Shillelagh is a barony of County Wicklow, in the historical province of Leinster (Irish: Síol Éalaigh), covering 180 km² of land. The barony records 198 NMS archaeological sites and 82 NIAH listed buildings, placing it at around the 16th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for sites per km². This means it is in the bottom fifth of all baronies for sites per km². Dated archaeological evidence runs from the Neolithic through to the Medieval, spanning 6 of 9 archaeological periods, placing the barony in the 15th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for chronological depth. This means it is in the bottom fifth 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 Shillelagh
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 198 archaeological sites in Shillelagh, putting it at the 16th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for sites per km². This means it is in the bottom fifth of all baronies for sites per km². Protection coverage is near-universal — 195 sites (98%) fall within a recorded monument protection zone, indicating an extensively surveyed landscape. The record is dominated by defensive sites — ringforts, enclosures, hillforts, and stone forts (88 sites, 44% of the total), with ecclesiastical sites forming a substantial secondary presence (45 sites, 23%). The most diagnostically specific type is Cross-slab (21 records, 11% of the barony's NMS total) — compared to an ROI average of 5% across all baronies where this type occurs. Cross-slab is a stone slab inscribed with a cross, used as a grave-marker or memorial, dated pre-1200 AD. The broader 'Enclosure' classification — which catches unclassified ringforts and field enclosures — accounts for a further 61 records (31%) and reflects the difficulty of sub-classifying degraded earthworks from surface evidence alone. Across the barony's 180 km², this gives a recorded density of 1.10 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 | 61 |
| Cross-slab a stone slab inscribed with a cross, used as a grave-marker or memorial, dated pre-1200 AD | 21 |
| Ringfort – rath an earthen ringfort enclosed by a bank and external ditch — the most common Early Medieval farmstead, broadly dated 500–1000 AD | 15 |
| Ring-ditch a circular ditch under 20m across, often the ploughed-out remains of a barrow, ring-barrow or roundhouse | 9 |
| Church a building used for public Christian worship, of any date from c. 500 AD onwards | 8 |
| Barrow – ring-barrow a Bronze/Iron Age burial monument: a low circular area enclosed by ditch and outer bank | 6 |
| Graveyard a burial area associated with a church, in use from the medieval period onwards | 6 |
Chronological distribution
The dated archaeological record for Shillelagh spans from the Neolithic through to the Medieval, with activity attested across 6 of 9 archaeological periods. This is the 15th percentile across ROI baronies — a relatively narrow chronological band, with much of Irish prehistory not represented in the dated record. 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 (87 sites, 54% of dated material), with the Early Medieval forming a secondary peak (49 sites, 30%). A further 37 recorded sites (19% 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 198 total)
A representative sample of 25 recorded monuments drawn from the barony’s 198 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.
Standing stone
Situated on a NW-SE ridge c. 80m to the N of a cemetery mound (WI037-001—-). A granite standing stone (H 2.3m; Wth 1.7m; T 0.6m).
The cropmarks of two enclosures (WI037-033—- and WI037-034—-) are visible on…
Situated on a NW-SE ridge c. 80m to the N of a cemetery mound (WI037-001—-). A granite standing stone (H 2.3m; Wth 1.7m; T 0.6m).
The cropmarks of two enclosures (WI037-033—- and WI037-034—-) are visible on Google Earth aerial imagery between this monument and a burial mound (WI037-001—-) to the SSW.
See attached image: WI037-028—-_01 Annotated snip from Google Earth – image dated 21-7-2021.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Revised by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 9 March 2023
Castle – motte and bailey
Situated on the high W end of a E-W sand ridge with steep slopes to the S, W and N. Level ground to the E indicates the possible location of a small bailey. Circular steep-sided mound (diam. 45m; H. 5-7m) with a flat…
Situated on the high W end of a E-W sand ridge with steep slopes to the S, W and N. Level ground to the E indicates the possible location of a small bailey. Circular steep-sided mound (diam. 45m; H. 5-7m) with a flat summit (diam. 18m) surrounded by a berm (Wth 5m) at the S, W and N. There is a slight trace of a fosse inside the berm (Wth 3m) at the N. A narrow quarry is cut into the E side of the motte with spoil to the N.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008
Settlement deserted – medieval
Cropmark of rectilinear-shaped enclosures visible on Google earth aerial imagery, could be the remains of deserted medieval settlement associated with Ardoyne church (WI042-003001-) and motte and bailey castle…
Cropmark of rectilinear-shaped enclosures visible on Google earth aerial imagery, could be the remains of deserted medieval settlement associated with Ardoyne church (WI042-003001-) and motte and bailey castle (WI042-002—-). Alternatively the cropmarks could be the remains of post-1700 drainage channels.
