14.8 Telltown Impact Assessment Report

Teltown Impact Assessment
Woodland - Moyhill
400kV Transmission Line
Billy Quinn, Nigel Malcolm
October 2009
corporate house,ballybrit business park, galway, p: 091 765640, f: 091 765641, e: info@mooregroup.ie
This report describes the results of a Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment carried out in relation
to the Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity, County Meath. The work was undertaken
by the authors for Moore Archaeological and Environmental Services Ltd. (Moore Group) for
TOBIN Consulting Engineers Ltd, on behalf of the client EirGrid. This work is completed as part
of the Meath-Tyrone 400kV Interconnection Development.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 SCOPE OF WORKS....................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Legal Background................................................................................................. 1
1.2.1 Conventions & Legislation............................................................................... 1
1.2.2 Meath County Development Plan, 2007 -2013 .................................................. 6
1.3 Cultural Heritage Assessment ................................................................................ 6
1.4 Line Route Selection ............................................................................................. 6
1.5 Methodology ........................................................................................................ 7
1.5.1 Desktop Study of the Area .............................................................................. 7
1.5.2 Field Survey................................................................................................... 8
2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROJECT............................................................................................10
2.1 Description of the Site..........................................................................................10
2.2 Site Layout/Locational details ...............................................................................10
3 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT .........................................................................11
3.1 Landscape Character Assessment..........................................................................11
3.2 Geology ..............................................................................................................12
3.3 Soil Type ............................................................................................................12
4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL & HISTORICAL BACKGROUND .......................................................................13
4.1 Prehistoric Period.................................................................................................13
4.2 Iron Age / Early historic period .............................................................................15
4.3 Later Historic Period.............................................................................................16
4.4 Early Modern period.............................................................................................18
5 THE TELTOWN ZONE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL AMENITY.................................................................22
5.1 Literary References to the area.............................................................................22
5.1.1 ODonovans Ordnance Survey Letters.............................................................22
5.1.2 The Boyne and the Blackwater by Sir William Wilde Published 1849...................33
5.1.3 A Social History of Ireland by P.W. Joyce published 1903..................................38
5.2 Notes on the literary Sources................................................................................40
5.2.1 After O Donovan ..........................................................................................40
5.2.2 After Wilde ...................................................................................................40
5.2.3 After Joyce ...................................................................................................41
5.3 Teltown Today - Interpretation and Comments ......................................................41
5.3.1 Rath Dh or the black fort - (CHS-018) ...........................................................43
5.3.2 Rath Airthir (the eastern fort) - (CHS-010) ......................................................43
5.3.3 The Knockauns (CHS-019) ..........................................................................45
5.3.4 Donaghpatrick Church and Standing Stone (CHS-007) ...................................46
5.3.5 Ancient Road ................................................................................................48
6 BASELINE DATA .........................................................................................................................49
6.1 National Monuments ............................................................................................50
6.2 Record of Monuments and Places (RMP)................................................................51
6.3 Record of Protected Structures (RPS) ....................................................................53
6.4 The National Museum of Ireland Topographical Files ..............................................56
6.5 Previous Archaeological Fieldwork in the area ........................................................57
6.6 Cartographic Evidence..........................................................................................61
6.6.1 The Knockauns (CHS 019)........................................................................61
6.6.2 Donaghpatrick (CHS-007) ...........................................................................63
6.6.3 Rath Dh (CHS-018)...................................................................................65
6.6.4 Unrecorded cultural heritage sites ..................................................................67
6.6.5 ODonovans Maps .........................................................................................72
6.7 Aerial Photographs ..............................................................................................75
7 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS .........................................................................................................76
7.1 Direct Impacts.....................................................................................................77
7.2 Indirect and Visual Impacts ..................................................................................78
8 MITIGATION..............................................................................................................................85
8.1 Direct Impacts.....................................................................................................85
8.1.1 Mitigation Strategies during Construction ........................................................85
8.1.2 Mitigation Strategies during Operational and Dismantling Work.........................87
8.2 Indirect Effects....................................................................................................87
9 BIBLIOGRAPHY ..........................................................................................................................88
10 OTHER SOURCES REFERENCED................................................................................................89
ANNEX 1: FIGURES ............................................................................................................................90
ANNEX 2: PHOTOMONTAGES ............................................................................................................91

