Rathbennett
Townland in the civil parish of Leny, barony of Corkaree, Co. Westmeath
Parcel 108723
- Area
- 605,213 m² (60.52 ha, 149.55 acres)
- Buildings
- 10 buildings touch it, 2,191 m² on the ground
- Zoning
- No zone of a development plan covers it in the national zoning. Outside zoned towns and villages, the county development plan's rural policies apply.
- Townland
- Rathbennett
Planning applications on this parcel
6 Feb 2026Refused
to construct a single story dwelling, detached domestic garage, install a proprietary wastewater treatment system, form new joint entrance from public roadway and all associated site development works
Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2660034
6 Feb 2026Conditional
to construct a single story dwelling, detached domestic garage, install a proprietary wastewater treatment system, form new joint entrance from public roadway and all associated site development works
Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 2660035
Source: National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Applicants are not shown.
Designated sites
No designated site (Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, Natural Heritage Area or proposed one) touches this parcel.
Recorded monuments around it
This parcel is in the zone of notification of 7 recorded monuments.
- WM011-025 Standing stone
Description
Situated on the summit of a flat hill in grassland. Bowl barrow (WM011-021----) 170m to NE. Ring barrow (WM011-026---) and standing stone (WM011-026001--) 120m to SE. Standing stone (WM011-027---) 200m to SSE. Present remains consist of a limestone slab (H2.65; Wth 0.35m; T 0.15m) lying in the field which may be a collapsed standing stone. Compiled by: Frank Coyne and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 14 June 2017
- WM011-026 Barrow - ring-barrow
Description
Surveyed in 2012 and described by McGuinness (2012, 29-30) as following: ‘Very large, low-relief ring-barrow (Diam. 42m NW-SE) on ground sloping down gently to E, at ESE end of flattish, plateau-like hilltop. Monument comprises a low central platform (Basal Diam. 26m) surrounded by a flat-bottomed ditch, 3m in width at well-preserved NE side, and a low, denuded outer bank, 4.5-6m in width. Central platform rises 0.35m above ditch. Where bank is best preserved, on NE side, it is 0.5m above ditch. At this same point, perpendicular depth of ditch below a line joining top of bank to upper surface of platform is 0.34m. SW side of site has been greatly disturbed and is difficult to make out: what appears to be a disused, grassed-over, slightly raised trackway, 4m in width, runs across the barrow from NW to SE, continuing to SE roughly in direction of Leny church (WM011-028----) which lies downhill to SSE; and immediately beyond this 'trackway' to SW is an old field boundary. Just NE of the barrow but not touching it is another slightly raised linear feature, also with the appearance of a disused trackway 4m in width, running for 92m in a SW-NE direction to edge of field, but not clearly visible in adjacent field. An inspection of the vertical aerial photograph on the National Monuments website strongly suggest that these features are old field fences predating the 1st edition OS 6" map. In adjacent field 16m to NW is a low, oval-shaped eminence clipped by an old quarry at its N end and currently measuring 12.Sm NW-SE x 10m NE-SW. There are what may be traces of a ditch on NW side, suggesting the possibility that this is an artificial mound. Close by in adjacent field to SW, the RMP documents a standing stone (WM011-027----). This sharp-angled rectilinear piece of slate or shale is deeply embedded in the ground, recumbent and barely visible; its maximum visible length and width are 1.06m and 0.30m respectively and its thickness is 0.11m. It is unclear whether it was ever standing upright. A second 'standing stone' (WM011-025----), a sharp-angled rectilinear piece of slate or shale 2.7m long, 0.25¬0.36m wide and 0.17m thick, lies recumbent in a field c. 130m to NW. If it was ever standing it must have fallen down some time ago, as the sod has encroached over its S end. At opposite end of hilltop c. 250m to N are two closely positioned monuments, a flat-topped mound surrounded by a broad ditch (WM011-021----) and what appears to be a platform-barrow (WM011-022----). Leny church (WM011-028----) and burial ground (WM011-028001-), with evidence of a large, curvilinear Early Christian monastic vallum (WM011-028002-) on SW side (Swan 1988, 9), lie at foot of hill c. 250m to SSE. Frewin Hill (WM011-133----) is prominent to S, the barrow at Fulmort (WM011-160----) is prominent on hilltop to N, and Knockdrin (WM012-183----) appears to be visible to SE’. In 1981 the ASI recorded the presence of a possible standing stone (WM011-026001-) situated on the NE bank of the barrow which the fieldworker suggested may have 'been erected in this spot as a scratching post for cattle. The standing stone is a limestone slab, 2m high, uniformly 10-15cm thick, and lying or leaning at an angle of 25 degrees to the SW' (SMR File 15/06/1981) See attached sketch plan of monument drawn by ASI showing location of standing stone. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by David McGuinness. Date of upload: 15 April 2016
