Kilbeggan

441 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Kilbeggan, from 4 m² to 93,500 m² (9.35 ha, 23.1 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 42 neighbouring parcels touch it.

• R2Established Residential (Existing residential)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 257 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• M2Mixed Use (City/Town/village Centre, central area)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 60 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• M1Expanded Settlement Centre (Mixed Use, general development, opportunity/proposal site)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 17 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• S1Community, Educational & Institutional (Education)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 10 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• C2.1Enterprise & Employment (Industrial, enterprise, employment)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 9 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• R3Consolidation Site (Residential, mixed residential and other uses)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 6 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• G3Open Space (Conservation, amenity or buffer space, corridor/belt, landscape)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 6 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• R1Proposed Residential (New/proposed residential)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 5 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• G4Sporting Recreational (Active open space)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 4 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• G1Open Space (Open space, park)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 3 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• C1.1Commercial (Commercial, retail)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 2 parcels The zoning objective in the plan
• S3Community, Educational & Institutional (Community facilities)
  WCC CDP 2021 - 2027 Kilbeggan, Westmeath · 2 parcels The zoning objective in the plan

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

• 22 Jun 2026N/a

  convert existing office area into a family room with reposing station and all associated site works at existing funeral directors premises which forms part of protected structure B37, Protected Structure RPS number - RPS 038-046 NIAH 15321051

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660326

• 4 Jun 2026N/a

  to convert existing office area into a family room with reposing station and all associated site works at existing funeral directors premises which forms part of protected structure B37.

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660296

• 2 Jun 2026N/a

  change of Use from existing 1439sqm secondary school facility to commercial offices and a childcare facility; widen & reuse existing entrance gate along Dublin Road and all associated site works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660291

• 23 Apr 2026N/a

  development which will consist of the construction of 54 no. dwellings comprising: 6 no. terraced 3 bed 2 storey houses (Type A1), 8 no. semi-detached/ terraced 3 bed 2 storey houses (Type B1), 22 no. semi-detached 3 bed 2 storey houses (Type B2), 1 no. semi-detached 3 bed 2 storey house (Type C1), 1 no. semi-detached 3 bed 2 storey house (Type C2), 2 no. detached/ semi-detached 4 bed 2 storey houses (Type D2), 2 no. detached/ semi-detached 4 bed 2 storey houses (Type E1), 2 no. semi-detached 4 bed 2.5 storey houses (Type F1), 2 no. semi-detached 4 bed 2.5 storey houses (Type F2) and 8 no. 1 bed own hall door self-contained apartments in 1 no. 2 storey block. The development will also include car parking, bin and bicycle stores, public / communal open spaces, site services including foul pumping station & associated rising main, landscaping, boundary treatments and all ancillary site development works, with vehicular and pedestrian access from the Dublin Road (R446) all on site of circa 1.84 Ha.

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660199

• 18 Mar 2026Conditional

  Permission and Retention permission for works as follows (A) Retention permission for Stables, feed and Machinery store as constructed (B) Outdoor Arena as constructed (C) Manure Pit and associated site works as constructed, and Permission for works as follows to incorporate equine breeding facility (A) Indoor arena, stables, feed and tack room, (B) Covered manure pit and associated site works

  Retention · Westmeath County Council, 267

• 23 Jan 2026N/a

  development which will consist of: 1. Demolition works to existing shop building (32sqm) and removal of existing storage shed (68sqm). 2. Permission for Construction of single storey extension (505sqm) to existing service station building to cater for retail use with relocated off-licence & deli area. The existing service station will become ancillary to the new retail facility. 3. Permission for Reconfiguration of the internal floor layout of the existing building to provide retail area (492 sq.m), deli area (78sq.m), seating area (72sq.m), with ancillary off licence area (30sq.m). 4. Permission for alterations to existing shop frontage with associated signage. 5. All associated site works to include the following; Permission for the Installation of additional surface car parking spaces with 6 no. E charging spaces & surfacing with 3 no 200Kw charging units & power unit. Installation of new 13 no. additional car parking spaces, construction of single storey substation, installation of 4no. concrete bollards and all associated site signage

