Lorrha

138 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Lorrha, from 8 m² to 688,308 m² (68.83 ha, 170.08 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary. 52 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.

• S5Social and Public (Mixed/general community services/facilities uses)
  Tipperary County Development Plan 2022_2028 Settlement Plans, Tipperary · 10 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• G1Amenity (Open space, park)
  Tipperary County Development Plan 2022_2028 Settlement Plans, Tipperary · 1 parcels The zoning objective in the plan

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

• 29 May 2026N/a

  the demolition of the existing rear shed, refurbishment and alteration of the existing single-storey dwelling to provide a dormer dwelling, including internal modifications and replacement of the existing roof, construction of a two-storey extension to the side and rear of the dwelling together with all associated boundary treatments and ancillary site works

  Permission · Tipperary County Council, 2660526

• 19 Dec 2024Conditional

  (1) the construction of a new farm building for the housing of livestock including a slatted area over an underground slurry storage tank, for agricultural use, and completed with associated siteworks, and (2) permission to construct a new extension to an existing farm building for straw and general storage, for agricultural use, and completed with associated siteworks

  Permission · Tipperary County Council, 2461119

• 28 Oct 2022Conditional

  the construction of two new extensions to existing farm building for the housing of livestock, completed with associated siteworks. Retention permission is also being saught for an extension to existing farm dairy building as constructed for housing of a larger milk bulk tank, completed with associated siteworks. All above for the purposes of agriculture on my farmlands.

  Permission · Tipperary County Council, 2260583

• 30 Jun 2022Conditional

  removal of existing flat/low pitch roof and associated parapets from existing dwelling and erection of new raised "A" type traditional roof over main dwelling and new flat roof over garage, also to change use of part of existing building from shop/store to residential use and renovate entire dwelling

  Permission, 1 home · Tipperary County Council, 22447

• 29 Jul 2020Conditional

  1. a new farm building for the housing of livestock completed with all associated site works 2. a new farm building for both the storage of agricultural machinery and for the housing of livestock, including a slatted area over an underground effluent storage tank and completed with all associated site works and 3. retention permission for a new farm building for the housing of livestock completed with all associated site works

  Permission · Tipperary County Council, 20837

• 28 Mar 2019Conditional

  additions & alterations to existing community hall including the construction of single storey extensions to the front & rear of existing hall, upgrade parking area to front of building all with associated site works

  Permission · Tipperary County Council, 19600288

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

Designated sites

• Natural Heritage Area: Lorrha Bog NHA 001684
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Friar's Lough 000933

Recorded monuments

• TN004-010 Historic town
  Description

  Situated on a slight rise of ground in undulating countryside. St Ruadhán founded a monastery at Lorrha (Lothra) in the sixth century (TN004-010----). St. Ruadhán died in 584 and was referred to as the 'lamp of Lothra', his feastday was held on the 15th of April when the 'cuckoo began to call' (Ó Riain 2011, 541-2). He was the son of Fearghas Bearn of the Uí Dhuach clan from Fassadinin and Crannagh baronies, Co. Kilkenny (ibid.).There is documentary evidence that the monastery was attacked in the ninth and eleventh centuries (Ann. Clon., 139; Ann. Inisf., AD 1015). In 1208 there is a reference to the castle at Lorrha, presumably referring to the motte (TN004-010012-), being destroyed by Muirchertach Ua Briain (Cunningham 1987, 42). By c. 1221 the castle had been rebuilt and was taken by the justiciar from the Bishop of Killaloe in the course of a dispute (Talbot 1972, 9). In 1243 the manor of Lorrha was in de Burgo hands but held by the Bishop of Killaloe (Cunningham 1987, 42). Walter de Burgo, the Earl of Ulster, founded a Dominican firary (TN004-010001-) here in 1269 (Gleeson 1951-2, 102). In 1335 the 'mill of the town of Lother' is listed as the property of William de Burgo (Cal. inq. post mortem, 373). In the Elizabethan Fiants under the year 1552 there was a lease granted to John O'Hogan, clerk, late prior of Lorrowe in Ormond, of the 'site of the priory of canons of S. Augustin of lorrowe in Ormond, the demesne lands of the said priory and land beyone the stream of the moat of the demesne lands in Lorrowe, land in Grainge called Chanon's rathe; the site of the monastery of friars of S. Dominicks order in Lorrowe and land called Freres Rathe, with its tithes in the said town' (Nicholls 1994, vol. 1, 195). Within the ecclesiastical enclosure (TN004-010011-) to the E of the Church of Ireland church are the wall-footings of at least two rectangular houses orientated on a N-S axis. Monastery/Monastic Town Situated on a slight rise of ground in undulating countryside. The older surviving elements of the site consist of a pre-Romanesque church (TN004-010008-), an enclosure (TN004-010011-) and two high crosses (TN004-010009-/010-). A thirteenth-century Dominican friary (TN004-010001-) and mill (TN004-010005-), a fifteenth-century Augustinian priory (TN004-010006-) and a motte and bailey (TN004-010012-) are also placed within the ecclesiastical enclosure (TN004-010011-). The monastery was founded by St Ruadhán who died in AD 584. The Stowe Missal was probably written here in the ninth century (Gleeson and Gwynn 1962, 49). There is some evidence of two enclosing elements associated with monastery. The inner enclosure possibly follows the road which curves around the church and high cross while the outer enclosure can be traced in the curving field boundaries to the NW of the parish church. In 1301-3 the Villate of Lotragh owed 40s for murage money received and not applied to the work (PRI rep. DK 38, 92). In 2002 archaeological excavations carried out by Stephen J. Linnane on a housing development site to the north-west of St Ruadhan's Abbey and partially impinging on the outer ditch of the ecclesiastical enclosure. The original ditch of the enclosure was excavated by hand measuring c. 7m wide with finds within the fill of the ditch suggesting it was backfilled in the eighteenth century. This excavation was carried out under Licence No. 01E1055 (Linnane 2004, 479). Outside the enclosure to the north excavation revealed, three cereal-drying kilns and a ditch that appeared to be of medieval date. A radiocarbon date range of AD 545-660, which would make it contemporary with the Early Christian monastery (Linnane 2004, 479). Analysis of the grains from the kilns showed a mixture of oat, barley and to a lesser extent, wheat, with frequent weed seeds (Linnane 2004, 479). To the west of the site a circular feature or pit (diam. c. 2m; D c. 1m) that has been interpreted as a well was uncovered, this well had gone out of use by AD 1255-1453 (Linnane 2004, 479). The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010001 Religious house - Dominican friars
  Description

