Dysart

113 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Dysart, from 23 m² to 717,564 m² (71.76 ha, 177.31 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 19 neighbouring parcels touch it.

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

No zone of a development plan covers Dysart 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.

• 23 Jan 2025Conditional

  Retention permission for the existing extension to the southwest of to the existing house, consisting of a living area and dining room (46.3sqm). Retention permission is also sought for the extension to the Northwest elevation (56.8sqm) consisting of 2no. bedrooms, a den and a bathroom. Permission is also sought to decommission the existing septic tank and percolation area and install a new septic tank & percolation area and all associated site works

  Retention, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2560017

• 6 Sept 2024Conditional

  construction of a new 4 bay slatted agricultural building with underground tank and external forcing and collecting pens and all other associated ancillary site works and a Natura Impact Statement is included in the application documents recieved

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2460317

• 16 Aug 2024N/a

  construction of a new 4 bay slatted agricultural building with 220m3 underground tank and external forcing and collecting pens and all other associated ancillary site works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2460288

• 15 May 2024Conditional

  construction of a single dwelling house with domestic garage, vehicle access, effluent treatment system, associated site works & services

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2460164

• 17 Nov 2023Conditional

  development which will consist of the demolition of existing agricultural sheds, upgrades to and use of an existing outbuilding as a gym and domestic stores, provision of a new two storey dwelling with single storey living area, amendments to the existing single storey farmhouse for use as a single storey living area and raised patio area, new detached double garage and associated car port, use of the existing agricultural entrance as a domestic entrance and the provision of a new septic tank and percolation area together with all associated site development works

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2360389

• 23 Oct 2023N/a

  construction of a single dwelling house with domestic garage, effluent treatment system & associated site works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2360360

• 19 Dec 2022Refused

  to construct a dwelling house with treatment system & percolation area with all ancillary site works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2260039

• 15 Aug 2022Conditional

  construct a bungalow dwelling (140.6sqm) & domestic garage (51.9sqm) , a new domestic entrance onto the public roadway and to install a wastewater treatment system and percolation area and all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 22414

• 30 Dec 2021Refused

  to construct a bungalow type dwelling and domestic garage. Permission is also sought to construct a new site entrance, to install a secondary wastewater treatment system with associated raised soil polishing filter together with all associated site works. A Natura Impact Statement has been submitted with this planning application.

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 21701

• 19 Mar 2020N/a

  Construction of a new silage pit extension to an existing silage pit and all ancillary site works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 206067

• 24 Oct 2018Conditional

  new dormer/two storey dwelling with garage, septic tank/treatment unit, percolation area and all associated site works.

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 186321

• 18 Dec 2017Conditional

  to install a new percolation area in accordance with EPA guidelines and all ancillary site services. The existing septic tank will be re-used.

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 176358

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

Designated sites

• Special Area of Conservation: Lough Ennell SAC 000685
• Special Protection Area: Lough Ennell SPA 004044
• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Lough Ennell 000685

Recorded monuments

• WM025-061 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on a low rise, in low-lying pasture, with restricted views in all directions. Monument described as a roughly subrectangular-shaped area (dims. 36m N-S; 28m E-W) enclosed by a bank and external fosse with a possible entrance gap (Wth at top 5.2m; Wth at base 2.5m) at NNE. The bank (overall Wth 3.9m; Wth at top 1.2m; int. H 0.3m; ext. H 0.6m) is best preserved from NNW-N-NE. The narrow, shallow external fosse (overall Wth 2.9m; Wth at base 1.5m; D 0.15m) is best preserved at SSW and from NNW-N-NE and is intermittent elsewhere. The remains of a very low outer bank are visible at S but this may be due to a very slight depression outside the monument which creates the impression of a potential outer bank. The interior rises gently from the perimeter towards the centre. There is a large quarry depression off-centre to SE and there is a very slight depression (overall Wth 2.2m; Wth at base 1m; D 0.25m) of unknown significance along the interior of the bank at W. A field boundary running NE-SW truncates the base of bank at SE. A Preservation Order was placed on this monument on the 26/01/1982 (SMR file). Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 11 September 2019

• WM025-063 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Possible ringfort situated on NE facing slope of low natural hillock in undulating countryside with good views to N and E but limited view to S and W. Present remains consist of a large sub-rectangular shaped enclosure defined by a low bank of earth and stones with traces of a shallow external fosse. The enclosing bank of the enclosure has been removed by the modern road from NW to N. A gap (Wth 4m) in the bank at NE may be the result of livestock disturbance or could be the remains of an original entrance gap which has been eroded by livestock. The interior of the ringfort rises in the centre following the slope of the natural hillock on which it is situated. There has been no attempt to create a level interior and there are faint traces of cultivation ridges across the interior. On the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch the monument is depicted as a polygonal-shaped enclosure with present road running NE-SW intersecting the enclosing bank of the monument at N. The large size, lack of clearly entrance feature, poorly defined enclosing feature and the sub-rectangular shape of the monument suggests that this is not a typical ringfort and that it may be the remains of another monument type which is not clear. Alternatively the low enclosing bank and the lack of a level interior along with the remains of an extensive field system to the N, E and SE which is visible on Bing maps aerial photographs (see attached photos) may suggest that this is a post-medieval feature such as a small field or paddock associated with agricultural practices of post-1700 date. The low-lying flat land to the N, E and SE appears to have been reclaimed in the post-medieval period with linear field drainage ditches and small fields visible on Bing Maps aerial photographs. It is possible that the large enclosure may have formed part of this extensive field system. This monument was inspected in 1978 and described as follows: 'This is a large ringfort (int. dims. 57m NE-SW; 41m NW-SE) almost rectangular in shape with wide well rounded corners. The long axis runs NE-SW. The SW and SE sides are quite straight. The NW and NE sides are now disfigured by the roadside bank which cuts into this side of the ringfort. The ringfort is outlined by the remains of a wide low bank of earth and stones. At N and E this bank is set on a low natural scarp. Outside the scarp is a ledge beyond which the ground falls away. This ledge represents the remains of a shallow fosse and a low counterscarp bank beyond it. The fosse is best preserved on the northern side. There is no trace of a fosse on the southern and western sides. The interior is fairly regular with a gentle rise towards the centre and old cultivation ridges running N-S through it. This earthwork is on a gentle north facing slope overlooked by a low rise to the south. On a slight natural rise, surrounded by gently undulating fertile meadow and pasture land. No measurements were taken and the monument was impossible to examine due to the dense cover of vegetation’ (SMR File 1978). An earlier site inspection carried out in 1971 described the monument as follows: ‘A large sub-rectangular enclosure with a general slope from SW-NE bounded by a steep scarp with remains of an earthen bank on its upper edge and with remains of a fosse and of a counterscarp bank at its foot. The interior which is slightly uneven, rises appreciably from the perimeter towards the centre. From WNW-NW-N a modern roadside fence replaces the perimeter of the rath. The inner bank is best preserved and quite substantial from S-SW-WSW, elsewhere the inner bank is denuded down almost to the interior. The shallow fosse is visible from NE-E-S-SSW. The outer bank is visible from ENE-E-SSE. It is not clear if the outer bank is an original feature of the rath. A bank of similar profile which forms part of an extensive field system, older than he present one, joins the outer rath bank at its SSE. Another part of the field system contact the outer edge of the fosse on the ENE and the counterscarp bank is disturbed there. A gap (Wth 3.5m) in the scarp on the NE may represent the entrance but it is not very convincing as such. It looks as if it is due to cattle disturbance. The interior has traces of NNE-SSW cultivation ridges. Three very small mounds of grass-covered stones near the centre could have been deposited there during cultivation. The rath is on a slight natural rise on gently undulating land of good pasture. There are remains of an old extensive field system of banks, scarps and fosses to the NW and SE of the rath. From the two points at which the field system contacts the rath it is impossible to determine now what chronological relationship it has with the rath. There is a good view to the lake on the E' (SMR file 1971). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 11 March 2014

