Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied)

1. Page 511

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   Appendix 4 Architectural Conservation Areas Location Description Ballynacally Ballynacally is a very attractive, small, estuary village with pleasant stone buildings and well maintained public spaces. The approach road from Ennis is particularly pleasing with its perfect 18th century estate walls, gate lodges and the spectacular ruin of the old McMahon castle of Dangan (Daingean Máigh Builc) with the upper portion still supported by a narrow staircase as it was in 1837. Little appears to have changed since the 1830s. The Post Office is still in the same building. The old National School dated 1843 is now a parish hall and ‘The Range’ estate cottages, on the Fair Green are restored and inhabited. The village contains many items of architectural heritage interest including the double arch bridge over the river, shown on the 1787 Grand jury Map, which may be of a late mediaeval date with original stone parapet walls. The old fair green is a public park with seating, surrounded by early 19th century buildings. Most buildings date from 18th and 19th centuries. Ballyvaughan Village Centre Village centre consisting of 18th and 19th century two storey houses accommodating a hotel, pubs, shops and restaurants and also recent developments such as thatched cottage-type holiday homes. Ballyvaughan Auxiliary Workhouse The auxiliary workhouse is the only surviving workhouse in County Clare. The complex comprises a quadrangle surrounded by terraced singlestorey stone, gabled houses which has retained most of its mid-19th century character and has potential for development as a unique residential complex. Cappa (Kilrush) The village of Cappa comprises a fine stone quay and storm protected pier which is one of the few havens for boats and shipping on this part of the Atlantic coast. The pilot station is still housed in the original coast guard station which was built between 1760 and 1836. Many of the terraced houses to the North East of the pier are shown on the 1st Edition Ordnance Map 1839 and may date from the previous century. Also shown on this map is Cappa Lodge (Protected Structure) and the Square (Former Fort and Military Barracks – Protected Structure).507

2. Page 512

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   Location Description This is a most attractive coastal village with high quality buildings, masonry structures and walls. The original terrace of two storey houses is well maintained Carrigaholt Carrigaholt is a very attractive late 18th and early 19th century fishing settlement on the Loop Head peninsula, which has virtually remained unchanged since the 1830s. The village comprises three streets, the longest of which is West Street, running west from the harbour and bisected by Main Street towards the bridge and Chapel Street towards the early 19th century Roman Catholic Church. The village fabric consists of terraces of single storey, gabled, stone, three and four bay houses, which were originally thatched, with some two storey houses and shops between. Many of these display exceptionally high quality external plaster-work, including shop and pub fronts, moulded window surrounds, ornamental string courses, etc. Clarecastle Clarecastle village retains much of its 18th and 19th century fabric and character. The Castle which dominates the entrance to the village from the Newmarket-on-Fergus direction was built on an island in the Fergus in the 13th century. Much of its original structure, including gate tower, curtain wall and machicolated, mediaeval, postern gate, remains, while later additions, in the form of the mid 18th century barrack buildings, survive and have been repaired. This historic complex has, for the most part, retained its character and integrity, in that no new development has occurred on the island since the late 18th century. Other structures of architectural merit in the village include 19th century terraces and warehouses on Quay Road, 18th and 19th century terraces on Main Street and the mid-19th century harbour, consisting of an extensive, stone quay with stone bollards. The extent of the old village has remained greatly unchanged since the publication of the Co. Clare Grand Jury Map in 1787. Also contributing to the amenity and character of Clarecastle village are Saint Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church, built 1839, The National School, built in the late 19th century and recently extended and a very attractive local authority housing estate - St. Michael’s Terrace, comprising twelve semi-detached houses with high gables, large chimneystacks and cantilevered concrete shelters over entrance doors, facing a tree-lined green.508