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2660016

• 23 Dec 2025Conditional

  development consisting of the retention of an existing single-storey and an existing two-storey extension to the rear of the existing house. Retention permission is also sought for an existing shed positioned in the central portion of the site, directly behind the existing house

  Retention, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2560649

• 19 Dec 2025Conditional

  the Proposed Conversion Of A Former Shop Unit With Habitable Accommodation To The Rear & Over Same Into 3 No. Apartments Consisting Of 2 No. Studio Type Apartments On Ground Floor Level With 1 No. Two Bedroom Type Apartment At First Floor Level, Internal & External Alterations, Onsite Car Parking, Public Open Space And All Ancillary Site Development Works. The Above Mentioned Development Consists Of Works To A Protected Structure, NIAH No. 15321014 In The National Inventory Of Architectural Heritage, RPS No. 038-013 In The Record Of Protected Structures, Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027, located in Kilbeggan Architectural Conservation Area (ACA).

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2560636

• 18 Dec 2025Conditional

  proposed development which will consist of decommissioning of the existing Kilbeggan Tullamore Road Wastewater Pumping Station comprising: 1. Demolition of existing control building; 2. Gravity diversion sewers; 3. Removal of existing fencing and hedging and erection of new fencing; 4. Decommissioning existing pipelines and 5. Associated ancillary works including surface reinstatement, all on a site of 0.51 hectares

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2560631

• 26 Sept 2025Conditional

  to construct an extension at the side of our existing dwelling to include a kitchen, dining, living area and pantry and to change arch windows to straight windows at the front of the dwelling with all ancillary site works

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2560477

• 18 Aug 2025Conditional

  to construct a new extension to existing dwelling, to retain all existing public services and all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2560410

• 3 Jul 2025N/a

  The proposed development will consist of works to a protected structure, NIAH No 15321045 in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, RPS No. 38-040 in the Record of Protected Structures, Westmeath County Development Plan. The works will include restoration and refurbishment to the main house, with a rear two story extension at basement and ground floors for use as a three bedroom terrace house and the restoration and refurbishment of an existing Coach House to the rear of the site with an extension to the rear of it for use as a three bedroom Mews House to include four car parking spaces serving both houses and all associated site works and services.

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2526

• 30 May 2025Refused

  development which will consist of works to a protected structure, NIAH no 15321014 in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, RPS no 038-013 in the Record of Protected Structures, Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027, located in Kilbeggan Architectural Conservation Area (ACA). The works will include: a change of use from the existing single dwelling to 4 no. self-contained one-bedroom apartments, and will include internal alterations to all floor layouts, replacing all existing Main Street façade windows, refurbishment of Main Street façade, retention of existing vehicular access gate, and all associated site works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2560269

• 8 May 2025Conditional

  EXTENSION OF DURATION for development consisting of site works to facilitate the proposed development to include excavation and general site preparation works, removal of existing foundation on-site, use of existing entrance serving Coola Lawns along with associated access roads and footpaths to facilitate vehicular and pedestrian access, provision of a residential development comprising 36 no. units in total as follows: House type A - 10 No. 1 Bed/2 person apartment units, House type B - 10 No. 2 Bed/4 person duplex units, House type C - 4 No. 3 Bed/5 person semi-detached dwellings, House type D - 4 No. 2 Bed/4 person semi-detached dwellings, House type E - 4 No. 2 Bed/4 person terrace dwellings, House type F - 2 No. 3 Bed/5 person terrace dwellings, House type G - 2 No. 3Bed/5 person terrace dwellings (dual-frontage), provision of associated garden areas and in-curtilage works for each dwelling to include boundary fencing and boundary walls as required, provision of residential communal open space areas to include all hard and soft landscaping works within the site which includes public lighting, public seating, planting works, a children's play area, bicycle storage and boundary treatment, associated site works to facilitate site drainage with provision of an attenuation system, connection to the foul sewer network with upgrade works to the existing foul pumping station, water connections and ESB connections