  National Monument No. 361. Mistakenly identified as a Franciscan abbey on the OS 6-inch map. This is the Dominican friary founded in 1269 by Walter de Burgo, Earl of Ulster (Gleeson 1951-2, 102) and dedicated to St Peter the martyr who was canonised in 1254 (Gleeson 1915 vol. 1, 259). An indulgence for the repair of the buildings was granted in 1401 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 227). After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1552 John Hogan was granted the lease of both the Dominican friary and Augustinian priory (ibid.). In 1688 a provincial chapter of the order was held in Lorrha (ibid.). In 1812 a church was built immediately to the N of the friary where the modern RC church now stands, the former church may have incorporated the W wall of the cloister range as Gleeson (1915 vol. 1, 258) suggests that the 'thickness of the wall behind the altar of the modern [1812] church seems to indicate that this wall was incorporated in the church … and that it formed part of the Dominican Friary; this wall is much thicker than the other walls of the church'. The present remains consist of a long rectangular church (ext. dims. 10m N-S; 46.3m E-W; wall T 1.17m) built with roughly coursed limestone rubble with a slight base-batter at the E end of the church only. There are six pairs of twin-light lancets of Gothic style at the E end of the S wall while internally at the E end of the S wall there is a cinquefoil aumbry with a credence and a double piscina. A pointed limestone doorway off-centre to the E on the N wall may originally have given access to a cloister. There is a destroyed triple-light lancet window in E gable of which only the lower half of the mullions survive. Internally the base of this window is connected to the side walls via a string course which probably framed the inner face of the window. According to Leask there was a stone screen midway along the church to divide the nave and chancel. Midway along the inner face of the S wall there is a projecting block of masonry which contains a possible altar with piscina and sedilia. This structure is not bonded to the S wall and appears to be a later insertion and may have been inserted to support a crossing-tower. At the W end of the S wall there is a triple-light flat-headed window with external hood-moulding and a single-light lancet. According to local tradition a statute of St Ruadhan was kept in a niche in the S wall (Gleeson 1951-2, 103). The W gable, which collapsed in 1939, has been reconstructed by the OPW. They rebuilt the W doorway, the W window and the bellcote which surmounts the apex of the gable. At the W end of the N wall there are a series of destroyed single-light lancet windows. Inside the church there are two well-preserved seventeenth-century memorials (TN004-010015-/016-) to the O'Kennedy family one of which is dated 1629. Inside the nearby RC church there is a floriated graveslab (TN004-010002-) with calvary base, dated 1626, along with several architectural fragments incorporated into the E gable. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 53/1937).

• TN004-010002 Graveslab
  Description

  Situated inside Lorrha Roman Catholic church adjacent to the Dominican Friary (TN004-010001-). The limestone graveslab (L 2m x Wth c. 0.9m) is decorated with a six-armed circular cross head with fleur-de-lys terminals, in the centre of which is an I H S motif. There is a sun and moon motif above the cross and both sides of the shaft are in Latin, carved in relief in Gothic script. The shaft rests on a stepped calvary mount. The marginal inscription in Latin commemorates Patrick O'Hogan of Shearragh and his wife Johanna Dalachan who had this tomb made in 1626. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010003 Bullaun stone
  Description

  Situated at Lorrha Roman Catholic church at the SW end of the village adjacent to the Dominican Friary (TN004-010001-). One bullaun is located at the SE corner of the E gable of the church and a second bullaun stone (TN004-010004-) is located at the NE corner of the church. It is a roughly subcircular block of conglomerate stone (dims. 0.83m x 0.63m x 0.5m) which has an off-centre sub-oval depression (dims. 0.3m x 0.27m x 0.17m D). One side of the bullaun has a split face resulting in a very straight edge. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010004 Bullaun stone
  Description

  Situated at Lorrha Roman Catholic church at the SW end of the village adjacent to the Dominican Friary (TN004-010001-). Bullaun stone at the NE corner of the church is a conglomerate boulder (dims. 0.86m x 0.76m x 0. 42). One face appears to be split. It has a very steep-sided central bowl (dims. 0.58m x 0.42m x 0.25m D) with a relatively flat base. Adjoining one side of the bowl there is a shallow semicircular hollow (diam. 0.42m x 0.1m D). The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010005 Water mill - unclassified
  Description