3. Page 513

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   Location Description Corofin Area identified for its traditional shopfronts and their contribution to a traditional street façade. The overall quality of the area is of sufficient importance to require special care. Ennis – Former Our Lady’s Hospital Complex This extensive complex of ashlar-limestone buildings, originally known as the County Lunatic Asylum, was completed in 1868. Although many additions have since been made to the original buildings it still retains all of its original structures. These were invariably built using high quality materials, techniques and design, which with the large open areas of lawn and vegetation create an illusion of tranquillity and space. The complex contains eight protected structures including the former hospital, gate-lodge, gate-piers, boundary wall, mid-20th century chapel, stone water tower, former FÁS offices and former gasometer building. Ennis Terraces: 6 no. ACAs St. Claire’s Terrace, Clonroad (c.1935) Terrace of single-storey houses, New Road (c.1870) Terrace of single-storey houses, beside the Old Barracks, Kilrush Road (c.1870) Terrace of single-storey houses, Station Road/Clonroad (1928) St. Flannan’s Terrace, Clare Road, 1904 and Clonroad More (1912) St. Patrick’s Terrace, Limerick Road (c.1890) The above, six ACAs consist of terraces of single and two storey houses constructed between 1870 and 1935. Although less formal than many other buildings in Ennis their simple and well proportioned design and their use of natural and local building materials give them a high visual amenity value which makes a considerable contribution to the character of the various approaches to the town. Ennis – Town Centre Ennis is a town which has steadily developed since the mid thirteenth century. Although many changes have occurred in the town since the mediaeval period, it still retains its ancient character to a great extent. This is indicated by its narrow streets, stone buildings, laneways, bowways etc. Due to the fact that much of the centre of Ennis existed before the year 1700 it is designated as an Archaeological Zone (No. CL033-082, Historic Town) in The Record of Monuments and Places, published by509

4. Page 514

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   Location Description the National Monuments Services of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The older part of Ennis, which for the most part consists of narrow, winding streets and lanes, following the pattern of the River Fergus, predominantly dates from the 13th to the 18th centuries. This is confined to the area around Abbey, O’Connell and Parnell Streets while the later impressive public and private and buildings of the 19th century are found toward the outer boundaries of this ACA. These include the fine Georgian buildings of Bindon Street, the mills and corn-stores of Cornmarket Street and the classical Courthouse and the nearby attractive simple formality of Steele’s Terrace to the north. Ennistymon The present town of Ennistymon for the most part dates from the late 18th and early 19th centuries and comprises three main streets (Main Street, Parliament Street and Bridge Street). The town is renowned for the survival of many of its traditional wooden shopfronts and stone slate roofs quarried from Liscannor and Doolin. The town contains 42 protected structures, many of which are being conserved and repaired. Kilfenora The village contains many 18th and 19th century two storey shops and town houses and has retained its unique market village character. Beside the market square stands the 12th century cathedral which has recently been restored. Kilfenora was once known as the ‘City of the Crosses’ from its numerous illuminated carved limestone crosses. The former importance of the village is evident from the numerous forts, castles and 18th century houses which surround it. A large central area of Kilfenora has been designated as an ACA, recognising the historical and architectural importance of the townscape and layout of the core area. Kilkee Kilkee has retained its unique character as a 19th century bathing place. The town contained several protected structures and many fine buildings. A large area of the town centre is designated as an ACA, recognising the historical and architectural importance of the townscape and layout of the core area. Kilkishen The village core is designated as an ACA, recognising the historical importance of the town and the architectural importance of the townscape and layout of the core, most of which remains intact. There are, however, a number of derelict sites within this area which detract from the overall character of the streetscape.510

5. Page 515

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   Location Description Killadysert The town centre has retained much of its character as an agricultural and estuary market town and has grown very little since first surveyed in 1839. There are four protected structures within the ACA and it has an attractive streetscape. The town centre has been designated as an ACA, recognising the historical and architectural importance of the townscape and the layout of the core area. Killaloe The town core has been designated as an ACA. The street pattern in Killaloe today is very similar to that shown on the Grand Jury Map of 1787 and it is likely that many of the existing houses and shops date from before that period. By 1837 the town had 300 houses and the town of Killaloe today has not changed greatly from that time. The town still retains its urban character and many of its ancient and later public buildings still remain. Killaloe comprises, for the most part, two storey buildings constructed of rendered, local sandstone rubble with Killaloe- Portroe slate roofs. These are invariably gabled with roof pitch of about 40 degrees. Large wide chimneys of stone or brick site on the ridge of roofs and windows are mostly of wooden sliding sash type. Some examples of sash windows with small panes and light glazing bars are still to be found, particularly on the rear of buildings or in back lanes. Many fine 18th and 19th century formal, detached houses are also found near the town. Kilmihil Kilmihil village grew as a small market town in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and the townscape retains much of its existing character. Saint Michael’s Church is a protected structure and the village core has been designated as an ACA, recognising the historical and architectural importance of the townscape and layout of the core area. Kilrush Kilrush is a very attractive and prosperous market town with a vibrant marina for fishing and leisure craft. The streets and squares are well laid out and most of its built fabric consists of two and three storey houses and shops over 150 years old. Many of the old shopfronts remain and are of a high standard in design and materials. The town and its environs contain thirty seven Protected Structures, including such fine public buildings as The Market House (1808), Saint Senan’s former Church of Ireland (1813), St. Senan's Catholic Church (1835), the Courthouse (1830), the Mercy Convent (1860) and the Vandeleur Walled Gardens (1808). Kilrush is one of only two towns in Clare designated ‘Heritage Town’ status by the Tourist Board. It has511

