Taghmon

Townland in the civil parish of Taghmon, barony of Shelmaliere West, Co. Wexford; in Irish Teach Munna

Parcel 409832

Back to Taghmon

38 m across. Click a parcel to see it. © Tailte Éireann, CC BY 4.0

Area: 149 m²
Buildings: 2 buildings touch it, 86 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: Taghmon

Planning applications on this parcel

No planning application touches this parcel in the national file, which goes back to 2010.

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 20 recorded monuments.

WX041-007 Field system
Description
Located on a slight S-facing slope just SW of Taghmon town and church site (WX041-008003-). A grass-covered area of c. 18 acres (c. 8 ha) is divided into rectangular plots (dims. c. 40m x c. 30m) by low earthen banks (Wth c. 2-3m; H 0.2-0.5m). A sunken roadway (Wth 5-10m; L c. 300m) runs NNW-SSE at the W edge of the fields and E around the SW corner of the surviving fields. A re-used granite gate-pier (dims 0.28m x 0.25m; H 1.58m) is located on a right-angled turn in a field bank. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013
WX041-008 Historic town
Description
The medieval settlement of Taghmon developed around the site of a monastery (WX041-008003-) founded by St Munna in the 6th century. The monastery seems to have been defunct by the end of the 11h century, although a convent of nuns (WX041-008004-) had been established at Taghmon before 1170 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 44-5, 324). Taghmon was reserved as a seigneurial manor by Strongbow and it encompassed the parishes of Taghmon and Coolstuff, while the extensive forest of Taghmon (Orpen 1934) was also attached to it (Hore 1900-11, vol. 5, 417-8). In the division of the Leinster lordship after 1247 the manor passed to Agatha Mortimer, while her major possessions were in Laois-Offaly (Colfer 2002, 72). An inquisition of 1305 found that the burgesses held 5 carucates of land from the manor at a rent of over £8, and an inquisition of 1358 found that Roesia, the widow of Robert Meyler of Duncormick (WX046-034001-), owned 21 burgages in the W part of the town (Hore 1900-11, vol. 5, 417-8). In an inquisition of 1420 it was found that the burgage rent of £8 was due to Sir Gilbert Talbot (ibid. 419). The settlement survived through the middle ages, although it never had a charter and was probably not fortified. In 1548 William Hore of Harperstown (WX041-024----) was granted the castle of Taghmon, and in 1600 Taghmon was burned by disaffected Kavanaghs (ibid. 414). According to the Civil Survey five landowners including William Hore owned 840 acres at Taghmon (Simington 1953, 83), and Taghmon was still possessed by the Harperstown Hores in 1684 when the town was described by Robert Leigh as an ancient corporation governed by a master and burghers, but at that time it consisted of a ruined castle, a parish church in repair, the ruins of two chapels, and a dozen cabins (Hore 1858-8, 463-4). Taghmon is located on a gentle SE-facing slope, but its position on the old road from Wexford town to New Ross ensured it some prosperity until the establishment of the more direct New Line (N25) in the1830s began its decline (Lewis 1839, vol. 2, 586). The New Line from Wexford town to Wellington Bridge and Duncannon (R733) that was built later in the 19th century and which by-passed Taghmon c. 4km to the S, further isolated the settlement. The remains consist of the site of the site of St. Munna’s church (WX041-008003-), the high cross (WX041-008002-), the sites of the parish church (WX041-008015-), the nunnery (WX041-008004-) which may be St. Bridget’s church, and Our Lady’s church (WX041-008007-), together with their graveyards. There is also the tower house (WX041-008001-), and two holy wells (WX041-008006-; WX041-008005-). Excavations within the village have produced medieval material at three locations (WX041-008008-; WX041-008009-; WX041-008016-). Archaeological monitoring (15E0412) of a gas pipeline in Area 12 recorded a number of stone culvers and cobbled surfaces and a large ditch (Wth of top 4m; D 1m) at the E of the Main Street that is likely to be the ecclesiastical enclosure of the early monastery. It was filled with wet dark brown/grey clayey silt with some sand but no dating material was recovered (Sutton 2018: excavations.ie: 2015: 422). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 March, 2013 Amended: 19 October 2020
WX041-008001 Castle - tower house
Description
References to the castle of Taghmon date from 1548 when William Hore of Harperstown (WX041-024----) received a grant of the castle and some land at Taghmon (Hore, 1901-11, vol. 5, 420). It is situated on a gentle SE-facing slope within the town. The rectangular structure (ext. dims 10.85m N-S; 10.28m E-W) survives complete to the wall-walk and the walls have a base-batter and good granite quoins. A round-headed doorway (Wth 1.05m; H 1.7m) of undressed stone located towards the S end of the E wall is now permanently sealed. It is protected by a machicolation on the parapet, a portcullis and a destroyed murder hole in the lobby operated from an ante-chamber at the first floor. The lobby leads through a destroyed doorway to the ground floor (int. dims 5.55m N-S; 4.4m E-W) which had no embrasures but there is a double-splayed loop in the W and N walls and one gun-loop or spy-hole at the W end of the N wall. A mural stairs in the E wall gives access through a lintelled doorway (Wth 