• WM025-067 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on a low rise, in gently undulating pasture, with good views in all directions. Ringfort (WM025-102----) lies c. 90m to SE. Bivallate ringfort described as a roughly circular-shaped area enclosed by an inner bank, an intervening fosse, an outer bank and an external fosse with possible entrance gap at SE. The earthen inner bank (overall Wth 5.2m; Wth at top 0.7m; int. H 0.25m; ext. H 0.9m) is low and rounded and the intervening fosse is shallow. The outer bank and outer fosse appear to have been modified to form a tree-ring. The inner and outer banks are barely distinguishable from one another at NE and S and a large portion of the outer bank has been removed at SW. The interior has a gentle ESE-facing slope and there are traces of cultivation ridges running NW-SE. There are no features of archaeological interest visible in the interior. There is a rectangular-shaped silage pit within the SE quadrant where the bank has also been removed, and the entrance has been widened. See attached profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 11 September 2019

• WM025-068 Ringfort - unclassified
  Description

  Situated on top of a small oval hillock, in gently undulating pasture, with good views in all directions. Ringfort (WM025-069----) lies c. 25m to NE. Annotated 'Fort' on the 1837 OS Fair Plan map. Levelled monument described in 1971 as no surface remains visible. The perimeter can be partially traced as a cropmark (C. 19m NW-SE) forming an arc from NNW-N-E-ESE which is defined by a narrow band of vegetation which contrasts with the surrounding field. This band forms a straight line to NE confirming that the enclosure was D-shaped. A low, broad bank intersects the cropmark at NE. Other slight banks can be traced in the vicinity between this monument and the ringfort to NE. No remains of levelled monument visible today on Digital Globe aerial photographs. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 11 September 2019

• WM025-069 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on a very slight rise, in gently undulating pasture, with good views in all directions. Ringfort (WM025-068----) lies c. 25m to SW. Monument described in 1971 as a small circular-shaped area (dims. 27m NE-SW; 26m NW-SE) enclosed by an earthen bank and external fosse with no clear entrance feature visible. The low, narrow bank is best preserved from W-N and is almost reduced to a scarp (approx. H 1.4m) from N-E-S-W. The bank and scarp have several slight disturbance gaps. The fosse is traceable only from SSE-W-N and is obscured by a modern earth and stone field fence and drain running NW-SE which flanks the base of the scarp from NNE-NE-ENE. The interior has a gentle SE-facing slope and there are no features of significance within. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 11 September 2019

• WM025-070 Mound
  Description

  Surveyed in 2013 and described by McGuinness (2014, 66) as following: 'This monument was described by an ASI fieldworker in 1982 as ‘an earthen mound, rectangular in shape, flat-topped, measuring 24m N-S, by 8m-10m E-W, and rising to a height of 3.5m, the surface area of the flat top is 12m by 4.5m’ [SMR file]. It was suggested from its location that it might have been a landscape feature, although it appeared more ancient than this. Its sharply rectilinear shape, as indicated in a rough sketch by same ASI fieldworker, is certainly inconsistent with prehistoric earthen burial mounds, and it is rejected as one here'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by David McGuinness. Date of upload: 23 February 2015

• WM025-071 Ringfort - unclassified
  Description

  Depicted as a circular shaped enclosure (approx. diam. 39m NE-SW) on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map and annotated as a 'fort' on the 1837 OS Fair Plan map. The possible ringfort is not indicated on the revised 1876 OS map suggesting that the monument was levelled between these two map dates. Situated on a slight rise of ground on undulating grassland with good views to the NE, E, SE and S. Levelled monument barely visible as a low rise of ground (diam. 47m NW-SE x 43m NE-SW) defined by a scarp (H 1.2m0 with no trace of an external fosse or entrance feature. The interior is slightly uneven with very vague suggestions of cultivation ridges. A field fence which extended outside the earthwork on the NE has been removed. Levelled monument visible on aerial photograph taken by Leo Swan (LS_AS-35CT-0011_16). Oval-shaped earthwork visible in the foreground is depicted as a tree plantation or landscaped tree-ring on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map and not as an antiquity. This tree plantation is associated with the landscaped demesne of Dysart House located 600m to the W. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 13 December 2017

• WM025-075 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated in pasture c. 55m to W of the historic shoreline of Lough Ennel and c. 500m from the present day shoreline. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as a circular-shaped earthwork (dims. 48m NE-SW; 41m NW-SE) which incorporates a field boundary from SE-S-SW. Not depicted on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map. The faintest outline of this levelled enclosure is visible today on Digital Globe aerial photography. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 11 September 2019

