Stradbally is a barony of County Laois, in the historical province of Leinster (Irish: An Sráidbhaile), covering 113 km² of land. The barony records 162 NMS archaeological sites and 49 NIAH listed buildings, placing it at around the 30th 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 Post Medieval, spanning 7 of 9 archaeological periods, placing the barony in the 27th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for chronological depth. This means it is in the bottom third of all baronies for chronological depth. The largest dated subset of recorded sites dates to the Iron Age. Logainm flags 21 placenames in the barony as carrying a recognised heritage root; the largest share — around 57% — are names associated with early Christian church and monastic foundations.
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 Stradbally
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 162 archaeological sites in Stradbally, putting it at the 30th 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 — 152 sites (94%) fall within a recorded monument protection zone, indicating an extensively surveyed landscape. The dominant category is defensive sites — ringforts, enclosures, hillforts, and stone forts (95 sites, 59% of the record). The most diagnostically specific type is Ringfort – rath (14 records, 9% 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 60 records (37%) and reflects the difficulty of sub-classifying degraded earthworks from surface evidence alone. Across the barony's 113 km², this gives a recorded density of 1.44 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 | 60 |
| Ringfort – rath an earthen ringfort enclosed by a bank and external ditch — the most common Early Medieval farmstead, broadly dated 500–1000 AD | 14 |
| 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 | 8 |
| Castle – unclassified a castle whose form cannot be precisely classified, dating somewhere between the late 12th and 16th centuries | 7 |
| Moated site | 7 |
| Field system a group of related fields forming a coherent agricultural landscape, of any date from the Neolithic onwards | 6 |
| Ecclesiastical enclosure a large enclosure surrounding an Early Medieval church or monastery and its associated activity areas | 5 |
Chronological distribution
The dated archaeological record for Stradbally spans from the Neolithic through to the Post Medieval, with activity attested across 7 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 (71 sites, 54% of dated material), with the Early Medieval forming a secondary peak (27 sites, 20%). A further 30 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 162 total)
A representative sample of 25 recorded monuments drawn from the barony’s 162 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.
Inscribed stone
There is a reference to an 'ogham stone' located in the Clais Pond in this area (J. O'Dooley, 43; SMR file). While it is possible that were markings on the stone which the author interpreted as ogham the evidence is not…
There is a reference to an 'ogham stone' located in the Clais Pond in this area (J. O'Dooley, 43; SMR file). While it is possible that were markings on the stone which the author interpreted as ogham the evidence is not sufficient to warrant accepting it a genuine example of this class. The area was inspected in 1990 but there was no visible surface remains. The field is locally known as the Clais Field or Hollow Field (SMR file). The location provided here can only be considered as approximate.
Compiled by: Paul Walsh
Date of upload: 15 December 2016
Settlement deserted – medieval
Possible village here centred on Dunrally (Feehan J., 1983, 370). No visible surface remains. In 1297 there is a reference to fines being paid by 'the community of the poor men of the town of Dunsalagh' (Feehan 1983,…
Possible village here centred on Dunrally (Feehan J., 1983, 370). No visible surface remains. In 1297 there is a reference to fines being paid by 'the community of the poor men of the town of Dunsalagh' (Feehan 1983, 370). This town of Dunsalagh has been tentatively identified as possibly being Dunrally (Feehan 1983, 370). Dunrally fort is situated in the townland of Vicarstown, this townland was previously called Derrybrock and this setllement could be located anywhere within the townland or centred around the fort of Dunrally.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
House – 16th/17th century
Home of Lord Dunboyne, Bishop of Cork. Described in the nineteenth century as a seventeenth century house that has been remodelled in recent times, in which process, one of its storeys with its castellations was removed…
Home of Lord Dunboyne, Bishop of Cork. Described in the nineteenth century as a seventeenth century house that has been remodelled in recent times, in which process, one of its storeys with its castellations was removed (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 282). Occupied dwelling consisting of a a two storey house (Wth c. 6.1m, L c. 15.5m) rendered with pepple-dash and with a dressed cut stone doorway with key stone. Four rectangular windows on ground floor and three on top floor on front of building. A curtain wall runs westward from the house ending in a pillar. None of the original outer buildings remain. Some cobbling visible outside N gable of house.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Linear earthwork
Linear features, running NE from enclosures (LA014-027001-) visible on aerial photographs (CUCAP, 74-5). No visible surface remains.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of…
Linear features, running NE from enclosures (LA014-027001-) visible on aerial photographs (CUCAP, 74-5). No visible surface remains.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Cross-inscribed stone
Standing S of the church ruins (LA014-035001-) in S quadrant of Curraclone graveyard (LA014-035002-). Present remains consist of a low upright cross-inscribed roughly hewn limestone rectangular shaped slab (H 0.45m;…
Standing S of the church ruins (LA014-035001-) in S quadrant of Curraclone graveyard (LA014-035002-). Present remains consist of a low upright cross-inscribed roughly hewn limestone rectangular shaped slab (H 0.45m; Wth 0.30m; T 0.11m) decorated with a simple Latin cross on its east face which was located lying down flat approx 15m NW of the gate entrance of the graveyard (LA014-035002-). The stone is now upright with only the top half of the cross visible above the surface of the graveyard. The terminals of both arms and shaft of the cross are T-shaped the cross bar being slightly concave in shape (Fitzpatrick 1991, 213).