1m; H 1.85m) to the first floor under the N-S vault with windows in the N and S walls. There are corbels in the E wall and rebates on the other walls to support the floor, and a lintelled doorway (Wth 0.62m; H 1.9m) at the S end of the E wall leads to a chamber over the entrance lobby which commands the murder-hole to the lobby and also commands a murder-hole onto the stairs. The stairs continue in the E wall to the second floor (int. dims 6.4m E-W; 6.15m N-S) over the vault, which is accessed through a doorway (Wth 1.2m; H 2.5m) re-built in brick at the E end of the N wall. This floor has a rectangular window with seats at the S end of the E wall, and a large, destroyed fireplace at the centre of that wall. At the N end at floor level there is a small hole, which may be damage or a spy-hole onto the stairs. The S wall has a rectangular window at the E end, a central, blocked window and an alcove with a single gun-loop at the W end. A garderobe (int. dims 2.05m N-S; 0.8m E-W; H 2.05m) at the SW angle is accessed through a destroyed doorway in the W wall which also has a large central opening, probably from a destroyed window. There is an ante-chamber (int. dims 1.4m E-W; 0.8m N-S; H 2.05m) at the NW angle and a relieving arch under the stairs that rise in the N wall to the third floor. The ceiling is supported on corbels in the E and W walls. The third floor is entered through a doorway, rebuilt in brick (Wth 1.05m; H 2.35m), at the W end of the N wall and there is a broken-out cavity, possibly an oubliette or hidden chamber, at the E end of this wall. There is a window with seats at the S end of the E wall, while the S wall has a fireplace at the E end and a central window (blocked) with seats. The W wall has a garderobe at the S end and a central rectangular two-light window with a seats. From the lobby outside the doorway to the third floor a newel stairs rises in the NW angle of the building to access the fourth floor through a lintelled doorway in the N wall. An ante-chamber with a destroyed doorway at the E end of the N wall, may have accessed the oubliette on the floor below. The E wall has a window with seats at the S end while the S wall has a fireplace at the E end and a window with seats at the W end. A lintelled doorway at the S end of the W wall leads to a garderobe, and there is a double-light rectangular window with seats in the centre of the W wall. This floor was originally supported by four corbels in the E and W walls. The newel stairs continue to the parapet which does not survive but there are fragments of machicolations at the NW and SE angles. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013
WX041-008002 Cross - High cross
Description
Situated in the NW corner of the graveyard (WX041-008012-) associated with the present St. Munna’s Church of Ireland church that is probably on the site of the medieval parish church (WX041-007016-). The head of a granite cross is set on one of its side-arms in what was probably its original granite base, but it is unlikely that this is the original position of the cross. The head (H 1.41m; Wth 1.36m; T 0.22m) has a solid ring with a moulding around the edges of both faces and it is decorated with five simple bosses on each side. The base (dims of bottom 1.36m x 1.2m; dims of top 1.07m x 0.92m; H 1.18m) has a ringless cross in false relief with one central boss and expanded terminals on the arms on one of the larger panels but is otherwise plain. (Harbison 1992, vol. 1, 168) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013
WX041-008003 Church
Description
St. Munna founded a monastery in the late 6th century at Achad Liathdrum – Field of the Grey Ridge – that came to be known as Taghmon – Teach Munna (Munna’s house). The saint may have been from Wesmeath – Longford, and through his mother, Feidhealm, connected to Niall Naoighiallach (of the nine hostages) and the royal families of Ireland. His Saint’s Life may have been written as early as the 8th century, and thus be relatively uncorrupted. He studied at Kilmore, Co. Cavan, and Devinish, Co. Fermanagh, and has been connected with Colum Cille of Iona. His first churches were in the midlands, but in later life he settled in Taghmon where he is said to have died in 635 (Culleton 1999, 108-85; Ó Riain 2011, 505-07). His monastery prospered and the deaths of the abbots are recorded from AD 777 to 953 (Ó Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 23). It was a rival to Ferns, and in 814 or 816 a battle was fought between the monasteries or their supporters, in which 400 people died. Saint Mullins, Co. Carlow and Taghmon were attacked by Viking raiders in 824, but in 825-7 Taghmon defeated the foreigners (Hore 1900-11, vol. 5, 416-7). However, the monastery was plundered by Vikings in 917, and it might never have recovered as it seems to have been defunct by the mid-11th century (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 44-5). This may reflect the decline of its patrons, the Síl Máeluidir, in the Uí Chinnselagh dynasty (Culleton 1999, 142-3). Taghmon is situated on a gentle S-facing slope. St. Munna’s church is depicted as a small structure on the 1839 Ed. of the OS 6-inch map and it is described by John O’Donovan writing c. 1840 as being just a small portion of the chancel ‘18 feet (c. 5.5m) in length by 11 feet four inches (c. 3.45m) in breadth’ reduced almost to the foundations with a small window towards the E end of the S wall (O’Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 51). None of this structure survives within a rectangular graveyard (dims 37m N-S; 31m E-W) defined by masonry walls. Twelve granite grave-markers in the graveyard have solid ringed heads, and are probably influenced in their design by the only physical remnant of St. Munna’s monastery in the base and head of a granite high cross (WX041-008002-) at the probable site of the medieval parish church (WX041-008015-) c. 120m to the N. Archaeological testing (97E0450) outside the graveyard to the NE failed to recovery any related material (Hurley 1998), although features that may be connected with it (WX041-008016-) were found in excavation c. 160m to the NW. Theabove description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013
