Davidstown

44 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Davidstown, from 533 m² to 419,951 m² (42 ha, 103.77 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 19 neighbouring parcels touch it.

No zone of a development plan covers Davidstown 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.

• 3 Aug 2021Conditional

  to construct a new dwelling, septic tank and percolation area, new road entrance and all ancillary site works

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 21431

• 20 Nov 2018Conditional

  construction of 1) a new milking parlour & dairy with associated collecting yard, dairy washings tank & meal bin; 2) a new silage slab & aprons; 3) a new slatted shed extension to an existing slatted cubicle shed, and all associated site ancillary works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 186346

• 24 Oct 2017N/a

  erect a storey and a half style dwelling house including a waste water treatment system with percolation & all ancillary site development works.

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 176297

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 Davidstown.

Recorded monuments

• WM018-008 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on top of a gentle rise, in pasture. A ringfort (WM018-009----) lies c. 110m to SE. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as a roughly circular-shaped earthwork. Depicted on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map as a slightly oval-shaped earthwork which incorporates a field boundary running NE-SW to NW. Described in 1980 as a circular-shaped area (diam. 22m) enclosed by a bank which has a sharp profile with a relatively flat top and having the remains of an internal stone facing from NW-SW and SE-S. There is a gap in the bank from N-NNE which has a stone facing on the E side and may represent an entrance. The bank has been reduced to a scarp in places, which has been faced with a dry stone revetment. The perimeter of the monument incorporates a modern field fence from W-N. The interior has a gentle NE-facing slope. Monument is visible today as a circular-shaped tree-lined earthwork on Digital Globe aerial photography. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-009 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Levelled ringfort situated on E facing slope of a slight rise, in gently undulating land with good views in all directions. A ringfort (WM018-008----) lies c. 110m to NW and a second ringfort (WM018-010----) c. 115m to SE. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as a roughly circular-shaped earthwork with a quarried depression adjoining to SSW. Depicted on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map as a circular-shaped earthwork (approx. diam. 35m) which is bisected by a field boundary running NW-SE and having a spot height [355 ft. OD] within the SW quadrant and a limekiln outside immediately to WSW. Upstanding monument described in 1970 as a roughly circular-shaped area (approx. diam. 26m) enclosed by a poorly preserved earthen bank with traces of an outer fosse. The bank is best preserved from N-E and from SW-W-WNW, being reduced to a scarp (H 1.1m) elsewhere. The slight fosse is visible from NNE-E. A broad causeway (Wth 6.1m; H 0.5m) is present across the fosse at ENE, although there is no corresponding entrance in the bank. A disturbance gap (Wth at top 4.1m; Wth at base 1.2m) is visible at W. The interior has a gentle E-facing slope with traces of cultivation ridges running NW-SE. There is no surface evidence of the field fence which is depicted as bisecting the site on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map or the current ed. OS 6-inch map. The monument was levelled between 1970 and 1974 when it was described in this year as having been recently levelled. According to local information, a skeleton in ‘a sitting position’ was unearthed during the land reclamation works. There are no surface remains visible of the levelled ringfort in this ploughed field. Outline of levelled monument is visible as an oval-shaped cropmark on Digital Globe aerial photography. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-010 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on ENE-facing slope of a gentle rise, in pasture with good views to N and SE. A ringfort (WM018-009----) lies c. 115m to NW. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as a D-shaped earthwork (approx. dims. 25m NE-SW along straight side; 24m NW-SE) forming a field boundary to SW and on the straight side to NW. Depicted on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map as a modified rectangular-shaped enclosure (approx. dims. 35m NE-SW; 25m NW-SE) defined by a field boundary to SW and NW. Described in 1970 as a much disturbed roughly rectangular-shaped area enclosed by a substantial earthen bank and a modern stone wall. The earthen bank is present from NNE-E-ENE and is reduced to a well-defined scarp (H 1.5m) from E-S. The bank has been modified from S-SW-WSW where the outer face has been steepened in relatively modern times and has the remains of modern stone facing, where incorporated into a modern field fence. A scarp is visible from WSW-NNE, where it is obscured by a modern stone wall. The original entrance is not visible. The interior has a gentle ENE-facing slope with slight traces of cultivation ridges running NNW-SSE. A large stone protrudes from the surface within the W quadrant. Monument is visible today as a roughly oval-shaped, partially tree-lined earthwork on Digital Globe aerial photography. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-011 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Represented on the OS 1st ed. 6-inch map as a complete pear-shaped enclosure with the narrow end pointing to the E and partly truncated on its W side by a field boundary. The estimate original dimensions are c. 43m E-W by c. 37m N-S. That larger portion of the monument (i.e. to the SE of the field boundary) is represented as a series of single hachures, indicating a raised area, on the OS 25-inch plan (surveyed 1910-13); the W component is not indicated. An inspection in 1990 recorded the monument as consisting of a sub-circular area bounded by a low earthen bank set on a low scarp: there was no evidence of a fosse. The section of the monument to the NW, beyond the boundary, had been removed. The interior of the surviving SE portion was uneven and part of the SW and W areas appeared to have been the subject of quarrying activities in the past. A souterrain (WM018-011001-) was discovered in the NW portion of the monument in 1990. Monument registered as a Historic Monument in 1990. Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 11 November 2013