• WM025-102 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on top of a prominent rise, in gently undulating pasture, with good views in all directions. Ringforts (WM025-067----/-103----/-104----) lie c. 90m to NW, c. 140m to SSE and c. 200m to SE, respectively. Monument described in 1971 as a roughly circular-shaped area (diam. 29m) enclosed by an inner bank, an intervening fosse and an outer bank. There is a wide gap (Wth at top 5.6m; basal Wth 3.6m) and a causeway (Wth at top 3.2m; overall Wth 5.7m; max. H 0.7m) at WNW, which may be relatively modern. The inner bank is high and steep on the exterior and is almost reduced to a scarp from NNW-N-E-SE and has several small disturbance gaps. There is a wide, deep and steep-sided outer fosse which is visible from S-W-NNW. There are the remains of an outer bank from SW-W-N-E-S, which has been slightly disturbed at NNW, where a later field bank cuts through it and contacts the outer lip of the fosse. The interior has a gentle ENE-facing slope with traces of old cultivation ridges running ENE-WSW. A very slight, irregular-shaped mound near the centre is probably a natural feature. See attached profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-103 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on N-facing slope of a gentle rise, in gently undulating pasture, with good views in all directions. Ringforts (WM025-104----/-102----) lie c. 25m to SE and c. 200m to NW, respectively. Monument described as a roughly circular-shaped earthwork enclosed by a bank and an outer fosse, a gap (Wth at top 4.2m; basal Wth 1.8m) at ESE may represent the entrance. There is a slight causeway (Wth at top 2m; overall Wth 4.8m; H 0.3m) outside it, which is lower than the top of the fosse and may only be displacement of the bank material from the gap. The earthen bank is substantial and is almost reduced to a scarp (H 1-1.25m) where it has been levelled out from NW-N-NNE. There are the remains of an outer fosse visible from NNE-E-S-W-NW which has a very sharp profile and may be a residual effect from the possible steepening of the bank exterior. Modern fences intersect the exterior of the ringfort bank at S and NW. A The interior has a gentle NNW-facing slope and a broad subrectangular-shaped depression (max. L 10.7m; max. Wth 4m; approx. D 0.2m) immediately inside the bank at WSW and a broad curvilinear depression (max. L 30.5m; max. Wth 4.6m; approx. D 0.3m) enclosing this, which intersects the inside of the bank at SSW and W. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-104 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on the summit of a high rise, in pasture, with good views of gently undulating pasture to NE and SW. Ringforts (WM025-103----/-102----) lie c. 25m and 200m to NW, respectively. Monument described as a large roughly circular-shaped area enclosed by a bank and external fosse, with a modern-looking gap in the bank at WNW, a modern gap and causeway at NNE. No clear The original entrance feature visible. The substantial earthen bank (int. H 1.1m; ext. H 1.75m; Wth at top 0.4m; basal Wth 3.8m) appears to have been steepened on the interior and exterior in relatively modern times, possibly when planting the trees which now grow from it. A short undisturbed portion of fosse (Wth at top 3m; basal Wth 1.2m; approx. D 0.2m) is visible at NE, otherwise it has been modified to form a drain. Modern field fences encroach on the exterior of the perimeter at ENE and incorporate the bank and a modified fosse from S-W. The interior has a gentle SE-facing slope with vague traces of cultivation ridges running NW-SE. See attached profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-105 Enclosure
  Description

  Situated on a low rise, in low-lying gently undulating pasture, with good views to NE and SW. Ringforts (WM025-104----/-103----/106001-) lie c. 170m to SW, c. 185m to WSW and 110m to ENE, respectively. Not depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map or the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map. Monument described in 1971 as a roughly circular-shaped area (diam. 47.5m) defined by a broad band of differential growth in contrast with the surrounding vegetation. This distinctive band (Wth 3m) extends from E-S-W-NW and probably represents the cropmark of a backfilled fosse. A very slight scarp would appear to follow the perimeter of the enclosure from NW-N, however this is defaced by old cultivation ridges. The monument is divided in two by a low, broad earthen bank running NW-SE, which is in line with a modern field fence to NW and which probably formed part of the modern field system. The entrance is not recognisable. The interior rises gently from the perimeter towards the centre and old cultivation ridges occupy the NE quadrant. Cropmark of monument is no longer visible on Digital Globe aerial photography and the entire area is now occupied by a modern house plot. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-106001 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on a W-facing slope of a low rise, in gently undulating pasture, with moderate views in all directions. Ringfort (WM025-105----) lies c. 110m to WSW. Monument described as a subcircular-shaped area (dims. 23m N-S) enclosed by an earthen bank (int. H 0.1m) which is steep on the exterior and is almost reduced to a scarp (H 1.7m) with a shallow external fosse visible from NW-N and from ENE-E-ESE, which seems to form part of a field boundary. There is no trace of an outer fosse from SSE-S-W-WNW. The original entrance is not recognisable. The interior rises gently from the perimeter towards the centre. A field system (WM025-106002-) is visible in the fields around the ringfort. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-106002 Field system
  Description

  Situated on W-facing slope of a low rise, in gently undulating pasture, with moderate views in all directions. In the immediate vicinity of a ringfort (WM025-106001-) there is a field system consisting of linear and curvilinear banks, scarps and depressions. It is older than the modern field system, although its chronological relationship to the ringfort is difficult to determine. This complex does not appear to continue on the W side of the public road. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-107 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on fairly level, elevated ground, just below the summit of a rise, in pasture, with extensive views to S, W and E. Ringfort (WM025-108----) lies c. 100m to SE. Monument described in 1971 as a roughly circular-shaped area enclosed by a substantial earthen bank (int. H 0.9m; ext. H 1.6m; Wth at top 0.4m; overall Wth 3.9m) and wide, shallow external fosse (Wth at top 3.5m; basal Wth 2.3m; D 0.4m). A gap (Wth at top 4.6m; basal Wth 3.1m) with a slight causeway (Wth at top 3m; overall Wth 5.2m; H 0.2m) at NW may represent the entrance. The top of the causeway is lower than the outer lip of the fosse. There is a wide, modern-looking gap (Wth at top 4.1m; basal Wth 2m) at SSE. The exterior of the bank has been steepened in relatively modern times, possibly when the trees were planted around the bank. Modern fences intersect the exterior at NNW and SSE. The interior has a slight SSE-facing slope with faint traces of cultivation ridges running E-W. There are old banks, scarps and depressions in the vicinity. A later field description from 1976 indicates that a new laneway running NW-SE cuts through the monument, almost bisecting it. See attached profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-108 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on the summit of a rise, in pasture, with extensive views to S, W and E. Ringfort (WM025-107----) lies c. 100m to NW. Monument described in 1971 as a roughly circular-shaped area enclosed by a bank and external fosse, no clear entrance feature visible. The substantial earthen bank (int. H 0.5-0.75m) has many disturbance gaps and the exterior has been steepened in relatively modern times, possibly when planting trees in the bank. There is a wide shallow fosse which may also have been recut when the bank was steepened. The interior has a slight SSE-facing slope. There are old banks, scarps and fosses in the immediate vicinity. A field report from 1976 adds that the fosse has been infilled around the northern arc and soil has been deposited against the exterior of the bank. See attached profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-109 Ritual site - holy well
  Description