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Revised by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of revised upload: 11 March 2015
Religious house – Franciscan friars
In the middle of the village of Stradbally on the E side of Main Street opposite the Market Square. A Franciscan monastery was founded here in 1447 by O'More. The 1563 map now in the British Museum shows the friary at…
In the middle of the village of Stradbally on the E side of Main Street opposite the Market Square. A Franciscan monastery was founded here in 1447 by O'More. The 1563 map now in the British Museum shows the friary at Stradbally as a long building with a Franciscan type tower rising out of the middle. (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 259). It was destroyed c. 1575, by Francis Cosby who constructed a fortified house (LA014-039004-) with its material. Mooney (1955, 155) stated that the abbey (LA014-039001-) of Stradbally had 'been thrown down by Francis Cosby, who built a dwelling house for himself in the same place from the materials'. Traces of the monastery were visible at the end of the eighteenth century but were removed by the nineteenth century (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 1, 327-329, 332-334, 410-411). No visible surface remains.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Revised by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of revised upload: 27 May 2016
Castle – tower house
In undulating countryside. Marked on the 1563 map of Leix and Offaly (Hore 1863, f.p. 345). Erected as a defence against the Pale incursions by the O'Moores (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 223). In 1576 Robert…
In undulating countryside. Marked on the 1563 map of Leix and Offaly (Hore 1863, f.p. 345). Erected as a defence against the Pale incursions by the O'Moores (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 223). In 1576 Robert Hartpole of Carlow was granted the ‘manor of the Blackeforde (LA014-045—-), a castle in Monyferricke (LA014-100—-), Rathmadocke alias the Blackeforde, the lands of Moniferick, Rathmadock alias the Blackeforde, Kilteighan, Garrans, Kilgessin, Ballekilkavan, Dromlin alias Killiclery, Inche alias Ballicowley, and Bavon an old castle in Colvanacre (LA008-015—-) alias Colbanahore [Coolbanagher], the lands of Colvanacre alias Colbanahore, Ballarighan, Killgenne, Ballenebeg, Shanebeg, Ballemolrone, and Ballenestraghe, the lands of Shrowle [Shrule] (LA032-012001-), Ballyhormer, Ballecollin, Rathduf, Garribriken, Aghatenan, and Cappescribedor, in the lordship of Slemarge, a ruinous castle and lands in Clonrere [Clonreher] (LA013-019—-) alias Merickeston, lands in Cultwerin, Killclonhoberd, Ballekillkaraghe, Knockandiere, Rathnemanaghe, and lands of Killehide, Ballehide, Garrenoe, Ballinecard, Farrinduf, Rossemore, and Ballim’Kegane, in the lordship of Slemarge, the lands of Ballirahen, Rossenalgan, Garroughe, Dormoile, and Capoile, or Cappahoile, in the same lordship; the advowson of the rectory of S. Fenton [Fintan], of Clowenenaghe [Clonenagh] (LA017-003001-), diocese of Leighlen, all in Queen’s co.. To hold for ever, by the service of a fouth part of a knight…
Sarcophagus
In Ougheval Church (LA019-003001-). A large singular stone sarcophagus used as the Cosby family-crypt that was erected by Pole Cosby in the early eighteenth century.(O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 323-326). post…
In Ougheval Church (LA019-003001-). A large singular stone sarcophagus used as the Cosby family-crypt that was erected by Pole Cosby in the early eighteenth century.(O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 323-326). post 1700 AD monument.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Font
Late medieval octagonal-shaped limestone font (int. Wth c. 0.44m, int. D c. 0.16m) standing in NW corner of Church of Ireland church (LA019-007001-). The font is decorated with the head of Christ carved on one panel…
