Meelick

57 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Meelick, from 30 m² to 231,906 m² (23.19 ha, 57.31 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 18 neighbouring parcels touch it.

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

No zone of a development plan covers Meelick in the national zoning. Outside zoned towns and villages, the county development plan's rural policies apply to each application.

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

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

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

Designated sites

• Special Area of Conservation: Killala Bay/Moy Estuary SAC 000458
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Killala Esker 001517
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Killala Bay/Moy Estuary 000458

Recorded monuments

• MA022-020 Castle - unclassified
  Description

  In pasture, located on a platform or knoll rising from the floor of a flat-bottomed E–W valley. A lake, Meelick Lough, in the W half of which there is a possible crannog (MA022-019----), is located c. 30m to N surrounded by an expanse of flat, wet pasture. The site is overlooked c. 150m to S by a high, wooded escarpment which defines the S side of the valley. A farmyard is located immediately to W. Indicated as ‘Meelick Castle in Ruins’ on the 1938 and 1929 OS 6-inch maps. The outline of a roughly square, stone-built structure (c. 12m N–S; c. 10-12m E–W) can still be traced. The ruined walls survive as tumbled, sod-covered stony heaps, slumping into and infilling the interior space. In parts on the S, W and N sides, the external wall face of rough, mortared limestone blocks remains intact; this is most clearly seen at the S and SE where there is evidence that the wall (surviving to H c. 2m) was constructed on a slight batter. The castle stands on the W side of the sub-rectangular knoll or platform (c. 34-35m N–S; c. 48m NE-SW; H 2-3m) that may have functioned as a bailey or bawn (MA022-020001-). Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 23 November 2015

• MA022-020001 Bawn
  Description

  In pasture, rising from the floor of a flat-bottomed E–W valley, overshadowed to S by a high escarpment. A lake, Meelick Lough, is c. 30m to N in the centre of an expanse of flat, wet pasture. A farmyard is located immediately to W. The remnants of a stone castle (MA022-020----) surmount a rectangular raised area or platform that may have functioned as a bawn or bailey. The platform is not shown on the 1838 6-inch OS map, but is depicted on the 1929 edition as a sub-rectangular area (c. 50m N-S; c. 45m E-W), with the castle shown slightly to E of centre. It survives as a roughly rectangular raised area (c. 34-35m N–S; c. 48m E-W), which may have been created by scarping or modifying a pre-existing rise or knoll. However, it has been disturbed by recent farm development: the W edge of the platform has been truncated and is now bordered by a N-S concrete wall; the E side has been partly levelled; an E–W farm track cuts across the N end of the platform, and another farm track skirts the E side of the platform. The platform slopes down quite steeply from close to the castle to the outer edges at S, W and N, but to E of the castle the top of platform is relatively level, with a gradually slope down to its E edge, and the original entrance may have been on this side. Remnants of possible stone facing are evident on the scarp face at S. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 23 November 2015

• MA022-037 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  In average pasture, located on the level top of an E–W ridge, at the break of slope on the N side, giving good views to NW–N over lowlying pasture and to NE across Killala Bay. There is a large knoll immediately to NNE. Roughly D-shaped area (21.5m E–W; 25m N–S) enclosed by an earthen bank (Wth 2.3m; int. H 0.75m at NW, 0.5m at E; ext. H 0.8m at NW, 0.5m at E). The straight side is at W. The bank is best preserved at NW-N where it coincides with an abrupt natural fall of ground, but is very low and degraded at SE–SSW. There are several eroded gaps, including at ESE (Wth 2.2m), at W (3.8m) and at NW (Wth 3.3m). The level interior is not noticeably raised. In the SW quadrant there is a slightly raised circular feature (diam. c. 7.5m), which may be a hut site (MA022-037001-). There is another enclosure (MA022-037----) 90m to NNE. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 30 April 2019

• MA022-037001 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  Located in the SW quadrant of a rath (MA022-037). This possible hut site consists of a very low, circular platform (diam. c. 7.5m) defined on its perimeter by a slightly raised rim (Wth 1.2m; H 0.1m), most clearly defined at S. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 30 April 2019