- WM011-026001 Standing stone
Description
In 1981 the ASI recorded the presence of a possible standing stone situated on the NE bank of a ring-barrow (WM011-026----) which the fieldworker suggested may have 'been erected in this spot as a scratching post for cattle. The standing stone is a limestone slab, 2m high, uniformly 10-15cm thick, and lying or leaning at an angle of 25 degrees to the SW' (SMR Report 15/06/1981). A field survey of this ring-barrow (WM011-026----) by McGuinness in 2012 does not mention the presence of standing stone on the NE bank of the monument which suggests that the stone may have been removed. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 15 April 2016
- WM011-027 Standing stone
Description
Situated on the shoulder of a hill in grassland with extensive views towards Lough Owel to the SE. Ring barrow (WM011-026---) and standing stone (WM011-026001--) 50m to N. Standing stone (WM011-025---) 200m to NNW. Church (WM011-028----) and graveyard (WM011-028001-) 125m to SSE. Portion of a broken standing stone (H 1m; Wth 0.4m; T 0.1m) consisting of a tall thin slab leaning over to one side which is set into a shallow depression in the ground. Compiled by: Frank Coyne and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 15 June 2017
- WM011-028 Church
Description
Situated on high ground with commanding views in all directions except to N where it is overlooked by higher ground. No surface remains visible of medieval church of Leny. The 1302-06 papal taxation of the diocese of Meath valued the church of ‘Lene’ in the deanery of Mullingar at 9 marks annually (Cal. doc. Ire., 259). The medieval church is depicted on the 1656-9 Down Survey map of Corkaree barony (NLI MS 723-4) and on Sir William Petty’s map of 1685. Present early 19th century C of I church ruins stands in N quadrant of rectangular-shaped graveyard (WM011-028001-) possibly built on site of medieval church of Leny. In 1810 the church of Leny was described as in the process of being rebuilt (Carlisle 1810). Described in 1980 as ‘a rectangular church with a square tower at the west end. The church appears to be of 18th century or early 19th century date. The walls of the church and tower are rendered with pebbledash. There is a chancel at the east end and an aisle on the north side both built of roughly dressed limestone both seemingly of mid or late 19th century date. The windows are all of 19th century date. The east window being of 3 lights with tracery above. There is no trace of medieval remains’ (SMR File 07/10/1980). In 1966 aerial photographs show that the church still had its roof intact (CUCAP APE035/036). Leny Church described by the National Inventory of Archiectural Heritage as following; ‘Freestanding Church of Ireland church, built c.1817, comprising four-bay hall with attached three-stage tower on square-plan to the west with a raised parapet with English-style crenellations. Later nineteenth century single-storey chancel and vestry to east. Now out of use. Originally with pitched roof (now missing) with raised limestone verges. Roughcast rendered walls with projecting cut stone string courses to tower. Snecked limestone construction to chancel. Pointed-arched window openings with cut stone sills and remains of stained glass windows. Triple-light Geometric window to east gable. Pointed segmental-headed doorcase to south face of tower with chamfered cut limestone surrounds. Round opening over to first stage of tower containing timber quatrefoil and pointed-arched openings above to belfry with remains of timber Y-tracery and timber louvered vents. Set back from the road in own grounds and surrounded by graveyard with mostly nineteenth century grave markers. Rubble stone boundary wall encloses the church and associated graveyard with a pair of decorative cast-iron gates mounted on square cut stone piers. Built in a very prominent position on hill overlooking the village of Bunbrosna with associated rectory to northwest’ (www.buildingsofireland.ie). Compiled and revised by: Caimin O’Brien Date of revised upload: 20 July 2017
- WM011-028001 Graveyard
Description
Situated on high ground with commanding views in all directions except to N where it is overlooked by higher ground. Rectangular shaped graveyard (approx. dims. 58m N-S; 39m E-W) enclosed by a post medieval stone wall with post-medieval church possibly on site of medieval church (WM011-028----) standing in N quadrant. Graveyard contains memorials of post-medieval date and is entered through a gateway in S wall located close to SW corner. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 20 August 2015
- WM011-028002 Ecclesiastical enclosure
Description
Possible ecclesiastical enclosure identified by Swan (1988, 9) who recorded that there was evidence of a circular enclosure to SW of Leny graveyard (WM011-028001-). Traces of possible enclosure visible on Bing Maps aerial photograph (http://binged.it/1LUYs2t) to SW and W of graveyard. See attached aerial photograph taken from Bing Maps at http://binged.it/1LUYs2t Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 31 July 2015
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).
