Clane is a barony of County Kildare, in the historical province of Leinster (Irish: Claonadh), covering 130 km² of land. The barony records 158 NMS archaeological sites and 36 NIAH listed buildings, placing it at around the 20th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for sites per km². This means it is in the bottom third of all baronies for sites per km². Dated archaeological evidence runs from the Neolithic through to the Modern, spanning 8 of 9 archaeological periods, placing the barony in the 65th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for chronological depth. This means it is in the upper half of all baronies for chronological depth. The largest dated subset of recorded sites dates to the Iron Age.
Heritage at a glance
Percentile rankings throughout this profile compare each barony only against the other 279 Republic of Ireland baronies.
The recorded heritage of Clane
The National Monuments Service Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) is the statutory inventory of archaeological sites for the Republic of Ireland, maintained by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Sites recorded here include earthworks, ringforts, megalithic tombs, ecclesiastical remains, and post-medieval features; not every record is legally protected, but each is registered as a monument of archaeological interest.
The National Monuments Service records 158 archaeological sites in Clane, putting it at the 20th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for sites per km². This means it is in the bottom third of all baronies for sites per km². Protection coverage is near-universal — 143 sites (90%) fall within a recorded monument protection zone, indicating an extensively surveyed landscape. The dominant category is defensive sites — ringforts, enclosures, hillforts, and stone forts (65 sites, 41% of the record). The most diagnostically specific type is Ringfort – rath (16 records, 10% of the barony's NMS total) — compared to an ROI average of 20% across all baronies where this type occurs. Ringfort – rath is an earthen ringfort enclosed by a bank and external ditch — the most common Early Medieval farmstead, broadly dated 500–1000 AD. The broader 'Enclosure' classification — which catches unclassified ringforts and field enclosures — accounts for a further 39 records (25%) and reflects the difficulty of sub-classifying degraded earthworks from surface evidence alone. Across the barony's 130 km², this gives a recorded density of 1.22 sites per km².
Most common monument types
Hover or tap a monument type to see its definition.
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Enclosure a banked or ditched feature of uncertain type, used as a catch-all where the original function cannot be determined from surface evidence | 39 |
| Ringfort – rath an earthen ringfort enclosed by a bank and external ditch — the most common Early Medieval farmstead, broadly dated 500–1000 AD | 16 |
| Structure – peatland a construction of unknown function, either extant or implied by archaeological evidence, of any date | 10 |
| Church a building used for public Christian worship, of any date from c. 500 AD onwards | 9 |
| Graveyard a burial area associated with a church, in use from the medieval period onwards | 9 |
| Barrow – unclassified a prehistoric burial mound where the specific barrow type cannot be determined from surface evidence | 7 |
Chronological distribution
The dated archaeological record for Clane spans from the Neolithic through to the Modern, with activity attested across 8 of 9 archaeological periods. Every period from earliest to latest is represented in the record — an unbroken sequence of dated activity across the full chronological span. Activity concentrates most heavily in the Iron Age (46 sites, 42% of dated material), with the Early Medieval forming a secondary peak (25 sites, 23%). A further 48 recorded sites (30% of the overall NMS register for the barony) carry no period attribution — appearing as 'Unknown' in the bar chart below. This typically reflects either records that pre-date the standardised period vocabulary or sites awaiting specialist dating review, rather than a genuine absence of chronological evidence.
Sample of recorded monuments
Show 25 sample monuments (of 158 total)
A representative sample of 25 recorded monuments drawn from the barony’s 158 total NMS entries. Sites within a recorded monument protection zone and rarer site types are prioritised so the list shows a meaningful cross-section rather than only the most common type. Each entry shows the official Sites and Monuments Record reference number and the description published by the National Monuments Service.