See attached image of Google Earth photograph taken 14/07/2018
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Simon Dowling
Date of upload: 26 November 2019
Pit-burial
Situated on a low sandy ridge. Sherds of an encrusted urn and a cremation were found in a sand pit. Not visible at ground level. (Riley 1937, 308-9; Waddell 1990, 163)
The above description is derived from the…
Situated on a low sandy ridge. Sherds of an encrusted urn and a cremation were found in a sand pit. Not visible at ground level. (Riley 1937, 308-9; Waddell 1990, 163)
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008
Cross – High cross
National Monument No. 137 in State care. Situated on a level area on a gentle W-facing slope. with stream 23m to E. St. Finden's [Finnian/Findian of Clonard] High Cross stands in NW quadrant of Aghowle graveyard…
National Monument No. 137 in State care. Situated on a level area on a gentle W-facing slope. with stream 23m to E. St. Finden's [Finnian/Findian of Clonard] High Cross stands in NW quadrant of Aghowle graveyard (WI042-019003-), 12m NW of NW angle of a Romanesque church (WI042-019001-) built on the site of a monastery founded by St . Finnian in the sixth century. In the NW quadrant of Aghowle graveyard (WI042-019003-) stands St Finden's high cross (dims. H 2.8m; Wth across arms 1.6m), an imperforate ringed cross resting on a pyramidal base (H 0.5m; 1.28m x 1.1m at ground level). It is undecorated except for sunken panels on the sides of the shaft and on the underside of the ring and arms (Harbison 1992, 10). The cross was described in 1838-40 as 'an old stone cross near the N.W. corner of the Church ruin the top of the shaft broken off and lying beside the pedestal' (OSL). O'Donovan (OSL 1838, 14/G/21/9(31-2)) recorded that; 'about 36 feet distant from the northwest corner of this church stand the pedestal and shaft of a granite cross (St. Finden's) of the primitive ages of the Irish Church, and the remaining part (which completed the cross) lies prostrate on the ground immediately to the west of them. It was apparently blown off by a storm'. It has been suggested that the cross at Aghowle is an example of an unfinished high cross (www.crsbi.ac.uk). According to Drury (1906, 169-70) in the process of re-erecting the high cross, 'a portion of the shaft was shortened…
Ringfort – cashel
Situated on the summit of a N-S ridge in a poor upland area with extensive views especially to the N and W. Oval area (max. dims. 24.5m N-S x 22m E-W) defined by a stone bank (Wth 1.2-1.6m) retained by inner and outer…
Situated on the summit of a N-S ridge in a poor upland area with extensive views especially to the N and W. Oval area (max. dims. 24.5m N-S x 22m E-W) defined by a stone bank (Wth 1.2-1.6m) retained by inner and outer kerbs of granite slabs and boulders. The entrance widens outwards (Wth 0.85-1.75m) between stone-faced bank terminals on the flattened S perimeter. There is a possible access ramp at the N at a break in the bank. An oval hut or house site (dims. 7m x 5m) defined by a line of loose stones and set boulders lies just N of the centre of the enclosure. It has an entrance (Wth 0.8m) at W, and a marker cairn (possibly a trig point) at N.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008
Cairnfield
On the summit of the NE edge of level upland ridge partly covered by peat. Group of at least thirteen clearance cairns (diam. 2-5m H 0.3-1m) occurring over an area c. 100m E-W by 100m N-S within a field system…
On the summit of the NE edge of level upland ridge partly covered by peat. Group of at least thirteen clearance cairns (diam. 2-5m H 0.3-1m) occurring over an area c. 100m E-W by 100m N-S within a field system (WI042-049—-) which is defined by low earthen banks covering the hill summit and NE slopes. There are two enclosures (WI042-029—-, WI042-048—-) to the NE and N respectively. The majority of the cairns occur within two parallel E-W field boundaries, some are located above these immediately S of the westernmost enclosure.
