10 Archaeological and
Cultural Heritage
10.5 Areas of Settlement
Ten deserted
medieval settlements have been identified in the study area.
The majority of these sites are listed in the Urban Archaeological
Surveys for counties Carlow, Kildare, Laois and Kilkenny and
are considered to be zones of archaeological potential. These
areas should be avoided as they are extensive areas of high
archaeological potential. Dunleckney, Co. Carlow
This deserted
medieval borough is situated on the E bank of the Barrow in
the W of the county, near Bagnalstown on the road between
Carlow and Borris. It is listed as an area of archaeological
potential in the Carlow County Archaeological Urban Survey
as well as an RMP (CW016-085). The upstanding remains include
a church and motte. Staplestown, Co. Carlow
This deserted
settlement (CW007-037) was identified through documentary
sources. There is an illustration of the village by Dineley
in 1680. The settlement lay in the vicinity of Staplestown
Lodge and Bridge. The only upstanding remains are that of
the 17th century house and its associated earthworks.
Ardree, Co.
Kildare
Ardree is located
approximately one mile east of Athy. It is situated in the
barony of Kilkea and Moone and in the parish of Tankardstown.
It was originally its own parish however by the Civil Survey
is listed under both Tankardstown and St. Michael's parish.
It is listed as an area of archaeological potential in the
Kildare County Archaeological Urban Survey as well as an RMP
(KD035-082). The upstanding remains include a church and graveyard.
The place name
is spelt both as Ardreigh and Ardree. It is positioned on
high ground to the east of the River Barrow and the canal.
There are no monuments from the prehistoric period in the
immediate vicinity of Ardree however a significant quantity
of prehistoric stone and metal objects have been recovered
from the river Barrow at Athy which was an important fording
point from an early period. A single prehistoric stone axe
was found at Ardree just below the lock. The Civil Survey
lists Ardree as a fording point and this may well be where
the Ath element in the place name comes from rather than Ard
meaning high.
Ardscull,
Co. Kildare
This deserted
borough is located on the Dublin to Athy road, approximately
4km NE of Athy. The site occupies a commanding hilltop position,
which affords excellent and extensive views in all directions.
It is listed as an area of archaeological potential in the
Kildare County Archaeological Urban Survey as well as an RMP
(KD035-010; KD035-012). The upstanding remains include a motte.
Dunmanoge,
Co. Kildare
Dunmanoge is
now a townland located in the extreme south of Co. Kildare.
It is situated in the low-lying basin of the river Barrow,
which is located about 1.5km to the west. It is listed as
an area of archaeological potential in the Kildare County
Archaeological Urban Survey as well as an RMP (KD039-005).
There are no upstanding remains.
Kilkea, Co.
Kildare
Kilkea is a
townland located 8km SE of Athy and 5km NW of Castledermot
and is drained by the River Greese. It is listed as an area
of archaeological potential in the Kildare County Archaeological
Urban Survey as well as an RMP (KD037-017). The upstanding
remains include a motte, castle and church.
Old Kilcullen,
Co. Kildare
The deserted
borough of Old Kilcullen is situated 3km south of the modern
town of Kilcullen on a low hill. It is listed as an area of
archaeological potential in the Kildare County Archaeological
Urban Survey as well as an RMP (KD028-049). The upstanding
remains include a church, round tower and high crosses.
Silliothill,
Co. Kildare
Silliothill is
a townland located about 2km south of Kildare town and is
the site of a 13th century borough. It is listed as an area
of archaeological potential in the Kildare County Archaeological
Urban Survey as well as an RMP (KD022-032). The upstanding
remains consist of a ringfort. Castletown, Co. Laois
The deserted
borough of Castletown is just off the main road of Port Laois
and Carlow on relatively low-lying ground overlooking the
Barrow valley to the E. It is listed as an area of archaeological
potential in the Laois County Archaeological Urban Survey
as well as an RMP (LA026-011). The upstanding remains include
a motte and bailey. Killabban, Co. Laois Situated on
the edge of the Barrow Valley about 6 miles N of Carlow town
is the deserted borough of Killaban. It is listed as an area
of archaeological potential in the Laois County Archaeological
Urban Survey as well as an RMP (LA026-013). The upstanding
remains include a church.
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