Warrenstown is a barony of County Offaly, in the historical province of Leinster (Irish: Baile an Bhairínigh), covering 87 km² of land. The barony records 123 NMS archaeological sites and 28 NIAH listed buildings, placing it at around the 29th 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 Early Bronze Age through to the Modern, spanning 7 of 9 archaeological periods, placing the barony in the 34th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for chronological depth. This means it is in the lower 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 Warrenstown
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 123 archaeological sites in Warrenstown, putting it at the 29th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for sites per km². This means it is in the bottom third of all baronies for sites per km². Of these, 78 (63%) fall within a recorded monument protection zone. The record is dominated by defensive sites — ringforts, enclosures, hillforts, and stone forts (30 sites, 24% of the total), with industrial sites forming a substantial secondary presence (29 sites, 24%). Structure – peatland is the most prevalent type, making up 24% of the barony's recorded sites (29 records) — well above the ROI average of 15% across all baronies where this type occurs. Structure – peatland is a construction of unknown function, either extant or implied by archaeological evidence, of any date. Other significant types include Road – class 3 togher (14) and Enclosure (12). Road – class 3 togher is a short wooden peatland trackway up to 15m long, deliberately laid to cross a small area of bog; Neolithic to medieval; Enclosure is a banked or ditched feature of uncertain type, used as a catch-all where the original function cannot be determined from surface evidence. Across the barony's 87 km², this gives a recorded density of 1.41 sites per km².
Most common monument types
Hover or tap a monument type to see its definition.
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Structure – peatland a construction of unknown function, either extant or implied by archaeological evidence, of any date | 29 |
| Road – class 3 togher a short wooden peatland trackway up to 15m long, deliberately laid to cross a small area of bog; Neolithic to medieval | 14 |
| Enclosure a banked or ditched feature of uncertain type, used as a catch-all where the original function cannot be determined from surface evidence | 12 |
| Fulacht fia a horseshoe-shaped Bronze Age burnt mound built around a sunken trough beside a water source, traditionally interpreted as a cooking site | 7 |
| Earthwork an unclassified earthen structure with no diagnostic features that allow a more specific classification | 6 |
| Castle – tower house a fortified residential tower of four or five storeys, mostly built by lords in the 15th and 16th centuries and often within a defended bawn | 4 |
Chronological distribution
The dated archaeological record for Warrenstown spans from the Early Bronze Age through to the Modern, 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 (14 sites, 27% of dated material), with the Medieval forming a secondary peak (10 sites, 19%). A further 71 recorded sites (58% 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 123 total)
A representative sample of 25 recorded monuments drawn from the barony’s 123 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.
Burial ground
Modern burial ground with no above surface indications of any structure of archaeological interest.
Located on good pasture land with the bog to the N and good pasture land to the S, W and E. Large trapezoidal area…
Modern burial ground with no above surface indications of any structure of archaeological interest.
Located on good pasture land with the bog to the N and good pasture land to the S, W and E. Large trapezoidal area enclosed by modern wall with 18th/19th-century headstones. No other features visible.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Castle – motte
Large flat-topped mound (H at S c. 5.50m, W at top N-S c. 19m) which drops away steeply at S only, degraded at N and W. Appears to be a natural ridge adopted as a motte with a possible bailey (c. 30m E-W, c. 29m N-S) at…
Large flat-topped mound (H at S c. 5.50m, W at top N-S c. 19m) which drops away steeply at S only, degraded at N and W. Appears to be a natural ridge adopted as a motte with a possible bailey (c. 30m E-W, c. 29m N-S) at W side.
Site badly disturbed and no evidence of an enclosing ditch.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Moated site
Large trapezoidal shaped enclosure (c. 65m NE-SW x c. 110m SE-NW) defined by a scarp with slight traces of a bank in places and a wide shallow fosse of the N. Evidence of a gap and causeway at SE. Situated in low lying…
Large trapezoidal shaped enclosure (c. 65m NE-SW x c. 110m SE-NW) defined by a scarp with slight traces of a bank in places and a wide shallow fosse of the N. Evidence of a gap and causeway at SE. Situated in low lying area on slight rise. System of banks and fosses to S and E of enclosure. Aerial photo (GSI N489/90/91).
