Holdenstown

5 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Holdenstown, from 1,971 m² to 829,206 m² (82.92 ha, 204.9 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 11 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 Holdenstown 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 Holdenstown 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

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

Recorded monuments

• KK024-020001 Church
  Description

  Surrounded by tillage. According to Dan Byran (1966, vol. 19, 59-60) the graveyard (KK024-020002-) of Holdenstown was situated on a little elevation, just over the stream that divides Dunbell from Holdenstown, about opposite the “avenue” that runs from near Prospect House into the fields towards Holdenstown: It was quite small, unfenced, but surrounded by a ring of old, large, whitethorn bushes. It is understood to have disappeared recently during land reclamation’. There was an application to demolish the 'mound' made to the Land Project Office, Dept. of Agriculture in 1959 (OPW Correspondence, February and April 1959), however, satellite imagery (Digitalglobe, viewed 21 September 2021) suggests that the 'mound', possibly the remains of a church, and the immediate area surrounding it, were not levelled. Carrigan (1905, vol. 4, 290) notes that Dunbell had belonged to Jerpoint Abbey until the Dissolution of the Monasteries, after which it became a civil parish. Byran (ibid.) suggests that as a monastic grange it is likely to have had a chapel, which could have been at the location of the graveyard in Holdenstown. An outer curvilinear enclosure (KK024-020003-), possibly an ecclesiastical enclosure, has been identified as a cropmark. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 21 September 2021

• KK024-020002 Graveyard
  Description

  Surrounded by tillage. According to Dan Byran (1966, vol. 19, 59-60) the graveyard of Holdenstown was situated on a little elevation, just over the stream that divides Dunbell from Holdenstown, about opposite the “avenue” that runs from near Prospect House into the fields towards Holdenstown: It was quite small, unfenced, but surrounded by a ring of old, large, whitethorn bushes. It is understood to have disappeared recently during land reclamation’. There was an application to demolish the 'mound' made to the Land Project Office, Dept. of Agriculture in 1959 (OPW Correspondence, February and April 1959), however, satellite imagery (Digitalglobe, viewed 21 September 2021) suggests that the 'mound', possibly the remains of a church (KK024-020001-), and the immediate area surrounding it, were not levelled. Carrigan (1905, vol. 4, 290) notes that Dunbell had belonged to Jerpoint Abbey until the Dissolution of the Monasteries, after which it became a civil parish. Byran (ibid.) suggests that as a monastic grange it is likely to have had a chapel, which could have been at the location of the graveyard in Holdenstown. An outer curvilinear enclosure (KK024-020003-), possibly an ecclesiastical enclosure, has been identified as a cropmark. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 21 September 2021

• KK024-020003 Ecclesiastical enclosure
  Description

  Aerial photograph (GB89.AP.26, 22 July 1989) shows cropmark of a large curvilinear enclosure (diam. c. 80m) defined by a fosse surrounding the church (KK024-020001-) and graveyard (KK024-020002-) at Holdenstown. The enclosure is also visible on satellite imagery (Google Earth, imagery date 14 September 2019). See attached: KK024-020003-_01 aerial photograph (GB89.AP.26, 22 July 1989) KK024-020003-_02 satellite imagery (Google Earth, imagery date 14 September 2019) Compiled by: Dr. Gillian Barrett for the Archaeological Survey of Ireland Date of upload: 29 May 2012

• KK024-117001 Enclosure
  Description

  On high ground in a commanding position. Excavated in 2007 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme (Licence no. E3681). A D-shaped ditched enclosure (ext. diam. 40m; av. Wth 2.6m; D 1.15m) that respected an earlier linear feature extending NE-SW across the excavated area. The enclosure truncated two ring-ditches (KK024-117004- and KK024-117005-) and two burials (KK024-117006-) located within one of the ring-ditches. A third ring-ditch (KK024-117003-) was in the interior and a fourth in this cluster (KK024-117002-) (visible on an aerial photograph GB89.AP.25 taken in 1989) remains outside the area of excavation to the NW. Examination of the fill of the ditch indicated that there was no evidence for an internal or external bank. Silt in the primary fill indicated that it had been left open once constructed. An undug causeway (Wth 4.5m) faced E. Although on high ground, naturally occurring springs ensured the ditch filled naturally with water. A secondary fill contained a large quantity of animal bone as well as five possibly worked stones and a metal blade. The upper fill contained a possible whetstone. There were 5 inhumation burials within one of the associated ring-ditches and two further inhumations and a possible cremation pit (KK024-117007-) were excavated within this larger enclosure. (Whitty 2009; 2010, 248, no. 938) See attached: KK024-117001-_01 aerial photograph (GB89.AP.25, 22 July 1989) Revised by: Mary Tunney Date of revision: 10 December 2013