  In 1837 John O’Donovan wrote in the Ordnance Survey Letters that the parish of Dysart was named after St. Maol Tuile [Multilly] ‘whose memory was celebrated at his holy wells in the glebe about 30 years ago (c. 1807) on the 28th or 29th of May’ (OSL vol. 1, 152). The Martyrology of Donegal recorded the 29th of May as the feast day of Maoltuile whose ‘baculus [or pastoral staff] works miracles on perjurers before they go out of the church. His well, and his yellow bell and his baculus and his statue, are there still. This is the first Maoltuile’ (O’Donovan 1864, 445). The Martyrology of Donegal lists the 30th of July as the feast day of ‘Maoltuile, son of Nochar’ (ibid.). An early Christian monastery (WM012-110003-) or hermitage (dísirt) was founded here in the late 8th or early 9th century by Maol Tuile who died before the year 830. He was reputedly the son of Nóchaire of the Ceinéal Laoghaire of Meath (Ó Riain 2011, 447). Maol Tuile of Díseart (Dysart) was associated with Maol Ruain of Tallaght. Dysart church and graveyard containing the base of a possible Early Christian high cross (WM025-110005-) were possibly built on the site of the monastery (WM025-110003-) the enclosing element of which lies 280m to NE of 'Multilly's Wells'. Visited by the ASI in 1981 and described as two conjoined stone lined wells underneath two large ash trees standing on low-lying poorly drained grassland standing immediately E of an old drain with small stream running from W-E 35m to S . The wells were both faced internally with several courses of masonry and were partially covered in scrub vegetation. The N well measured approx. 1m in diameter with the S well measuring 1.5m in diameter. An overflow or outlet channel was visible running out of S side of the S well. Access to the holy wells was from the E and approached from between the two ash trees. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 6 November 2017

• WM025-110001 Souterrain
  Description

  Possible site of souterrain recorded by the ASI in 1982 when the local landowner informed them that during the land reclamation work of the 1960s a sink hole appeared in a field 300m W of the ruins of Dysart House. The site identified by the landowner was visible in 1982 as a patch of differential vegetation growth marking an area 3m wide by 15m long which may suggest that this was the location of a possible souterrain associated with the nearby monastic site (WM025-110003-) of Dysart. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 8 November 2017

• WM025-110002 Church
  Description

  Situated on rising ground overlooking Lough Ennell 1.8km to the SE. The ruins of Dysart House are 160m to NNE and. Holy wells dedicated to St. Maol Tuile of Dysart known locally as ‘Multilly’s Wells (WM025-109----/109001-) located 340m to SW. An early Christian monastery or hermitage (dísirt) was founded here in the late 8th or early 9th century by Maol Tuile who died before the year 830. He was reputedly the son of Nóchaire of the Ceinéal Laoghaire of Meath (Ó Riain 2011, 447). Maol Tuile of Díseart (Dysart) was associated with Maol Ruain of Tallaght. In 1837 John O’Donovan wrote in the Ordnance Survey Letters that the parish of Dysart was named after St. Maoltuile ‘whose memory was celebrated at his holy wells in the glebe about 30 years ago on the 28th or 29th of May’ (OSL vol. 1, 152). The Martyrology of Donegal recorded the 29th of May as the feast day of Maoltuile whose ‘baculus [or pastoral staff] works miracles on perjurers before they go out of the church. His well, and his yellow bell and his baculus and his statue, are there still. This is the first Maoltuile’ (O’Donovan 1864, 445). The Martyrology of Donegal lists the 30th of July as the feast day of ‘Maoltuile, son of Nochar’ (ibid.). Cogan (1867, 424) recorded that ‘there was an abbey here, formerly called Disert-Maoltuile’ and described the church ruins as ‘the old church of Dysart’ which measured ‘seventy-three feet (int. dims. 22.25m) by twenty feet three inches (6.17m)’. In the year 1003 the Annals recorded that ‘Disert-Maeltuile was plundered by Murchadh Ua Maeleachlainn’ (AFM, 2, 828-9). Some time before 1202 the church of Dysart [ecclesia de Lochannin de Disertimoletuh] was granted to the Canons of St. Thomas's Abbey in Dublin (Orpen 1920, 168). The church is listed in the 1302 ecclesiastical taxation of the Deanery of Lough Sewdy in the Diocese of Meath, where it is entered as ‘Dissard' with an annual value of ‘8 marks’ and the church tithe valued at ‘10s. 8d.' (Cal. doc. Ire., 266). In 1309 John de Fresingfeld was presented to the parish of Dysart (Cogan 1867, 424). In 1407 Nicholas Moynagh was described as the Pastor of Dysart who exchanged parishes with Richard King, Vicar of Faghly [Faughalstown] (ibid.). The 1540 ecclesiastical taxation of the Diocese of Meath recorded that in the Deanery of Lough Sewdy the Rectory of Dysart was valued at £5 4s. 5d. (Cogan 1862, 380). Present remains consist of the poorly preserved ivy-covered nave (approx. ext. dims. 7.9m N-S; 13.8m E-W; wall T 0.9m) and chancel church (approx. ext. dims. 6.8m N-S; 11m E-W) aligned WSW-ENE standing in W quadrant of graveyard (WM025-110004-). The fabric of the church is covered in ivy making detailed examination of the fabric impossible. A moss-covered section of the N wall of the nave appears to have been constructed with large rectangular blocks and is different from the fabric of the rest of the church. It is possible that this moss-covered section of the N wall of the nave represents the remains of a pre-Norman church which was converted into a nave and chancel church in the late 12th century. However the dense cover of vegetation on the church walls makes it impossible to examine the masonry remains. The nave is entered through a destroyed doorway (Wth 1.3m) located off centre to W in S wall. Two late medieval punch dressed jamb-stones of this doorway mark the location of this broken out entrance. A broken out window is visible in the centre of the ivy covered W gable of the nave. Only the lower courses of the N and S walls of the nave survive upstanding. The E end of the nave and the chancel are covered in trees and scrub vegetation. A broken out window is visible in the centre of the E gable. A broken out window is visible located off centre to E in the S wall. Numerous architectural fragments belonging to the church have been reused as grave markers and are visible in the area to the S of the church. A late medieval punch-dressed arch stone from the church has been reused as a capstone In the W boundary wall of the graveyard, other cut stone fragments have been incorporated into the fabric of this post-1700 boundary wall. The decorated base of a possible early Christian high cross (WM025-110005-) stands 1.2m N of the NW angle of the church. The W gable of the church stands 2.2m E of the graveyard boundary wall. Glebe land belonging to the church located immediately SW of the church and graveyard as depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 6 November 2017