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2516

• 4 Apr 2025N/a

  development which will consist of works to a protected structure, NIAH no 15321014 in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, RPS no 038-013 in the Record of Protected Structures, Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027, located in an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA). The works will include: a change of use from the existing single dwelling to 4 no. self-contained one-bedroom apartments, and will include internal alterations to all floor layouts, replacing all existing Main Street façade windows, refurbishment of Main Street façade, retention of existing vehicular access gate, and all associated site works

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2560157

• 30 Jan 2025N/a

  the change of use from existing single dwelling house to 4 no. one-bedroom apartments - to include internal alterations to all floor layouts, replacing all existing front façade windows, and all associated site works. The development is located in an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA)

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2560027

• 20 Dec 2024Conditional

  demolition of an existing two storey Gym (380 sqm) is being sought at this site and all associated site work at this site

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2460499

• 15 Nov 2024N/a

  RETENTION planning permission for an existing single storey extension to the rear of existing fast food restaurant

  Retention · Westmeath County Council, 2474

• 14 Oct 2024Conditional

  development of 13 no. new residential units on a site of 0.50 hectares. The planning application comprises the provision of 13 no. residential housing units of which there are 4 no. 3 bed semi-detached houses and 9 no. 3 bed townhouses, the provision of public open space areas, associated car parking spaces to include visitor parking and primary vehicular and pedestrian access to the proposed development off the existing residential development of The Gallops. The proposal includes all associated hard and soft landscaping, boundary treatments, footpaths and all other ancillary works above and below ground

  Permission, 13 homes · Westmeath County Council, 2460385

• 20 Sept 2024Conditional

  development of a site which extends to 2.718ha, on lands at Abbeybrook, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath (located west of Regional Road R389 and south of distributor road serving the Abbeybrook residential development). The proposed development will consist of the following: i) Construction of 74 no. residential units comprising of: a. 62 no. dwellings (4 no. 2-bed, 44 no. 3-bed, 14 no. 4-bed) b. 4 no. 1-bed Apartments and 8 no. 2-bed apartments ii) Provision of new vehicular and pedestrian access to the site, iii) Provision of car and bicycle parking, and vehicular and pedestrian access on site, iv) Provision of public open space, shared communal and private open space, site landscaping, public lighting, bin stores, and site services, v) Works to the distributor road serving Abbeybrook estate, including the provision of a pedestrian crossing and raised table, and alterations to the existing on street parking layout, vi) All ancillary and associated site development works

  Permission, 62 homes · Westmeath County Council, 2460346

• 4 Jul 2024Conditional

  development which will consist of: Decommissioning of existing underground fuel storage tanks and the Installation of 2 no. 40,000L underground fuel storage tanks

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2460231

• 18 Dec 2023Conditional

  internal and external alterations to existing dwelling and to construct a single storey, two bedroom granny flat extension to the side and rear of existing dwelling, to connect to existing site services and all associated site works

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2360445

• 26 Sept 2023N/a

  development consisting of 13 no. new residential units on a site of 0.50 hectares. The planning application comprises the provision of 13 no. residential housing units of which there are 4 no. 3 bed semi-detached houses and 9 no. 3 bed townhouses, the formation of 0.10 (20%) hectares of public open space areas, 25 no. dedicated car parking spaces (20 no. residential, 5 no. visitor) and primary vehicular and pedestrian access to the proposed development off the existing residential development of The Gallops. The proposal includes all associated hard and soft landscaping, boundary treatments, footpaths and all other ancillary works above and below ground

  Permission · Westmeath County Council, 2360327

• 2 May 2023Conditional

  development which will consist/consists of (1) retention permission of existing garage and permission to relocate garage to new location; (2) planning permission for the construction 2 no. of rear extensions and partial demolition of an existing shed (3) all associated site development works

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2360110

• 24 Feb 2023Conditional

  construction of a new extension at the front, side and rear of my existing dwelling to include a porch, dining area and bedroom and to demolish existing shed and to retain existing garage at the rear with all ancillary site works

  Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2360042

The 25 most recent of 59 applications.