Children's burial ground
On a low pasture rise on the N margins of Timahoe bog. A roughly circular area (diam. c. 30m) is defined by an uneven ground surface overgrown with ash, hazel and some thorn, and enclosed by wooden post and rail…
On a low pasture rise on the N margins of Timahoe bog. A roughly circular area (diam. c. 30m) is defined by an uneven ground surface overgrown with ash, hazel and some thorn, and enclosed by wooden post and rail fencing. No visible burial markers, but the site name 'Relickeen' suggests a Children's Burial Ground.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Road – road/trackway
On level pasture near the S end of Drumachon, a small 'island' in Timahoe bog. A poorly preserved trackway (Wth 3m) defined by a narrow, shallow fosse on each side (Wth 0.8-1m; D 0.1-0.2m) is traceable for a short…
On level pasture near the S end of Drumachon, a small 'island' in Timahoe bog. A poorly preserved trackway (Wth 3m) defined by a narrow, shallow fosse on each side (Wth 0.8-1m; D 0.1-0.2m) is traceable for a short distance (L c. 20m) running SSW from a Children's Burial Ground (KD009-006001-) towards the bog c. 200m to the S. A second, similar trackway, running W from the Children's Burial Ground, noted in 1986 (SMR file) in no longer clearly identifiable and the immediate area is very heavily poached by livestock.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Castle – unclassified
According to the OSL (Herity 2005, 42), '… there is a field called Castlefield (where) there stood formerly a Castle, the walls of which were entirely cleared away more than 30 years ago'. However, the 1st ed. (1838) of…
According to the OSL (Herity 2005, 42), '… there is a field called Castlefield (where) there stood formerly a Castle, the walls of which were entirely cleared away more than 30 years ago'. However, the 1st ed. (1838) of the OS 6-inch map names an unroofed, rectangular structure (est. dims. L c. 18m N-S ; Wth c. 10m) 'Site of Timahoe Castle', at the NE end of 'Castle Field'. On gently undulating pasture c. 250m S of a church (KD009-008001-) and graveyard (KD009-008002-). No visible surface traces survive.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Moated site
On level, low-lying, wet pasture. A very poorly preserved, rectangular area (int. dims. L c. 40m NW-SE; Wth c. 30m) is defined by a low, broad, inner earthen bank (Wth 4.3-6.7m; int H 0.2-0.5m; ext H 2.1-2.6m)…
On level, low-lying, wet pasture. A very poorly preserved, rectangular area (int. dims. L c. 40m NW-SE; Wth c. 30m) is defined by a low, broad, inner earthen bank (Wth 4.3-6.7m; int H 0.2-0.5m; ext H 2.1-2.6m) SSE-SW-NNW which is reduced to a scarp (H 1.2-2.1m) elsewhere, and by a much altered fosse; dug out SE-W-N (Wth 8m at N-18m at W; D 0.6-1.4m), and partially infilled along E where it is overlain by a modern farm track (Wth 4m). The interior is totally overgrown with thorn and briar.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Religious house – Knights Hospitallers
According to Gwynn and Hadcock (1988, 337), this site was confirmed to the Knights Hospitallers by Pope Innocent III in 1212. In 1333-4, William was chaplain 'of the house of Kilbeg' which was likely at this time to…
According to Gwynn and Hadcock (1988, 337), this site was confirmed to the Knights Hospitallers by Pope Innocent III in 1212. In 1333-4, William was chaplain 'of the house of Kilbeg' which was likely at this time to have been 'a limb' of Kilmainham (the priory and chief house of the Knights in Ireland). It was probably farmed out in the 14th century becoming a 'liber hospes'. In 1540, an inquisition listed its possessions as; two messuages, 180 acres arable, 100 acres common, with tithes and alterages, value £13 6s 8d; over and above this the manor and rectory were held from Kilmainham at £10 by David and Edward Sutton and a stipendary priest served the church. The surviving remains comprise a church (KD013-019002-), graveyard (KD013-019003-) and a possible ecclesiastical enclosure (KD013-019005-). It is also, reputedly, the original location of a font (KD013-019004-)
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Earthwork
On a gentle S facing pasture slope. Not recorded on the 1st ed. (1838) of the OS 6-inch map, but shown on the latest ed. (1939) as a tree-clad, semi-circular area (est. dims. c. 55m N-S) defined by a scarp. In the…
On a gentle S facing pasture slope. Not recorded on the 1st ed. (1838) of the OS 6-inch map, but shown on the latest ed. (1939) as a tree-clad, semi-circular area (est. dims. c. 55m N-S) defined by a scarp. In the 1950's, it was known locally as 'the moat', but by 1972 no visible surface trace survived (SMR file).