  Situated on NE angle of the claustral range of the 13th century Dominican Friary (TN004-010001-). The building was part of the monastic complex. Listed in 1335 as belonging to the lands of William de Burgo which consisted of the grange and the mill of the town of Lother (Cal. inq. post mortem, 373). The building itself survives to a height of three storeys, with a slight base batter. It is constructed of randomly coursed limestone rubble which is badly spalled. An arched opening of roughly cut voussoirs mid-way along the N and S wall at ground level allowed a stream/mill-race to run through the building, turning the mill-wheel. At ground level a modern doorway has been inserted in the W face and there is a crude, blocked ope in the E wall. The first and second floors were entered through pointed doorways from an external stair or structure on the W wall, no trace of which is visible beneath the heavy ivy cover. The first floor was lit by two windows in the N wall and a flat-headed window in the E and S wall. The second floor was lit by at least four windows, including ogee-headed double-lights. There are the remains of a fireplace in the N wall. The upper storeys of the mill were used for accommodation, probably accessed from the domestic range of buildings off the cloister. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010006 Religious house - Augustinian canons
  Description

  National Monument No. 357. A house of Augustinian canons founded in Lorrha sometime during the twelfth century (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 155). In 1401 the Calendar of Papal Letters records the 'giving of alms for the repair and building of the friars preachers church of Lorrha' (Cal. papal letters, 347). Despite the dissolution, a prior of Lorrha was referred to in 1599 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 185) and it seems that the Augustinian friars took over from the canons in 1643 (ibid., 185). In the year 1552 in the fiants of Edward VI there is a lease to John Hogan, clerk late prior of Lorrowe in Lower Ormond, of the site of the priory of canons Regular of St Augustine and the site of the monastery of friars of St Dominick's order in Lorowe and land called Friars Rath with its tithes in the said town (Gleeson 1915, vol. 1, 252). The poorly preserved remains of a fifteenth-century priory (ext. dims. 32m E-W; 8.8m N-S) with conventual buildings attached to the S. The walls were constructed with roughly coursed limestone rubble with prominent base-batter visible. The surviving quoins are well-cut, dressed limestone blocks. The main doorway located in the W gable consists of a pointed arch with ogee-headed hood-moulding surmounted with crocket finials. The doorway has two moulded orders the apex of which is decorated with a woman's head wearing a horned headdress and collared robe all of which appears to have been painted in blue and gold, traces of which still survive. Directly over this doorway there is a twin-light trefoil-headed window with quatrefoil over and hood-moulding with plain label stop. The windows consist of twin and single ogee-headed lights. There is a twin-light window in the E gable. Most of the S wall is destroyed and forms part of a modern ball alley. Three medieval limestone graveslabs lie within the church interior at the E end. The possible remains of a two-storey sacristy with barrel-vaulted ground floor protrude from the NE angle of the priory. This building is surmounted by a substantial stone chimney stack protruding from the S wall. A piscina with credence was removed from the church in the 1880s and brought to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Minneapolis USA (Gleeson 1915, vol. 1, 253). Possible conventual building adjoining the S of the church and the W wall of the sacristy. The W wall is gone, though foundations are visible at the SW angle. The S and E walls have been rendered to provide a concrete surface for the hand-ball alley. The S and E walls of this building have been rendered to provide a concrete surface for the hand-ball alley. The upper part of a doorway is clearly visible where the render is peeling off in the S wall. It has been largely blocked up with stones but the E jamb with cut limestone blocks is evident. It is a round-headed doorway with chamfered jambs. Internally there is a drawbar-hole on the E side. There is a receiver on the W side, which is partly cut into the rebate and is also formed by a splay. There is a wide internal splay with dressed limestone blocks. The bottom of the doorway does not survive. Four corbels project out from the S face, c. 2m above present ground level. There is a row of putlogs c. 1m above the corbels and another row c. 0.4m below. Three medieval recumbent graveslabs (TN004-010023-/024-/025-) at E end of priory. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 51/1937).

• TN004-010007 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  Situated on the E side of Lorrha village with the nearby Augustinian priory (TN004-010006) to the N. A rough rectangular well (dims. 0.9m x 0.8m) enclosed by a D-shaped stone wall with cobblestone paving. The top of the well is covered by an iron grille which gives access to seven steps leading down to the water of the well. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010008 Church
  Description