WX041-008004 Religious house - Augustinian, of Arrouaise nuns
Description
Depicted as a small rectangular structure (dims c. 10m x c. 5m) described as a 'Nunnery (in ruins)' on the 1839 Ed. of the OS 6-inch map and located on a gentle S-facing slope adjacent to the site of St Munna's church (WX041-008003-). This may be the site of a pre-Anglo-Norman nunnery which became Arroasian in 12th century but was derelict by c. 1330 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 324). It might also be the site of St Bridget's church mentioned in 1543, 1558 and 1615, which was part of the possessions of the Knights Hospitallers of Kilcolgan (Hore 1906, vol. 5, 420 21; vol. 4, 287 ). According to a Visitation by Thomas Ram, the Protestant bishop of Ferns, in 1615 there was no priest, and the condition of the church building was not recorded (ibid. vol. 6, 271). The outline of a rectangular structure (dims. 18.5m E-W; 12.8m N-S) defined by low earthen banks (Wth 4m; H 0.2-0.8m) with a possible entrance (Wth 2m) at S was visible in 1988. A possible trackway (Wth c. 5m) running E-W (L c. 70m), defined by low earthen banks, was c. 30m to the S. The site of the Nunnery Well (WX041-008005-) is c. 75m to the SE. Archaeological testing (97E0450) in the vicinity failed to recovery any related material (Hurley 1998). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013 Amended: 4 Sep. 2013
WX041-008005 Ritual site - holy well
Description
Marked on the 1839 and 1925 Eds of the OS 6-inch map and described as Nunnery Well on both. It is situated on a gentle S and SE-facing slope c. 75m SE of the site of the nunnery (WX041-008004-). A small opening (dims 0.35m x 0.25m; d 0.3m) is lined with stones, and the headwaters of a small N-S stream are c. 10m to the E with dense scrub nearby. There is no indication of, or record of, veneration. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 May, 2013
WX041-008006 Ritual site - holy well
Description
Marked on the 1839 and 1925 Eds of the OS 6-inch map and described as Tobermunna on both. It is located on SE-facing slope c. 350m N of the site of St. Munna’s original church (WX041-008003-). Access is by a narrow walled path (L c. 60m) from the street to the W. The well is a rectangular sunken area (dims 1.4m E-W; 1.2m N-S) with a plastered brick canopy (int. H 0.97m) over it. ‘AMGD’ is inscribed over the well opening at S and on the W side is inscribed ‘1896 Tobermunn’. The well was dry in 1988 and there is no evidence of, or record of, veneration. St. Munna may have been from Wesmeath – Longford, and through his mother, Feidhealm, connected to Niall Naoighiallach (of the nine hostages) and the royal families of Ireland. His Saint’s Life may have been written as early as the 8th century, and thus be relatively uncorrupted. He studied at Kilmore, Co. Cavan, and Devinish, Co. Fermanagh, and has been connected with Colum Cille of Iona. His first churches were in the midlands, but in later life he settled in Taghmon where he is said to have died in 635 (Culleton 1999, 108-85; Ó Riain 2011, 505-07). Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 March, 2013 Amended: 15 January, 2014
WX041-008007 Church
Description
Marked as a small rectangular structure (dims c. 15m E-W; c. 5m N-S) on the 1839 Ed. of the OS 6-inch map where it is described as Lady’s Church in gothic lettering. It is probably one of the two ruins of chapels mentioned by Robert Leigh in 1684 (Hore 1858-9, 463-4), and John O'Donovan writing c. 1840 described portion of the E gable as standing to a height of c. 2.5m (O'Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 52). Today only a short length of ivy-covered wall (L 2.15m; H 2.35m) survives within a rectangular graveyard (dims 45m NW-SE; c. 25-30m NE-SW) defined by masonry walls. A granite grave-marker (Corlett 2010) in the graveyard has a solid ringed head, and is probably influenced by the only physical remnant of St. Munna’s monastery in the base and head of a granite high cross (WX041-008002-). Archaeological testing (93E0125) immediately SW of the graveyard produced no archaeological features (Wren 1994). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013
WX041-008008 Excavation - miscellaneous
Description
Located on a gentle S-facing slope within Taghmon and c. 70m NNW of the tower house (WX041-008001-). Archaeological testing (02E1108) uncovered two parallel curvilinear trenches, one thought to be the foundation of a wall and both containing medieval pottery. Nearby two parallel N-S ditches (Wth 2m: 1.3m), also containing medieval pottery, were c. 15m to the N. (McLoughlin 2002, 10-13; 2004) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 March, 2013