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Well
Located on the roadside and named 'St. Brigid's' on the current (1939) ed. of the OS 6-inch map, but according to Jackson (1979-80, 148), the well was not associated with any pattern or tradition, and is overgrown and…
Located on the roadside and named 'St. Brigid's' on the current (1939) ed. of the OS 6-inch map, but according to Jackson (1979-80, 148), the well was not associated with any pattern or tradition, and is overgrown and disused. A second, anonymous, source (JKAS 1899-1902, 269) records that an old man pointed out St Brigid's Well 'close to the spot where the ancient ford (KD014-055—-) crossed the Liffey' .
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Historic town
The town of Clane appears to have developed around the site of the Early Christian monastery of 'Cluain Damh' (KD014-026017-). After the coming of the Normans, the Barony of Otyny (modern Barony of Clane) was granted to…
The town of Clane appears to have developed around the site of the Early Christian monastery of 'Cluain Damh' (KD014-026017-). After the coming of the Normans, the Barony of Otyny (modern Barony of Clane) was granted to Adam de Hereford, who in turn granted it to his brother Richard, and the De Hereford's were probably responsible for the erection of the motte (KD014-026004-) at the S end of the town, near a crossing point (KD014-026008-) of the River Liffey. The town also contains a Franciscan Friary (KD014-026005-) and graveyard (KD014-026012-), and, reputedly, the hospital of St Mary Magdalene (KD014-026015-). The present street pattern is linear, with a main N-S street forking at its S end, with the SE fork heading towards the River Liffey. There are no clear burgage plot patterns and the settlement may have been abandoned before the close of the Middle Ages. The Civil Survey of 1654 noted four castles, no surface trace of which survives. (Bradley et al. 1986, vol. 2, 137-54)
In 1997, archaeological monitoring (Excavation Licence No. 97E0345) of some 2km of trenching for Bord Gáis Éireann gas pipe revealed a series of three shallow pits cut into the natural boulder clay, one of which produced a small amount of animal bone, along with 'local ware' potsherds of 13th/14th century date. A Bann flake was found 'south of the present village and north of the motte' (KD014-026004-). (www.excavations.ie)
In 2003, archaeological monitoring (Excavation Licence No. 03E1219) of a…
Bullaun stone
A roughly dressed, rectangular limestone slab with a single, deep basin (diam. 0.32m; D. 0.35m), is now cemented on the top of a wall retaining the S bank of a small stream c. 120m to the S of the early monastic site…
A roughly dressed, rectangular limestone slab with a single, deep basin (diam. 0.32m; D. 0.35m), is now cemented on the top of a wall retaining the S bank of a small stream c. 120m to the S of the early monastic site (KD014-026017-). (Bradley et al. 1986, vol. 2, 149)
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Religious house – Franciscan friars
Founded in 1258, probably by Gerald Fitzmaurice, Lord of Offaly, who is traditionally associated with the effigial fragment (KD014-026014-) in the chancel, although the foundation has also been attributed to the Sturton…
Founded in 1258, probably by Gerald Fitzmaurice, Lord of Offaly, who is traditionally associated with the effigial fragment (KD014-026014-) in the chancel, although the foundation has also been attributed to the Sturton family, the patronage subsequently passing to the Ugayns and later the Rochefords. A general chapter was held here in 1345, and in 1433 an indulgence was granted as the friary was in need of repair: Conlan (1978, 82) suggests that the friary was substantially rebuilt after 1433. In 1540, the dissolution documents noted that the church, chancel and part of the dormitory had been destroyed and the material used to repair the King's Castle (KD005-015—-) in Maynooth. (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 