• WM018-011001 Souterrain
  Description

  A souterrain was discovered in the NW portion of a ringfort (WM018-011----) in 1990 when a hole was dug which gave access to a rectangular chamber measuring 4.15m L by 1.3m W and 1.7m H. There walls were constructed of dry-stone walling that tapered inwards towards the top where they were covered by large flags. The long axis of the chamber lay approximately E-W. A narrowing opening (0.47m x 0.47m and 0.75m L) at the W of the S wall of the chamber gave access to a second chamber which ran at right-angles to the first. This chamber measures 1.15m W by 2.75m L and is 1.45m H and the S end there appeared to be an exit passage: this was blocked by collapse which had spilled into the chamber. Monument registered as a Historic Monument in 1990. Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 11 November 2013

• WM018-012 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on a slight rise, in the W corner of relatively low-lying pasture, with a stream c. 16m to SW and 33m to NW, the latter marking townland boundary with Calliaghstown. A ringfort (WM018-011----) and souterrain (WM018-011001-) lie c. 250m to SW. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as an oval-shaped earthwork (approx. dims. 25m NW-SE; 19m NE-SW). Annotated 'fort' on 1837 OS Fair Plan map. Not depicted on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map. Described in 1970 as a small, roughly triangular-shaped platform of earth and stone enclosed by a slight earthen bank on the SSW and NW sides and by a scarp on the NW side, which is faced with large stones. The site is overgrown with thorn trees and briars. Monument is visible today as a roughly oval-shaped earthwork on Digital Globe aerial photography. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-030 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on top of a gentle rise, in undulating pasture, with good views in all directions. A burial (WM018-149----) and ringfort (WM018-031----) are c. 32m and c. 61m to SW, respectively. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as an oval-shaped earthwork with a field boundary radiating out from W and N. Depicted on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map as an oval-shaped earthwork (approx. dims. 56m NE-SW; 40m NW-SE) which is modified by a field boundary from NNE-E-S and abuts a boundary WNW-N. Described in 1970 as an oval-shaped area which is enclosed by a substantial earthen bank and external fosse, with a wide gap (Wth at top 4.5m; basal Wth 2.5m) in the inner bank at SSW which may represent an entrance. The entrance is defined on either side by a large stone set on edge which serves as a revetment to the inner face of the bank. The bank is best preserved from NE-E-S, however the external face has signs of having been steepened. The bank is lower S-W-N-NE, where there are several small disturbance gaps. A wide external fosse is clearly visible from NNE-ENE and from SSE-W-NW. The fosse is almost completely infilled at E and SE. There is a slight modern counterscarp (H 0.6m) outside the fosse at W, where two ESB poles are located. The counterscarp continues from WNW-N, where it is largely obscured by a modern stonewall. The fosse is infilled at SSW and may represent a causeway (overall Wth 5.6m; Wth at top 3.5m; H 0.35m). A modern field boundary intersects the monument at NNE and S. The interior has a gentle SW-facing slope and the E quadrant is slightly higher than the rest. A house site (WM018-030001-) is located within. Monument is visible today as a tree-lined ringfort on Digital Globe aerial photography. See attached sketch plan of monument by the ASI. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-030001 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  Situated on top of a gentle rise, in undulating pasture, with good views in all directions. Within W quadrant of ringfort (WM018-030----) are the remains of a roughly rectangular-shaped house site (dims. 5.8m ESE-WNW; 4.5m NNE-SSW) defined by a low (H 0.35m) grass-covered earth and stone bank (top Wth 1.8m; base Wth 2.1m) with entrance gap at WNW. A low, straight scarp runs NW-SE from the SE corner. See attached sketch plan of monument by the ASI. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-031 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on a terrace of SW-facing slope of hillock with good views to S and W. A burial (WM018-149----) and ringfort (WM018-030----) are c. 32m and c. 61m to NE, respectively. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as an arc of a scarp (approx. C. 30m) extending to SW of a field boundary running NW-SE. Not depicted on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map. Described in 1970 as the partially levelled remains of a roughly circular ringfort enclosed by a low earthen scarp. The scarp (H 1.3m) is traceable from ESE-S-W-NW. A portion of the scarp from NW-N-ESE and the N and E quadrants of the interior have been levelled to facilitate a modern laneway running NW-SE. The original entrance is not recognisable. The remainder of the interior rises slightly towards the centre and the remains of a possible souterrain (WM018-031001-) are located within. Monument is visible today as a light green, roughly circular cropmark of differential vegetation growth on Digital Globe aerial photography. See attached sketch plan of monument by the ASI. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-031001 Souterrain
  Description