And 10 more.

Architectural heritage

No building of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage stands on this parcel.

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).

Ground and risks

Radon: About 1 in 10 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home
Landslides: Susceptibility low, on the 1:50,000 map.
Terrain model: No LiDAR survey of the Office of Public Works covers the centre of this parcel.
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.

Download this parcel: DXF, in Irish Transverse Mercator metres, with its neighbours and buildings, for a drawing program; GeoJSON, in WGS 84, for a map; KML, for Google Earth.

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: 101.8 ha; 251 acres
Land parcels: 105; registered freehold, median 395 m²
Zoning: —; not in a zoned settlement
Planning: 27; applications since 2010

Land parcels

Registered freehold land, Tailte Éireann

1930 m across. Click a parcel to see it. © Tailte Éireann, CC BY 4.0

105 registered freehold parcels lie mostly in Taghmon, from 5 m² to 757,881 m² (75.79 ha, 187.28 acres). The dashed line is the townland's boundary; 28 neighbouring parcels touch it.

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

Zoning

Development plans, national zoning

No zone of a development plan covers Taghmon 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

18 Jun 2026N/a
Permission for the proposed construction of 2 no. teaching rooms/garden rooms
Permission · Wexford County Council, 20260784
27 Aug 2025Granted (conditional)
Permission for the proposed construction of an extension
Permission · Wexford County Council, 20251072
2 Jul 2025Granted (conditional)
Permission for the construction of a fully serviced dwelling and associated work
Permission, 1 home · Wexford County Council, 20250817
7 Nov 2024Granted (conditional)
Permission is sought for the proposed construction of a fully serviced
Permission · Wexford County Council, 20241378
16 Jul 2024Granted (conditional)
Permission to erect a serviced dwellinghouse with a detached domestic
Permission · Wexford County Council, 20240842
12 Jul 2024N/a
Permission to erect a serviced dwelling house with detached domestic garage stor
Permission · Wexford County Council, 20240830
25 Oct 2023Granted (conditional)
Permission for the proposed conversion of attic storage space to a class room/
Retention · Wexford County Council, 20231283
27 Sept 2023N/a
Permission for the proposed conversion of attic storage space to class room
Retention · Wexford County Council, 20231155
31 Aug 2023Granted (conditional)
Permission for the proposed development of a new community soccer and sports
Permission · Wexford County Council, 20231028
13 Jul 2023Granted (conditional)
Permission for retention for an extension built to the existing dwelling house
Retention · Wexford County Council, 20230810
5 Jul 2023N/a
Permission for Retention is sought for an extension built to the existing
Retention · Wexford County Council, 20230771
21 Jun 2023N/a
Permission for retention for an extension built to the existing dwelling house
Retention · Wexford County Council, 20230696
19 Apr 2022Granted (conditional)
Permission for the construction of an extension to rear of existing dwelling, re
Permission · Wexford County Council, 20220508
14 Apr 2022Granted (conditional)
Permission to construct an extension to the existing building with includes the
Permission · Wexford County Council, 20220495
22 Oct 2021Granted (conditional)
Permission for the erection of a fully serviced dwelling house and attached
Permission, 2 homes · Wexford County Council, 20211641
13 Jul 2021Granted (conditional)
Permission for the proposed construction of a fully serviced dwelling house, in
Permission, 1 home · Wexford County Council, 20211124
7 Jul 2021N/a
Permission for the proposed construction of a fully serviced dwelling house, ins
Permission, 1 home · Wexford County Council, 20211077
17 Dec 2019Granted (conditional)
PERMISSION FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A FULLY SERVICED DWELLING HOUSE
Permission, 1 home · Wexford County Council, 20191678
11 Sept 2019Granted (conditional)
PERMISSION FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A FULLY SERVICED DWELLING HOUSE,
Permission · Wexford County Council, 20191262
2 Jul 2019Granted (conditional)
PERMISSION FOR THE DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING DERELICT DWELLING HOUSE AND CONS
Permission, 1 home · Wexford County Council, 20190929
10 Oct 2018Granted (conditional)
PERMISSION FOR RETENTION FOR THE ELEVATION CHANGE TO DOMESTIC GARAGE AS THAT FRO
Retention · Wexford County Council, 20181385
6 Sept 2018N/a
PERMISSION FOR RETENTION IS SOUGHT FROM WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE ELEVATION
Retention · Wexford County Council, 20181219
7 Mar 2018Granted (conditional)
PERMISSION FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF AN EXTENSION TO EXISTING DWELLING HO
Permission · Wexford County Council, 20180262
3 Oct 2017Granted (conditional)
ERECT A DWELLING AND DOMESTIC GARAGE WITH CONNECTION TO EXISTING PUBLIC SERVICES
Extension of duration · Wexford County Council, 20120727
6 Mar 2017Granted (conditional)
PERMISSION TO DEMOLISH AN EXISTING DILAPIDATED DWELLING HOUSE AND CARRY OUT ALL
Retention, 1 home · Wexford County Council, 20170267