Table of Illustrations

Illustration 1 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing site of Knockauns. RMP 017:049......................62
Illustration 2 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Knockauns, note elliptical feature to south of
field boundary.........................................................................................................................................63
Illustration 3 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Donaghpatrick Church, Rath Airthir, Bridge and
Mill ..........................................................................................................................................................64
Illustration 4 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Donaghpatrick and Environs........................65
Illustration 5 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Rath Dh ...........................................................66
Illustration 6 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Rath Dh......................................................66
Illustration 7 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Corn Mill, Ford & Weir.......................................67
Illustration 8 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Old Mill south west of Donaghpatrick ...............68
Illustration 9 Second Edition Ordnance Map showing a circular copse of trees ...........................................69
Illustration 10 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing the absence of the circular copse of trees that
appears on the later map .......................................................................................................................69
Illustration 11 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing St. Catherine's Church....................................70
Illustration 12 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing St. Catherine's Church...............................71
Illustration 13 ODonovans Map of the Teltown 1836, showing the significant sites associated with the
area ........................................................................................................................................................72
Illustration 14 Annotated Map of Teltown Showing Location of Monuments ................................................73

List of Tables

Table 1 Locational Details..............................................................................................................................10
Table 2 Landscape Character Summary Matrix from the Meath County Development Plan 2007-2013 ....11
Table 3 Summary of Cultural Heritage Sites (CHS) ......................................................................................49
Table 4 Distance of CHS Sites from Towers and the Line Route .................................................................50
Table 5 Assessment of Direct Impacts ..........................................................................................................78
Table 6 Assessment of Visual Impacts..........................................................................................................81
Table 7 Mitigation Measures..........................................................................................................................87

List of Plates

Plate 1 Aerial Image Rath Dh.......................................................................................................................43
Plate 2 Aerial Image Rath Aritir and Donaghpatrick Church .........................................................................44
Plate 3 Aerial Image the Knockauns..............................................................................................................46
Plate 4 Aerial Image the Ancient Roadway ...................................................................................................48
NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY
This report describes the results of a Cultural Heritage assessment carried out in relation to
the Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity, County Meath in 2009. The work was
undertaken by the authors for Moore Archaeological and Environmental Services Ltd.
(Moore Group) for TOBIN Consulting Engineers, on behalf of the client EirGrid.
The proposed development entails the construction of a 400kV overhead transmission line
in the area of Teltown as part of the proposed North South Interconnector from County
Meath to County Tyrone.
Following constraints mapping and line route selection phases a preferred line route was
chosen. This corridor traverses the landscape between Navan and Kells passing through a
region designated by the Department of Environment Heritage & Local Government
(DoEHLG) as the Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity. This zone is situated to the
north west of the bend in the Boyne River west of Donaghpatrick village and forms the
ancient area of Tailtiu, identified by ODonovan as the focus of a complex of prehistoric and
early historic field monuments forming one of the countrys most important ritual
landscapes.
The work was commissioned in order to:
Determine the archaeological potential of the area;
Determine how the archaeological resource would be affected both directly and
indirectly by the proposed developments; and
Suggests mitigation measures for the same.
The report finds that there will be no direct impact upon known cultural heritage sites.
There is the potential that previously unrecorded archaeology could be impacted upon and
mitigation measures are recommended to ensure that any of these impacts are kept to a
minimum. These measures include pre construction geophysical investigation, further
assessment phase upon completion of detailed construction drawings, archaeological
testing and monitoring of groundworks, specific construction methodology to reduce
impacts and ongoing liaison with the DoEHLG.
The report also found that the proposed development would have a negative impact upon
selected views from within and surrounding the zone. These views were chosen as they
were associated with known cultural heritage sites or were areas, which would experience
the greatest impact from the proposed development.
In summary, from an examination of the photomontages the views from the most prominent
sites including Rath Dh (CHS-018), the Knockauns (CHS-019) and Donaghpatrick Church
(CHS-007) will be negatively impacted by the proposed tower towers and wire-scape, these
impacts were found to range from imperceptible to slight. The view from Donaghpatrick
Bridge (CHS-005) would experience a slight impact. At Gibstown Gate (CHS-017), an
isolated demesne feature situated at Crasulthan cross the view eastwards, already
compromised by other physical infrastructure (transmission lines, telecoms wires, a radio
tower and a GAA clubhouse with floodlights) would experience a moderate cumulative
impact. Views to the west from the vicinity of the henge feature (CHS-0200) which has no
above ground expression, would also be moderately impacted. Other roadside views, albeit
with limited pedestrian access and viewer incidence would also be moderately impacted.
These include views from the N3, the R163 and from the Oristown / Donaghpatrick road.
These views are further restricted by high intermittent hedgerows and are normally
experienced in transit and peripherally. Notably from the roadside there is very little inter-
visibility between the more significant archaeological sites.