Compiled by: Jean Farrelly
Date of upload: 22 November 2012
Designed landscape feature
On a gentle SE-facing slope. According to Price (1958, 375), ‘On a farm here there is an arrangement of low grass banks forming a maze, which is locally called ‘the walls of Troy’. The maze appears to have been a sod or…
On a gentle SE-facing slope. According to Price (1958, 375), ‘On a farm here there is an arrangement of low grass banks forming a maze, which is locally called ‘the walls of Troy’. The maze appears to have been a sod or turf maze (Manning 2004, 166-8). A sketch by Healy c. 1957 (ibid.) shows it as a rectangular labyrinth (dims. 24.4m x 26.4m). The monument was levelled in 1990 and is not visible above ground.
Compiled by: Jean Farrelly
Date of upload: 05 October 2012
Megalithic tomb – wedge tomb
National Monument in state guardianship No. 368. Situated within a small walled enclosure in the S corner of a field on a gentle N-facing slope. A subrectangular cairn (dims. 13m x 10m) incorporating a gallery (L 7.5m)…
National Monument in state guardianship No. 368. Situated within a small walled enclosure in the S corner of a field on a gentle N-facing slope. A subrectangular cairn (dims. 13m x 10m) incorporating a gallery (L 7.5m) aligned NW-SE. The gallery consists of a small antechamber (dims. 0.8m x 0.5m) at the NW separated by a low sill from the main chamber (L c. 6m) which widens (uncharacteristically) towards the SE. The gallery is surrounded by inner walling which follows the shape of the gallery sides and curves around the SE end. A single displaced roofstone lies in the gallery. During excavation in 1937, a number of large slabs laid around the tomb were uncovered in the base of the cairn. The finds included bone, sherds of coarse pottery and two stone discs. Two halves of a sandstone mould for a bronze looped spearhead were found in the base of the cairn at the E side, presumably as a result of disturbance. The cairn originally survived to a height of 1.5m, but material was taken from it to build the protective wall which now surrounds it. (Ó h-Iceadha 1946, 119-28; Ó Nualláin 1989, 140)
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008
Road – unclassified togher
This monument is indicated as ‘Kirk’s Togher’ on the 1st and 2nd ed. 6-inch OS map and appears to be the section of road which runs NNW-SSE across a strip of bog, joining two areas of dry land, as clearly depicted on…
This monument is indicated as ‘Kirk’s Togher’ on the 1st and 2nd ed. 6-inch OS map and appears to be the section of road which runs NNW-SSE across a strip of bog, joining two areas of dry land, as clearly depicted on the 1st ed. map. The togher was mistakenly identified as a feature to the NW, which is in fact a stream running NE-SW, parallel to and S of another public road. It is likely that the togher is under the modern road surface.