• WM025-110003 Ecclesiastical enclosure
  Description

  An Early Christian monastery or hermitage (dísirt) was founded here in the late 8th or early 9th century by Maol Tuile who died before the year 830. He was reputedly the son of Nóchaire of the Ceinéal Laoghaire of Meath (Ó Riain 2011, 447). Maol Tuile of Díseart (Dysart) was associated with Maol Ruain of Tallaght. The Annals recorded that the festival of ‘St. Maeltuile mac Nochaire, who gave his name to this place, is set down in O’Clery’s Irish Calendar at 30th of July’ (AFM, 2, 828). However the Martyrology of Donegal recorded the 29th of May as the feast day of Maoltuile whose ‘baculus [or pastoral staff] works miracles on perjurers before they go out of the church. His well, and his yellow bell and his baculus and his statue, are there still. This is the first Maoltuile’ (O’Donovan 1864, 445). The Martyrology of Donegal lists the 30th of July as the feast day of the second ‘Maoltuile, son of Nochar’ (ibid.). Remains of possible ecclesiastical enclosure (approx. diam. 480m) of Early Christian monastery visible in curve of field fence 110m S of church (WM025-110002-) and graveyard (WM025-110004-) which contains base of possible high cross (WM025-110005-). Holy wells (WM025-109----) dedicated to St. Maol Tuile located 280m to SW. Earthworks in field to S of graveyard may be associated with ecclesiastical enclosure (Swan 1988, 24). The earthworks in the field to the E of the graveyard were locally believed to mark the site of the monastery (ASI Field report). However the rectilinear nature of the earthworks would suggest that they are related to the ruins of Dysart House which is depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map standing 160m NE of Dysart graveyard. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 13 October 2015

• WM025-110004 Graveyard
  Description

  Roughly square-shaped graveyard (approx. dims. 45m N-S x 44m E-W ) enclosed by a 19th century wall (ext. H 1.15m; int. H 0.7m; wall T 0.4m) with entrance gate and stile at W. Medieval parish church ruins (WM025-110002-) of Dysart in W quadrant. A second stone stile over the graveyard wall is visible at centre of the N wall. An earthen bank belonging to an earlier graveyard boundary is visible running along the inner face of the graveyard wall from S through W to N. The graveyard contains memorials dating from the post-1700 period onwards and are concentrated to the S of the medieval church. There are no visible memorials in the N sector of the graveyard. Numerous architectural fragments from the parish church of late medieval date have been reused as grave markers and are visible in the S quadrant. Several architectural fragments from the medieval church ruins have also been incorporated into the fabric of the 19th century graveyard wall. Graveyard appears to have extended to the W as depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map. Three buildings which no longer survive were located in the field immediately to the W of the present graveyard boundary wall. The field to the W of the present graveyard formed part of the graveyard and was designated as glebe land belonging to the church. The graveyard was originally enclosed by an earthen bank which is still visible running along the inner face of the graveyard wall from S through E to N. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 6 November 2017

• WM025-110005 Cross - High cross
  Description

  In 1837 John O’Donovan wrote in the Ordnance Survey Letters that the parish of Dysart was named after St. Maol Tuile ‘whose memory was celebrated at his holy wells (WM025-109----) in the glebe about 30 years ago on the 28th or 29th of May’ (OSL vol. 1, 152). The Martyrology of Donegal recorded the 29th of May as the feast day of Maoltuile whose ‘baculus [or pastoral staff] works miracles on perjurers before they go out of the church. His well, and his yellow bell and his baculus and his statue, are there still. This is the first Maoltuile’ (O’Donovan 1864, 445). The Martyrology of Donegal lists the 30th of July as the feast day of the second ‘Maoltuile, son of Nochar’ (ibid.). An early Christian monastery (WM025-110003-) or hermitage (dísirt) was founded here in the late 8th or early 9th century by Maol Tuile who died before the year 830. He was reputedly the son of Nóchaire of the Ceinéal Laoghaire of Meath (Ó Riain 2011, 447). Maol Tuile of Díseart (Dysart) was associated with Maol Ruain of Tallaght.  A small decorated sandstone pyramidal-shaped cross-base (H 0.55m; top Wth 0.29m; base Wth 0.32m) with a rectangular mortice or socket (dims. 0.12m x 0.07m x D 0.06m) on top which stands 2.2m N of the NW angle of Dysart Church ruins (WM025-110002-) in W quadrant of graveyard (WM025-110004-). Three faces of the cross are decorated with poorly preserved carvings that are difficult to identify. The carvings are framed by incised panels. The fourth face of the cross-base is now very smooth and may originally have had a carved surface. The present N face of the base has a carved figure which is difficult to interpret. It could be a very naïve or primitive style folk carving of the crucified Christ. The figure has a rounded face with arms stretched out hands upright similar to the Orans or upright praying position. There is a carving at the base of the figure which is difficult to decipher but could be a serpent or snake like animal. The carving of the Christ like figure may not be the crucifixion but could be a monk in the Orans position with hands upright standing on top of a serpent. The current east side of the base is divided into four quadrants with a double line cross, the current west face is also decorated with an hourglass or figure 8 type symbol, which could be a face or some other symbol. Possible carving of Christ crucified in primitive or naïve style and is similar in style to the carving of Christ crucified on a cross shaft in Killaloe Cathedral, Co. Clare.  The cross base has been removed for its own safety to temporary secure storage with Westmeath County Council until a more permanent storage solution can be found. This was undertaken in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland and the Westmeath Heritage Officer (pers. comm. Catherin McLoughlin 20/11/2025). Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien based on details kindly provided by Derek John Date of Compilation: 01 December 2025