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

Designated sites

• Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Grand Canal 002104

Recorded monuments

• WM038-017 Historic town
  Description

  Kilbeggan is situated on the River Brosna in the low-lying countryside of south Westmeath. According to Gwynn and Hadcock (1970, 388) a monastery (WM038-017001-) was founded at Kilbeggan by St Beagán in the sixth or seventh century. The possible boundary ditch of the early Christian monastery at Kilbeggan may have been identified by Earthsound on behalf of ADS Ltd. when carrying out a geophysical survey in 2004 in the field to the W of the Cistercian Abbey (WM038-017007-) (Corcoran 2008, 377). The Urban Survey suggested that 'the church of St Beagán was located in or beside the old graveyard (WM038-017002-) south-west of the town but definite evidence can only be obtained by archaeological excavation' (Bradley et. al. 1985, 104). According to the Urban Survey (Bradley et. al. 1985, 102) the 'early monastery was superseded by a Cistercian monastery (WM038-017007-) c.1150 but the history of Kilbeggan as a town does not begin until the seventeenth century. In 1606 Sir Oliver Lambert was granted a ‘licence to hold a saturday market, and a fair on the feast of st. Michael (29th September), and the next two days, at Kilbeggan, in co. Meath; with courts of pie-powder and all tolls, etc. to said market and fair belonging, at a rent of 5s. per ann.’ (Erck 1846, 267). In the same year he was also granted ‘the site and precinct of the late abbey (WM038-017007-) of the B. V. Mary of Kilbeggan, in M’Geoghogans countrie, with the stone walls of a church and other buildings therein – 3 gardens, and a waste orchard, containing half an acre – a small chapel or church (WM038-017006-) belonging to the town of Kilbeggan, and to the parishioners of said monastery – a close to said monastery adjacent, containing 1a. – 3 messuages, 6 cottages, 60a. arable, standard measure, 16a. pasture, 6a. bog, in the town and fields of Kilbeggan – a water mill (WM038-017008-), near the town of Kilbeggan, upon the river Brassnagh (Brosnagh) – 2 eel-weares (WM038-017010-), 2 mess., 3 closes or cottages, 70a. arable, 30a. pasture and common of bog’ (ibid., 268). The town itself was formally established on the 27th of February in 1613 when it received a charter of incorporation from James I (Irish Record Comm. 1830, 243). The nature of the settlement at Kilbeggan before 1613 is unclear. By 1618 the town of Kilbeggan had grown into a small clustered town consisting of 60 houses with adjoining burgage plots. In this year an inquisition into the estate of the deceased of Oliver Lord Lambart recorded that the town of Kilbeggan contained 60 messuages or dwellings and 60 gardens possibly meaning burgage plots (Anon 1826, 56). In 1620 the king granted Charles Lord Lambart a regrant of the original market licence and granted a new licence for two additional fairs to be held on the 6th of June and 18th October. On the 1656-59 Down Survey map of Moycashel Barony the settlement at Kilbeggan is depicted as a cluster of dwellings without any formal layout with a road running through the settlement connecting Tyrrellspass to Ardnurcher now Horseleap. The bridge (WM038-017004-) at Kilbeggan is depicted on the Down Survey map where the road crosses the River Brosna and a watermill (WM038-017008-) is depicted a short distance to the N of Kilbeggan. The terrier of the 1656-59 Down Survey map of Moycashel Barony recorded that there 'were noe townes of note in it Killbeggan being the best' (NLI Ms. 723-724). The Down Survey map depicts the parish church (WM038-017006-) of Kilbeggan standing to the S of the road running through the village possibly in the area where the C. of I. church now stands. The map also depicts the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey (WM038-017007-) standing on a low hillock to the E of the River Brosna and S of the town and church of Kilbeggan. A tower house type building which may have been the house of Oliver Lord Lambart described by Piers (1981, 84) in 1682 is also depicted standing between the abbey and the parish church close to the E bank of the River Brosna. The rectory of Kilbeggan is referred to in a document of 1589 which also mentions the 'town' of Kilbeggan (16th Rep. Deputy Keeper Public Records Ireland, 97: No. 5322). The town prospered in the early seventeenth century and was granted two additional annual fairs in 1620 (Lewis 1837, ii, 51). In 1682 Piers (1981, 84) described Kilbeggan as ‘a corporation and market town, sending two burgesses to our parliament. This town is seated on the Brosny [Brosna] before described, over which it hath an antient [ancient] bridge (WM038-017004-), but now of late repaired, of lime and stone. Here stood a monastery (WM038-017007-) dedicated to the Virgin Mary, founded anno 1200, and replenished with monks from the Cistercian abbey of Mellifont; of this abby [abbey] remains only the name of the structure, not so much as the rubbish to be seen this day, nor of the house (WM038-017009-) built here by the late lord Lambert before the late war, more than the ruins; for it was burnt in the late war, and is not to this day repaired. In this town stands a church (WM038-017006-) in repair. The present town of Kilbeggan is laid out along a single east-west axis known as Main Street. This expands mid-way along its course to form a rectangular market place, now the Market Square. The burgage plot pattern of the seventeenth century town survives very well to the north and south of the Main Street. These plots have had houses on them since the seventeenth century but there is no visible evidence that any of the present buildings are older than 1700. This may be due in part to the concealment of old features behind modern facades and a careful watch should be maintained for seventeenth century architectural features when buildings along the Main Street are being renovated. There is no documentary evidence to determine whether the town was protected by defences (WM038-017005-) or not but the burgage plots on the north and south sides of Main Street terminate in a continuous wall which could have functioned as the town defences. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 14 April 2014