Compiled by: Jean Farrelly
Date of upload: 15 October 2012
Castle – tower house
Situated on level ground with a gentle slope and extensive views to the S. A substantial 16th-century tower house now incorporated into a late 18th/early 19th-century Georgian Gothic house. The tower house consists of…
Situated on level ground with a gentle slope and extensive views to the S. A substantial 16th-century tower house now incorporated into a late 18th/early 19th-century Georgian Gothic house. The tower house consists of the main four-storey tower and a large adjoining angle tower with a turret, which forms one angle of the present building. The modern entrance, in the angle between the tower house and angle tower, is the original doorway into the original building itself, through a two-centred granite arch. There is another turret on the tower house at the NW corner. To the N of the entrance at second-floor level is a machicolation, while garderobe chutes are visible in the external face of the tower on the opposite side. It is still occupied.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008
Burial
Three burials containing coarse Late Bronze Age pottery and cremations. Discovered during the excavation of Rathgall hillfort (WI037-016—-). (Raftery 1973, 293-5)
The above description is derived from the published…
Three burials containing coarse Late Bronze Age pottery and cremations. Discovered during the excavation of Rathgall hillfort (WI037-016—-). (Raftery 1973, 293-5)
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008
Rock art (present location)
The stone marks the entrance to a housing estate, and has the estate's name 'Coves Brook' and the year '1999' carved on one side. There are a number of large granite boulders placed in various points in the green areas…
The stone marks the entrance to a housing estate, and has the estate's name 'Coves Brook' and the year '1999' carved on one side. There are a number of large granite boulders placed in various points in the green areas of this estate, and it seems most likely that they were all found during the construction of the estate. Therefore, the rock art itself may have come from quite close to its present location. The general aspect here is of a S-facing slope with good commanding views S, towards Slieveboy in Co. Wexford. The granite boulder (dims. L 1.6m; Wth 1m; T 0.8m) is now placed on its edge, with the decorated side now on a vertical face, but originally the stone was most likely positioned so that the decoration occurred on the upper horizontal surface of the stone. The stone was probably formerly earthfast, and plough marks that score the edge of the decorated surface suggest that only a small portion of the boulder originally protruded above the ground surface. Most of the decoration occurs on a relatively flat face. There are two double ring and cup motifs (cup diams. 5cms; D 1.5 – 2cm; enclosing rings ext. diams 12cm and 18cm). There is another cup with traces of a ring (ext. diam. 20cm across) but it is unclear if there is also an inner circle in this case. There are also some six cup marks scattered across this face, while the surface of the stone rises above the flat surface at one side, and there are two further cups on this ridge. (The unknown original location o…
Graveslab
In the S sector of the Church of Ireland graveyard. A large, upright, gently tapering, granite slab (H 1.2m; Wth at top 0.5m; Wth at base 0.39m; T 0.24) is likely to have been recumbent originally. The present E-face is…
In the S sector of the Church of Ireland graveyard. A large, upright, gently tapering, granite slab (H 1.2m; Wth at top 0.5m; Wth at base 0.39m; T 0.24) is likely to have been recumbent originally. The present E-face is dressed and features a cross, carved in relief, with splayed arms, head and shaft (H 0.44m; Wth 0.275m). The W-face is undressed.
Compiled by: Jean Farrelly
Date of upload: 22 October 2012
Stone trough
Immediately east of St Finden’s Cross (WI042-019002-) is a large block of granite (L 1.3m; Wth 0.73m; H 0.43m) which originally stood much higher. It is unshaped, except along one side which has been given quite a flat…
Immediately east of St Finden’s Cross (WI042-019002-) is a large block of granite (L 1.3m; Wth 0.73m; H 0.43m) which originally stood much higher. It is unshaped, except along one side which has been given quite a flat face – notably the rim is lower along this side of the stone. The basin is trough-like (L 0.84m; Wth 0.47m; D 0.55m) and the upper sides are straight, but the lower sides, including the ends, slope gradually towards a narrow base, providing a V-shaped profile across the short-axis. There is no drain hole. Given the lack of drain hole, the basin is rarely without water, and according to John O’Donovan “the water … is believed to be blessed and able to cure headaches etc, for as the stone retains the blessing of St. Fenden, it imparts it to every drop of rain water which falls into it” (OSL).
Compiled by: Chris Corlett and Claire Breen
Revised by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Chris Corlett
Date of revised upload: 12 March 2020
Stoup (present location)
Possible holy water stoup originally built into the wall of Aghowle Church which is currently lying on the surface of the ground in the chancel of the church (WI042-019010-). A rectangular granite block (60cm x 35cm; H…
Possible holy water stoup originally built into the wall of Aghowle Church which is currently lying on the surface of the ground in the chancel of the church (WI042-019010-). A rectangular granite block (60cm x 35cm; H 39cm) with a rectangular basin (39cm x 34.5cm across top; 38cm x 33cm across the base; D 15cm-16cm) with near vertical sides. The base is quite rough and uneven and the rim is slightly rounded, and damaged at either end. There is no drain hole.