Late medieval octagonal-shaped limestone font (int. Wth c. 0.44m, int. D c. 0.16m) standing in NW corner of Church of Ireland church (LA019-007001-). The font is decorated with the head of Christ carved on one panel with a later hole drilled into the head of Christ which allows water to flow out of the basin. The crude or the naïve nature of the carving of the head of Christ would suggest a date in the 16th or 17th century. The font was described by Roe (1947, 81) as following; ‘the font is of smooth, dark, grey limestone, is octagonal in shape and stands on a modern base. Each side or pane is 19 ins. (0.48m) high and the diameter of the bowl (0.48m) measures the same. Seven of the sides are plain except for a twisted band or moulding around the central circumference of the bowl; on the eighth side is a human head in bold relief projecting some four inches (0.1m) from the panel. The twisted band is continued across the forehead of the sculptured face and gives the effect of a fillet or plaited crown. An interesting feature of this font is that the aperture for draining the bowl is placed at one side where a countersunk hole has been pierced through the forehead of the sculpted head, just above the nose, and the water in consequence must flow down the visage. A frightening appearance is given to the head by this perforation and enhanced by a reddish stain which has spread from the corner of one eye all down the side of the face. Locally this sculpture is thought to…
Ritual site – holy well
Marked on the 1841 and 1909 editions of the OS 6-inch maps. Situated in a low-lying area. Now covered over and used as the local water supply.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological…
Marked on the 1841 and 1909 editions of the OS 6-inch maps. Situated in a low-lying area. Now covered over and used as the local water supply.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Ringfort – cashel
A circular area (diam. c. 47.5m) defined by an earthen and stone bank (Wth c. 2.9m, int. H 0.5m, ext. H c. 1.2m). Original entrance at NNE. Traces of a circular hut site (diam c. 11m) in the NE quadrant of the cashel.…
A circular area (diam. c. 47.5m) defined by an earthen and stone bank (Wth c. 2.9m, int. H 0.5m, ext. H c. 1.2m). Original entrance at NNE. Traces of a circular hut site (diam c. 11m) in the NE quadrant of the cashel. Entrance at N.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Cairn – unclassified
An almost circular cairn (max. diam. c. 30.7m N-S; H 3m). Two depressions at NE may represent possible cists. No kerb visible.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County…
An almost circular cairn (max. diam. c. 30.7m N-S; H 3m). Two depressions at NE may represent possible cists. No kerb visible.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Cliff-edge fort
A subcircular area (dims. 34m SSE-NNW, 28m ESE-WNW) defined by an earth and stone bank (Wth c. 2.4m, int. H c. 0.5m, ext. H c. 1.2m) except at W and N where it is delimited by a scarp. A sheer cliff face forms the…
A subcircular area (dims. 34m SSE-NNW, 28m ESE-WNW) defined by an earth and stone bank (Wth c. 2.4m, int. H c. 0.5m, ext. H c. 1.2m) except at W and N where it is delimited by a scarp. A sheer cliff face forms the enclosing element from S-W. An external shallow fosse (Wth c. 2m) is evident. Entrance via causeway (Wth c. 6.5m) at NE.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Field boundary
Field bank following the townland boundary. Unknown date.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman,…
Field bank following the townland boundary. Unknown date.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Hillfort
The placename ‘Cloghpooke’ is annotated on the 1563 map of Laois-Offaly and this hilltop fortress or hillfort is traditionally associated with the O’Moore/O'More clan. Clopook was located in the Gaelic lordship of…
The placename ‘Cloghpooke’ is annotated on the 1563 map of Laois-Offaly and this hilltop fortress or hillfort is traditionally associated with the O’Moore/O'More clan. Clopook was located in the Gaelic lordship of 'Farryn O'Kalle' and in 1551 the lands of 'Powkiscastell' [Clopook] were leased to Sir John Travers (Nicholls 1994, 166). In 1569 the lands of 'Cloghpowke' [Clopook] were leased by the Crown to Francis Cosbie [Cosby] (ibid, 175-6). In 1593 the Crown leased the lands of 'Cloghpowle' [Clopook] to Alex Cosbie of Stradbally (ibid., 221). The name 'Powkiscastell' now Cloghpook can be interpreted as the stone or stone fortress of the pooka (Joyce 1871, 183). Impressive remains of a large polygonal-shaped enclosure (int. dims. c. 105m N-S; 115m E-W) known as the ‘Dun of Clopook’ situated on top of high rock outcrop similar to the Rock of Dunamase with commanding views of the surrounding countryside in all directions. Standing stone (LA019-025001-) 765m to the E, the Dun of Luggacurren (LA025-005001-) 875m to the S, church (LA019-022—-) and graveyard (LA019-022001-) located 275m to the SW. Small circular pond of unknown antiquity located at base of slope 194m to the SSW. The hillfort is today situated in an area of woodland and the interior of the monument is impossible to examine due to the dense cover of vegetation covering the interior of the monument.