Situated on flat low lying flood plains of the Yellow River about 300m to the S. Large raised sub-rectangular or lozenge shaped area (109m N-S; 93m E-W) defined by a low bank reduced in most places to a scarp and broad shallow fosse (Wth 5m; ext. D 0.5m) with external bank (int. H 1.5m). The interior of the site is flat with no evidence of any internal structures. Associated with the large enclosure are a number of other earthworks to the S, of these the clearest is a rectangular enclosure (10m x 25m) with a low bank (H 0.3m) orientated NE/SW. Possible medieval moated site (ASI file 1980).
This site is situated on flat low lying flood plain of the Yellow River about 300m south
of its present course and about 500m north of Ballyburley hill. The site consists of a complex of earthworks based in two fields. The lower earthworks
is a sub-rectangular or lozenge shape feature defined by a low fosse and bank rising to a central platform, the external dimensions of the site are 146m between the Southern and Northern corner, 110m between the Eastern and Western corners, the South West to North East diagonal is 86m and the South East to North West diag…
Religious house – Franciscan nuns (Poor Clares)
Appears now as a grass-covered mound with no evidence of any masonry. Situated on a slight rise on high ground. Fragment of cross (OF004-011004-) said to have come from this site now at Rhode Parochial house (OF011-056)…
Appears now as a grass-covered mound with no evidence of any masonry. Situated on a slight rise on high ground. Fragment of cross (OF004-011004-) said to have come from this site now at Rhode Parochial house (OF011-056) (Comerford 1883, 324).
Not visible at ground level. According to Comerford (1883, 324), this was the site of a Franciscan Convent which was a dependent of the nearby Franciscan monastery at Monasteroris (OF011-011—-). A portion of a late medieval wayside (OF004-011004-) cross originally from Coolcor is now located in front garden of the parochial house in the nearby village of Rhode. The cross shaft consists of four carvings one on each face depicting the Crucifixion, Virgin and Infant, a Bishop and a Monk with inscription below reading 'Blessed are the poor in spirit'.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Building
Not visible at ground level. Grave-slab in W wall of church at Ballyburly see SMR 11:56 for portion of cross said to have come from this site (SMR 4:13) said to be from here.
The above description is derived from the…
Not visible at ground level. Grave-slab in W wall of church at Ballyburly see SMR 11:56 for portion of cross said to have come from this site (SMR 4:13) said to be from here.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Cross – Wayside cross
Portion of late medieval wayside cross (H 1m; T 0.4m) located in the front garden of the parochial house in Rhode Village (OF011-056). According to the priest this cross came from the monastic site of Coolcor…
Portion of late medieval wayside cross (H 1m; T 0.4m) located in the front garden of the parochial house in Rhode Village (OF011-056). According to the priest this cross came from the monastic site of Coolcor (OF004-011—-) which is now destroyed. The cross is described by Comerford (1883, 324) as having four sculpted figures in relief one on each face. These figures according to Comerford are (1) the Crucifixion; (2):the blessed Virgin; (3) a Bishop (maybe St Patrick); (4) a monk (maybe St Francis). Below one of the Bishops there is an inscription in relief written in English which reads 'Blessed are the weak in Spirit'. According to the local priest there was a hole on top of the shaft of the cross with a metal spike attached, this was probably the method for attaching another piece onto the cross. This cross appears to belong to the 16th/17th-century.
Cross referenced with OF011-056.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Bullaun stone
Boulder (2.30m x 1.4m) with depression (D 0.20m, Diam 0.35m) lying beside field fence as a result of land clearance.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly'…
Boulder (2.30m x 1.4m) with depression (D 0.20m, Diam 0.35m) lying beside field fence as a result of land clearance.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Standing stone
Standing stone rectangular in plan (0.5m x 0.7m, H 2.2m) orientated N-S with top sloping upwards from S to N and situated on high ground.