245). The remains comprise large portions of the ivy-clad N and S walls and the E gable wall of a nave and chancel structure (nave dims. L c. 26m E-W; Wth 8m. chancel dims. L c. 17m E-W; Wth 8m) of 13th century date, to which a S-aisle (int. dims. L 16.6m E-W; Wth 6.5m) was added in the 15th c. Constructed of roughly coursed limestone blocks without dressed quoins; traces of plaster survive on both the inner and outer wall faces. The E window (probably a series of lancets) is robbed out and the chancel is lit by one lancet in the N wall and four, with traces of a fifth, in the S wall. The inner face of the E gable wall is altered to accommodate a grotto and the altar area is paved and roofed in corrugated iron sheeting. A recess near the E end of the S wall is probably a…
Tomb – table tomb
In a graveyard (KD014-026011-), built against a free-standing stone wall outside the E end of the former 'St. Michael's' parish church (KD014-026002-). The limestone table-tomb of William Wogan of Rathcoffey, d. 1616.…
In a graveyard (KD014-026011-), built against a free-standing stone wall outside the E end of the former 'St. Michael's' parish church (KD014-026002-). The limestone table-tomb of William Wogan of Rathcoffey, d. 1616. (Bradley et al. 1986, vol. 2, 144-5)
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Mound
On a low N-S ridge in mixed tillage and pasture. The monument is a partially overgrown, circular, round-topped, earthen mound (diam. at base c. 22m; diam. at top c. 5.5m; H c. 4m) with gently sloping sides, which are…
On a low N-S ridge in mixed tillage and pasture. The monument is a partially overgrown, circular, round-topped, earthen mound (diam. at base c. 22m; diam. at top c. 5.5m; H c. 4m) with gently sloping sides, which are crossed NE-SW by old cultivation ridges. Visible on a 2005 aerial photograph (OSi Orthophoto)
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Barrow – stepped barrow
Eight barrows occupy the fairly level, nettle-covered, narrow upper surface of a short, N-S esker in level pasture, with evidence of previous extensive sand/gravel extraction immediately to the N and E. Six contiguous…
Eight barrows occupy the fairly level, nettle-covered, narrow upper surface of a short, N-S esker in level pasture, with evidence of previous extensive sand/gravel extraction immediately to the N and E. Six contiguous barrows (KD019-001001-, KD019-001002-, KD019-001003-, KD019-001006-, KD019-001008-, KD019-001009-) run N-S, in-line at the N end of the esker and are contained in an enclosure (KD019-001004-) which girdles the lower slopes of the esker, while a seventh and eight barrow (KD019-001005-, KD019-001007-, ) lies c. 48m slightly down slope, and outside the enclosure, to the S.
KD019-001003- is the third-most northerly barrow in the group. A small circular area (diam. 6.6m) is defined by a low, broad berm (Wth 3.2m; ext H 0.1-0.4m) NW-NE and SE-SW. The monument is abutted at N by another barrow (KD019-001002-).
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Revised by: Caimin O'Brien with details kindly provided by Chris Corlett
Date of revised upload: 29 November 2018
Bridge
This narrow (Wth 3.2m), six-arched bridge with low parapet walls (H 1.2m; T 0.45m) spans the River Liffey c. 2.5 miles NW of Naas. The upriver cutwaters, on the SW side, are triangular with semi-domed cappings and the…
This narrow (Wth 3.2m), six-arched bridge with low parapet walls (H 1.2m; T 0.45m) spans the River Liffey c. 2.5 miles NW of Naas. The upriver cutwaters, on the SW side, are triangular with semi-domed cappings and the downriver cutwaters are trapezoidal. While bearing evidence of some 18th and 19th century rebuilding work, according to O'Keefe and Simington (1991, 183-5), 'the bridge could fit into any period between about 1450 and 1650 … (and) apart from .. being the oldest survivor on the Liffey, it seems to be a rare example of the transition from the pointed segmental to the segmental arch form in bridge construction in Ireland'.