  Situated on a small terrace of SW-facing slope of a hillock with good views to S and W. Within the centre of ringfort (WM018-031----) are the remains of a broad L-shaped depression (approx. Wth 2.8m; D 1m) running (approx. max. L 20.2m) NNW-SSE toward the scarp at SSE. This linear depression may represent the remains of a collapsed souterrain passage. See attached sketch plan of monument by the ASI. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-032 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated on a shoulder of gradually rising ground, in improved pasture, with good views in all directions, particularly to S. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map and the 1837 OS Fair Plan map as a small rectangular-shaped field (approx. dims. 51m NE-SW; 36m NW-SE) adjoining a field boundary running NE-SW to NW. Not depicted on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map. Not depicted as an antiquity on any edition of the OS 6-inch map. Levelled earthwork described in 1983 as a circular-shaped area (approx. diam. 55m) defined by the remains of a levelled scarp. The scarp is best preserved from E-S-W, on the S side of a modern field boundary. The remaining segment of the scarp to N of the modern field fence, can be traced as a slight rise in the field surface from W-N-E. The faintest outline of a possible circular-shaped enclosure is visible on Digital Globe aerial photography. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-033 Mound
  Description

  Surveyed in 2013 and described by McGuinness (2014, 66) as following: 'Small, roughly circular, flattish-topped mound (Diam. 5.5m) up to 0.75m in height, stony in composition and revetted by a loose dry-built wall probably of recent origin; edge of mound is noticeably flattened on SE side. Surrounding the mound is a low earthen berm about 2m in width. Monument is located on a low rise in pastureland and has a lone thorn tree beside it. Although it is fairly prominently sited it is difficult to see how this could be classified as a prehistoric burial mound, even one that has been modified with drystone revetment added; it bears comparison with the revetted mound at Laragh (WM018-001----), even more prominently sited, and might like it represent a recent pilgrimage station. Although appearance and dimensions differ appreciably, this appears to be the monument described by the ASI in 1983 as ‘a small mound of earth with some stone incorporated into it. The mound is 1½m high and is c.3m diameter E-W. A bush is growing on the top of the mound on N side’ [SMR file]. Certainly no other mound is visible in this area and the landowner did not know of any. Of doubtful antiquity. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by David McGuinness. Date of upload: 23 February 2015

• WM018-035001 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated in undulating pasture. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as a roughly U-shaped field boundary. Depicted on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map as a semi-circular-shaped field boundary. Ringfort described in 1983 as a circular-shaped area (approx. dims. 60m NE-SW; 55m NW-SE) defined by the remains of a bank and a low scarp in places. The bank of earth and stone is best preserved SW-WNW where it is incorporated into a field fence. A low, degraded bank continues WNW-NNE, where it appears to be truncated by a field fence running NW-SE. The E quadrant of the monument is also truncated by a field boundary running NE-SW. The monument is defined by a low scarp from SE-SSE and from SSW-SW, where there is also a stone wall. There are no indications of an external fosse. The interior has been cultivated and the SW sector has been planted with trees to provide a shelter belt. A souterrain (WM018-035002-) is located in the centre. Monument is visible as a broad semi-circular-shaped tree-planted area on Digital Globe aerial photography. See attached sketch plan and profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI, which shows that the enclosing elements extended beyond the field boundary to NE and SE. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-035002 Souterrain
  Description