Located on high ground with good views with barrow (OF011-055) to the S.…
Standing stone rectangular in plan (0.5m x 0.7m, H 2.2m) orientated N-S with top sloping upwards from S to N and situated on high ground.
Located on high ground with good views with barrow (OF011-055) to the S. Rectangular shaped stone (H 2.2m; 0.5m x 0.79m) aligned on an E-W axis with packing stones at its base with top sloping from N to S.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Burial mound
Mound partially destroyed and investigated in 1880's (U.J.A. 1853 276-8), said to be c. 2m H and c. 27m in diam, apparently the W half was removed at this time. Contained parallel graves orientated E-W and at least 40…
Mound partially destroyed and investigated in 1880's (U.J.A. 1853 276-8), said to be c. 2m H and c. 27m in diam, apparently the W half was removed at this time. Contained parallel graves orientated E-W and at least 40 skeletons removed and reburied elsewhere. Mound now 18.6m max. diam; H c. 2m.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Designed landscape – tree-ring
Sited on a rise on eastern side of hill, completely levelled. Siting would suggest a ringfort. Marked as an earthwork possible on first edition of the OS 6-inch map. Its close proximity to tree-rings associated with…
Sited on a rise on eastern side of hill, completely levelled. Siting would suggest a ringfort. Marked as an earthwork possible on first edition of the OS 6-inch map. Its close proximity to tree-rings associated with Toberdaly House may suggest that this feature was a landscape feature associated with Toberdaly House.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Compiled by Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload/revision: 23 December 2011-
Ringfort – rath
Univallate ringfort (int. diam. c. 45m E-W) situated in a low lying area and defined by an earthen bank mainly reduced to a scarp with external fosse. Present remains consists of a raised circular area defined by an…
Univallate ringfort (int. diam. c. 45m E-W) situated in a low lying area and defined by an earthen bank mainly reduced to a scarp with external fosse. Present remains consists of a raised circular area defined by an earthen bank that has been much degraded (max int. H c. 0.5m; Wth 1.5m), with enclosing external fosse (Wth 4m; D 0.9m). No evidence of entrance. Roadside field boundary intersects edge of external fosse at north. No evidence of field system (OF011-017002-) as seen on aerial photo (CUCAP APH 76) at ground level.
Test excavation was undertaken by Dominic Delany under licence no. 99E0461, from 30 August to 3 September 1999, before application for planning permission for four detached dwellings. The sites are within the area of constraint around a ringfort that consists of a raised circular platform (diameter 44.8m, height 1m), enclosed by a slight bank largely reduced to a scarp, and an external fosse (width 4m, depth 0.9m). The SMR file for this site also notes that a field system (OF011-017002-) possibly associated with the ringfort exists in the area west and south-west of the monument. The ringfort (OF011-017001-) is 25m from the eastern edge of the proposed development site, which measures 70m north-south by 125m.
Three test-trenches were mechanically excavated, 125m long and 1.5m wide, extending east-west across the site. The features encountered were three spreads of burnt material, probably levelled fulachta fiadh, and portion of a circular enclosu…
Children's burial ground
Located on top of Madams Hill with tower house (0F011-013—-) nearby. Not visible at ground level. Site was bulldozed a couple of years ago.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological…
Located on top of Madams Hill with tower house (0F011-013—-) nearby. Not visible at ground level. Site was bulldozed a couple of years ago.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Cross – Wayside cross (present location)
Fragment of shaft of late-medieval cross situated outside Parochial house in Rhode and said to have come from Coolcor (OF004-011004-) (Comerford 1883, 324). Rectangular shaped shaft (H 0.95m, W 0.25m x 0.2m) with…
Fragment of shaft of late-medieval cross situated outside Parochial house in Rhode and said to have come from Coolcor (OF004-011004-) (Comerford 1883, 324). Rectangular shaped shaft (H 0.95m, W 0.25m x 0.2m) with crucifixion on front, Blessed Virgin and child at back, St Patrick on one side and St Francis with inscription below on other.