Caragh Bridge (Gingerstown, Halverstown tds, KD019-012) is determined to be a National Monument as defined in Section 2 of the National Monuments Act 1930 by reason of the rarity of its form, its early date and its historical and social significance. It is owned by the Local Authority.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of revision: 11 September 2015
Cross-inscribed stone
In a medieval parish church (KD013-008002-). A small, rectangular, conglomerate stone (dims. H 0.36m; Wth 0.34m; T 0.10m) has a gently rounded top and carries a well-carved, equal armed cross (dims. H 0.27m; Wth 0.27m)…
In a medieval parish church (KD013-008002-). A small, rectangular, conglomerate stone (dims. H 0.36m; Wth 0.34m; T 0.10m) has a gently rounded top and carries a well-carved, equal armed cross (dims. H 0.27m; Wth 0.27m) in a shallow, circular panel.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Bawn
On level pasture, immediately W of a tower house (KD013-016001-). A very large but poorly preserved, hexagonal area (dims. L c. 170m N-S; Wth c. 160m E-W) is defined by a low earthen bank (Wth 3m; int H 0.8m; ext H…
On level pasture, immediately W of a tower house (KD013-016001-). A very large but poorly preserved, hexagonal area (dims. L c. 170m N-S; Wth c. 160m E-W) is defined by a low earthen bank (Wth 3m; int H 0.8m; ext H 2.2m) which is densely overgrown with briar and thorn along the N, and an outer fosse (Wth 2.3m; D 1.2m) which has been recut as a modern field drain. Along the E side, bordering the tower house, the enclosing elements are removed and overlain by a farm track. The level interior is featureless.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Icehouse
Built into the N sector of a motte, presumably by the owners of 'Longtown House' c. 150m to the N. The structure is inaccessible, but consists of a doorway (Wth 0.8m; H 1.6m) opening on to a long, narrow passage (L c.…
Built into the N sector of a motte, presumably by the owners of 'Longtown House' c. 150m to the N. The structure is inaccessible, but consists of a doorway (Wth 0.8m; H 1.6m) opening on to a long, narrow passage (L c. 3.5m; Wth 0.9m) built of mortared stone with a brick roof, leading S to a larger, rectangular chamber (est. dims. L c. 3m; Wth c. 2m; H c. 2m).
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
House – fortified house
Abutting the N wall of the stairs-tower of a tower house (KD019-003—-) and running N, the grassed-over wall-lines (Wth 0.6m) of the NW angle of a levelled building are visible (dims. L c. 8m N-S; Wth c. 6m E-W). It…
Abutting the N wall of the stairs-tower of a tower house (KD019-003—-) and running N, the grassed-over wall-lines (Wth 0.6m) of the NW angle of a levelled building are visible (dims. L c. 8m N-S; Wth c. 6m E-W). It may possibly be the remains of a 17th century fortified house into which the older tower house was incorporated. In the tower house, at first-floor level, the inner wall face has been refaced with red-brick in several places suggesting a long period of use.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Ritual site – holy tree/bush
Described in the OSL (Herity 2002, 45 (138)) as, ' … an old White Thorn bush called St. Patrick's Bush, or 'Sgeach Phádruig', (sic), from which circumstance (the field … ) is sometimes called 'the Bush Field'. Named on…
Described in the OSL (Herity 2002, 45 (138)) as, ' … an old White Thorn bush called St. Patrick's Bush, or 'Sgeach Phádruig', (sic), from which circumstance (the field … ) is sometimes called 'the Bush Field'. Named on the 1st ed. (1838) of the OS 6-inch map as standing to the S of a church (KD013-023001-) at the S end of a graveyard (KD013-023002-). No visible surface trace survives.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Tomb – effigial
Lying on the ground against the N wall of the chancel of the friary church (KD014-026005-). A carved limestone fragment depicting a torso, but the upper chest and legs are missing. Traditionally identified with Gerald…
Lying on the ground against the N wall of the chancel of the friary church (KD014-026005-). A carved limestone fragment depicting a torso, but the upper chest and legs are missing. Traditionally identified with Gerald Fitzmaurice, Lord of Offaly, who is reputed to have founded the friary and who died in 1287. (Bradley et al. 1986, vol. 2, 148)
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Ecclesiastical site
The town of Clane (KD014-026001-) appears to have developed around the site of the Early Christian monastery of 'Cluain Damh', variously translated as the 'Meadow of the Ox' or 'Meadow of the Ford', founded by Ailbhe,…
The town of Clane (KD014-026001-) appears to have developed around the site of the Early Christian monastery of 'Cluain Damh', variously translated as the 'Meadow of the Ox' or 'Meadow of the Ford', founded by Ailbhe, and of which Sichell (died 549) was the first abbot (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 31). The monastery was plundered in 1035, but a synod was held there in 1162 (O'Donovan 1851, 777). There is no visible trace of the monastery, but the former 'St Michael's' parish church (KD014-026002-) may stand on its site, where the D-shape of the graveyard (KD014-026011-) may reflect an earlier, monastic enclosure line. A bullaun stone (KD014-026003-) lies c. 120m to the S and there is a Holy Well c. 370m also to the S. The base of a wayside cross (KD014-026006-) survives c. 340m to the SW.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Fulacht fia
Situated on poorly drained grassland 40m S of a bog. Togher (KD009-033—-) 650m tp NE. Visible as a low mound 38m S of a stream prior to afforestation, burnt material visible during archaeological monitoring of…
Situated on poorly drained grassland 40m S of a bog. Togher (KD009-033—-) 650m tp NE. Visible as a low mound 38m S of a stream prior to afforestation, burnt material visible during archaeological monitoring of "mounding" by machine for tree planting.