Appendix 14.8 Teltown Impact Assessment

Moore Group Archaeological, Environmental, Architectural & Energy Consultants page 1
1 SCOPE OF WORKS
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Moore Group was commissioned to carry out a cultural heritage impact assessment on
behalf of Tobin Consulting Engineers for the client EirGrid for a proposed 400kV overhead
transmission line at Teltown, County Meath (Appendix 14.8, Annex 1: Figure 1 details the
site location). Located on the North side of the N3, approximately halfway between Navan
& Kells, is an area which forms a Zone of Archaeological Amenity relating to Teltown.
Delineated by the National Monuments Section of the DoEHLG the zone circumscribes an
area of high archaeological potential. A map of the zone of archaeological amenity is held
by the National Monuments Section of the DoEHLG and does not appear in the existing
Meath County Development Plan, 2007-2013. It comprises a region defined by the River
Blackwater to the south and the third class road between Oristown and Bloomsbury
Crossroads to the west, the R163 Kells to Slane Road to the north and a third class road
linking Crassulthan Crossroads to a point south of Donaghpatrick Bridge to the east. This
area has been identified in an Archaeology Ireland heritage Guide No. 3 (1998) as the core
of the historic region of Tailti a ritual landscape with impressive field monuments and a
unique wealth of folklore and literary references. This report assesses both the direct and
indirect impacts of the proposed development on the area and suggests mitigation
measures.
1.2 LEGAL BACKGROUND
1.2.1 CONVENTIONS & LEGISLATION
Ireland has ratified several European and international conventions in relation to the
protection of its cultural heritage. Outlined below are summaries of relevant conventions
and legislation.
UNESCO World Heritage Convention, 1972
In an international context Ireland is a ratified member of The World Heritage Convention,
adopted by UNESCO in 1972. The Convention provides for the identification, conservation
and preservation of cultural and natural sites of outstanding universal value for inclusion in
a world heritage list. The World Heritage status is a non-statutory designation and no
additional statutory controls result from this designation. However the impact upon a World
Heritage Site of the proposed development will be a key material consideration in
determining planning applications.

European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valletta
Convention), 1997
In 1997 the Republic of Ireland ratified the Council of Europe European Convention on the
Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (the 'Valletta Convention'). Obligations under the
Convention include: provision for statutory protection measures, including the maintenance
of an inventory of the archaeological heritage and the designation of protected monuments
and areas; the authorisation and supervision of excavations and other archaeological
activities; providing for the conservation and maintenance of the archaeological heritage
(preferably in situ) and providing appropriate storage places for remains removed from their
original locations; providing for consultation between archaeologists and planners in
relation to the drawing up of development plans and development schemes so as to ensure
that full consideration is given to archaeological requirements; making or updating surveys,
inventories and maps of archaeological sites and taking practical measures to ensure the
drafting, following archaeological operations, of a publishable scientific record before the
publication of comprehensive studies; preventing the illicit circulation of elements of the
archaeological heritage, including co-operation with other states party to the convention.
European Convention on the Protection of the Architectural Heritage (Granada
Convention), 1997
Also in 1997 the Republic of Ireland ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the
Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe (the 'Granada Convention'). Obligations
under this convention include: maintenance of inventories of architectural heritage;
provision of statutory measures to protect the architectural heritage; the adoption of
integrated conservation policies, which include the protection of the architectural heritage
as an essential town and country planning objective; developing public awareness of the
value of conserving architectural heritage; promotion of training in the various occupations
and craft trades involved in architectural heritage conservation.
The European Landscape Convention 2000
In 2002 Ireland ratified The European Landscape Convention - also known as the Florence
Convention, which promotes the protection, management and planning of European
landscapes and organises European co-operation on landscape issues. It is the first
international treaty to be exclusively concerned with all dimensions of European landscape.
The Convention came into force on 1 March 2004 and is part of the Council of Europe's
work on natural and cultural heritage, spatial planning and the environment. It applies to the