• WM038-017001 Ecclesiastical enclosure
  Description

  Kilbeggan town (WM038-017----) is situated on the River Brosna in the low-lying countryside of south Westmeath. According to Gwynn and Hadcock (1970, 388) a monastery was founded at Kilbeggan by St Beagán in the sixth or seventh century. Its name is derived from Chill Bheagáin, meaning the church of Beagán’s (OS Letters 1837). In 1837 Thomas O’Conor recorded in the Ordnance Survey Letters that ‘the common name prevalent among those who give the monastery its Irish name is mainistir Cill Beacáin [monastery of the church of Beacáin]’. There is no certain mention of this saint’s name in the early martyrologies. According to Ó Riain (2011, 92-3) the church of Kilbeggan may be named after St Beagán of Foithearbh Shinhill, son of Colmán son of Diarmuid, ancestor of the Clann Cholmáin. The patron’s day at Kilbeggan was held on the 24th of July, the eve of the feast of St James. The Urban Survey suggested that 'the church of St Beagán was located in or beside the old graveyard (WM038-017002-) south-west of the town but definite evidence can only be obtained by archaeological excavation' (Bradley et. al. 1985, 104). Swan (1988, 17) suugested that there was evidence of an Early Christian ecclesiastical enclosure in the semi-circular form of the graveyard (WM038-017002-) boundary wall. In 2003 a geophysical survey carried out by GeoArc Ltd uncovered the sub-surface remains of the Cistercian Abbey of Kilbeggan (WM038-017007-) and the findings from this survey suggested that the abbey was 'wrapped around an early medieval monastery, which is still in use as a graveyard (WM038-017002-) (Hayden 2006, 522). In 2004 a geophysical survey carried out by Earthsound on behalf of ADS Ltd revealed the remains of a curving ditch to the W of the Cistercian abbey which may be the remains of an ecclesiastical boundary ditch that was possibly associated with a large cemetery containing approximately 960 burials. Archaeological excavations took place at this cemetery between April and July 2005 by Eoin Corcoran under licence No. 04E1327ext. The summary results of the excavation revealed 'a burial ground with a subrectangular ditched enclosure around it measuring c. 20m by 20m. Approximately 960 burials were excavated from within the enclosure, as well as a substantial amount of disarticulated remains. The majority of the burials were orientated from east to west in simple graves. It appears to have been a community burial ground used over a period of time, as all ages were well represented in the assemblage. Most of the burials intercut each other and phases were difficult to elucidate, given the density of the burials. Some of the burials had finds associated with them, including a bone comb, a double-sided copper alloy comb, a coloured glass bead and a finger ring. Three burials exhibited signs of violent death – two by arrowheads and one by a spearhead, all found in rib cages during excavation. There was evidence for possible structures and metalworking activity within the burial enclosure in the form of several post-holes, possible smithing hearths and the recovery of slag from some deposits. Towards the east of the site portions of a large ditch that would be affected by the proposed development were excavated. This ditch may be part of the enclosing ditch for the Cistercian abbey located to the east of the site. Further analysis of the material removed from the ditch is being carried out in order to establish a date for it. Post-excavation analysis of the remains from this site is ongoing' (Corcoran 2008, 377-8). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 April 2014