• MA022-038 Ringfort - rath
  Description

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

• MA022-039 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  In undulating pasture, located on a knoll at the E end of an E–W ridge, with good views, especially N–NE over Killala Bay. This possible rath is not shown on the 1838 and 1929 OS 6-inch maps. It consists of a knoll that has been modified and scarped to create a sub-circular area (diam. c. 25m) defined by a scarp (H 0.7-1m; Wth slope c. 1-1.5m) which more or less conforms to the contours of the knoll. At W the scarp has been truncated by, or incorporated into a N–S field fence. Outside the scarp at NW–NE and SE–SW there is a terrace or gap (Wth 1.9m at S, 2.7m at N) which appears to represent the equivalent of a fosse. At NW–NE, the outer edge of the terrace/fosse is defined by a scarp which merges with the steep natural fall of the knoll slope (H 5-6m). At SE–SW the outer edge of the terrace/fosse is topped by a low bank (Wth 2-3m; int. H 0.25m; ext. H 0.9m), the external slope of which coincides with a natural break of slope, and is incorporated into the line of an old scarp/field boundary that continues to E of the enclosure. In the centre of the interior there is a spine of raised ground with a narrow flat top (c. 5m N–S; c. 12m E–W). There is a pronounced slope down from the central spine for c. 5m to N and S, with a drop in height of c. 0.55m at S and of c. 1.25m at N. At the base of the slope the interior levels out again somewhat, providing a area (Wth 4-5m) of level or, at least, more gently sloping ground, which separates the central spine from the enclosing scarp. An E–W profile through the centre of the enclosure, therefore, appears relatively level, but the N–S profile is sharply hump-backed. This enclosure is probably a rath, but it is unusual in that the interior area provides little level habitation space. There is another enclosure (MA022-040----) 50m to NE, and a rath (MA022-041001-) is located on another knoll c. 200m to ENE. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 30 April 2019

• MA022-040 Enclosure
  Description

  In undulating average pasture, encompassing a low rise, located in a naturally sheltered dip between a ridge to SW and a knoll to SE. There is a small stream/drain at the base of the slope to E. This enclosure is not shown on the 1838 and 1929 OS6-inch maps. It consists of a roughly circular area (18m N–S; 16m E–W) defined on the perimeter at SW-NW by a raised rim (Wth 2.5-3m; int. H 0.3m; ext. H 0.45m at W), and elsewhere by a scarp (ext. H 0.9m at S). At N–NE the external slope of the bank merges seamlessly with a steep natural slope (H 2-2.5m). The profile of the enclosure is raised, but this appears to have been achieved largely by modifying and scarping the natural rise. An extension of the natural rise for c. 6m to W of the enclosure creates the impression of a semi-circular terrace or level area appended to enclosure. A possible rath (MA022-039----) is located on a rise c. 40m to SW, and there is a rath (MA022-041001-) on a knoll c. 150m to ESE. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 30 April 2019

• MA022-041001 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  In undulating average pasture, prominently sited on a knoll, straddling the break of slope on the NE–E side where the ground falls away steeply. The location provides extensive views to N over Killala Bay. Circular area (diam. c. 36-40m) defined by an earthen bank, and enclosed by a fosse with an external bank. The inner bank (5.6m at NW, c. 5m at SE; int. H 1m at NW, 0.3m at SE; ext. H 1.7m at NW, 1.6m at SE), is substantial, although the internal face at E–S is low and poorly defined. The fosse (max. Wth 3.5-4m, 2m at base, at NW) and external bank (Wth 4.4m at NW, c. 5m at SE; int. H 1.4at NW, 0.3m at SE; ext. H 1.1m at NW; 3.3m at SE) are also generally well defined. However, at NE–SE the fosse is noticeably narrower (Wth 2m), and the external bank is lower internally, but has a pronounced external slope merging with an abrupt and steep natural fall of ground. Downslope, and 2m to E of the external bank, there are traces of another bank which appears to extend roughly N–S following the contours of the knoll. It is difficult to trace due to dense overgrowth, but appears to be the remnants of a relatively recent field boundary. A gap (Wth 2m) in the inner bank at SSE appears to mark the original rath entrance, with a corresponding gap (Wth c. 2m) in the external bank. There is a souterrain (MA022-049002-), visible as a stone-lined depression, slightly SE of centre in the interior. The perimeter is densely ringed with blackthorn, hawthorn and brambles, and much of the interior is obscured beneath impenetrable blackthorn and brambles. An enclosure (MA022-040----) is located 150m to WNW and a possible rath (MA022-039----) is located on a rise c. 200m to WSW. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 30 April 2019