• WM025-111001 Field system
  Description

  Situated in relatively low-lying, rough, wet pasture. Monument described in 1971 as an ancient field system which pre-dates the modern field system. It is located in the existing fields where house sites (WM025-111002-/-111003-), ringfort (WM025-112----) and enclosures (WM025-113---- and WM025-114----) are located. It appears to extend into the modern fields to the immediate N and to the S of these monuments and may have extended further into fields to E and W which are now ploughed. The ancient system consists of straight, curvilinear and irregular banks, scarps and fosses forming roughly circular, oval and irregular field enclosures. It is clearly older than the modern system which consists primarily of long, straight, linear boundaries of a more substantial form. These small irregular fields which are depicted on the 1837 OS 6-inch map, the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map and the current edition OS 6-inch map are not typical of modern fields and are clearly part of an older system. This ancient field system lies c. 165m to SE of St Maol Tuile (St Multilly’s) holy well and c. 290m to S of ecclesiastical remains consisting of high cross (WM025-110005-) and the medieval parish church (WM025-110002-) & graveyard (WM025-110004-) of Dysert which are situated on the site of an Early Christian monastery which was founded here in the 8th or 9th century by St Maol Tuile. The ancient field system extends quite close to the old earthworks surrounding the Dysart graveyard and more detailed investigation may reveal that they are contemporaneous. The ringfort, two earthworks and two house sites which are incorporated into this field system appear to represent the remains of a possible deserted medieval settlement (WM025-111004-). See attached map annotated by the ASI Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-111002 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  Situated in relatively low-lying, rough, wet pasture. Incorporated into a deserted medieval settlement (WM025-111004-) and an ancient field system (WM025-111001-) is a rectangular-shaped house site c. 40m to W of enclosure (WM025-114----). A second house site (WM025-111003-) lies c. 50m to SE, an earthwork (WM025-113----) lies c. 60m to SW and a ringfort (WM025-112----) lies c. 75m to NW. The archaeological complex that encompasses this house site lies c. 165m to SE of St Maol Tuile (St Multilly’s) holy well and c. 290m to S of ecclesiastical remains consisting of high cross (WM025-110005-) and the medieval parish church (WM025-110002-) & graveyard (WM025-110004-) of Dysart which are situated on the site of an Early Christian monastery which was founded here in the 8th or 9th century by St Maol Tuile. House site is visible as a rectangular-shaped earthwork on Digital Globe aerial photography. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-111003 House - indeterminate date
  Description

  Situated in relatively low-lying, rough, wet pasture. Incorporated into a deserted medieval settlement (WM025-111004-) and an ancient field system (WM025-111001-) is a circular-shaped house site c. 20m to W of enclosure (WM025-114----). A second house site (WM025-111002-) lies c. 50m to NW, an enclosure (WM025-113----) lies c. 52m to W and a ringfort (WM025-112----) lies c. 135m to NW. The archaeological complex that encompasses this house site lies c. 165m to SE of St Maol Tuile (St Multilly’s) holy well and c. 290m to S of ecclesiastical remains consisting of high cross (WM025-110005-) and the medieval parish church (WM025-110002-) & graveyard (WM025-110004-) of Dysart which are situated on the site of an Early Christian monastery which was founded here in the 8th or 9th century by St Maol Tuile. House site is visible today as a circular-shaped earthwork on Digital Globe aerial photography. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-112 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated in relatively low-lying, rough, wet pasture with good views in all directions. Depicted on the 1837 OS 6-inch map as a subtriangular-shaped earthwork. Incorporated into a deserted medieval settlement (WM025-111004-) and an ancient field system (WM025-111001-). Enclosures (WM025-114----/-113----) lie c. 87m to SE and 105m to SW, respectively. Monument described as a subtriangular-shaped area (dims. 41m N-S) enclosed by a low, rounded bank which is almost reduced to a scarp with no visible trace of an external fosse, a possible entrance gap visible at NNE. The interior has traces of cultivation ridges running E-W. Monument is visible today as an irregular-shaped earthwork on Digital Globe aerial photography. See attached profile surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-113 Enclosure - large enclosure
  Description

  Situated on a very slight rise, in low-lying rough wet pasture with a good view of Lough Ennel to SE yet restricted in other directions by higher ground. Depicted on the 1837 OS Fair Plan map as an irregular, subrectilinear-shaped earthwork which is annotated ‘fort’. Incorporated into a deserted medieval settlement (WM025-111004-) and an ancient field system (WM025-111001-). Enclosures (WM025-114----/112----) lie c. 85m to E and c. 105m to NNE, respectively. Monument described as a large irregular-shaped area (approx. diam. 78m) enclosed by a low bank which is almost reduced to a scarp with slight remains of an external fosse, no clear entrance feature visible. A linear bank and ditch of the field system is visible running N-S across the monument dividing it into two unequal parts. The interior rises gently from the perimeter towards the centre. Monument is visible today as an irregular-shaped earthwork on Digital Globe aerial photography. See attached profile surveyed and drawn by the ASI Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-114 Enclosure - large enclosure
  Description

  Situated on a fairly flat, rough, wet pasture with a good view to E and S and moderate views to W and N. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as subrectangular-shaped earthwork. Incorporated into a deserted medieval settlement (WM025-111004-) and an ancient field system (WM025-111001-). Enclosures (WM025-113----/-112----) lie c. 85m to W and c. 87m to NW, respectively. Monument described as a large subrectangular-shaped earthwork enclosure by a low well preserved earthen bank with no trace of an external fosse and no entrance feature visible. The interior is fairly level with a very slight S-facing slope and is cut by old cultivation ridges running N-S. In the vicinity there are slight remains of the surrounding field system in the form of low banks, although none make contact with the monument. Monument is visible today as a long subrectangular-shaped earthwork on Digital Globe aerial photography. A Preservation Order was placed on this monument 26/02/1966 (SMR file). See attached profile surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-115 Ringfort - unclassified
  Description

  Situated on a very slight rise, in gently undulating pasture and tillage, with good views of Lough Ennell to E and restricted views in other directions. Depicted on the 1837 OS Fair Plan map as a D-shaped earthwork defined by a straight side to NW, annotated ‘fort’. Depicted on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map as a subrectangular-shaped earthwork. Levelled enclosure described in 1971 as no surface remains visible. Levelled monument is not visible today on Digital Globe aerial photography. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 23 September 2019

• WM025-116 Moated site
  Description

  Situated on a rise of marked by an OS trig. point (312ft/95m OD), overlooking Lough Ennell c. 480m to E. Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as a square shaped field and not as an antiquity. Shown on the revised 1913 ed. OS 25-inch map as a rectangular-shaped tree-planted earthwork (approx. dims 31m NE-SW; 22m NW-SE). Monument is visible today as a faint rectangular-shaped cropmark on Digital Globe aerial photography, with a tree marking the NE corner. Possible moated site reused as a landscape feature, alternatively it may be the remains of a landscaped feature of post-1700 date. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 24 September 2019