Portion of late medieval wayside cross (H 1m; T 0.4m) located in the front garden of the parochial house in Rhode Village. According to the priest this cross came from the monastic site of Coolcor (OF004-011—-) which is now destroyed. The cross is described by Comerford (1883, 324) as having four sculpted figures in relief one on each face. These figures according to Comerford are (1) the Crucifixion; (2):the blessed Virgin; (3) a Bishop (maybe St Patrick); (4) a monk (maybe St Francis). Below one of the Bishops there is an inscription in relief written in English which reads 'Blessed are the weak in Spirit'. According to the local priest there was a hole on top of the shaft of the cross with a metal spike attached, this was probably the method for attaching another piece onto the cross. This cross appears to belong to the 16th/17th-century.
Cross referenced with OF004-011004-.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May…
House – 17th century
Large two storey five bay gable ended multiperiod structure dating from the late 17th and early 18th-centuries that was built onto the front of a Tower house (OF011-006—-) with flat headed architraved door with tall…
Large two storey five bay gable ended multiperiod structure dating from the late 17th and early 18th-centuries that was built onto the front of a Tower house (OF011-006—-) with flat headed architraved door with tall gable ended chimney stacks. Over the front doorway of this house there is a limestone carved head (OF011-057001-) with a chain depicted hanging from the head. May have originally come from tower house or from nearby Ballymacwiliam Church (OF011-005—-).
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Habitation site
A possible occupation site (dims. 26.6m min. NE-SW x 13.05m min. NW-SE; D 0.25m min.) comprised of a stone spread on the field surface. The stones may have formed a coherent structure; however, machine activity has…
A possible occupation site (dims. 26.6m min. NE-SW x 13.05m min. NW-SE; D 0.25m min.) comprised of a stone spread on the field surface. The stones may have formed a coherent structure; however, machine activity has substantially disturbed the deposit leaving a number of ex situ stones strewn across the field surface. There are four discrete deposits approximately 6-12m apart with ex situ stones scattered between them. The most intact deposit is a 3.66 x 2.53m area demarcating the NW extent of the site. The stones (av. L 0.08m; av. Wth 0.08m; av. D 0.04m) are angular cobbles, with a very few rounded examples. Flecks of charcoal are evident and present in the adjacent drain face to the SE. There is a great deal of natural wood in the area some of which has been burnt. Ten ex situ pieces of struck flint (01E0663:6-12; 01E0663:18-20) and a stone adze (01E0663:5) were recovered from the field surface. (01E0663:4), an arrowhead, may derive from this site. The site is in well-humified Sphagnum peat with ericaceous remains. Charcoal from the site was radiocarbon dated to 2565-2200 cal. BC (UCD 01130). SMR OF011-060—- is approximately 15m to the SE and may be associated.
In 2008 archaeological testing was carried out by Jane Whitaker of ADS Ltd. in Toberdaly and Clonin townlands in Ballybeg Bog, Co. Offaly, on 22–26 September 2008. A stone enclosure (OF011–060—) and stone-lined hearths (OF011–059—-) were initially identified during a survey by the Irish Archaeological Wetl…
Barrow – unclassified
A possible barrow (ext. diam. 10.8m; int. diam. 7.86m.) on the field surface. The site consists of a circular stone bank enclosing a flat interior. There is no evidence for an entrance feature, internal ditch or…
A possible barrow (ext. diam. 10.8m; int. diam. 7.86m.) on the field surface. The site consists of a circular stone bank enclosing a flat interior. There is no evidence for an entrance feature, internal ditch or funerary deposit; however, it has been substantially disturbed by milling activity. The least disturbed sections, at the field center to the E and W, were cleared of loose peat revealing a bank (Wth 1.37-1.64m). The stones (av. L 0.22m; av. diam. 0.14m) are packed in a haphazard, irregular manner with various stone types and sizes in use. The majority of the stones can be described as cobbles, while a very small number of flags are present. There is a lot of natural wood in close proximity. An ex situ flint flake, a possible hone stone and a possible quartzite hammer stone (01E0663:14; 01E0663:15 and 01E0663:17) were recovered from the stone bank and a possible quartz hammer stone (01E0663:16) was recovered 24.8m to the W. (01E0663:4), a possible arrowhead, may also derive from this site. The site is in a soil-like peat with traces of minerals (e.g. sand) and a thin lens of charcoal immediately below this. SMR OF011-059—- is approximately 15m to the NW and may be associated.
