's of Cappaneale, Birr.

• Maltings, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached nine-bay three-storey former maltings, built c.1820, with arcade of seven carriage arches to ground floor. No longer in use. Set within yard. Pitched slate roof with terracotta ridge tiles, yellow brick chimneystacks and some cast-iron rainwater goods. Random coursed limestone walls. Louvred window openings with yellow brick surrounds at first and second floor to northern end, with timber battened doors to southern end. Segmental-headed carriage arches to ground floor with yellow brick arches. Square-headed door opening to south with timber and glass door and stone threshold, timber battened doors to carriage arches. Set within courtyard with restaurant and arched gateway to front of site.

• The Maltings, distillery, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached multiple-bay three-storey over basement with attic former distillery, built c.1820, with extension to rear. Backing onto street. Now used as a restaurant and shop. Hipped tiled roof with terracotta ridge tiles. Random coursed limestone walls with tooled limestone quoins. Replacement timber windows with yellow brick surrounds. Arcading to basement with segmental-headed yellow brick carriage arch openings, tooled limestone surrounds, and replacement double timber doors. Segmental-headed door opening with yellow brick surround and replacement timber door, accessed by concrete steps. Backs directly onto street with car park and green area to west of site and wrought-iron railings to front.

• The Maltings, maltings, 1790–1810 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached six-bay four-storey former malt house, built c.1800, with two-bay three-storey projection to south-east. Now a restaurant and bed and breakfast. Located beside the River Camcor. Hipped slate roof with terracotta ridge tile, yellow brick chimneystacks and dormer windows to rear. Pyramidal slate roof with sprocketed eaves and four-faced clock to projecting bays. Random coursed limestone walls with tooled quoins. Yellow brick quoins to projecting bays. Yellow brick to ground floor with string course. Replacement uPVC windows with yellow brick surrounds. Red brick window surrounds to ground floor of projecting bays. Segmental-headed yellow brick door opening with modern glazed door, sidelights and fanlight inserted. Accessed from glazed metal awning. Square-headed door openings to north-east. Set on riverbank with small park, apartments and former maltings to east.

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; parts are made ground and water.

Terrain model

LiDAR of the Office of Public Works, flown in 2011, at 2 m: tile OPW_1619 (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 Townparks with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Offaly.

Name

Townparks · Páirceanna an Bhaile

Area

3,353,065 m² (335.31 ha, 828.56 acres)

Civil parish

Birr, and its townlands

Barony

Ballybritt

Electoral division

Birr Urban, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Birr Urban electoral division: 4,726 people in 1,823 households; 53% of households own their home; 34% of homes were built since 2001; 11% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 1% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Ballindarra, Ballyloughnane (Co. Tipperary), Clonoghil Upper, Croghan (Co. Tipperary), Dovegrove, Drumbane, Killeen (Co. Tipperary), Lisheen, Seefin, Woodfield or Tullynisk

Placenames

Townparks 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.