  Situated in undulating pasture, in the centre of ringfort (WM018-035001-). A possible souterrain (WM018-036----) lies c. 400m to NE. Not depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map or the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map. Described in 1983 as a long, low, rectangular-shaped mound (approx. dims. 22m NE-SW; 9m NW-SE) of earth and stone which is best preserved along the W side. An opening into a souterrain at the E end is visible by the removal of one of the capstones. This reveals a well-preserved stone built passage running NE-SW. See attached sketch plan and profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-036 Souterrain
  Description

  Situated on a slight rise, in generally level pasture. Souterrain (WM018-035002-) lies c. 400m to SW. Not depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map or the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map. Souterrain described in 1983 as the reputed site of a souterrain or ‘tunnel’ which was apparently uncovered some years ago (local information). There are no surface remains visible of any souterrain or an associated ringfort. Possible souterrain is visible as a cropmark defined by a dark linear area (approx. dims. 19m NW-SE; 4.5m NE-SW) of differential growth running NW-SE, on Digital Globe aerial photography. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 January 2019

• WM018-051 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated in level pasture. Ringfort (WM018-052----) c. 170m to SE. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map and on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map as a circular-shaped earthwork. Monument described in 1983 as a bivallate circular-shaped area (diam. 33m) enclosed by an inner bank, an intervening fosse and a partially surviving outer bank. The inner bank (approx. H 1m) is a substantial earthen structure which rises approx. 1.5m above the fosse. It is best preserved from N-E-S and is denuded at W. Large boulders face the interior of the inner bank at E. There is a causewayed entrance at SE, which is defined either side by a large slabs on the inner bank. The intervening fosse (approx. Wth 4m) is broad and shallow. The outer earthen bank (H 0.75m) is best preserved from NE-E-SE and is much lower at SW and NW and is very faint at W. A souterrain (WM018-051001-) is located within the interior. Monument is visible as a circular-shaped tree-lined earthwork on Digital Globe aerial photography. See attached plan and profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 04 February 2019

• WM018-051001 Souterrain
  Description

  Situated in level pasture. Within the interior of ringfort (WM018-051----) is a curvilinear depression which appears to be a collapsed souterrain. The exposed shaft (approx. D 1-2m; Wth 2m) is broadest and deepest where it adjoins the inner bank at SSE. This broad area may represent collapse into a chamber. A trench (approx. dims. Wth 1m; D 0.5m) extends (approx. L 8m E-W) from the end of the broad area, which is c. 3m from the inner face of the bank. At this point, the depression curves and runs for a further 10m N-S becoming broader and shallower and fading out at N. Souterrain is not visible on Digital Globe aerial photography. See attached plan and profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 04 February 2019

• WM018-051002 Mass-rock
  Description

  Situated in flat pasture. A large, flat megalith, which is reputed to have been a mass rock, is located immediately S of ringfort (WM018-051----). Mass rock is not visible on Digital Globe aerial photography. See attached plan and profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by: Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 04 February 2019

• WM018-149 Burial
  Description

  In April 1976 two inhumation burials were uncovered while digging foundations for a water tank. Located on a gentle, S facing slope. One of the graves consisted of a simple unlined pit of sub-rectangular shape, oriented N-S (dims. L 1.20m, Wth 0.50m). Grave 1 contained a crouched inhumation and no artifacts were found. The body was oriented N-S with the head slightly raised to the N. The second grave was located c 3m NW of Grave 1. It appeared to have contained the remains of two individuals. Radiocarbon dates from the recovered bones yielded dates which calibrate to AD 680-882 and AD 686-881 respectively (NMI).

Designated sites: National Parks and Wildlife Service. Recorded monuments: Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Service. 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).

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

Name

Davidstown

Area

2,322,818 m² (232.28 ha, 573.98 acres)

Civil parish

Rathconrath, and its townlands

Barony

Rathconrath

Electoral division

Rathconrath, the unit of the census

Neighbouring townlands

Calliaghstown, Milltown, Pishanagh, Rathduff, Rathmore, Rathtrim, Simonstown

Placenames

Davidstown on logainm.ie, the Placenames Database of Ireland

Townlands, civil parishes, baronies and electoral divisions, National Statutory Boundaries, Tailte Éireann, 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.