• WM025-117 Castle - unclassified
  Description

  No surface remains visible of the building indicated on first ed. OS 6-inch map but not on subsequent editions. Depicted as a small rectangular structure on the W shore of Lough Ennell and annotated as a 'Ruin' on the 1837 Ordnance Survey Plan. It has been suggested that this building may have been the remains of Kilcowle [Kilcooley] Castle listed in a 1609 land grant to Sir Robert Nugent of Walshestown. In this year Sir Robert Nugent was granted 'a castle, a bawn (WM025-117001-), a large orchard or croft, 20 messuages; 20 gardens, a watermill (WM025-117002-), 4 carucates of free land, containing by estimation of the great measure in the said manor and the town of Kilcowle, parcels of the demesne, 480a arable, 100a meadow, 200a pasture, furze, and bush, 40a wood, 40a marsh, 40a bog, 50a moor — the great lough called Loughenia otherwise Loughenill [Lough Ennell], with the fishing thereof, as far as it mears with the lands of Disert [Dysart] and Kilcowle ; also the three islands therein called the great island [Dysart Island], 2a, Robbins island ½a, and Crowyence [Croincha], 1a – the river, and the fishing thereof, running upon and near the said manor of Disert and Kilcowle in Tolchane-Even' (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 196). Numerous earthworks are visible on Digital Globe aerial photographs in the area where the ruin is indicated on the OS Fair Plan Map. Kilcooley House stands 470m to the W, Dysart Island is 750m to the E and Croincha Island (WM025-150---) lies 720m to the S. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 10 November 2017

• WM025-117001 Bawn
  Description

  Depicted as a small rectangular structure on the W shore of Lough Ennell and annotated as a 'Ruin' on the 1837 Ordnance Survey Plan. It has been suggested that this building may have been the remains of Kilcowle [Kilcooley] Castle and bawn listed in a 1609 land grant to Sir Robert Nugent of Walshestown. In this year Sir Robert Nugent was granted 'a castle (WM025-117----), a bawn, a large orchard or croft, 20 messuages; 20 gardens, a watermill (WM025-117002-), 4 carucates of free land, containing by estimation of the great measure in the said manor and the town of Kilcowle, parcels of the demesne, 480a arable, 100a meadow, 200a pasture, furze, and bush, 40a wood, 40a marsh, 40a bog, 50a moor — the great lough called Loughenia otherwise Loughenill [Lough Ennell], with the fishing thereof, as far as it mears with the lands of Disert [Dysart] and Kilcowle ; also the three islands therein called the great island [Dysart Island], 2a, Robbins island ½a, and Crowyence [Croincha], 1a – the river, and the fishing thereof, running upon and near the said manor of Disert and Kilcowle in Tolchane-Even' (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 196). Numerous earthworks are visible on Digital Globe aerial photographs in the area where the ruin is indicated on the OS Fair Plan Map. These earthworks may form part of the bawn and orchard described above in the 1609 land grant. Kilcooley House stands 470m to the W, Dysart Island is 750m to the E and Croincha Island (WM025-150---) lies 720m to the S. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 10 November 2017

• WM025-145 Ringfort - rath
  Description

  Situated on the upper S edge of a natural terrace, overlooking the W shoreline of Lough Ennell, c. 120m to S, with extensive views in all directions. According to Cox (1972, 23), this monument was the ‘chief residence of Maeleachlainn Mor who became high king of Ireland in 980AD’. Walsh (1955, 31), recorded that ‘Maelsechnaill, King of Meath, and high king of Ireland, died in 1022, at his house of Dun na Sgiath at Lough Ennell’. However, Walsh (ibid) stated that he died on the crannóg of Cró-inis (WM025-150---), or Cormorant Island located 335m to S, in 1022. High status ringfort or raised rath described as a raised circular-shaped platform (diam. 26m) defined by a scarp, inner fosse, earth and stone bank, an intervening fosse and an outer bank. The platform (H 3-4m) is high and steep with a much disturbed, uneven top. The side of the platform has been broken down at NNW. The platform is enclosed by a wide inner fosse which is almost completely infilled from SE-S-SW. The inner bank is visible from NNE-E-SE. The intervening fosse is very shallow and is also present from NNE-E-SE. Only a short segment of the outer bank is visible from NNE-NE-E. There is no recognisable trace of a formal entrance. The top of the platform has a very gentle S-facing slope, the surface of which is very uneven, being pitted with numerous holes and animal burrows. Profile of monument suggests a raised rath type earthwork which is similar to the profiled of a low motte. See attached profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 27 September 2019

• WM025-160 Water mill - unclassified
  Description

  The location of a watermill mentioned in a seventeenth century land grant to Robert Nugent of Walshestown has not been identified. In 1611 Robert Nugent was granted 'a watermill' in the 'said manor and town of Kilcowle' (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 196). The placename Kilcowle or Kilcooley refers to the southern part of the townland of Dysart. The identification of this placename is preserved in the name of Kilcooley House located close to shoreline of Lough Ennell. Millbrook House which is built on the site of a post medieval corn mill may have been built on the site of the medieval watermill. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 24 July 2015

• WM025-169 Castle - unclassified
  Description

  Dysart House may have been located on the site of Dysart Castle and bawn listed in a 1609 land grant to Sir Robert Nugent of Walshestown (WM018-155----). In this year Sir Robert Nugent was granted the manor of Disert [Dysart] which included 'a castle; a hall, and a stone bawn (WM025-169001-), with a lough, a stable, two barns, a haggard, 40 messuages, 50 gardens, and a fish pond (WM025-169002-) in Disert' (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 196). Numerous earthworks are visible on Digital Globe aerial photographs taken November 2011 in the area where the ruins of Dysart House are shown on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map and in the fields to the E of Dysart church (WM025-110002-) and graveyard (WM025-110004-). These earthworks may form part of the castle and bawn mentioned above in the 1609 land grant. This castle site may have been first built as the manorial castle of the Anglo-Norman manor of Dysart which Hugh de Lacy kept in his possession when granting the barony of Magheradernon to William le Petit in the late 12th century (Orpen 1920, 167). In this grant Hugh de Lacy retained possession of the 'lake and vill of Dysart' (ibid.). This lake may be the pond (WM025-169002-) located 240m to the W of Dysart House. In the early 13th century the lands of Dysart were held of Walter de Lacy by William Pipard, son of Ralph Pipard (ibid., 168). In 1301 Ralph Pipard sold the lands of Dysart Manor to King Edward I. In 1302-03 an inquisition into the extent of the Manor of 'Dyssard' was held at Dysart. The jurors of the inquisition recorded that Ralph Pippard, lord of Dysart Manor possessed at Dysart 'a small, weak, and ruined fort, which together the with the messuage is worth nothing a year' (Cal. doc. Ire., 65). The precise location of this 'ruined fort' has not been identified but it may have been located in the field to the E of Dysart church (WM025-110002-) and graveyard (WM025-110004-). This Anglo-Norman 'fort' may have taken the form of a ringwork rather than a mote & bailey castle. There is no evidence for any motte like earthwork in the fields surrounding Dysart church and graveyard. A group of three sub-triangular-shaped earthworks (WM025-112-/113-/114-) and a field system (WM025-111001-/111002-) in the field 420m to the S of Dysart church and graveyard could be related to the Anglo-Norman manor of Dysart. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 14 November 2017