  National Monument No. 673. Stone church dedicated to St. Ruadhán who died in 584 and was referred to as the 'lamp of Lothra', his feastday was held on the 15th of April when the 'cuckoo began to call' (Ó Riain 2011, 541-2). He was the son of Fearghas Bearn of the Uí Dhuach clan from Fassadinin and Crannagh baronies, Co. Kilkenny (ibid.). In the Annals of Innisfallen under the year AD 1037 it is recorded that 'Cu Chaille, son of Cennetaig, King of Musgraige, with his son was slain in front of the stone church at Lorrha after he had been taken from the altar'. The Royal Visitation of 1615 described the building as 'chancell up church down' (Murphy 1914, 221). The church consists of a rectangular building (ext. dims. 11.1m N-S; 18.3m E-W) with projecting antae at both ends constructed with roughly coursed cyclopean masonry. The W end of the church was converted into a two-storey priest's residence by the insertion of a barrel-vaulted ground floor. The upper storey was well lit with a twin-light ogee-headed window in the W wall and access to the upper floor was via a mural stairs in the S wall. A C of I church was added onto the E gable of the church in the nineteenth century. At the W end of the S wall there is a fifteenth-century pointed doorway with a hollow chamfer. Several motifs are carved on this chamfer, including vine leaves, rose motif and a pelican drawing blood from its breast. Over the existing doorway are the remains of an earlier arch with a carved head at its apex along with capitals and foliage decoration of late twelfth/early thirteenth-century date. The ground floor of the vaulted chamber contains the possible remains of a fireplace with a chimney stack (Gleeson 1915, vol. 1, 254) while there are three windows at first-floor level with a fireplace in the E gable (ibid.) This is possibly an eleventh-century church or earlier as referred to in the Annals of Innisfallen with a late twelfth/early thirteenth-century doorway. Further work was carried out in the 15th/16th century when the priest's residence and later doorway were inserted. Church located in the E quadrant of a large sub-rectangular graveyard (TN004-010013-). The remains of two high crosses (TN004-010009-/010-) are situated in the graveyard (TN004-010013-) of the nearby church. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010009 Cross - High cross
  Description

  National Monument No. 673. The remains of two high crosses are situated in the graveyard of the nearby parish church (TN004-010008-). The second cross consists of a poorly preserved base (1.5m sq.) which has a stepped top. Originally the sides of the base were decorated with figure sculpture one of these being Daniel in the lion's den (Harbison 1992 vol. 1, 138). A portion of the cross-shaft protrudes from the top of the base decorated with interlaced patterns with projecting rolls at the corners (Crawford 1909, 128-9). Both crosses are of probable eighth/ninth-century date (Harbison 1992, vol. 1, 379-82). Described by Harbison (1992 vol. 1, 138) as following; 'The 'South-east Cross' consists of a cross which 'stands in a large roughly hewn base 1.55m square and about 55cm high. The sides of the base seem to have borne figure sculpture, but none is recognisable except for a possible DANIEL IN THE LIONS' DEN on the north side, the upper part of which is broken away. The cross itself is 1.22m high, and the bottom of the shaft is 48cm wide and 43cm thick. All four sides would appear to bear interlace. A panel in the middle of the east face would appear to be the representation of a horseman bearing a crook'. See attached screenshot of 3D model of High Cross created by Digital Heritage Age. 3D model can be accessed on the Sketchfab website at: https://skfb.ly/6tMNY The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010010 Cross - High cross
  Description

  National Monument No. 673. The remains of two high crosses are situated in the graveyard of the nearby parish church (TN004-010008-). The furthest cross from the church consists of a large base (dims. 1.17m x 94cm x 1.2m high) which is decorated with interlaced panels and figurative scenes. Above these the base is stepped and decorated with a frieze of horses. A small fragment of the shaft protrudes from the top of the base (H 0.85m) with evidence of interlace on the S and N sides with poorly preserved figures on the other sides. Both crosses are of probable eighth/ninth-century date (Harbison 1992, vol. 1, 379-82). Described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 137) as following; The 'North-west Cross' consists of the 'fragmentary shaft of the cross is only about 85cm high, but the base it rests on is about 1m high, and measures about 1.20m by 60cm at ground level. The base rises in a number of steps. EAST FACE Base: The edges of the lowest step have a rope-moulding surround, with another similar moulding inside it. The decoration is divided into two registers. Lower register : Unidentified scene. - Much of the lower register is taken up with a frieze in false relief showing two lion-like animals facing one another with raised paws on the left and, further to the right, a man stretching out his hand towards a similar animal. On the extreme right there is a panel with two crosses in relief which have a square with a hole in the centre at the crossing. Upper register : Fretwork panels. - The 'riser' of the second step has a roll moulding around the edge, and a procession of animals in relief proceeding towards the left. No decoration can be made out on the steps. Shaft : Unidentified scene. - Above the plinth there is a panel which can clearly be seen to bear figure sculpture. At least two figures can be made out, but the whole panels is so worn that it would be hazardous to suggest any interpretation of the figures. SOUTH SIDE Base : The lowest step has the same corner mouldings as on the east face, and is divided into two panels. Left : Unidentified scene or scenes. - The figures on this panel are very worn. A rectangular object with an arc above it near the bottom right-hand corner could suggest an altar with faggots on it as seen in association with Isaac on other crosses, while the broken 'pelleted' outline on the top left could suggest the branches of an apple tree, so that the whole panel could conceivably collate ADAM AND EVE and THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC, as may well be the case on the south side of the South Cross at Clonmacnois. But the carving is so weathered that it would be rash to do any more than suggest this as a possibility, and the panel is better left unidentified. Right : An interlace decoration. The upper step has animals similar to those on the east face, and also proceeding towards the left. There is no decoration visible on the upper steps. Shaft: A much-worn panel of interlace. WEST FACE Base : Similarly framed to the east face, the lowest step of the west face is divided into three panels. The panel on the left bears interlace, the central one spiral ornament, while that on the right has fretwork. The second step has a procession of animals already encountered on the east and south faces. The other steps are either undecorated or hopelessly worn. Shaft : The shaft can be seen to bear figure sculpture, but it is now so worn as to be unrecognisable. NORTH SIDE The lowest step of the base is divided into two very worn panels, the only visible decoration being traces of fretwork on the extreme right of the right-hand panel. The second and third steps bear an animal procession. Interlace is visible in the central panel of the shaft'. To see a 3D model of this high cross, visit; https://skfb.ly/owMEo The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010011 Ecclesiastical enclosure
  Description