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Carmel Duffy.
Date of upload: 01 July 2019
Ritual site – holy well
The OSL (Herity 2002, 38) record, '… St Farannan's (sic) well, where stations were formerly performed on the 12th of June (some say July). Farannan is considered the Patron-Saint' . According to Jackson (1979-80, 148)…
The OSL (Herity 2002, 38) record, '… St Farannan's (sic) well, where stations were formerly performed on the 12th of June (some say July). Farannan is considered the Patron-Saint' . According to Jackson (1979-80, 148) various cures were said to have been obtained there, and anyone drinking the water would loose the desire for intoxicating liquor. The well was located on level pasture c. 100m S of a broad expanse of bog and c. 450m WSW of the traditional site of St Farnan's monastery (KD013-008—-). There is no obvious visible surface trace of the monument.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Font (present location)
Stands outside the entrance to Prosperous church, but according to Comerford (1866, 79) it originally came from the medieval parish church (KD013-019—-) in Killybegs Demesne townland, c. 1 mile to the SE. An octagonal…
Stands outside the entrance to Prosperous church, but according to Comerford (1866, 79) it originally came from the medieval parish church (KD013-019—-) in Killybegs Demesne townland, c. 1 mile to the SE. An octagonal limestone font (dims. L 0.64m; Wth 0.64m; each face measuring 0.46m in Wth; H 0.26m) sits on an octagonal limestone column (total H c. 1.5m). One face bears the deeply carved but partially worn figure of an angel with a halo holding a shield across its stomach; a motif which is paralleled on some Co. Meath fonts such as those at Dunsany (MH037-019—-) and Rathmore (MH024-017—-), which have been dated by Roe to the mid and late-15th c.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Enclosure
Named 'Moat' and indicated as a small, circular enclosure on the 1st ed. (1838) of the OS 6-inch map, which also shows a possible quarry/sandpit a little to the N. In pasture on Crock berry Hill (OD 335 feet). In 1972,…
Named 'Moat' and indicated as a small, circular enclosure on the 1st ed. (1838) of the OS 6-inch map, which also shows a possible quarry/sandpit a little to the N. In pasture on Crock berry Hill (OD 335 feet). In 1972, the landowner stated that there had been a 'depression' on this hilltop, just N of the summit, that had recently been infilled, levelled-off and re-seeded for meadow, leaving no surface indication of a monument apart from 'a slight depression to the N' (SMR file). The cropmark of a fosse defining the S limits of an originally circular area (est. max. diam. c. 55m) is visible on an aerial photograph (CUCAP ATC 52).
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 10 June 2011
Listed buildings
The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) is a state survey appraising buildings of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social, or technical interest. Each surveyed structure receives a rating from International (the highest, for buildings of European importance) through National, Regional, Local, and Record-Only.
The NIAH records only 36 listed buildings in Clane, the 17th percentile across ROI baronies — a relatively thin architectural record. All recorded buildings carry Regional or lower grading; the barony does not contain any structures appraised as being of National or International architectural importance. Construction dates concentrate most heavily in the Victorian (1830-1900) period. The most-recorded building type is house (13 examples, 36% of the listed stock).