• KK024-117002 Ring-ditch
  Description

  Aerial photograph (GB89.AP.25) shows cropmark of a ring-ditch; a circular enclosure (KK024-117001-) is located immediately to the south. The enclosure was excavated in 2007. Three ring-ditches (KK024-117003-/KK024-117005-) were found within it. There were 5 inhumations burials (KK024-117008-) in one of the ring-ditches. Two other inhumations and a possible cremation pit (KK024-117007-) were also excavated within the enclosure. (Whitty 2009; 2010, 248, no. 938) See attached: KK024-117002-_01 aerial photograph (GB89.AP.25, 22 July 1989) Revised by: Mary Tunney Date of revision: 10 December 2013

• KK024-117003 Ring-ditch
  Description

  On high ground in a commanding position. Situated within a ditched enclosure (KK024-117001-). Excavated in 2007 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme (Licence no. E3681). A ring-ditch (diam. 16.65m; max. D 0.4m; av. Wth 1.3m) with an undug causeway at W (Wth 2.3m). 12 antler picks were carefully deposited at S and a small quantity of burnt bone and charcoal were recovered from the fill. Two post-medieval linear features crossed the ring-ditch NE-SW. Two slightly smaller ring-ditches (KK024-117004- and KK024-117005-) were excavated within the same enclosure and another ring-ditch (KK024-117002-) lies outside the excavated area and the roadway to the N. One of the ring-ditches (KK024-117004-) contained 5 inhumation burials and there were further burials within the larger enclosure. A fourth associated ring-ditch (KK024-117002-) (visible on an aerial photograph GB89.AP.25 taken in 1989) remains outside the area of excavation to the NW. (Whitty 2009; 2010, 248, no. 938) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 10 December 2013

• KK024-117004 Ring-ditch
  Description

  On high ground in a commanding position. Bisected by a ditched enclosure (KK024-117001-). Excavated in 2007 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme (Licence no. E3681). A ring-ditch (diam 11.9m; max. D 0.3m; av. Wth 1m). The uppermost fill was redeposited from elsewhere and contained four antler picks and two pieces of flint debitage as well as a significant quantity of animal bone, seeds and hazelnut, charcoal, shell and burnt bone. The entire circumference was recut and contained three fills. A piece of flint debitage and a piece of copper alloy were found in the primary fill of the recut. 5 inhumation burials (KK024-117006-) were excavated in the S half of this ring-ditch. Two other ring-ditches (KK024-117003- and KK024-117005-) were excavated within the same enclosure and another ring-ditch (KK024-117002-) lies outside the excavated area and the roadway to the NW. (Whitty 2009, Ring-ditch 2; 2010, 248, no. 938) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 10 December 2013

• KK024-117005 Ring-ditch
  Description

  On high ground in a commanding position. Slightly truncated at NNW by an enclosure (KK024-117001-). Excavated in 2007 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme (Licence no. E3681). Portion of a ring-ditch (est. diam. 8.5m; max. D 0.2m; av. Wth 0.5m) badly truncated by later agricultural activity. The fill at W contained cremated bone and may represent a token cremation deposit. Two other ring-ditches (KK024-117003- and KK024-117004-) were excavated within the same enclosure and another ring-ditch (KK024-117002-) lies outside the excavated area and the roadway to the N. (Whitty 2009; 2010, 248, no. 938) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 10 December 2013

• KK024-117006 Burial
  Description

  On high ground in a commanding position. Excavated in 2007 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme (Licence no. E3681). A cluster of five inhumation burials were located within the S half of a ring-ditch (KK024-117004-). All were aligned SW-NE with their feet towards the NE. Three further inhumations were excavated within the larger feature (KK024-117001-) that enclosed several ring-ditches. Two of those (lined with cobbles) were aligned E-W and were 5.8m apart while the third was adjacent to the S edge of the enclosure and was in a poor state of preservation. (Whitty 2009; 2010, 248, no. 938) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 10 December 2013