In 2008 archaeological testing was carried out by Jane Whitaker of ADS Ltd. in Toberdaly and Clonin townlands in Ballybeg Bog, Co. Offaly, on 22–26 September 2008. A stone enclosure (OF011–060—) and stone-lined hearths (OF011–059—-) were initially identified during a survey by the Iris…
Stone head
Large two storey five bay gable ended multiperiod house (OF011-057—-) dating from the late 17th and early 18th-centuries that was built onto the front of a Tower house (OF011-006—-) with flat headed architraved door…
Large two storey five bay gable ended multiperiod house (OF011-057—-) dating from the late 17th and early 18th-centuries that was built onto the front of a Tower house (OF011-006—-) with flat headed architraved door with tall gable ended chimney stacks. Over the front doorway of this house there is a limestone carved head with a chain depicted hanging from the head. May have originally come from tower house or from nearby Ballymacwiliam Church (OF011-005—-).
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Ecclesiastical enclosure
Archaeological test-trenching was carried out by Claire Mullins under licence no. 97E0321 on 16 October 1997 at a site adjacent to the late medieval Ballyburley church (OF004-013—-) and cemetery (OF004-013001-), near…
Archaeological test-trenching was carried out by Claire Mullins under licence no. 97E0321 on 16 October 1997 at a site adjacent to the late medieval Ballyburley church (OF004-013—-) and cemetery (OF004-013001-), near Rhode, Co. Offaly. Archaeological remains were uncovered during testing. These consisted of evidence of a ditch that possibly originally encircled the ecclesiastical site and disturbed human remains on the cemetery side of this ditch (Excavations 1997, 147). Monitoring of groundworks associated with the development was carried out on various dates in February and June 1998. Foundations for the house were dug just north-east of the apparent line of the ditch, as identified during the evaluation of the site, and therefore did not transect the line of this feature. Levels were also reduced over a larger area surrounding the house, but the fact that no further evidence of the ditch was identified during this process may be due to the generally low visibility of many forms of archaeological remains. In the percolation trench on the northern corner of the site a considerable amount of generalised disturbance was observed at a depth that appeared to be slightly below the original level of the sterile natural in this area. Tiny fragments of charcoal, as well as a number of what appeared to be charred seeds, were also found within this disturbance. There was no obvious structural organisation to this material as it seemed to fill a series of irregular undulations in…
Ritual site – holy well
Circular stone-lined spring well (diam. 0.6m; D 0.3m) partially covered over with bog oak timbers which is still in use and known locally as 'Anne's Well', often referred to as the blessed Well. Bog oak timbers form…
Circular stone-lined spring well (diam. 0.6m; D 0.3m) partially covered over with bog oak timbers which is still in use and known locally as 'Anne's Well', often referred to as the blessed Well. Bog oak timbers form part of the ritual carried out at the well. According to the landowner the local tradition is to take some water from the well along with a small piece or splinter of the bog oak timber. A large boulder was brought into the field recently to mark the site of the well, and an iron cross was erected about a year ago. Well was referred to as 'Tabararaan' in 1932 when the following description of the well was given; 'This well is very well known in the neighbourhood still. Every May Day it is the custom to visit it, and beads, pins, handkerchiefs, etc., are left at it. The people pray there and bless themselves with the water. The name of the saint associated with the well is not known. Until about 80 years ago, a large "Pattern" was held there annually, and visitors used even come down from Dublin to attend it. It is believed that many cures were effected at the well. An interesting incident is told about a certain man who once owned the field in which the well is situated. Thinking to prevent visits to the well, he closed it altogether. The next morning the whole field was flooded, and he was forced to open the well again; it was never again closed' (Anon 1933, 172). Today the well is visited on 30th of April by people in the locality who recite 1 Our Father…