entire territory of the ratified Parties and relates to natural, urban and suburban areas,
whether on land, water or sea. It therefore concerns not just remarkable landscapes but
also ordinary everyday landscapes. The European Landscape Convention introduces the
concept of "landscape quality objectives" into the protection, management and planning of
geographical areas
EIA Directive 85/337/EEC as amended
In order to assist planning and other consent authorities in deciding if significant effects on
the environment are likely to arise in the case of development below the national
mandatory EIA thresholds, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government published a Guidance document in August 2003.
Planning and Development Act 2006-2009
The Planning and Development Act ensures the protection of the archaeological heritage
resource by requiring that all applications under this Act are accompanied by an EIS
including information on material assets, including the architectural and archaeological
heritage, and the cultural heritage.
The National Monuments Act 1930 to 2004
Irish legislation for the protection of archaeological heritage is based on the National
Monuments Acts 1930 and amendments of 1954, 1987, 1994 and 2004. These acts are the
principal statutes governing the care of monuments in the Irish Republic. They provide for
the protection of national monuments through the use of preservation orders. The Minister
for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government has a specific role in relation to the
protection of the archaeological heritage through powers provided by these acts and the
National Cultural Institutions Act 1997. The overall state archaeological service is provided
by the Department of the Environment Heritage & Local Government (DoEHLG) and
delivered through the Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government and the National Museum of Ireland (Irish Antiquities
Division) on behalf of the Minister.
Monuments are protected under the National Monuments Acts in a number of ways:
National Monuments in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister or a local
authority; A National Monument is a monument under preservation by the State, as a
result of its being considered to be of national importance. The legal basis for this

status is the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004. The original national
monuments act was enacted in 1930 updating an original itinerary of monuments
comprised of those to which the Ancient Monuments Protection Act, 1882 applied.
The most recent amendment in 2004 includes provisions for the partial or complete
destruction of National Monuments by the government. Only a small section of our
monuments are in state ownership. The remainder are protected by the state under
the National Monuments Acts but the care and preservation of these features
depends largely on the interests and respect of individuals.
National Monuments, which are subject to a preservation order; where it appears to
the minister that a monument, considered to be a national monument, is in danger or
is actually being destroyed or falling into decay the minister may by preservation
order or temporary preservation order, undertake the preservation of the monument.
A temporary preservation order will remain in force for six months and then expire.
Historic monuments or archaeological areas recorded in the Register Of Historic
Monuments; a list of all historic monuments known to the Minister. Owners or
occupiers must not, other than with consent, alter, deface, demolish or in any
manner interfere with a historic monument entered in the register (National
Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1987)
Monuments recorded in the Record Of Monuments And Places. All known sites
and monuments are identified and listed for protection in the Record of Monuments
and Places, a statutory inventory of sites protected under the National Monuments
(Amendment) Act, 1994. Monuments entered into it are referred to as Recorded
Monuments. Owners or occupiers of Recorded Monuments are required to give two
months notice to the Minister and obtain consent before carrying out any works in
relation to the monument. The RMP consists of a set of 6" maps of the different
Counties with an accompanying index which shows all the sites, monuments and
zones of archaeological potential, recorded to date and protected in the county. The
inventory concentrates on pre 1700 AD sites
When the owner or occupier of a property, or any other person proposes to carry out, or to
cause, or to permit the carrying out of any work at or in relation to a Recorded Monument
they are required to give notice in writing to the Minister 2 months before commencing that
work. This is to allow the National Monuments Service time consider the proposed works
and how best to proceed to further the protection of the monument.