• WM038-017002 Burial ground
  Description

  Nothing remains today except the disused graveyard located on a knoll 330m south-west of the market square in the town of Kilbeggan (WM038-017----) which probably also marks the site of St Beagán's church (WM038-017001-) (Bradley et. al. 1985, 103-04). The Urban Survey suggested that the church of St Beagán was located in or beside the old graveyard south-west of the town but definite evidence can only be obtained by archaeological excavation (ibid. 104). In 2003 a geophysical survey carried out by GeoArc Ltd revealed the sub-surface footprint of the levelled Cistercian abbey (WM038-017007-) in the field immediately to the W of the graveyard (Hayden 2006, 522). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 14 April 2014

• WM038-017006 Church
  Description

  The 17th century parish church of St. James in the town of Kilbeggan was located near the western limit of the town (WM038-017----). The present ruins of the 18th/19th century C. of I. church standing in the centre of a disused graveyard (WM038-017013-) probably stands on the site of the parish church of Kilbeggan that is listed in the 1606 land grant to Sir Oliver Lambert where it is described as 'a small chapel or church (WM038-017006-) belonging to the town of Kilbeggan, and to the parishioners of said monastery (WM037-017007-)’ (Erck 1846, 268) . According to Lewis (1837, ii, 51) the present C. of I. church ruins were first built in 1764 with a square tower added to the W end of the church in 1818 (Lewis 1837, ii, 19). Today only the W church tower that was built onto an earlier 18th century C. of I. church survives standing above the surface of the surrounding graveyard. It is not clear if this church was built on the site of the medieval church mentioned in 1589 or if a new church was built at this site c. 1613 with the incorporation of the town (Bradley et. al. 1985, 103). It is possible that the medieval parish church of Kilebggan was located in the nearby graveyard (WM038-017002-) to the S of the C. of I. church and that during the 17th century a new church was built where the C. of I. church is located today. In 1682 Piers (1981, 84) described Kilbeggan as ‘a corporation and market town, sending two burgesses to our parliament. This town is seated on the Brosny [Brosna] before described, over which it hath an antient [ancient] bridge, but now of late repaired, of lime and stone. In this town stands a church in repair’. The patron’s day at Kilbeggan was held on the 24th of July, the eve of the feast of St James (Ó Riain 2011, 93). The site of the Cistercian monastery (WM038-107007-) of Kilbeggan and a graveyard (WM038-017002-) lies 190m to the SSW and S respectively. Compiled by: R. Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 14 April 2014