Compiled by: Chris Corlett and Claire Breen
Revised by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Chris Corlett
Date of revised upload: 12 March 2020
Field system
This field system run roughly E-W across the summit and eastern slope of the hill. It is clearly visible on Bing aerial photograph 2012, 26 November 2012. The hillside is heavily overgrown with ferns and gorse, however,…
This field system run roughly E-W across the summit and eastern slope of the hill. It is clearly visible on Bing aerial photograph 2012, 26 November 2012. The hillside is heavily overgrown with ferns and gorse, however, the field boundaries visible on the aerial photograph are apparent on the ground as stone walls (Wth c. 1.8m; H 0.6-1m). There is an irregular field (dims. c. 100m N-S; c. 50m E-W) towards the northern end of the visible field system with an enclosure (WI042-029—-) within it and another enclosure (WI042-048—-) immediately W of it. There are a number of clearance cairns (WI042-028—-) immediately W and SW of this irregular field, some are within a long E-W field (dims. c. 220m E-W; c. 30-40m N-S) which runs S of the irregular field. Other field walls are visible towards the top of the summit and on the eastern slope of the hill.
Compiled by: Jean Farrelly
Date of upload: 26 November 2012
Pillar stone
This stone (c. 1m long) has been dressed to a cylindrical shape and has an undressed knob-like terminal. Although considered as a possible phallic symbol (correctly doubted by Malone 1988, 124) this is a jostle stone…
This stone (c. 1m long) has been dressed to a cylindrical shape and has an undressed knob-like terminal. Although considered as a possible phallic symbol (correctly doubted by Malone 1988, 124) this is a jostle stone or stop-bollard, one of a pair that would have been used on either side of a gateway to protect both jambs and carriage wheels from damage. The knob-like undressed end would have acted as the anchor in the ground. It probably dates to the 18th/19th century. The stone had formerly leant against the north wall of the church (WA042-019001-) and was missing for a number of years until returned to the site in 2014. The stone is in the care of the Office of Public Works (KK019-137—-).
WI042-019028-_01.jpg: Photograph of the jostle stone at Aghowle church (taken 18 July 2014).
Compiled by: Paul Walsh
Date of upload: 15 May 2015
Earthwork
On a mixed scrub and rough-grazing rise in tillage, immediately S of the W-flowing ‘Coves Brook’. Named ‘Site of Moat’ on the first edition (1840) of the OS 6-inch map (‘Site of’ indicating a levelled monument and…
On a mixed scrub and rough-grazing rise in tillage, immediately S of the W-flowing ‘Coves Brook’. Named ‘Site of Moat’ on the first edition (1840) of the OS 6-inch map (‘Site of’ indicating a levelled monument and 'Moat' an earthwork, possibly a moated-site) and shown immediately E of a large, irregularly oval-shaped feature (L c. 90m NE-SW; Wth c. 48m NW-SE). Not recorded on the later OS 25-inch map (1909) which shows the location as scrub-covered, with a gravel pit to the NE. While apparently levelled, sub-surface archaeological features may survive intact.
Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy
Date of upload: 29 November 2021
Ringfort – unclassified
Situated on a gentle NE-facing slope. Circular area (diam. c. 25m) marked on the 1838 OS 6-inch map. Not visible at ground level except for a very slight curve in the field boundary at the NW.
The above description…
Situated on a gentle NE-facing slope. Circular area (diam. c. 25m) marked on the 1838 OS 6-inch map. Not visible at ground level except for a very slight curve in the field boundary at the NW.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008
Hillfort
National Monument in state ownership No. 422. Large circular site consisting of four concentric ramparts (max. diam. c. 320m) enclosing c. 7.3 hectares, on the W edge of a ridge. The site was excavated by Raftery…
National Monument in state ownership No. 422. Large circular site consisting of four concentric ramparts (max. diam. c. 320m) enclosing c. 7.3 hectares, on the W edge of a ridge. The site was excavated by Raftery (1970, 51-4). At the centre is a very well-preserved central stone enclosure (diam. c. 45m) defined by a massive drystone rampart (Wth c. 4m) which is medieval in date. The second and third stone ramparts are close together (max. dims. c. 140m and 180m E-W; H of both c. 5m) and lie some 30m outside the inner enclosure. The outermost rampart, of earth and stone, lies a further 50m from this, and is partly preserved in field boundaries. Evidence for metalworking, a cemetery (WI037-016001-) and a round house, all dating to the Late Bronze Age found within the central enclosure. (GSIAP, S 121-2; CUCAP AHK073; CUCAP AHK075 -076; CUCAP AYL 031-035; CUCAP BD050-051) (Orpen 1911, 138-50; 1930, 31-5; Raftery 1970, 51-4; 200-11; Raftery 1972-42-46, 55; Raftery 1976, 339)
This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 146/1940).