• KK024-117007 Cremation pit
  Description

  On high ground in a commanding position. Excavated in 2007 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme (Licence no. E3681). Just inside the NE portion and truncated by a ditched enclosure (KK024-117001-). A cut, similar in size and shape to the other grave-cuts within the enclosure (KK024-117006-) but with evidence of in situ burning. The fill contained burnt bone and very frequent inclusions of charcoal. (Whitty 2009; 2010, 248, no. 938) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 10 December 2013

• KK024-130 Excavation - miscellaneous
  Description

  On a gravel ridge, bounded to the E by a stream and to the N by a waterlogged area. Excavated in 2007/8 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme (Licence no. E3630). Two clusters of hearths, pits and post-holes interpreted as ‘working areas’ 1 and 2. Working area 2 to the E extended beyond the limits of the excavation. The precise function of the working areas was undetermined but finds of flint and a fragment of a polished stone axe suggest a prehistoric date. A burial ground (KK024-131----) containing 94 inhumations orientated E-W lies immediately adjacent and 5 kilns (KK024-132----) were also excavated in the vicinity. (Whitty 2010a, 248, no. 939; Whitty 2010b) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 9 December 2013

• KK024-131 Burial ground
  Description

  On a gravel ridge, bounded to the E by a stream and to the N by a waterlogged area. Excavated in 2007/8 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme (Licence no. E3630). An early medieval burial ground comprising 94 shallow inhumations with mostly E-W orientations arranged in 7 loose rows with a further four empty graves. Many of the graves were truncated by later activity as many post-medieval furrows crossed the area. Two clusters of hearths, pits and post-holes (KK024-130----) and 5 kilns (KK024-132----) were excavated in the immediate vicinity. (Whitty 2010a, 248, no. 939; Whitty 2010b) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 9 December 2013

• KK024-132 Kiln
  Description

  On a gravel ridge, bounded to the E by a stream and to the N by a waterlogged area. Excavated in 2007/8 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme (Licence no. E3630). A total of 5 kilns, 4 of which were located around the perimeter of an early medieval burial ground (KK024-131----) and are likely to be cereal-drying kilns. The fifth kiln was identified within the burial ground but clearly pre-dated it. Small amounts of slag may indicate that it functioned as a furnace. Two clusters of hearths, pits and post-holes (KK024-130----) were excavated in the immediate vicinity. (Whitty 2010a, 248, no. 939; Whitty 2010b) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 9 December 2013

• KK024-133 Excavation - miscellaneous
  Description

  In an undulating area under pasture and tillage. Excavated in 2007 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme (Licence no. E3854). A series of pits clustered in an area of approximately 7m square. Lithic debitage was recovered from many of the pits and prehistoric pottery that has been interpreted as being from middle Bronze Age domestic vessels was found within two of these pits. The precise function of the pits is unknown and it seems likely, given their clustering, that they are related, possibly forming a small temporary structure. One of the pits has been dated to the late Neolithic (2860-2480 cal BC (SUERC-30110)) while the lithics have been interpreted as being diagnostically from the middle Neolithic. This may suggest that the features are unrelated or that there has been re-use or disturbance of some of the pits. (Whitty 2010, 248, no. 940; Whitty and Coughlan 2012) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 10 December 2013

• KK024-134 Fulacht fia
  Description

  On flat terrain with a small stream to the N. Excavated in 2007 in advance of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme (Licence no. E3682). A spread of burnt material (21m x 22m) which sealed a trough and a possible working platform. Four pits were located around the trough. To the E of the main spread were four other pits which were filled with burnt mound material. Hazel charcoal from the fill of the trough yielded a radiocarbon date of 765-420 cal BC (UBA-13114) while a date of 2018-1881 cal BC (UBA-13113) was obtained from one of the pits indicating an earlier phase of activity. (Whitty 2010, 248, no. 941; Whitty and Coughlan 2011) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 10 December 2013

Architectural heritage

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

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 Holdenstown, about 1 in 10 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 low, partly inferred.

Terrain model

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

Flooding

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

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

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

Name

Holdenstown · Baile an Úilínigh

Area

1,116,474 m² (111.65 ha, 275.89 acres)

Civil parish

Dunbell, and its townlands

Barony

Gowran

Electoral division

Dunbell, the unit of the census

Census 2022

525 people lived in 192 households in the Dunbell electoral division. 93% of households owned their home. 21% of homes were built since 2001. 6% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 0% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Bishopslough West, Carran, Carran, Dunbell Big

Placenames

Holdenstown 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.