The 25 most recent of 27 applications.

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

No designated site (Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, Natural Heritage Area or proposed one) touches the townland of Taghmon.

Recorded monuments

WX041-006 Ringfort - rath
Description
Situated on top of a broad hill. The cropmark of two concentric fosse features (max. ext. diam. c. 50m) is visible on aerial photograph (CUCAP, EDO 73). It is not visible at ground level in a harvested cereal crop. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013
WX041-007 Field system
Description
Located on a slight S-facing slope just SW of Taghmon town and church site (WX041-008003-). A grass-covered area of c. 18 acres (c. 8 ha) is divided into rectangular plots (dims. c. 40m x c. 30m) by low earthen banks (Wth c. 2-3m; H 0.2-0.5m). A sunken roadway (Wth 5-10m; L c. 300m) runs NNW-SSE at the W edge of the fields and E around the SW corner of the surviving fields. A re-used granite gate-pier (dims 0.28m x 0.25m; H 1.58m) is located on a right-angled turn in a field bank. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013
WX041-008 Historic town
Description
The medieval settlement of Taghmon developed around the site of a monastery (WX041-008003-) founded by St Munna in the 6th century. The monastery seems to have been defunct by the end of the 11h century, although a convent of nuns (WX041-008004-) had been established at Taghmon before 1170 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 44-5, 324). Taghmon was reserved as a seigneurial manor by Strongbow and it encompassed the parishes of Taghmon and Coolstuff, while the extensive forest of Taghmon (Orpen 1934) was also attached to it (Hore 1900-11, vol. 5, 417-8). In the division of the Leinster lordship after 1247 the manor passed to Agatha Mortimer, while her major possessions were in Laois-Offaly (Colfer 2002, 72). An inquisition of 1305 found that the burgesses held 5 carucates of land from the manor at a rent of over £8, and an inquisition of 1358 found that Roesia, the widow of Robert Meyler of Duncormick (WX046-034001-), owned 21 burgages in the W part of the town (Hore 1900-11, vol. 5, 417-8). In an inquisition of 1420 it was found that the burgage rent of £8 was due to Sir Gilbert Talbot (ibid. 419). The settlement survived through the middle ages, although it never had a charter and was probably not fortified. In 1548 William Hore of Harperstown (WX041-024----) was granted the castle of Taghmon, and in 1600 Taghmon was burned by disaffected Kavanaghs (ibid. 414). According to the Civil Survey five landowners including William Hore owned 840 acres at Taghmon (Simington 1953, 83), and Taghmon was still possessed by the Harperstown Hores in 1684 when the town was described by Robert Leigh as an ancient corporation governed by a master and burghers, but at that time it consisted of a ruined castle, a parish church in repair, the ruins of two chapels, and a dozen cabins (Hore 1858-8, 463-4). Taghmon is located on a gentle SE-facing slope, but its position on the old road from Wexford town to New Ross ensured it some prosperity until the establishment of the more direct New Line (N25) in the1830s began its decline (Lewis 1839, vol. 2, 586). The New Line from Wexford town to Wellington Bridge and Duncannon (R733) that was built later in the 19th century and which by-passed Taghmon c. 4km to the S, further isolated the settlement. The remains consist of the site of the site of St. Munna’s church (WX041-008003-), the high cross (WX041-008002-), the sites of the parish church (WX041-008015-), the nunnery (WX041-008004-) which may be St. Bridget’s church, and Our Lady’s church (WX041-008007-), together with their graveyards. There is also the tower house (WX041-008001-), and two holy wells (WX041-008006-; WX041-008005-). Excavations within the village have produced medieval material at three locations (WX041-008008-; WX041-008009-; WX041-008016-). Archaeological monitoring (15E0412) of a gas pipeline in Area 12 recorded a number of stone culvers and cobbled surfaces and a large ditch (Wth of top 4m; D 1m) at the E of the Main Street that is likely to be the ecclesiastical enclosure of the early monastery. It was filled with wet dark brown/grey clayey silt with some sand but no dating material was recovered (Sutton 2018: excavations.ie: 2015: 422). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 March, 2013 Amended: 19 October 2020
WX041-008003 Church
Description
St. Munna founded a monastery in the late 6th century at Achad Liathdrum – Field of the Grey Ridge – that came to be known as Taghmon – Teach Munna (Munna’s house). The saint may have been from Wesmeath – Longford, and through his mother, Feidhealm, connected to Niall Naoighiallach (of the nine hostages) and the royal families of Ireland. His Saint’s Life may have been written as early as the 8th century, and thus be relatively uncorrupted. He studied at Kilmore, Co. Cavan, and Devinish, Co. Fermanagh, and has been connected with Colum Cille of Iona. His first churches were in the midlands, but in later life he settled in Taghmon where he is said to have died in 635 (Culleton 1999, 108-85; Ó Riain 2011, 505-07). His monastery prospered and the deaths of the abbots are recorded from AD 777 to 953 (Ó Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 