Terrain and environment
Mean elevation across the barony is 84m — the 45th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for elevation. This means it is in the lower half of all baronies for elevation. Elevation matters for heritage because higher-altitude baronies typically favour defensive monuments — ringforts and hilltop forts placed on prominent ground — while lowland baronies are more likely to carry the dense settlement and church networks of intensive agricultural landscapes. Mean slope is 2.1° — the 9th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for slope. This means it is in the bottom tenth of all baronies for slope. This is broadly flat terrain, the kind of landscape best suited to intensive agriculture. Slope is a key control on both land use and archaeological preservation: steep ground resists ploughing and tends to preserve earthworks intact, while gentle slopes favour intensive cultivation that damages or destroys surface archaeology over time. The Topographic Wetness Index averages 11.8, the 89th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for wetness. This means it is in the top fifth of all baronies for wetness. This is wet, slow-draining ground by ROI standards — the kind of landscape that may carry waterlogged archaeological sites of unusual preservation value. Drainage matters for heritage because poorly-drained ground preserves organic archaeology (wooden trackways, leather, textiles, and on rare occasions human remains) far better than free-draining soil; well-drained ground favours arable use but destroys organic material rapidly. The land-cover mosaic combines improved grassland (64%), woodland (21%), and arable farmland (12%), giving a mixed agricultural and semi-natural landscape.
Terrain measurements
Where this barony sits in the Republic of Ireland
Geology and preservation
Bedrock geology shapes the landscape long before any settlement begins — controlling soil drainage, agricultural potential, the survival of upstanding monuments, and the preservation of buried archaeology. The figures below come from the Geological Survey Ireland 1:100,000 bedrock map.
The bedrock underlying Clane is predominantly limestone (100% of the barony by area), laid down during the Carboniferous period (100% by area, around 359 to 299 million years ago). Limestone is the most heritage-rich bedrock in Ireland. It supports fertile, well-drained soils that favoured dense Early Medieval settlement and Norman manorial agriculture, and it weathers into karst features — sinkholes, caves, swallow holes, and souterrains — that frequently carry archaeology. Where peat overlies limestone, organic preservation can be exceptional. The single largest mapped unit is the Waulsortian Limestones (39% of the barony's bedrock). With only 1 distinct rock type mapped, the barony is geologically uniform compared to the rest of the Republic (2nd percentile for diversity) — a single coherent bedrock landscape.
Largest mapped unit: Waulsortian Limestones (39% of the barony)
Placename evidence
The Logainm record for Clane contains only 3 heritage-diagnostic placenames — 2 cill-names and 1 dún-name. With this few records, the count should be read as indicative rather than as a firm characterisation of the linguistic heritage layers; a larger sample would be needed to reliably distinguish defensive, ecclesiastical, or other stratigraphic signals from chance occurrence.
Pre-Christian / Early Medieval Defensive
| Root | Count | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| dún- | 1 | hilltop or promontory fort |
Early Christian Ecclesiastical
| Root | Count | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| cill- | 2 | church (early) |
Other baronies in Kildare
- Ikeathy And Oughterany
- Salt North
- Offaly West
- Naas South
- Salt South
- Offaly East
- Narragh And Reban West
- Louth — Louth
- Castleknock — Dublin
- Clonlisk — Offaly
See all 280 baronies in the Republic of Ireland Heritage Tool.
Explore further
Grounding History: 10 Maps of Northern Ireland’s Past
If you’re interested in Irish heritage more widely, the companion report for Northern Ireland brings together the analysis of all 462 NI wards into one place through 10 high-quality maps — covering monument density, archaeological periods, placename heritage, terrain, wetland, and the historic landscape at first survey. Take a look.
About this profile
Click any section below to expand.
What is a barony?
A barony is a historic administrative unit in Ireland, broadly equivalent to an English hundred. The 280 baronies used here are from the OSi 2019 National Statutory Boundaries (generalised 20m), covering the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland. Baronies derive from the Norman period, were formalised in the 17th century, and have not been redrawn for statistical purposes. They vary enormously in area, from compact urban baronies in Dublin to vast upland baronies in Connacht, and should not be compared by raw site count without accounting for area differences.
What counts as a site?
This profile combines three distinct heritage registers, each with its own definition of what constitutes a recordable site:
- Archaeological sites (NMS). The National Monuments Service Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) catalogues every known archaeological monument or site of archaeological interest in the Republic, from prehistoric burial mounds and ringforts to medieval churches and post-medieval defensive works. Inclusion does not require legal protection — only that the site has been identified, surveyed, and assessed as having archaeological value. A separate subset of these sites lies within a recorded protection zone, which gives them statutory protection under the National Monuments Acts.
- Listed buildings (NIAH). The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage records buildings of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social, or technical interest. Each surveyed structure is appraised on a five-tier scale: International, National, Regional, Local, and Record-Only. The NIAH appraisal is informational rather than strictly statutory, but it underpins local-authority Record of Protected Structures (RPS) listings.