Depicted on the 1906 25-inch OS map as a large hilltop enclosure or hillfort with causewayed entrance ga…
Cave
A cave (LA019-021002-) is cut into the SSW face of the prominent limestone rock / hill now covered in ash and hazel woodland c. 4m below the hillfort of Clopook (LA019-021001-) as depicted on the 1907 ed. of the OS…
A cave (LA019-021002-) is cut into the SSW face of the prominent limestone rock / hill now covered in ash and hazel woodland c. 4m below the hillfort of Clopook (LA019-021001-) as depicted on the 1907 ed. of the OS 25-inch map. Clopook church (LA019-022—-) and graveyard (LA019-022001-) are located 270m to SSW. The cave opening (Wth 6.6m H 1.8m)faces SSW and is annotated as 'Cave' on the 1839 ed. OS 6-inch map. A pathway leads up from the base of the hill on the W side to the opening of the cave. Present remains consist of a large wide opening in the cliff face which leads into an irregular shaped chamber (L 11.5m; max. H 2.5m; max. Wth 5.2m) with clay floor which narrows at back of cave into a passage running NE for an undetermined distance. Evidence of badger setts burrowed into clay floor in NW quadrant of cave, located 7m in from entrance of cave. Directly inside cave to the NW the clay floor has two shallow holes (dims. 1m x 1.4m; D 0.2m) with spoil heaped up around openings which are probably the result of animal burrowing. The clay floor of the cave appears to be quite deep as the opening of the badger setts measured 0.5m wide by 0.7m deep and continued down into the floor of the cave. At the NE end of the cave the clay floor narrows to form a channel or passage (Wth 0.55m x D 0.6m) which runs NE for an undetermined length, it is not clear if this narrow passage has been formed by animal burrowing. The cave was described in 1965 as on the ‘south side of th…
Excavation – miscellaneous
Post-holes located around the edge of the Dun of Clopook (LA019-021001-) (Feehan 1983, 411). No visible surface remains.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois'…
Post-holes located around the edge of the Dun of Clopook (LA019-021001-) (Feehan 1983, 411). No visible surface remains.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Souterrain
Within enclosure (LA025-005001-) on bed rock A cave (H 6 ft., Wth 4 ft.) is present in the N quadrant of the enclosure 200 ft. below the summit of the Dun. It's roof and floor are perfectly level and it forms a…
Within enclosure (LA025-005001-) on bed rock A cave (H 6 ft., Wth 4 ft.) is present in the N quadrant of the enclosure 200 ft. below the summit of the Dun. It's roof and floor are perfectly level and it forms a serpentine shape (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 341). No visible surface remains.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Megalithic structure
This monument stands on elevated arable land. It is a sub-circular mound 9m to 10m in diameter and 75cm in maximum height. A kerb of small stones survive around much of the circumference but is absent or concealed at…
This monument stands on elevated arable land. It is a sub-circular mound 9m to 10m in diameter and 75cm in maximum height. A kerb of small stones survive around much of the circumference but is absent or concealed at the SW. Three set stones, about 1m inside the kerb in the NE quadrant and at the S, may indicate an inner kerb. There is a hollow measuring some 3.50m by 2m at the centre of the mound where a slab 1.2m by 80cm, lies partly embedded in the ground (de Valera and O Nuallain 1972, 97, no. 4).
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In this instance the entry has been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Revised by: Paul Walsh
Date of upload: 19 March 2013
See attached document with a plan and section of the monument.