23). It was a rival to Ferns, and in 814 or 816 a battle was fought between the monasteries or their supporters, in which 400 people died. Saint Mullins, Co. Carlow and Taghmon were attacked by Viking raiders in 824, but in 825-7 Taghmon defeated the foreigners (Hore 1900-11, vol. 5, 416-7). However, the monastery was plundered by Vikings in 917, and it might never have recovered as it seems to have been defunct by the mid-11th century (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 44-5). This may reflect the decline of its patrons, the Síl Máeluidir, in the Uí Chinnselagh dynasty (Culleton 1999, 142-3). Taghmon is situated on a gentle S-facing slope. St. Munna’s church is depicted as a small structure on the 1839 Ed. of the OS 6-inch map and it is described by John O’Donovan writing c. 1840 as being just a small portion of the chancel ‘18 feet (c. 5.5m) in length by 11 feet four inches (c. 3.45m) in breadth’ reduced almost to the foundations with a small window towards the E end of the S wall (O’Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 51). None of this structure survives within a rectangular graveyard (dims 37m N-S; 31m E-W) defined by masonry walls. Twelve granite grave-markers in the graveyard have solid ringed heads, and are probably influenced in their design by the only physical remnant of St. Munna’s monastery in the base and head of a granite high cross (WX041-008002-) at the probable site of the medieval parish church (WX041-008015-) c. 120m to the N. Archaeological testing (97E0450) outside the graveyard to the NE failed to recovery any related material (Hurley 1998), although features that may be connected with it (WX041-008016-) were found in excavation c. 160m to the NW. Theabove description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013
WX041-008004 Religious house - Augustinian, of Arrouaise nuns
Description
Depicted as a small rectangular structure (dims c. 10m x c. 5m) described as a 'Nunnery (in ruins)' on the 1839 Ed. of the OS 6-inch map and located on a gentle S-facing slope adjacent to the site of St Munna's church (WX041-008003-). This may be the site of a pre-Anglo-Norman nunnery which became Arroasian in 12th century but was derelict by c. 1330 (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 324). It might also be the site of St Bridget's church mentioned in 1543, 1558 and 1615, which was part of the possessions of the Knights Hospitallers of Kilcolgan (Hore 1906, vol. 5, 420 21; vol. 4, 287 ). According to a Visitation by Thomas Ram, the Protestant bishop of Ferns, in 1615 there was no priest, and the condition of the church building was not recorded (ibid. vol. 6, 271). The outline of a rectangular structure (dims. 18.5m E-W; 12.8m N-S) defined by low earthen banks (Wth 4m; H 0.2-0.8m) with a possible entrance (Wth 2m) at S was visible in 1988. A possible trackway (Wth c. 5m) running E-W (L c. 70m), defined by low earthen banks, was c. 30m to the S. The site of the Nunnery Well (WX041-008005-) is c. 75m to the SE. Archaeological testing (97E0450) in the vicinity failed to recovery any related material (Hurley 1998). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013 Amended: 4 Sep. 2013
WX041-008005 Ritual site - holy well
Description
Marked on the 1839 and 1925 Eds of the OS 6-inch map and described as Nunnery Well on both. It is situated on a gentle S and SE-facing slope c. 75m SE of the site of the nunnery (WX041-008004-). A small opening (dims 0.35m x 0.25m; d 0.3m) is lined with stones, and the headwaters of a small N-S stream are c. 10m to the E with dense scrub nearby. There is no indication of, or record of, veneration. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 May, 2013
WX041-008007 Church
Description
Marked as a small rectangular structure (dims c. 15m E-W; c. 5m N-S) on the 1839 Ed. of the OS 6-inch map where it is described as Lady’s Church in gothic lettering. It is probably one of the two ruins of chapels mentioned by Robert Leigh in 1684 (Hore 1858-9, 463-4), and John O'Donovan writing c. 1840 described portion of the E gable as standing to a height of c. 2.5m (O'Flanagan 1933, vol. 2, 52). Today only a short length of ivy-covered wall (L 2.15m; H 2.35m) survives within a rectangular graveyard (dims 45m NW-SE; c. 25-30m NE-SW) defined by masonry walls. A granite grave-marker (Corlett 2010) in the graveyard has a solid ringed head, and is probably influenced by the only physical remnant of St. Munna’s monastery in the base and head of a granite high cross (WX041-008002-). Archaeological testing (93E0125) immediately SW of the graveyard produced no archaeological features (Wren 1994). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 20 March, 2013
WX041-008009 Field boundary
Description
Situated on a SE-facing slope within the N edge of the town of Taghmon. Archaeological testing (04E0630) uncovered a section of a steep-sided U-shaped E-W ditch or fosse (Wth 1.9-2.55m; D 1.35m) with a visible length of 12.5m but which extended outside the test area to the E and W. It contained four silted fills that were archaeologically sterile but are probably of medieval date, and it can be interpreted as a field ditch or a defensive ditch (Hardy 2007). Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 19 March, 2013
WX041-008010 Graveyard
Description