6. Page 516

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   Location Description retained its special character as a west of Ireland, maritime and market town. Labasheeda The village of Labasheeda comprises one long street of single and two storey houses and shops, most of which date from the 18th and early 19th centuries. The village does not appear to have expanded significantly since the 1830s when the 1st Edition OS map was surveyed, although some old buildings have been demolished and replaced by modern structures. The village extends in an easterly direction, parallel to the shore, from the old Catholic Church to the former 18th century Cloonkerry House. The street commands an elevated position with pleasant views of the Shannon Estuary. Labasheeda has a small early 19th century quay, a short distance south of the main street. This was a busy harbour in the late 19th century, with a regular ferry and cargo service to Foynes. Most of the larger two storey buildings are concentrated at the eastern side of the village, near the quay, with many retaining high quality wooden and render shopfronts. Lisdoonvarna The present town of Lisdoonvarna is the product of a tourism boom during the late 19th century. The town comprises, for the most part, welldesigned and render-decorated Victorian buildings and an attractive and well laid out central market square. The Spa Wells complex to the south of the town has an attractive pump house and bathhouse built in the early 20th century. Miltown Malbay Most of the present buildings in Miltown Malbay date from the early 19th century. There is one long commercial street which includes some very fine plaster shopfronts which replicate classical wooden traditional examples and date from the early decades of the 20th century. The town has an attractive rural and urban quality and care must be taken to preserve its character and protect its historic fabric. Mountshannon The village core has been designated as an ACA. It consists of a single wide street, linked to the harbour, with solid, stone-gabled two storey houses on each side. Many of these date from the late 18th century and still retain their traditional character. The buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries in Mountshannon are constructed of local sandstone, giving the village a cosy, welcoming appearance. The predominant roofing slate is a local grey-green quartzite slate, quarried during the 18th century, and commonly known as ‘Killaloe slates’.512

7. Page 517

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   Location Description Newmarket-on- Fergus The town core has been designated as an ACA. Newmarket-on-Fergus is a long-established settlement and its layout and townscape retain much of its 18th and 19th century character. O’Briensbridge The village core has been designated as an ACA in acknowledgement of its unique 18th century character and relatively uniform streetscape. Quin In acknowledgement of Quin’s outstanding architectural heritage, the village core has been designated as an ACA. This designation is designed to positively assist the conservation management of the central area which is a considerable economic asset to the village in terms of its tourist profile. Scarriff The town existed by 1780 when the Grand Jury Map of Clare was being surveyed. The present town comprises one main street rising from the bridge over the River Graney to a triangular town ‘square’. The houses are predominantly two storey gabled structures, built of local rubble sandstone with a lime render finish and sash windows. Many are still roofed with local Killaloe/Portroe slate and most still contain their oneover-one late 19th century wooden sliding sash windows. Scattery Island Scattery Island (Inis Cathaigh) has been inhabited since prehistory and is almost unique in that it contains substantial vestiges of buildings from many periods spanning almost two Millenia. The island has a unique character in that, although practically all of its buildings are derelict or in ruins, it contains important structures from many periods in Irish history from Early Christian to the Napoleonic era. Scattery could be described as a microcosm of Irish history and archaeology and its buildings are excellent examples of Irish vernacular, ecclesiastical, military and coastal-defence architecture through the ages. The island is traditionally associated with Saint Senan, a sixth century hermit who is credited with bringing Christianity to West Clare. The island contains the remains of many churches dating from this period, a holy well, a round tower and two mediaeval cemeteries. It was the scene of battles between the Vikings and the army of Brian Ború, High King of Ireland during the 10th and early 11th centuries. Some of the ecclesiastical remains may date to the mediaeval period or later. The remains of a 16th century tower house of the O’Catháin family can be seen near the pier.513