• WM025-169001 Bawn
  Description

  Dysart House may have been located on the site of Dysart Castle (WM025-169----) and bawn listed in a 1609 land grant to Sir Robert Nugent of Walshestown. In this year Sir Robert Nugent was granted the manor of Disert [Dysart] which included 'a castle (WM025-169----); a hall, and a stone bawn, with a lough, a stable, two barns, a haggard, 40 messuages, 50 gardens, and a fish pond (WM025-169002-) in Disert' (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 196). Numerous earthworks are visible on Digital Globe aerial photographs taken November 2011 in the area where the ruins of Dysart House are shown on the OS 6-inch map and in the fields to the E of Dysart church (WM025-110002-) and graveyard (WM025-110004-). These earthworks may form part of the castle and bawn mentioned above in the 1609 land grant. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 10 November 2017

• WM025-169002 Fish-pond
  Description

  A pond located to the W of Dysart House may have the fish-pond listed in a 1609 land grant to Sir Robert Nugent of Walshestown. In this year Sir Robert Nugent was granted the manor of Disert [Dysart] which included 'a castle (WM025-169----); a hall, and a stone bawn (WM025-169001-), with a lough, a stable, two barns, a haggard, 40 messuages, 50 gardens, and a fish pond in Disert' (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 196). Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 10 November 2017

• WM025-169003 Castle - ringwork
  Description

  Dysart House may have been located on the site of Dysart Castle (WM025-169----) and bawn (WM025-169001-) listed in a 1609 land grant to Sir Robert Nugent of Walshestown (WM018-155----). In this year Sir Robert Nugent was granted the manor of Disert [Dysart] which included 'a castle; a hall, and a stone bawn (WM025-169001-), with a lough, a stable, two barns, a haggard, 40 messuages, 50 gardens, and a fish pond (WM025-169002-) in Disert' (Cal. pat. rolls Ire., Jas I, 196). Numerous earthworks are visible on Digital Globe aerial photographs taken November 2011 in the area where the ruins of Dysart House are shown on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map and in the fields to the E of Dysart church (WM025-110002-) and graveyard (WM025-110004-). This castle site may have been built on or close to the site of an Anglo-Norman earth & timber castle described in 1302-03 'a small, weak, and ruined fort', belonging to Ralph Pippard, lord of Dysart manor (Cal. doc. Ire., 65). Hugh de Lacy kept the manorial lands of Dysart in his possession when granting the barony of Magheradernon to William le Petit in the late 12th century (Orpen 1920, 167). In this grant Hugh de Lacy retained possession of the 'lake and vill of Dysart' (ibid.). This lake may be the pond (WM025-169002-) located 240m to the W of Dysart House. In the early 13th century the lands of Dysart were held of Walter de Lacy by William Pipard, son of Ralph Pipard (ibid., 168). In 1301 Ralph Pipard sold the lands of Dysart Manor to King Edward I. In 1302-03 an inquisition into the extent of the Manor of 'Dyssard' was held at Dysart. The jurors of the inquisition recorded that Ralph Pippard, lord of Dysart Manor possessed at Dysart 'a small, weak, and ruined fort, which together the with the messuage is worth nothing a year' (Cal. doc. Ire., 65). The precise location of this 'ruined fort' has not been identified but it may have been located in the field to the E of Dysart church (WM025-110002-) and graveyard (WM025-110004-). This Anglo-Norman 'fort' may have taken the form of a ringwork rather than a mote & bailey castle. There is no evidence for any motte like earthwork in the fields surrounding Dysart church and graveyard. A group of three sub-triangular-shaped earthworks (WM025-112-/113-/114-) and a field system (WM025-111001-/111002-) in the field 420m to the S of Dysart church and graveyard could be related to the Anglo-Norman manor of Dysart. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 14 November 2017

Architectural heritage

• Barrettstown House, gates/railings/walls, 1860–1890 · Regional interest
  Description

  Main entrance to Barrettstown House (15402540), erected c.1875, comprising two sets of two ashlar limestone gate posts, on octagonal plan with moulded coping over, linked by sections of ashlar limestone plinth walling having cast-iron railings over with spear finials. Inner piers support cast-iron gates. Located to the east of Barrettstown House (15402540) and to the southwest of Mullingar.

• Kilcooley House, farm house, 1860–1890 · Regional interest
  Description

  Detached three-bay two-storey house built c.1875, having a single-storey flat-roofed entrance porch to the centre of the main elevation (southeast) with a return to the rear (northwest). Hipped natural slate roof with projecting eaves course, a pair of central rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast rendered walls with square-headed window openings having cut stone sills and two-over-two pane timber sash windows. Ruled-and-line rendered finish to projecting porch having moulded limestone detailing including cornice at roof level. Square-headed doorcase to centre of porch having moulded limestone surround with a stuccoed pediment over having moulded keystone detail. Sidelights to either side of doorcase, now missing. Complex of single-storey rubble limestone and rendered outbuildings to the rear (northwest) having hipped or pitched natural slate roofs, cast-iron rainwater goods, square-headed window and door openings (retaining a number of timber sheeted doors and early timber sash windows) and segmental-headed carriage-arches having brick surrounds. Cast and wrought-iron gates to the rear of house gives access to outbuildings. Rubble limestone wall to south side of approach avenue from the west. Main entrance gates to the west with rendered piers and crenellated rendered walls. Located to the southwest of Mullingar, overlooking Lough Ennell to the south.

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

Radon

About 1 in 10 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home

Landslides

Susceptibility low, low (inferred), on the 1:50,000 map.

Terrain model

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

Flooding

The flood maps of the Office of Public Works: floodinfo.ie.

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

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

Name

Dysart · An Díseart

Area

7,526,008 m² (752.6 ha, 1,859.72 acres)

Civil parish

Dysart, and its townlands

Barony

Moyashel and Magheradernon

Electoral division

Dysart, the unit of the census

Census 2022

Dysart electoral division: 268 people in 92 households; 92% of households own their home; 22% of homes were built since 2001; 11% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 0% were holiday homes.

Neighbouring townlands

Barrettstown, Bryanstown, Hanstown, Keoltown, Rathnamuddagh, Stokestown, Yorkfield

Placenames

Dysart 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.