Megalithic tomb – unclassified
Situated in an upland area by the roadside. This site, a small stone-built structure incorporated in a road-side fence at the rim of an old quarry which has been infilled in recent years, is located on elevated arable…
Situated in an upland area by the roadside. This site, a small stone-built structure incorporated in a road-side fence at the rim of an old quarry which has been infilled in recent years, is located on elevated arable land. It consists of a cover-slab, 2.50m by2.20m by 30cm thick, supported by a number of upright stones. Under this slab there is a cavity some 80cm deep, open to the NE. The slab has slipped from the tops of two stones at its NE end but still nests on an upright stone and dry-walling alongside at about its mid-line. Just E of the structure there was a line, some 2.50m long, of three upright stones(de Valera and O Nuallain 1972) only two of which are now visible. An early account (O Byrne, 1849-51) would suggest that this is the remnants of a larger and substantially buried structure and that it was surrounded by a circle of stones. Cists (LA025-052) containing bones were said to have been uncovered closeby. The whole may have been some form of burial monument but its nature is uncertain. (O Byrne 1849-51, 131; de Valera and O Nuallain 1972, 97-8).
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Fortification
Identified by E. Kelly of the National Museum of Ireland as a Longphort, located at a bend on the River Barrow where the Glasha tributary runs into the Barrow. In the Annals of the Four Masters it is referred to under…
Identified by E. Kelly of the National Museum of Ireland as a Longphort, located at a bend on the River Barrow where the Glasha tributary runs into the Barrow. In the Annals of the Four Masters it is referred to under the date AD 860, when it records the 'Destruction of Longphort-Rothlaibh (the Fortress of Rothlaibh) by Dinnediadh, son of Gaithin, Lord of Leix, on the fifth of the Idea of September, and the Killing of Conall Ultach and Luirgnen, with many others along with them'. (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 376). Afterwards this name of the fortress of Rothlaoibh became Dun-Rathlaigh, which is Dunrally (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 291-2). The central enclosure (LA014-006001-) marked on the map as Dunrally had a larger outer enclosure (int. dims. 360m X 150m) defined by a deep defensive ditch (Wth 6m wide; 2m deep) which ran off the River barrow and enclosed the central enclosure from SE through S through W to N where it runs onto the River Glasha.
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Bullaun stone
Bullaun stone located on S side of public road, site consists of a large irregular shaped boulder (dims. 0.75m x 0.65m x 0.5m) with deep central depression (diam. 0.25m; D 0.24m). Located in the grassy verge of the…
Bullaun stone located on S side of public road, site consists of a large irregular shaped boulder (dims. 0.75m x 0.65m x 0.5m) with deep central depression (diam. 0.25m; D 0.24m). Located in the grassy verge of the Public Road.
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
Burial ground
The files of the National Museum of Ireland records that in February 1990 human remains were discovered in the roots of a tree which had fallen in recent storms at Ballyduff, Co. Laois (Cahill & Sikora 2011, Vol. 2,…
The files of the National Museum of Ireland records that in February 1990 human remains were discovered in the roots of a tree which had fallen in recent storms at Ballyduff, Co. Laois (Cahill & Sikora 2011, Vol. 2, 488). Parts of several skeletons were visible firmly embedded in the root ball of the tree. The site was reported to the NMI and was investigated by Mary Cahill. The landowner, Mr Michael Booth, stated that the area has always been avoided when ploughing even though there was no surface indication of an enclosure. It was possible to tell that the skeletons were originally oriented west-east, probably in an extended position. According to the landowner there were no local traditions of a cemetery or church site known to this family, although an enquiry as to the location of 'Ballyduff Cemetery, had been made to him in one instance. A forged iron cross of relatively modern date was found in the area, as was a bronze coin of 1683. The pathologist at Portlaoise hospital examined the bones and found them to be the remains of several young adults, but the cause of death could not be determined. The bone was not acquired but was re-interred locally (NMI File).