8. Page 518

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   Location Description The village, on the east of the island is mostly in ruins. During the 18th and 19th centuries it was inhabited, principally, by herders, farmers, fishermen and estuary pilots. During the Napoleonic Wars, a coastal artillery battery was constructed at the southern end of the island by the War Department. It is still an impressive fortification with a central, rectangular ‘bomb proof’ blockhouse surrounded by gun emplacements, a dry moat and drawbridge. Beside the battery is a 19th century lighthouse (c.1867) and lightkeepers’ house. The whole island of Scattery is designated as an archaeological complex, No. CL067-024 in the Record of Monuments and Places. This designation includes fifteen sub-monuments including eight Early Christian and Mediaeval Churches, a walled enclosure, a Round Tower, a Holy Well, a Castle, a Graveyard, a Battery and a potential archaeological site. Its designation as an Architectural Conservation Area gives the unique built environment of the island additional protection. Sixmilebridge The town core of Sixmilebridge has been designated as an ACA. This designation recognises the historical importance of the town as an early industrial settlement on the O’Garney river and the architectural importance of the townscape and layout of the core area which reflects the past. Tuamgraney The village is a pleasant hamlet consisting of two storey, three bay, gabled houses and commercial premises with wooden sash windows and Killaloe slate roofs. The buildings and boundary walls are constructed of local sandstone blocks, giving the structures a soft, warm texture not found in the west or south of the county. The village centre appears to have been unaffected by modern development and materials and still retains its 18th century market village character. Tulla The village addresses the ruin of an ancient church and graveyard which commands the highest point in the village. This was likely a fortified site in prehistoric times and was once the site of a late mediaeval castle or tower house. Now it is dominated by the ruins of the early 18th century Church of Ireland and some sparse remains of an earlier one, reputedly built by St. Mochulla in the 7th century. The element which contributes most to the character of Tulla is its unusual elevated position, high above the surrounding landscape, which is reminiscent of fortified hill villages of the Iberian and Italian peninsulas. The streets, which slope down from the centre sit easily on this hillside location by the use of incremental variations in floor and roof514

9. Page 519

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   Location Description levels, giving a ‘deck of cards effect’ to the terraces of two storey shops and houses. The buildings of Tulla are predominantly two storey, gabled, two and three bay houses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. Many contain early wooden or plaster shopfronts with ornate moulding and detailing.515

10. Page 520

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    Appendix 5 Scenic Routes SCENIC ROUTES Number Location 1 Coast Road from County boundary (along the Kinvarra Road) to Quilty including the R479 spur to Doolin 2 N67 from Ballyvaughan to Corkscrew Hill 3 R480 from Ballyvaughan to Leamaneh Castle 4 R476 from Leamaneh Castle to Corofin 5 R476 from Leamaneh Castle to Kilfenora 6 Series of roads from junction of R476 through Porkabinna to Castletown and south west to Seshymore, northwards from Carran through Rannagh townland 7 Road from Caherconnell to Carran 8 Series of roads from Carran through Fahee South, north to Glencolmcille south, northwards to Keelhilla (cross), westwards through Pullagh, Coolnatullagh and Coskeam to Fahee South 9 Road from townland of Turlough to Aghawinnaun 10 From church in New Quay, Behagh to end of public road 11 From junction at Fanore and R477 south eastwards to Lislareenbeg 12 From road junction Formoyle east, southwards to Lismorahaun 13 Series of roads southwards from junction at Fannoremore to junction at Blake’s mountain and westwards to junction with R477 at Crumlin 14 Series of roads from junction at Ballynalacken Castle through townlands of Ballynalacken, Carrownacleary, Ballynahown, Poulnagun and Cloughaun 15 R474 from Connolly to Miltown Malbay 16 R487 from Kilfearagh to T-junction before Breaghva 17 R487 from outside Carrigaholt to Loop Head 18 Along coast road from Carrigaholt to Doonaha 19 Coast road south east of Cappagh to Carrowdotia South 20 R473 from outside Labasheeda to T-junction before Kiladysert 21 Road through Ballysallagh east, southwards to Ballycally 22 From Brickhill Bridge north east to road junction at Reaskcamoge 23 Road from Cratloe north east through Gallows Hill to Glennagross 24 Views in and out of Lough Cullaunyheeda 25 Views in and out of Doon Lough 26 R466 between Broadford and O’Briensbridge 27 R463 from O’Briensbridge through Killaloe to outside Ogonnelloe 28 R463 from Tuamgraney to Mountshannon 29 Roads surrounding Lough Graney 30 R487 from junction at Carrounaveehaun along the coast road to Kilkee 31 Wood Road, Corofin 32 Road from Church at Ballylaghan crossroads as far as the crossroads at Caherhurly (part of the East Clare Way)516

Source Clare County Council: Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied) (2023–2029) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.