  Within the enclosure are an eleventh century church (TN004-010008-) dedicated to St. Ruadhán who founded the monastery in the sixth century, the remains of two high crosses (TN004-010009-/010-), a holy well (TN004-010007-), a twelfth-century motte (TN004-010012-) and a fifteenth-century Augustinian priory (TN004-010006-). St. Ruadhán died in 584 and was referred to as the 'lamp of Lothra', his feastday was held on the 15th of April when the 'cuckoo began to call' (Ó Riain 2011, 541-2). He was the son of Fearghas Bearn of the Uí Dhuach clan from Fassadinin and Crannagh baronies, Co. Kilkenny (ibid.). The large roughly circular enclosure (diam. approx. 380m N-S; 310m E-W) consists of two earth and stone banks and intervening fosse (Wth 3m; D 0.2m) with a possible entrance gap (Wth 15m) at SE. The inner bank (Wth 2-3m; int. H 1m; ext. H 1-2.5m) is the best preserved, especially at NE where it is preserved in the line of a modern field boundary, while the outer bank (Wth 4m, ext. H 0.15m) is visible at E only. The enclosure is defined by a river from SE through S to SW. Inside the enclosure there is possible evidence of a D-shaped enclosure defined by the curve of the modern roadway which may have intersected with a linear earthwork running across the centre of the enclosure on an E-W axis. This linear earthwork now abruptly terminates to the rear of the friary (TN004-010001-). Inside this inner enclosure in the modern graveyard there are several low banks which may have acted as divisions within the smaller enclosure. The Dominican friary (TN004-010001-) is the only ecclesiastical building located outside the large ecclesiastical enclosure, while the motte is situated on top of the enclosing bank to the E. The eleventh century church (TN004-010008-) and two high crosses (TN004-010009-/010-) may have been located within the smaller D-shaped enclosure while the fifteenth- century priory (TN004-010006-) was located outside this inner enclosure but inside the large enclosing element. The wall-footings of a small rectangular or square building (approx. dims. 5m N-S; 6m E-W) lie nine metres to the E of the NE corner of the surviving graveyard wall with the wall-footings of a larger building (approx. dims. 10.5m N-S; 6m E-W) immediately to the S. Further S there are low wall-footings of what may have been a third building but now survives as a roughly L-shaped earth and stone bank. In the year 1552 in the fiants of Edward VI there is a lease to John Hogan, clerk late prior of Lorrowe in Lower Ormond, of the site of the priory of canons Regular of St Augustine and the site of the monastery of friars of St Dominicks order in Lorowe and land called Friars Rath with its tithes in the said town (Gleeson 1915, vol. 1, 252). 'Friars Rath' may be a reference to this ecclesiastical enclosure. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010012 Castle - motte and bailey
  Description

  Situated on a slight rise of ground on flat pasture in undulating countryside with a stream immediately to the E and a parish church (TN004-010008-) to the W. Constructed on top of the SE bank of an early ecclesiastical enclosure (TN004-010011-) surrounding the monastic town of Lorrha. The castle at Lorrha was destroyed by Muirchertach Ua Briain in 1208 (Cunningham 1987, 142) and was rebuilt by the Justiciar of Ireland in 1221 (Talbot 1972, 9). Described as the manor of Lorrha which was held by the Bishop of Killaloe (Cunningham 1987, 42). Listed in 1335 as belonging to the lands of William de Burgo which consisted of the grange and the mill of the town of Lother (Cal. inq. post mortem, 373). A small flat-topped mound (H 4m; diam base 25m; top diam 9.8m) enclosed by a wide shallow fosse (Wth 3.7m) with a bailey area to the W. The E half the mound has been removed and was examined by Talbot (1972, 9) who suggested that the motte was constructed by forming a ringwork and filling it in from the sides to achieve the required height. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010013 Graveyard
  Description

  In the Annals of Innisfallen under the year AD 1037 it is recorded that 'Cu Chaille, son of Cennetaig, King of Musgraige, with his son was slain in front of the stone church at Lorrha after he had been taken from the altar. The Royal Visitation of 1615 described the building as 'chancell up church down' (Murphy 1914, 221). The church consists of a rectangular building (TN004-010008-) with projecting antae at both ends constructed with roughly coursed cyclopean masonry. The W end of the church was converted into a two-storey priest's residence by the insertion of a barrel-vaulted ground floor. This is possibly an eleventh-century church or earlier as referred to in the Annals of Innisfallen with a late twelfth/early thirteenth-century doorway. Further work was carried out in the 15th/16th century when the priest's residence and later doorway were inserted. Church located in the E quadrant of a large sub-rectangular graveyard which contains two high crosses (TN004-010009-/010-) in the centre and in the NW quadrants respectively. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010014 Graveyard
  Description

  13th century Dominican friary (TN004-010001-) and 19th century Roman Catholic church located in N quadrant of large rectangular graveyard (approx. int. dims. 35m N-S; 90m E-W) enclosed by a high stone wall of 19th century date. Concentration of 18th and 19th cenury headstones to S and W of friary. Modern graveyard extension to W of Roman Catholic church. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010015 Wall monument
  Description