- Heritage placenames (Logainm). Logainm is the authoritative database of Irish placenames maintained by the Placenames Branch. This profile applies a heritage-diagnostic classifier to the Irish-language form of each townland name, flagging roots that signal defensive sites (ráth-, lios-, dún-, caiseal-, cathair-), ecclesiastical foundations (cill-, teampall-, domhnach-, mainistir-), prehistoric burial-ritual features (tuaim-, carn-, leaba-), or Norse-contact settlement (gall-). Townlands without one of these diagnostic roots are not flagged here — they may still carry historical significance, but that significance is not encoded in the name itself.
Editorial principles
The narrative sections of this profile follow several explicit principles:
- Evidential. Every claim about this barony’s heritage character is anchored in the underlying register data. Where a site count, a placename count, or a percentile rank is cited, it is computed from the source datasets at export time, not estimated.
- Comparative. Counts and metrics are reported alongside their percentile rank against the other 279 ROI baronies. A barony with 50 ringforts in absolute terms could be unusually high or unusually low depending on its size and regional context; percentile ranking removes that ambiguity.
- Transparent on limits. Where a register has known coverage gaps, survey biases, or data-quality issues that affect this barony’s figures, the profile flags them rather than presenting the numbers as definitive.
- No interpretation beyond what the data supports. The narrative does not speculate about historical events, social dynamics, or cultural meaning beyond what the recorded heritage and placename evidence directly attests.
Data caveats and limits
- NMS Sites and Monuments Record is the product of survey campaigns conducted at different intensities across different counties and decades. Some baronies have been surveyed more thoroughly than others, and absolute counts should be read in that light. Sites destroyed by development before survey are typically not represented; sites in heavily forested or upland terrain are sometimes under-recorded.
- NIAH coverage is broadly complete for the Republic of Ireland but the survey was conducted on a rolling county-by-county basis, and the most recent appraisal date varies. Buildings demolished or substantially altered after their original survey may still appear in the register; conversely, recent buildings of merit may not yet have been appraised.
- Logainm classification applies a deliberately conservative pattern-matching approach to the Irish-language townland forms. The classifier prioritises true positives over recall: a townland may carry a heritage signal that the classifier doesn’t recognise, particularly where the diagnostic root has been heavily anglicised or where the townland name draws on a less common term. The 60,000+ townland records and ~9,800 classified placenames give a substantial signal at barony scale, but individual townland names should be checked against Logainm directly for definitive interpretation.
- Period attribution. The chronological distribution reflects only those NMS sites that carry a recognised period attribution in the source data. Sites listed as “Unknown” period are excluded from the dated subset.
- Boundary changes. Some baronies have undergone minor boundary adjustments since their 19th-century definition; the OSi 2019 generalised boundaries used here are the current statutory definition and may differ slightly from historical maps in border areas.
- Bedrock geology is mapped at 1:100,000 scale, which means local variation within a barony — small pockets of different rock type, mineral veins, alluvium overlying bedrock — is generalised. The dominant-system and rocktype figures are area-weighted, so a barony reading “70% Carboniferous limestone” may still contain small but archaeologically important pockets of older or younger rock. Around 3% of GSI polygons do not match the lexicon and contribute no rocktype or system attribution.
Data sources
- National Monuments Service — Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) https://data.gov.ie/dataset/national-monuments-service-archaeological-survey-of-ireland
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) https://data.gov.ie/dataset/national-inventory-of-architectural-heritage-niah-national-dataset
- Logainm — Placenames Database of Ireland https://www.logainm.ie/
- Ordnance Survey Ireland — National Statutory Barony Boundaries 2019 https://data-osi.opendata.arcgis.com/
- EURODEM — European Digital Elevation Model https://www.mapsforeurope.org/datasets/euro-dem
- ESA WorldCover https://esa-worldcover.org/en
- Geological Survey Ireland — 1:100,000 Bedrock Geology https://www.gsi.ie/en-ie/data-and-maps/Pages/Bedrock.aspx
Explore more: Search any of the 280 ROI baronies, browse by historical province, or read the methodology and data sources for the full Republic of Ireland Heritage Tool.