The hillfort was recently described in the Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland as following; 'Circular multiple enclosure positioned surrounding the flat summit of hilltop at the end of a prominent east-west shoulder of upland and overlooking tributary of Derreen River to immediate W (Raftery 1976, 339). The large multiple enclosure of Knockeen situated 300m to N (Atlas No.0722)….
Hillfort
Situated on the N shoulder of a hill c. 300m N of Rathgall hillfort (WI037-016—-). Circular enclosure (max. diam. c. 200m). The bank, where it survives, is of earth and stone and has been cleared of growth (max. H c.…
Situated on the N shoulder of a hill c. 300m N of Rathgall hillfort (WI037-016—-). Circular enclosure (max. diam. c. 200m). The bank, where it survives, is of earth and stone and has been cleared of growth (max. H c. 1.5m; max. Wth c. 5m). It has been destroyed from NNW to SE, although a scarp is visible at the N. Traces of a second, outer rampart (original diam. c. 300m) are visible on aerial photographs (GSIAP, S 121-2), and are preserved in field boundaries visible on aerial photograph (CUCAP, AHK074; AHK078-079). There is a cairn (WI037-018001-) near the centre of the site. Also visible on the aerial photographs are two fences radiating out from the cairn. These have been removed but were described by Orpen (1911, 142) as being possibly ancient due to their great size. Geophysical survey of the monument undertaken in 2014 (O'Driscoll 2014).
The hillfort was recently described in the Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland as following; 'Possible multiple enclosure positioned surrounding the low-domed summit of hilltop. Circular fort follows contours of hill and takes advantage of steep break of slope to N. It has a total site footprint of 6.2ha and is positioned 300m to the N of the large multiple enclosure of Rathgall (Atlas No.0723). Aerial photography has suggested that this is a bivallate multiple enclosure with widely spaced enclosing elements separated by approximately 50m. This has been confirmed by geophysics. There are three breaks through the inner encl…
Cairn – unclassified
Situated near the centre of Knockeen hillfort (WI037-018—-). Subcircular cairn (dims. 18.7m N-S; 10m E-W; H 1.8-2.5m), covered with earth. Field stones have been added to the E and W sides.
The above description is…
Situated near the centre of Knockeen hillfort (WI037-018—-). Subcircular cairn (dims. 18.7m N-S; 10m E-W; H 1.8-2.5m), covered with earth. Field stones have been added to the E and W sides.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008
Bullaun stone
Situated on a level area on a gentle W-facing slope. Aghowle Romanesque church (WI042-019001-) was built on the site of a monastery reputed to have been founded by St. Finden in the sixth century. In the graveyard…
Situated on a level area on a gentle W-facing slope. Aghowle Romanesque church (WI042-019001-) was built on the site of a monastery reputed to have been founded by St. Finden in the sixth century. In the graveyard (WI042-019003-) is St Finden's high cross (WI042-019002-) (Harbison 1992, 10). The curving graveyard may respect the line of an original ecclesiastical enclosure (WI042-019004-). Situated 100m to the SE of the site is an earthfast granite bullaun stone (dims. 1.8m x 1.2m) with four basins (WI042-019005-).