  17th century altar tomb dedicated to the O'Kennedy family with their coat of arms and the Latin motto Dominus pars haereditatis meae meaning 'the Lord is the portion of my inheritance' on a plaque over the altar. The top of the tomb bears a Latin inscription , in raised Roman script dated to 1629. The front panels of the tomb are decorated with the symbols of our Lords Passion. The tomb has been built into the inner face of the N wall of the chancel of the 13th century Domincian friary (TN004-010001-) near the NE angle beside the main altar of the friary. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload/revision: 7 December 2011

• TN004-010016 Memorial stone
  Description

  Possible early 17th century wall memorial/plaque inserted into the inner face of the S wall off centre to E of the chancel of the 13th century Dominican friary (TN004-010001-). The plaque is decorated with the O'Kennedy coat of arms with the motto 'Spes mea in Deo', meaning 'my hope is in God' and an inscription in Latin below this. The plaque has been inserted into a niche in the S wall partially blocking the base of a twin-light thirteenth century window. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010017 Memorial stone
  Description

  Inside the 13th century Dominican friary (TN004-010001-) built into inner face of N wall off centre to E beside 17th century O'Kennedy altar tomb (TN004-010015-) there is a small wall plaque containing an I.H.S inscription and the Egan coat of Arms with a Latin inscription dedicated to Constantine Egan and his son John who erected this monument in 1689. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010018 Graveslab
  Description

  Inside 13th century Dominican friary (TN004-010001-) there is a large flat recumbent slab (dims. 1.6m x 0.95m x 0.10m) which is broken down the middle with chamfered edges at the E end of the chancel of the priory. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010019 Graveslab
  Description

  Inside Dominican friary at E end of chancel lying flat on the surface there is a recumbent tapering limestone slab (dims. 1.87m L x 0.59m base Wth.; top Wth 0.48m X 0.11m) with a St. Josephs lily with a small cross on either side of the lily carved in relief on top of the slab. According to Rev. J. Gleeson this graveslab was unearthed at the friary in 1908. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010020 Field system
  Description

  Linear earthworks and field system in fields to S, W and N of 13th century Dominican friary (TN004-010001-) appear to be associated with the friary. Linear earthworks to N of friary appear to be linked with the nearby stream and may be related to the mill (TN004-010005-) such as mill ponds or may have been fish ponds. The earthworks to the S of the friary may be associated with medieval settlement. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload/revision: 9 January 2012

• TN004-010021 Stone trough
  Description

  Limestone stone trough (H0.5m; dims. 1m x 0.5m) with rectangular shaped depression (dims. 0.35m x 0.7m) to the N of the E gable of the 13th century Dominican friary (TN004-010001-) and may be a medieval fish tank. Sitiuated beside driveway up to Lorrha Roman Catholic church and halfway between friary and the 13th century mill (TN004-010005-). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010022 Stone head
  Description

  One of three stone carvings (TN004-010030-/031-) that have been incorporated into the E gable of Lorrha Roman Catholic church located 12m to the N of the 13th century Dominican friary (TN004-010001-). This stone head is carved in relief and is located S of the porch entrance in the E gable of the R.C. church. This carved head appears to be that of a male with long cascading hair framing his face with evidence of a headband running across the forehead, oval shaped eyes, a triangular shaped nose and slit mouth. This carving along with two others (TN004-010030-/031-) probably came from the adjoining Dominican friary. The R. C. church is built on the footprint of the W range of the Dominican friary and may incorporate other medieval carved fragments in the fabric of the upstanding church which may be hidden by the external render of the R. C. building. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload/revision: 02 March 2012

• TN004-010023 Graveslab
  Description

  Recumbent medieval graveslab at E end of the Augustinian priory (TN004-010006-). Limestone tapering chamfered slab (dims. 2.06m x 0.61m; 0.13m) with a plain raised Latin cross with a horizontal line across the top and bottom. To see a 3D model of this graveslab, visit; https://skfb.ly/owFVo Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010024 Graveslab
  Description

  Recumbent medieval graveslab at E end of the Augustinian priory (TN004-010006-). Limestone tapering slab (dims. 1.34m ; 0.63m 0.11m) that has been split horizontally and is decorated with a Latin cross carved in relief. To see a 3D model of this graveslab, visit; https://skfb.ly/owFSE Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010025 Cross-inscribed stone
  Description