Registered freehold land, Tailte Éireann, CC BY 4.0. A parcel is the land of a title, not an address. The owner's name is in the Land Registry of Tailte Éireann: a copy of the folio can be ordered on landdirect.ie, for a fee.
- Area
- 134.8 ha
- 333 acres
- Land parcels
- 52
- registered freehold, median 10,980 m² (1.1 ha, 2.71 acres)
- Zoning
- —
- not in a zoned settlement
- Planning
- 2
- applications since 2010
Land parcels
Registered freehold land, Tailte Éireann
52 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Rathbennett, from 221 m² to 177,487 m² (17.75 ha, 43.86 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 34 neighbouring parcels touch it.
Zoning
Development plans, national zoning
No zone of a development plan covers Rathbennett 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.
Planning applications
Sites that touch the townland, newest first
19 Dec 2019N/a
for conversion and extension to existing stone outbuilding for the use as guest/short term rental accommodation including a 34.1 sqm extension to existing stone outbuilding to form a link to existing dwelling, construct new stables, installation of additional new soil polishing filter for existing treatment system
Permission, 1 home · Westmeath County Council, 196351
19 Jul 2019N/a
conversion of existing stone outbuilding to liveable space, including a 34.1sqm extension to existing stone outbuilding, to form a link to existing dwelling, construction of new stables, equestrian sand arena, new soil polishing filter and all ancillary site services
Permission · Westmeath County Council, 196198
Source: National Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, CC BY 4.0. Applicants are not shown.
Nature and heritage
Designated sites and recorded monuments
Designated sites
- Special Area of Conservation: Lough Owel SAC 000688
- Special Protection Area: Lough Owel SPA 004047
- Proposed Natural Heritage Area: Lough Owel 000688
Recorded monuments
- WM011-020 Ringfort - rath
Description
The monument was surveyed in 1980 and described as following; ‘This is a roughly circular earthwork bounded by an uneven scarp, now much defaced with a wide shallow fosse at its foot from north to east the fosse is represented by a fairly flat ledge, beyond which the ground falls away naturally. From east to south to west to north there is a wide low outer bank of earth beyond the fosse. The interior is quite uneven with rises & a general slope from the centre towards the SE. The interior measures approx. 29m NW-SE by approx. 27m NE-SW. Sited on the lower slope of a NE facing rise’ (SMR File 15/10/1980). Outline of monument clearly visible on aerial photograph taken in 1966 (CUCAP APE035/036) which shows the monument standing inside a larger rectangular enclosure or field. The outline of this monument is clearly visible on Digital Globe aerial photograph taken November 2011. Monument revisited in 1981 and described as following; ‘Site noted from St. Joseph (CUCAP APE036) and G. S. [Geological Survey] Air photographs in 1976. The site appears to be a destroyed ringfort. On the northern sloping face of a steepish hill. The site appears to be circular, or perhaps slightly oval (int. diam. 32.5m N-S; 32m E-W). The raised interior in enclosed by a fosse, with traces of an outer bank to the S, E & W. On the northern side the fosse and outer bank have been interfered with by old field fences which appear to have respected the site. These have since been removed, and have dug into the side of the platform on which the site is dug. There is no trace of an entrance or of any internal features on the site such as traces of house platforms or traces of a souterrain. The interior rises approx. 50cm from the fosse on the S, E and W, gently sloping into disturbed field boundary. The fosse is 3.5m-4m wide. The outer bank rises 50cm from fosse on the E, up to 70cm from the fosse on the S and W. The outer bank is approx. 3m wide all around, and is up to 30cm above the surrounding ground on S and W, level on E. Destroyed on N and NE. Possible slight traces of an outer fosse (Wth 3.5m) on W only, cutting the site off from the western end of the terace on which it is sited’ (SMR File 30/03/1981). Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 6 October 2015
- WM011-056 Barrow - mound barrow
Description