Bullaun stone described by Corlett (2019) as following; 'The stone consists of a low-level, earthfast granite boulder. The stone is aligned WNW-ESE, and measures 2m long, 1.15m wide and stands some 40cm high. The southern side of the stone falls gradually, whereas the northern side is nearly vertical. The bowls are arranged in a roughly linear pattern across the length of the stone. The eastern-most bowl is placed at the corner of the stone and measures 30cm x 31cm across and 22cm deep. Near this one is a large bowl placed on the edge of the stone. The bowl is 30cm across and 39cm deep. The bowl is open on the side where it meets the edge of the stone. However, it is possible that this northern edge of the stone has been cut away, which may explain the vertical face along this side of the stone. The bowl at the western end is 25cm x 27cm across and 13.5cm deep, and next to this one is a fourth bowl that is
28cm x 31cm across and 16cm deep.'
The above des…
Enclosure
Situated on level ground over-looking a gentle W-facing slope. Circular enclosure (diam. c. 25m) with a very slight scarp surviving to mark the W perimeter. Test trenching (Excavation Licence 08E0323 and 08E0504)…
Situated on level ground over-looking a gentle W-facing slope. Circular enclosure (diam. c. 25m) with a very slight scarp surviving to mark the W perimeter. Test trenching (Excavation Licence 08E0323 and 08E0504) carried out in 2008 immediately to the W and NW of this enclosure uncovered three linear features and a possible pit and post-hole (Kavanagh 2011, 377).
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of revision: 13 December 2012
Revised by: Claire Breen
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 82 listed buildings in Shillelagh (43rd percentile across ROI baronies). 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 worker's house (34 examples, 41% of the listed stock).
Terrain and environment
Mean elevation across the barony is 136m — the 81st percentile among 280 ROI baronies for elevation. This means it is in the top fifth of all baronies for elevation. This is a relatively elevated landscape by ROI standards. 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. The barony reaches 415m at its highest point — a vertical span of more than 279m within its boundary, indicating significant topographic diversity. Mean slope is 5.7° — the 80th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for slope. This means it is in the top fifth of all baronies for slope. This is consistently steep terrain by ROI standards, the kind of landscape that tends to preserve upstanding archaeological features well. 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 9.8, the 17th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for wetness. This means it is in the bottom fifth of all baronies for wetness. This is well-drained ground by ROI standards — typical of upland or steeply-sloping country that sheds water rapidly. 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 (58%), woodland (24%), and arable farmland (17%), giving a mixed agricultural and semi-natural landscape. In overall character, this is an upland landscape of steep, elevated terrain, with land use dominated by improved grassland.
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 Shillelagh is predominantly granite (37% of the barony by area), laid down during the Ordovician period (62% by area, around 485 to 444 million years ago). Granite weathers slowly and produces thin, acidic, often poorly-drained soils that historically limited arable agriculture but favoured pastoralism, upland settlement, and the construction of stone monuments. Granite-dominated landscapes typically carry fewer ringforts but a higher density of megalithic tombs, standing stones, and stone circles, which survive well against the resistant bedrock. A substantial secondary geology of schist (37%) and slate (22%) adds further variety to the underlying landscape. The single largest mapped unit is the Ballybeg Member (Maulin Formation) (37% of the barony's bedrock).
Rock type composition
Largest mapped unit: Ballybeg Member (Maulin Formation) (37% of the barony)
Placename evidence
Logainm records 13 heritage-diagnostic placenames for Shillelagh, a modest sample drawn predominantly from the townland record. The dominant stratum is pre-christian defensive. The most frequent diagnostic roots are cill- (5) and ráth- (3). With a sample of this size the count should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Pre-Christian / Early Medieval Defensive
| Root | Count | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ráth- | 3 | earthen ringfort |
| lios- | 2 | ringfort or enclosure |
| caiseal- | 1 | stone ringfort |
Early Christian Ecclesiastical
| Root | Count | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| cill- | 5 | church (early) |
Burial, Ritual, and Norse-Contact
| Root | Count | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| carn- | 2 | cairn |
Other baronies in Wicklow
- Ballinacor South
- Newcastle
- Talbotstown Lower
- Rathdown
- Arklow
- Talbotstown Upper
- Ballinacor North
- Skreen — Meath
- Ballinacor North
- Ferrard — Louth
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.