• WM038-017007 Religious house - Cistercian monks
  Description

  Kilbeggan town (WM038-017----) is situated on the River Brosna in the low-lying countryside of south Westmeath. According to Gwynn and Hadcock (1970, 388) a monastery (WM038-017001-) was founded at Kilbeggan by St Beagán in the sixth or seventh century. The early monastery was superseded by a Cistercian monastery dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This abbey known as De Benedictio Dei, was founded c.1150 as a daughter house of Mellifont, probably by members of the MacCochlain family (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 137). In 1213 Mael Sechlainn MacCochlain, Lord of Delvin, died on pilgrimage to the abbey and in the same year his sons Ruaidhri and Mael Sechlainn died there (ibid., 137). In 1228 the abbey was made subject to Buildwas Abbey in England but judging by the names of its abbots it seems to have retained an Irish character throughout the Middle Ages (ibid., 137). At the Dissolution the abbey was apparently granted to Owen O Morrain of Multifarnham (Walsh 1957, 274-5) but in 1550 it was in the possession of Francis Digby, alias Ros MacEochacain (Morrin 1861, 233). It passed through various hands until 1606 when it was granted to Sir Oliver Lambert (Erck 1846-52, 267-8). In this year Sir Oliver Lambert was granted ‘the site and precinct of the late abbey of the B. V. Mary of Kilbeggan, in M’Geoghogans countrie, with the stone walls of a church and other buildings therein – 3 gardens, and a waste orchard, containing half an acre – a small chapel or church (WM038-017006-) belonging to the town of Kilbeggan, and to the parishioners of said monastery – a close to said monastery adjacent, containing 1a. – 3 messuages, 6 cottages, 60a. arable, standard measure, 16a. pasture, 6a. bog, in the town and fields of Kilbeggan – a water mill (WM038-017008-), near the town of Kilbeggan, upon the river Brassnagh (Brosnagh) – 2 eel-weares (WM038-017010-), 2 mess., 3 closes or cottages, 70a. arable, 30a. pasture and common of bog’ (ibid., 268). The terrier of the 1656-59 Down Survey map of Moycashel Barony recorded that in Kilbeggan there 'stood a faire Monastery' (NLI Ms. 723-724). In 1682 Piers (1981, 84) recorded that in Kilbeggan there ‘stood a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, founded anno 1200, and replenished with monks from the Cistercian abbey of Mellifont; of this abby [abbey] remains only the name of the structure, not so much as the rubbish to be seen this day, nor of the house built here by the late lord Lambert before the late war, more than the ruins; for it was burnt in the late war, and is not to this day repaired. In this town stands a church (WM038-017006-) in repair’. The Ordnance Survey Letters recorded that the abbey lay immediately north-west of the old burial ground (WM038-017002-) south of the town (WM038-017----). In 2003 the site of the Cistercian abbey was precisely located when a geophysical survey was carried out in an area to the W of the graveyard (WM038-017002-). The geophysical survey carried out by GeoArc Ltd revealed the sub-surface ground plan or footprint of the levelled Cistercian abbey. The abbey appears to have been built around an early medieval monastery (WM038-017001-), which is still in use as a graveyard (WM038-017002-) (Hayden 2006, 522). A resistivity survey of the field to the W of the old graveyard (WM038-017002-) revealed the ground plan of the Cistercian abbey which consisted of a long rectangular church of cruciform plan with cloister and claustral building range to the S of the church. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 April 2014

• WM038-017008 Water mill - vertical-wheeled
  Description

  The precise location of a watermill in the town of Kilbeggan has not been identified. Kilbeggan town (WM038-017----) is situated on the River Brosna in the low-lying countryside of south Westmeath. In 1606 Sir Oliver Lambert was granted ‘the site and precinct of the late abbey (WM038-017007-) of the B. V. Mary of Kilbeggan, in M’Geoghogans countrie, with the stone walls of a church and other buildings therein – 3 gardens, and a waste orchard, containing half an acre – a small chapel or church (WM038-017006-) belonging to the town of Kilbeggan, and to the parishioners of said monastery – a close to said monastery adjacent, containing 1a. – 3 messuages, 6 cottages, 60a. arable, standard measure, 16a. pasture, 6a. bog, in the town and fields of Kilbeggan – a water mill, near the town of Kilbeggan, upon the river Brassnagh (Brosnagh) – 2 eel-weares (WM038-017010-), 2 mess., 3 closes or cottages, 70a. arable, 30a. pasture and common of bog’ (Erck 1846, 268). In 1618 an inquisition into the estate of the deceased of Oliver Lord Lambert listed a water mill and a fulling mill (WM038-017012-) which were powered by the River Brosna (Anon 1826, 56). It is possible that the mills may have formed part of the monastic estate of the Cistercian abbey of Kilbeggan that was granted to Sir Oliver Lambert in 1606 (Erck 1846, 268). It is not clear if there were two separate mills at Kilbeggan on the River Brosna consisting of a watermill and a fulling mill. The 1656-59 Down Survey map of Moycashel Barony depicts one watermill standing on the E bank of the River Brosna a short distance to the N of the settlement at Kilbeggan (NLI Ms. 723-724). A corn mill depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map stands roughly in the same location as that of the watermill depicted on the 1656-59 Down Survey map. This corn mill may have been built on the site of the earlier watermill or possibly incorporates fabric of the earlier mill in the masonry of the present mill. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 April 2014