  Small recumbent rectangular-shaped slab (dims. 0.51m x 0.32m x 0.16m) at the E end of the Augustinian priory (TN004-010006-). The top of the slab is decorated with an incised double line circle framing an incised equal-armed cross. See attached screenshots of 3D model of the cross-inscribed stone. 3D model can be accessed on the Sketchfab website at: https://skfb.ly/owFMT Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010026 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  In 2002 archaeological excavations carried out by Stephen J. Linnane on a housing development site to the north-west of St Ruadhan's Abbey and partially impinging on the outer ditch of the ecclesiastical enclosure. This excavation was carried out under Licence No. 01E1055 (Linnane 2004, 479). Outside the enclosure to the north, excavation revealed, three cereal-drying kilns and a ditch that appeared to be of medieval date. A radiocarbon date range of AD 545-660, which would make it contemporary with the Early Christian monastery (Linnane 2004, 479). Analysis of the grains from the kilns showed a mixture of oat, barley and to a lesser extent, wheat, with frequent weed seeds (Linnane 2004, 479). To the west of the site a circular feature or pit (diam. c. 2m; D c. 1m) that has been interpreted as a well was uncovered, this well had gone out of use by AD 1255-1453 (Linnane 2004, 479). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010027 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  In 2002 archaeological excavations carried out by Stephen J. Linnane on a housing development site to the north-west of St Ruadhan's Abbey and partially impinging on the outer ditch of the ecclesiastical enclosure. This excavation was carried out under Licence No. 01E1055 (Linnane 2004, 479). Outside the enclosure to the north, excavation revealed, three cereal-drying kilns and a ditch that appeared to be of medieval date. A radiocarbon date range of AD 545-660, which would make it contemporary with the Early Christian monastery (Linnane 2004, 479). Analysis of the grains from the kilns showed a mixture of oat, barley and to a lesser extent, wheat, with frequent weed seeds (Linnane 2004, 479). To the west of the site a circular feature or pit (diam. c. 2m; D c. 1m) that has been interpreted as a well was uncovered, this well had gone out of use by AD 1255-1453 (Linnane 2004, 479). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010028 Kiln - corn-drying
  Description

  In 2002 archaeological excavations carried out by Stephen J. Linnane on a housing development site to the north-west of St Ruadhan's Abbey and partially impinging on the outer ditch of the ecclesiastical enclosure. This excavation was carried out under Licence No. 01E1055 (Linnane 2004, 479). Outside the enclosure to the north, excavation revealed, three cereal-drying kilns and a ditch that appeared to be of medieval date. A radiocarbon date range of AD 545-660, which would make it contemporary with the Early Christian monastery (Linnane 2004, 479). Analysis of the grains from the kilns showed a mixture of oat, barley and to a lesser extent, wheat, with frequent weed seeds (Linnane 2004, 479). To the west of the site a circular feature or pit (diam. c. 2m; D c. 1m) that has been interpreted as a well was uncovered, this well had gone out of use by AD 1255-1453 (Linnane 2004, 479). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010029 Well
  Description

  In 2002 archaeological excavations carried out by Stephen J. Linnane on a housing development site to the north-west of St Ruadhan's Abbey and partially impinging on the outer ditch of the ecclesiastical enclosure. This excavation was carried out under Licence No. 01E1055 (Linnane 2004, 479). Outside the enclosure to the north, excavation revealed a circular feature or pit (diam. c. 2m; D c. 1m) cut into the limestone bedrock that has been interpreted as a well or cistern. This well had gone out of use by AD 1255-1453 (Linnane 2004, 479). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

• TN004-010030 Stone head
  Description

  One of three stone carvings (TN004-010022-/031-) that have been incorporated into the E gable of Lorrha Roman Catholic church located 12m to the N of the 13th century Dominican friary (TN004-010001-). This stone head is carved in relief and is located N of the porch entrance in the E gable of the R.C. church. This carved head appears to be that of a male with tightly cropped hair and exposed forehead with oval-shaped eyes, a triangular shaped nose, slit mouth and ears which are visible beneath the hairline. This carved head originally acted as a corbel and was located at the base of the springing for a rib vaulted arch or vaulted roof, two ribs of which can be seen rising from the back of this carved head. This carving along with two others (TN004-010022-/031-) probably came from the adjoining Dominican friary. The R.C. church is built on the footprint of the W range of the Dominican friary and may incorporate other medieval carved fragments in the fabric of the upstanding church which may be hidden by the external render of the R.C. building. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload/revision: 02 March 2012

• TN004-010031 Stone sculpture
  Description

  One of three stone carvings (TN004-010022-/030-) that have been incorporated into the E gable of Lorrah Roman Catholic church located 12m to the N of the 13th century Dominican friary (TN004-010001-). This stone carving of a winged angel is carved in relief and originally acted as a corbel for the springing of a stone vaulted roof or arch. It is currently located in the external face of the E gable of the R.C. church above the E window near the apex of the roof. This carved winged has its arms folded across its body and is angled slightly outwards looking down on the surface below. This carving along with two others (TN004-010022-/030-) probably came from the adjoining Dominican friary. The R.C. church is built on the footprint of the W range of the Dominican friary and may incorporate other medieval carved fragments in the fabric of the upstanding church which may be hidden by the external render of the R.C. building. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload/revision: 02 March 2012

• TN004-010032 Cross-slab
  Description

  Rectangular-shaped early Christian sandstone cross-slab (dims. 0.6m x 0.32m x 0.05m) re-used as stone shelf of aumbry located immediately E of S doorway to chapter house at E end of the S wall of the Augustinian priory (TN004-010006-). The upper surface of the sandstone slab is decorated with a framed ringed-cross with hollowed angles carved in false relief with interlace panels on either side of the cross shaft. See attached screenshots of 3D model of cross-slab. To see a 3D model of this cross-slab visit: https://skfb.ly/owFLJ Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on information from James Heenan and David Broderick Date of upload: 27 July 2017

• TN004-010033 Well
  Description

  Natural spring well now dried up covered with stone roofed structure which may have had a corbelled roof now mainly destroyed standing beside a stream running through Lorrha monastery. Although there is no local tradition of a pattern or any association with St. Ruadhan of Lorrha, the siting of the well may suggest a possible association with the early Christian monastery (TN004-010011-). The remains of a possible sunken roadway can be seen in the field running adjacent to the well may suggest that this well is pre-1700 in date. St. Ruadhan's holy well (TN004-010007-) is located 145m to NNE and the Dominican friary (TN004-010001-) is 155m to WSW. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details kindly provided by James Heenan Date of upload: 27 July 2017