Mass-rock
National Monument No. 532. In pasture on top of Clonin Hill with extensive views of the surrounding countryside. Impressive view of burial mound (OF010-004001-) on top of Croghan Hill 4.5km to W. Natural rock outcrop…
National Monument No. 532. In pasture on top of Clonin Hill with extensive views of the surrounding countryside. Impressive view of burial mound (OF010-004001-) on top of Croghan Hill 4.5km to W. Natural rock outcrop (H 0.6m x 1.4m x 1.6m) known locally as a mass-rock (SMR File) in SW quadrant of fosse of ring-barrow (OF011-001—-). The weathered NW facing surface of the rock contains features of natural weathering except for two horseshoe-shaped symbols and a cross with expanded terminals (SMR File).
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 25 January 2016
Castle – unclassified
On SW slope of Ballyburly hill with Ballyburly church (OF004-013001-) and graveyard to the E. Not visible at ground level. Late 17th – 18th century house built on site of castle which was burnt in 1888 (Bence-Jones…
On SW slope of Ballyburly hill with Ballyburly church (OF004-013001-) and graveyard to the E. Not visible at ground level. Late 17th – 18th century house built on site of castle which was burnt in 1888 (Bence-Jones 1978, 36-8). Probable pre-plantation castle which was refortified in the 16th-century (Hickey 1974, 3-20) and later replaced by late 17th century house. A house of late 17th century or early 18th century aspect, probably built either by John Wakely who was MP for Kilbeggan in 1692 and died c. 1713, or by his son Thomas. 11 bay front, 5 bay centre with very high pediment; doorcase with entablature and pilasters; high-pitched roof on bracket cornice. Burnt 1888; afterwards rebuilt to the design of James Franklin Fuller (Bence-Jones 1978, 19).
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Castle – unclassified
Ballyburly house, now levelled, said to be on site of castle. Not visible at ground level. Said to be a plantation castle destroyed 1599.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory…
Ballyburly house, now levelled, said to be on site of castle. Not visible at ground level. Said to be a plantation castle destroyed 1599.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
Church
Church built in 1686 according to an inscription on an armorial plaque (OF004-013005-) over the doorway by J. Wakely (Lewis 1837, 125) but was partly destroyed in 1972 and has since been levelled. There was a gothic…
Church built in 1686 according to an inscription on an armorial plaque (OF004-013005-) over the doorway by J. Wakely (Lewis 1837, 125) but was partly destroyed in 1972 and has since been levelled. There was a gothic latticed window in the E wall. Memorial slab in church dated 1617 with carved effigy of Capt Wakley with his lance, sword and shield (JRSAI 1865 332-3) now in National Museum and grave-slab (OF004-013004-) which was in W wall said to be from Coolcor monastic site (OF004-011002-).(Irish Times 5/2/1975)
Archaeological test-trenching was carried out by Claire Mullins under licence no. 97E0321 on 16 October 1997 at a site adjacent to the late medieval Ballyburley church and cemetery (OF004-013001-), near Rhode, Co. Offaly. Archaeological remains were uncovered during testing. These consisted of evidence of a ditch (OF004-013006-) that possibly originally encircled the ecclesiastical site and disturbed human remains on the cemetery side of this ditch (Excavations 1997, 147). Monitoring of groundworks associated with the development was carried out on various dates in February and June 1998. Foundations for the house were dug just north-east of the apparent line of the ditch, as identified during the evaluation of the site, and therefore did not transect the line of this feature. Levels were also reduced over a larger area surrounding the house, but the fact that no further evidence of the ditch was identified during this process may be due to the generally low vi…
Graveyard
Churdh built in 1686 according to an inscription on an armorial plaque (OF004-013005-) over the doorway by J. Wakely (Lewis 1837, 125) but was partly destroyed in 1972 and has since been levelled. There was a gothic…