Surveyed in 2012 and described by McGuinness (2012, 32-3) as following: ‘Monument currently presents as a markedly oval to sub-rectangular mound (8m N-S x 11m E-W) with long axis running E-W, ranging from 1.65-1.9m in height with steep sides and flat top; from cattle erosion, it appears to be composed mostly of soil with some stone (but see summary of excavation below). Although it looks similar to the single view published by R.A.S. Macalister and Ruby Murray (1931-2, PL. XII), its oblong shape would be unusual for an Early Bronze Age burial mound and Macalister gives his own measurements as 34ft 8in. (c. 10.6m) N-S and 37ft 10in. (c. 11.5m) E-W, suggesting that the elongated N and/or S sides of the tumulus have been trimmed by several metres since the early 1930s. Monument has been extensively damaged around edges by cattle in recent times, and this may partly account for its unusual shape, although it had apparently already been altered by Macalister and Murray's time—probably when an Ordnance Survey bench-mark was established on it: To the south and east there is an appearance suggesting a late spreading of the material, and it is highly probable that the summit was lowered by casting down some of the component stones and earth upon those sides, when the mound was adapted for the purposes of the survey. on the north sides the tumulus abuts on the boundary ditch and hedge of the field, and its sides are steeper and have a more original appearance (1931-2, 308). The mound was excavated by Macalister and Murray with five labourers in a single day in 1931, and although 'restored' afterwards, there are no indications that they did anything but dig down from the upper surface, their trench being c. 3m in diameter. Underneath the 'superficial sods and grass, they found the mound to consist 'chiefly of small field stones ... [with] much earth between them'; in this matrix they found a cow's tooth and a single quartz pebble. About 0.76m below the summit they found three slabs resting on one another, underneath which was the capstone of a N-S oriented rectangular cist (0.63m x 0.36m). The E and W walls of the cist extended beyond the end wall on the S side, forming an extension paved with a single, neatly fitting slab, beyond which—outside the extension—was another rectangular paving-slab as wide as the whole cist (Fig. 5A); nothing was found under these slabs. On their sides at the NE and SE corners of the cist were two Early Bronze Age Food Vessels of the bowl tradition, one tripartite, the other ribbed. Throughout the fill of the cist, and to some extent above the capstone, were tiny scattered fragments of an unburnt human skeleton. Also found were bones of rat and frog and two jet beads. On account of the small size of the cist, the character of the human bones and the presence of animal bones, the excavators argued that a defleshed and disarticulated skeleton was reburied here (Macalister and Murray 1931-2; Waddell 1990, 151-4, Fig. 117; Ó Ríordáin and Waddell 1993, 141-2, Figs 213-214). Mound is on flat hilltop, which begins to slope down quite steeply 37m to SSE, so that when site is approached from this side it is mostly invisible until the summit is reached. From the hilltop, Frewin Hill (WM011-133----) is visible to S. Lough Owel and Knockdrin (WM012-183----) to SE, and Lough Iron to W. Macalister and Murray (1931-2, 311) refer to a 'local belief that the monument belongs to the Táin Bó Cúalnge period or later'. A few fields downslope to W is the townland of Farra or Farrow, identified by Shaw (1921, 145) as the spot called 'Forrach', where Fiachra, brother of Niall of the Nine Hostages, died and was buried after being wounded on an expedition into Munster, according to the Book of Leinster (Wallace 1987, 25). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by David McGuinness. Date of upload: 22 April 2016
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).
Homes sold
Property Price Register
No address of the register names Rathbennett with five sales or more. The sales of the area are on the page of Co. Westmeath.
The townland
- Name
- Rathbennett
- Area
- 1,348,233 m² (134.82 ha, 333.16 acres)
- Civil parish
- Leny, and its townlands
- Barony
- Corkaree
- Electoral division
- Ballinalack, the unit of the census
- Neighbouring townlands
- Farrow, Kilpatrick, Leny, Mountmurray, Piercefield, Rathaniska
- Placenames
- Rathbennett 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.