Situated on a gentle S-facing slope. The site of St. Munna’s church (WX041-008003-) is within a rectangular graveyard (dims 37m N-S; 31m E-W) defined by masonry walls. Twelve granite grave-markers (Corlett 2010) in the graveyard have solid ringed heads, and are probably influenced in their design by the only physical remnant of St. Munna’s monastery in the base and head of a granite high cross (WX041-008002-) at the probable site of the medieval parish church (WX041-008016-) c. 120m to the N. Archaeological testing (97E0450) outside the graveyard to the NE failed to recovery any related material (Hurley 1998). Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 March, 2013
WX041-008011 Graveyard
Description
Situated on a SE-facing slope within Taghmon. A short length of wall from the Lady’s Church (WX041-008007-) survives within a rectangular graveyard (dims 45m NW-SE; c. 25-30m NE-SW) defined by masonry walls. A granite grave-marker (Corlett 2010) in the graveyard has a solid ringed head, and is probably influenced in its design by the only physical remnant of St. Munna’s monastery in the base and head of a granite high cross (WX041-008002-).
WX041-008013 Cross
Description
Situated on a SE-facing slope within Taghmon town. A granite grave-marker (Corlett 2010, 242) in the graveyard (WX041-008011-) with the remains of Lady's church (WX041-008007-) has a solid ringed head, which is probably influenced in its design by the only physical remnant of St. Munna’s monastery in the base and head of a granite high cross (WX041-008002-) at the probable site of the medieval parish church (WX041-008015-) c. 175m to the SE. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 March, 2013
WX041-008014 Cross
Description
Situated on a gentle S-facing slope at the S edge of Taghmon town. At least 12 granite grave-markers (Corlett (2010) in the graveyard (WX041-008010-) of the original St. Munna’s church (WX041-008003-) have solid ringed heads, and are probably influenced in their design by the only physical remnant of St. Munna’s monastery in the base and head of a granite high cross (WX041-008002-) at the probable site of the medieval parish church (WX041-008015-) c. 100m to the N. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 March, 2013
WX041-008015 Church
Description
Located on a gentle S-facing slope. The medieval parish church of Taghmon was probably located where the present St. Munna’s Church of Ireland church is now situated, c. 100m to the N of what was probably the earliest St. Munna’s church (WX041-008003-). John de Sutton was the prebendary or priest of the parish in 1312 and was the rector in 1346. There were complaints about absentee priests in the early 15th century, and records of the priests continue into the early 16th century (Hore 1900-11, vol. 5, 418-20). According to a Visitation by Thomas Ram, the Protestant bishop of Ferns, in 1615 Richard Devereux was the priest and the church and chancel were in repair (ibid. vol. 6, 266, 270). There is no evidence of an older structure in the sub-rectangular graveyard (dims c. 40-50m E-W; c. 35-40m N-S) defined by masonry walls, but the head and base of a high cross (WX041-008002-) are in the graveyard. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 March, 2013 Amended: 2 Sep. 2013
WX041-008016 Excavation - miscellaneous
Description
Situated on a slight S and E-facing slope at the S edge of Taghmon town. It is c. 150m NW of the probable site of the original St. Munna’s church (WX041-008003-) and c. 70m W of the probable site of the parish church (WX041-008015-). Archaeological testing and excavation (98E0483) identified three parallel ditch features that were water-logged running NW-SE but perhaps turning SW at their S end (Mullins 2000a). Radiocarbon results and pottery analysis suggests that one of the ditches is 1st to 5th century AD in date while the others are of medieval date (Mullins 200b). Other ditches are connected with the main ditches but they are concentrated in a confined area, although undoubtedly extending outside the development area (Mullins 2002). Away from the ditches a pit (diam. 3m; D 0.6m) containing charcoal and cremated bone and producing a C14 date of AD 660-795 was excavated at the S edge of the development site.
WX041-067001 Kiln - corn-drying
Description
Situated on a slight S facing slope. This was excavated (08E0627) in advance of the building of a Community Centre outside the W edge of Taghmon. The kiln was a bulbous, stone-lined, expansion (diam. 1.8m) at the N end of the flue while the S end was occupied by a fire-pit with some lining stones. Archaeological monitoring (08E0627 ext.) c. 40m to the SE uncovered extensive archaeological deposits, suggesting habitation (WX041-067002-), although this has yet to be tested (Tobin 2009, 2011). Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 March, 2013
WX041-067002 Habitation site
Description
Situated on a slight S-facing slope. This was identified by R. Tobin in monitoring work (08E0627 ext.) associated with the development of a Community Centre outside the W edge of Taghmon. An area (dims. c. 20m x c. 20m) contains extensive archaeological deposits suggesting habitation, including post-holes, a possible ditch and a possible kiln. The excavated kiln (WX041-067001-) is c. 40m to the NW, (Tobin 2009). Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 March, 2013