Compiled by Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload / revision : 10 August 2012
House – 17th century
Ballykilcavan House possibly built on site of or in close proximity to the medieval castle (LA014-099—-) of Ballykilcavan which was granted to Robert Hartpole in 1576. The house stands on a low rise of ground S of…
Ballykilcavan House possibly built on site of or in close proximity to the medieval castle (LA014-099—-) of Ballykilcavan which was granted to Robert Hartpole in 1576. The house stands on a low rise of ground S of the Stradbally River. An architectural fragment (LA014-099001-) from the castle lies on the ground in the back garden of the house. Around 1639 the lands and castle of Ballykilcavan were acquired by Oliver Walsh who commenced the building of a house (LA014-099002-) on the site of the medieval castle (pers. comm. David Walsh-Kemmis). The first house built by OliverWalsh may have been a fortified house as this was the type of building being constructed in Laois during the first half of the seventeenth century. Today there is no evidence of any fortifications in the upstanding remains of Ballykilcavan House. There are at least three clear building phases visible in the present Ballykilcavan House. The dating of the first phase is uncertain as the building is covered in render and has been altered over the centuries. It is possible that the early 17th century house built by Oliver Walsh c. 1639 is represented by the two projecting flanking towers (Ferguson 2015, 138). However there is no clear evidence of any fortifications in these wings. Alternatively this part of the house may date from the late 17th or early 18th century rather than the first half of the 17th century. The plan layout with projecting flanking towers can also be compared to early 18th…
Enclosure
Marked on the 1841 edition of the OS 6-inch map; a subcircular enclosure (max. diam. c. 60m NE-SW). Defined by a low bank (Wth c. 1.9m, int. H c. 0.9m, ext. H c. 0.5m) at W, N and E. Slight evidence of fosse.
The…
Marked on the 1841 edition of the OS 6-inch map; a subcircular enclosure (max. diam. c. 60m NE-SW). Defined by a low bank (Wth c. 1.9m, int. H c. 0.9m, ext. H c. 0.5m) at W, N and E. Slight evidence of fosse.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 17 December 2007
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 49 listed buildings in Stradbally (23rd percentile across ROI baronies). The highest-graded structures include 3 of National significance. The Republic holds 937 National-graded buildings in total, so this barony accounts for around 0% of the national total. Construction dates concentrate most heavily in the Victorian (1830-1900) period. The most-recorded building type is church/chapel (10 examples, 20% of the listed stock).
Terrain and environment
Mean elevation across the barony is 113m — the 69th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for elevation. This means it is in the top third 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. The barony reaches 326m at its highest point — a vertical span of more than 213m within its boundary, indicating significant topographic diversity. Mean slope is 3.4° — the 45th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for slope. This means it is in the lower half of all baronies for slope. 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 11.1, the 61st percentile among 280 ROI baronies for wetness. This means it is in the upper half of all baronies for wetness. 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%), arable farmland (26%), and woodland (15%), 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 Stradbally is predominantly limestone (86% 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 Ballyadams Formation (72% of the barony's bedrock).
Rock type composition
Largest mapped unit: Ballyadams Formation (72% of the barony)
Placename evidence
Logainm records 21 heritage-diagnostic placenames for Stradbally, drawn from townland and civil-parish names across the barony. The dominant stratum is Early Christian ecclesiastical — cill-, teampall-, and domhnach-prefixed names that record the dense network of early church foundations established between the fifth and tenth centuries. The leading diagnostic roots are cill- (8 — church), ráth- (5 — earthen ringfort), and gráinseach- (2 — grange). This is below the ROI average of 30.7 heritage placenames per barony, suggesting either lighter survey coverage or a townland-naming tradition that draws more on generic landscape vocabulary. The presence of multiple heritage strata side by side indicates layered occupation of the landscape across successive prehistoric and historic periods. Logainm records 105 placenames for Stradbally (predominantly townland names). Of these, 21 (20%) carry one of the diagnostic Gaelic roots tracked above; the remainder draw on more generic landscape vocabulary that does not encode a heritage period.
Pre-Christian / Early Medieval Defensive
| Root | Count | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ráth- | 5 | earthen ringfort |
Early Christian Ecclesiastical
| Root | Count | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| cill- | 8 | church (early) |
| gráinseach- | 2 | monastic farm / grange |
| díseart- | 1 | hermitage |
| cillín- | 1 | unconsecrated burial ground |
Burial, Ritual, and Norse-Contact
| Root | Count | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| tuaim- | 2 | burial mound |
| leacht- | 1 | grave monument |
| uaimh- | 1 | cave / souterrain |
Other baronies in Laois
- Ballyadams
- Upperwoods
- Cullenagh
- Slievemargy
- Clarmallagh
- Tinnahinch
- Portnahinch
- Slievemargy — Carlow
- Connell — Kildare
- Rathvilly — Carlow
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.