• MA022-041002 Souterrain
  Description

  In a rath (MA022-041001-). A sub-rectangular depression or pit (7m NE–SW; 4.2m NW–SE), with sides faced with stones, is located in a slight rise in ground level to SE of centre in the interior of the rath. The pit is very shallow at its NW end but increases in depth to 1.1m at its SE end. Much loose stone covers the base of the pit. According to local information, this is a stone-built souterrain, part of which collapsed and was blocked up in the 1960’s. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 30 April 2019

• MA022-042001 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  Located at base of an E-facing wooded slope. The main Ballina-Killala road lies c. 20m to E. This spring well consist of a rectangular depression (2m E-W; 1m N-S; D c. 1m), which is dug into the hill slope and faced with drystone walling. An uncovered outflow drain, now largely silted up, extends to E. The 1838 OS Letters record a well 'in the Townland of Meelick, not far from the old church [MA022-043001-] of Crosspatrick, called Tobar-Phadruig.' (O’Flanagan 1927, 55). Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 1 May 2019

• MA022-042002 Bullaun stone
  Description

  At a holy well (MA022-042001-). This stone is listed in the SMR (1991) and RMP (1997) as a bullaun stone based on a reference in the 1838 OS Letters, which records that ‘There is, not far from Crosspatrick, to the left of the road leading by it, from Killala to Ballina, a stone at a well in which are, it is said, the impressions of the knees of the ass that St. Patrick rode on… From this circumstances it is called Leím an Asail –the Ass’s leap.' (O’Flanagan 1927, vol. 2, 229). There is no visible trace of the stone at the holy well. The nature of this stone and its exact location remains uncertain. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 6 June 2019

• MA022-101 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  In average pasture, located on a slight N–facing slope. Views to NE are good, including part of Killala Bay. There is a factory complex 60m to S. This possible rath is not shown on the 1838 and 1929 OS 6-inch maps; it was first recorded in an aerial photograph (OS 5 6882-3, Roll 217, pr. 10). Roughly D-shaped raised area (c. 20-23m N–S; c. 16m E–W to field fence) defined in an irregular arc NNW-S by an earthen bank (Wth 3.3m; int. H 0.2m; ext. H 1.1m, at NE), and on the straight side at W by a field fence. The bank is best defined at NNW-NE but at E–SE it is very low and degraded. A band of irises immediately outside the bank at N–NE may indicate an infilled fosse. At the time of visit, the perimeter and part of the interior at S and W were engulfed in brambles, making inspection difficult. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 7 May 2019

• MA022-110 Burnt mound
  Description

  In pasture, located at the base of a natural scarp that borders an expanse of flat, wettish pasture which extends W of Meelick Lough. It is situated c. 30m from the W edge of the Lough. This possible burnt mound is evident as a very low, roughly oval sod-covered rise (c. 8m E-W; c. 6m N-S) of firm ground. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 8 May 2019

Architectural heritage

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

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

Radon

At the centre of the townland of Meelick, about 1 in 20 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

The 1:50,000 map rates the landslide susceptibility here as moderately high, moderately low, low, partly inferred. Parts of the land are made ground and water.

Terrain model

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

Flooding

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

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

• Meelick, Killala6 sales

Name

Meelick · Míleac

Area

838,979 m² (83.9 ha, 207.32 acres)

Civil parish

Killala, and its townlands

Barony

Tirawley

Electoral division

Killala, the unit of the census

Census 2022

1,325 people lived in 512 households in the Killala electoral division. 79% of households owned their home. 28% of homes were built since 2001. 16% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 10% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Crosspatrick, Killala, Kilroe, Moyne, Tawnaghmore Lower

Placenames

Meelick 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.