Architectural heritage

House, 1800–1840 · Regional interest
Description
Attached three-bay two-storey house, extant 1840, on a rectangular plan with shopfront to centre ground floor. Pitched slate roof with clay ridge tiles, and cast-iron rainwater goods on rendered eaves retaining cast-iron downpipe. Rendered, ruled and lined walls with rusticated rendered quoins to ends. Timber shopfront to centre ground floor. Segmental-headed door opening in segmental-headed recess (north) with cut-granite threshold, doorcase with engaged columns on plinths supporting shallow cornice on rosette-detailed fluted frieze, and concealed dressings framing timber panelled door having fanlight. Remodelled segmental-headed carriageway (south). Square-headed window openings (first floor) with cut-granite sills, and inscribed rendered "lugged" surrounds framing six-over-six timber sash windows. Street fronted with concrete brick cobbled footpath to front.
Bank House, bank/financial institution, 1920–1925 · Regional interest
Description
Detached seven-bay two-storey bank, built 1923-4, on a rectangular plan. Closed, ----. Now in alternative use. Hipped slate roof with clay ridge tiles, rendered off-central chimney stack having corbelled stepped capping supporting terracotta or yellow terracotta pots, and replacement uPVC rainwater goods on timber eaves boards on exposed timber rafters. Part creeper- or ivy-covered roughcast walls on rendered plinth. Pair of square-headed central door openings with two steps, rendered surrounds with monolithic pilasters supporting "Cyma Recta"- or "Cyma Reversa"-detailed hood mouldings on blind friezes framing timber panelled doors having overlights. Square-headed window openings with drag edged cut-limestone sills, and concealed dressings framing one-over-one timber sash windows. Set back from line of street in landscaped grounds with wrought iron railings to perimeter centred on wrought iron double gates.
Graveyard/cemetery, 1761–1968 · Regional interest
Description
Graveyard with collection of lichen-spotted markers, ob. 1761-1968. Set in unkempt grounds.
Graveyard/cemetery, 1740–1988 · Regional interest
Description
Graveyard with collection of lichen-spotted markers, ob. 1740-1988. Set in unkempt grounds on a slightly elevated site with repointed piers to perimeter having truncated pyramidal capping supporting wrought iron gate.

Ground and risks

Radon, landslides, flooding

Radon: About 1 in 10 homes in this area is likely to have high radon levels. Testing a home
Landslides: Susceptibility moderately high, moderately low, 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 Taghmon.
Flooding: The flood maps of the Office of Public Works: floodinfo.ie.

Homes sold

Property Price Register

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

The townland

Name: Taghmon · Teach Munna
Area: 1,017,537 m² (101.75 ha, 251.44 acres)
Civil parish: Taghmon, and its townlands
Barony: Shelmaliere West
Electoral division: Taghmon, the unit of the census
Census 2022: Taghmon electoral division: 1,201 people in 444 households; 59% of households own their home; 33% of homes were built since 2001; 5% of dwellings stood vacant on census night, and 0% were holiday homes.
Neighbouring townlands: Blastknock, Cloghulatagh, Cloonerane, Coolateggart, Coolaw, Coolcull (moylers), Poulmarl
Placenames: Taghmon 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.