Churdh built in 1686 according to an inscription on an armorial plaque (OF004-013005-) over the doorway by J. Wakely (Lewis 1837, 125) but was partly destroyed in 1972 and has since been levelled. There was a gothic latticed window in the E wall. Memorial slab (OF004-013002-) in church (OF004-013—-) dated 1617 with carved effigy of Capt Wakley with his lance, sword and shield (JRSAI 1865 332-3) now in National Museum and grave-slab (OF004-013004-) which was in W wall said to be from Coolcor monastic site (OF004-011002-).(Irish Times 5/2/1975)
Archaeological test-trenching was carried out by Claire Mullins under licence no. 97E0321 on 16 October 1997 at a site adjacent to the late medieval Ballyburley church (OF004-013—-) and cemetery, near Rhode, Co. Offaly. Archaeological remains were uncovered during testing. These consisted of evidence of a ditch (OF004-013006-) that possibly originally encircled the ecclesiastical site and disturbed human remains on the cemetery side of this ditch (Excavations 1997, 147). Monitoring of groundworks associated with the development was carried out on various dates in February and June 1998. Foundations for the house were dug just north-east of the apparent line of the ditch, as identified during the evaluation of the site, and therefore did not transect the line of this feature. Levels were also reduced over a larger area surrounding the house, but the fact that no further evidence of the ditch was identified during this process ma…
Structure – peatland
Six light roundwoods (L 2.86m min.; Wth 1.18m; D 0.05m min.) arranged in two groups of three at each end of the exposure and have a general NE-SW orientation. Some of the roundwoods are oblique to the main axis of the…
Six light roundwoods (L 2.86m min.; Wth 1.18m; D 0.05m min.) arranged in two groups of three at each end of the exposure and have a general NE-SW orientation. Some of the roundwoods are oblique to the main axis of the site. Two metal-cut chisel points are evident. The wood is in good condition where not machine damaged and is set in moderately humified Sphagnum peat with some Eriophorum. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 2001. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument.
The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh
Date of upload: 23 May 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 28 listed buildings in Warrenstown, the 12th 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 Late Georgian (1800-1830) period. The most-recorded building type is house (6 examples, 21% of the listed stock).
Terrain and environment
Mean elevation across the barony is 78m — the 40th 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 1.8° — the 1st 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 12.0, the 98th percentile among 280 ROI baronies for wetness. This means it is in the top tenth 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 (78%), woodland (12%), and arable farmland (8%), 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 Warrenstown is predominantly oolitic limestone (62% of the barony by area), laid down during the Carboniferous period (98% by area, around 359 to 299 million years ago). A substantial secondary geology of limestone (36%) adds further variety to the underlying landscape. The single largest mapped unit is the Edenderry Oolite Member (62% of the barony's bedrock).
Rock type composition
Largest mapped unit: Edenderry Oolite Member (62% of the barony)
Placename evidence
Logainm records 7 heritage-diagnostic placenames for Warrenstown, a modest sample drawn predominantly from the townland record. The dominant stratum is pre-christian defensive. The most frequent diagnostic roots are ráth- (3) and tobar- (2). 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 |
| dún- | 1 | hilltop or promontory fort |
Early Christian Ecclesiastical
| Root | Count | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| tobar- | 2 | holy well |
| cill- | 1 | church (early) |
Other baronies in Offaly
- Philipstown Lower
- Philipstown Upper
- Eglish
- Ballybritt
- Clonlisk
- Ballyboy
- Ballycowan
- Newcastle — Dublin
- Offaly East — Kildare
- Shrule — Longford
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.