• TN004-011 Earthwork
  Description

  Situated on flat pasture in undulating countryside with a nearby stream to the N. Indicated as an oval-shaped enclosure on the 1843 ed. OS 6-inch map but not indicated on the 1903 ed. Not visible at ground level. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-017 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated on the slight E-facing slope of a low hillock in undulating countryside with good views in all directions. A circular area (diam c. 60m N-S) enclosed by an earth and stone bank (Wth 1.5m; int. H 0.85m; ext. H 0.7m) which only survives from N through E to S in the form of a field boundary - elsewhere it is reduced to a low scarp. No trace of a fosse or entrance feature. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

• TN004-045 Linear earthwork
  Description

  Linear earthworks that criss-cross the fields to the E and immediately outside the monastic enclosure (TN004-010011-) of Lorrha, not clear whether these earthworks are pre-1700 or whether they are drainage ditches of post-1700 date. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 08 August 2012

• TN004-049 Enclosure
  Description

  A circular enclosure (int. diam. c. 35m; overall diam. c. 50mm) visible as a cropmark on satellite imagery (Digitalglobe satellite imagery, 2011-2013), identified and reported by Anne-Karoline Distel. See attached: TN004-049----_01 Digitalglobe 2011-2013 Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 28 June 2022

• TN004-050 Enclosure
  Description

  A D-shaped enclosure (overall diam. c. 60m NNE-SSW; c. 65m WNW-ESE) visible as a cropmark on satellite imagery (Digitalglobe satellite imagery, 2011-2013). The S side of the enclosure (L. c. 55m) is straight. A small pond (dims. c. 23m x 15m) with a marshy area extending NW of it, is indicated on the 1st (1843) ed. OS 6-inch map, roughly immediately NW of the enclosure. On the 1903 revised ed. the pond is indicated as a roughly rectangular area (dims. c. 30m x 10m), with the townland boundary running along the N edge. The enclosure is partially indicated by two lines, drawn as discontinuous field boundaries, one (L c. 30m) defining the NE perimeter and the other (L c. 54m) defining the S side. See attached: TN004-050----_01 Digitalglobe 2011-2013 Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 28 June 2022

Architectural heritage

• Saint Ruadhan's Catholic Church, church/chapel, 1810–1815 · Regional interest
  Description

  Freestanding T-plan Catholic church, built 1813, having later entrance porch to east end and sacristy to west end. Single-bay side elevations to nave and single bay transepts. Pitched slate roofs having concrete coping and with rendered chimneystack to sacristy. Pebble-dashed walls with three carved stone heads to east elevation. Round-headed windows with pointed timber double lights with concrete surrounds and sills, and with large pointed windows to each side of altar. Replacement timber battened doors. Exposed timber roof trusses to interior with timber tongue-and-groove ceiling above with moulded timber cornice. Stained-glass windows, one to each side of altar, with figures of Saints Ruadhán and Patrick, added 1909.

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

  Freestanding two-bay single-cell Church of Ireland church, built c.1815, erected against east gable wall of fifteenth-century Saint Rodan's Church, and having vestry to north and porch to west. Pitched slate main and vestry roofs and hipped porch roof, with limestone copings to main roof and rendered chimneystack having limestone capping to vestry. Cast-iron rainwater goods, with some hoppers retained. Walls rendered, except for west gable which is coursed limestone rubble. Tall lancets flanking porch, triple lancet to east end and pointed traceried windows with lattice glazing elsewhere, with cut limestone surrounds. Stained glass to east window and one in south elevation. Pointed-arch doorway with double-leaf timber door to porch having tracery. Window and door to vestry are recent timber replacements. Graveyard around church at centre of extensive early ecclesiastical complex and bounded by coursed rubble stone boundary wall.

• The Old Rectory, rectory/glebe/vicarage/curate's house, 1815–1820 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay two-storey rectory over basement, built 1816, having flat-roof porches to front and rear elevations. Now in use as private house. Hipped slate roof with rendered chimneystacks. Rendered walls with cut-stone string course to basement. Square-headed six-over-six pane timber sliding sash windows set in panels, recessed for former shutters, and with limestone sills. Limestone steps with simple railings lead to timber panelled door. Outbuildings to east, including three-bay two-storey coach house with projecting central bay and pitched slate roof with exposed coursed rubble limestone walls, converted for domestic use.

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 Lorrha, 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 moderately high, moderately low, low, partly inferred. Parts of the land are water.

Terrain model

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

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.

• Lorrha, Nenagh7 sales

Name

Lorrha · Lothra

Area

6,625,482 m² (662.55 ha, 1,637.19 acres)

Civil parish

Lorrha, and its townlands

Barony

Ormond Lower

Electoral division

Lorrha East, the unit of the census

Census 2022

301 people lived in 117 households in the Lorrha East electoral division. 75% of households owned their home. 17% of homes were built since 2001. 20% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 4% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Annagh, Ballyquirk, Bredagh, Curraghglass, Grange, Kilcarren, Kilfadda, Kilregane, Lissagadda, Ploverhill

Placenames

Lorrha 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.