• WM038-017013 Graveyard
  Description

  The 17th century parish church (WM038-107006-) and graveyard of St. James in the town of Kilbeggan was located near the western limit of the town (WM038-017----). The present ruins of the 18th/19th century C. of I. church standing in the centre of a disused graveyard probably stands on the site of the parish church and graveyard of Kilbeggan that is listed in the 1606 land grant to Sir Oliver Lambert where it is described as 'a small chapel or church (WM038-017006-) belonging to the town of Kilbeggan, and to the parishioners of said monastery (WM037-017007-)’ (Erck 1846, 268). The patron’s day at Kilbeggan was held on the 24th of July, the eve of the feast of St James (Ó Riain 2011, 93). The site of the Cistercian monastery (WM038-107007-) of Kilbeggan and a graveyard (WM038-017002-) lies 190m to the SSW and S respectively. The C of I church ruins stands in the N quadrant of a long rectangular shaped graveyard (approx. dims. 95m N-S x 45m E-W) enclosed by a post-1700 stone wall with entrance gate at NE angle. The graveyard contains memorials which mainly date from the post-1700 onwards. A 16th/17th century graveslab (WM038-017014-) belonging to John Nelson was recently unearthed in the E quadrant of the graveyard. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 28 September 2017

• WM038-017014 Graveslab
  Description

  The 17th century parish church (WM038-107006-) and graveyard of St. James in the town of Kilbeggan was located near the western limit of the town (WM038-017----). The present ruins of the 18th/19th century C. of I. church standing in the centre of a disused graveyard (WM038-017013-) probably stands on the site of the parish church and graveyard of Kilbeggan that is listed in the 1606 land grant to Sir Oliver Lambert where it is described as 'a small chapel or church (WM038-017006-) belonging to the town of Kilbeggan, and to the parishioners of said monastery (WM037-017007-)’ (Erck 1846, 268). The patron’s day at Kilbeggan was held on the 24th of July, the eve of the feast of St James (Ó Riain 2011, 93). The site of the Cistercian monastery (WM038-107007-) of Kilbeggan and a graveyard (WM038-017002-) lies 190m to the SSW and S respectively. A 16th/17th century graveslab belonging to John Nelson was recently unearthed in the NE quadrant of the graveyard adjacent to the boundary wall and close to the entrance gate. The undecorated tapering partially damaged graveslab (dims. L 1.68m; top Wth 0.73m; base Wth 0.64m) has a Latin inscription carved in false relief running around the edge of the slab. The corner of the slab has been broken off and is now missing and so the inscription survives in an incomplete form. The surviving inscription reads ' Hic jacet joannes nelson qui obii die ..... poster .....'. A John Nelson is listed in the c. 1659 census of Ireland as living in Kilbeggan. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details kindly provided by Chris Corlett Date of upload: 28 September 2017

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 Kilbeggan with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Westmeath.

Name

Kilbeggan · Cill Bheagáin

Area

1,244,456 m² (124.45 ha, 307.51 acres)

Civil parish

Kilbeggan, and its townlands

Barony

Moycashel

Electoral division

Kilbeggan, the unit of the census

Neighbouring townlands

Aghamore, Ballinderry Big, Camagh, Coola, Kilbeggan North, Kilbeggan South, Meadowpark, Meeniska, Skeahanagh

Placenames

Kilbeggan 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.