For national monuments in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister or a local
authority or which are subject to a preservation order, the prior written consent of the
Minister is required for any works at or in proximity to the monument.
The Architectural Heritage & Historic Properties Act, 1999
The Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) & Historic Properties (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Act, was promulgated in 1999 as a direct response to the Granada Convention.
The act provides for the establishment of a national inventory of architectural heritage and
for related matters and to provide for the obligations of sanitary authorities in respect of
registered historic monuments. Although this act provides no direct protection for
architectural sites it is used by local authorities to inform the compilation of their Record of
Protected Structures, which, under the Planning and Development Act 2000, does afford
legal protection.
The Planning and Development Act 2000
Under arrangements which came into operation on 1 January 2000 (The Planning and
Development Act 2000), the system of listing buildings was replaced with strengthened
procedures for the preservation of protected structures and structures in architectural
conservation areas.
A protected structure is a structure that a local authority considers to be of special interest
from an architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or
technical point of view. Details of protected structures are entered by the authority in its
Record of Protected Structures (RPS), which is part of the Development Plan. Each owner
and occupier of a protected structure is legally obliged to ensure that the structure is
preserved.
The legislation obligates Planning authorities to preserve the character of places and
townscapes which are of special architectural, historic, archaeological, artistic, cultural,
scientific, social or technical interest or that contribute to the appreciation of protected
structures, by designating them architectural conservation areas (ACAs) in their
development plan.
The Act also provides comprehensive protection for landscapes including views, prospects
and the amenities of places and features of natural beauty or interest under a local
authorities development plan. A development plan is required to include objectives for the
preservation of the character of the landscape including the preservation of views and

prospects. A planning authority may also designate, for the purposes of preservation,
landscape conservation areas.
1.2.2 MEATH COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN, 2007 -2013
A County Development Plan plays a pivotal role in both facilitating and regulating
development within a county, setting out general policies and development standards and
the processes whereby individual applications are assessed against these policies. The
County Development Plan also contains lists of Cultural Heritage Sites including national
monuments, recorded monuments, protected structures and protected views as well as the
landscape character assessment of the county.
This assessment has been carried out with regard to the Meath County Development Plan
2007-2013 and in particular its cultural heritage and landscape policies and other relevant
sources contained within.
1.3 CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSESSMENT
Assessment has been described as the overall process of assessing the impact of a
development (DAHGI, 1999). In light of the legislative protection afforded to the cultural
heritage of Ireland this report assesses the archaeological, architectural, cultural and
historical importance of an area around Teltown in relation to the proposed development of
an overhead transmission line.
The main purpose of this desktop study is to assess the impact on the receiving
environment and to propose ameliorative measures to safeguard any monuments, sites,
features or finds of antiquity. The study was carried out on behalf of EirGrid at the request
of Catherine Desmond, Archaeologist DOEHLG.
1.4 LINE ROUTE SELECTION
Prior to this study two phases of constraints mapping and line route selection were
undertaken. The first study proposed a 400kV line from Woodland in County Meath to
Kingscourt in County Cavan via a line route through County Meath. Following discussions
with An Bord Pleanala further study was undertaken to the east to assess whether there
was a more appropriate eastern line route option available.
The following is taken from the Non Technical Summary of the second report:
To assess the potential impact of the proposed development on the Cultural Heritage of
the region the following data sources were consulted:

National Monuments A database available through the www.heritagedata.ie
website;
Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) databases obtained from the national
monuments section of the Department of Environment Heritage & Local Government;
Record of Protected Structures (RPS) datasets obtained from Meath & Cavan
Local Authorities;
National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) Datasets obtained from the
architectural section of the DoEHLG; and
County Development Plans were also consulted with regard to further heritage
designations.

The study area for the western line route options (1, 2, 3a and 3b) covers a wide area and
through careful line route selection it has been possible to keep a significant distance
between the most sensitive archaeological landscapes of Hill of Tara and Loughcrew and
the proposed transmission line development. However there is a wealth of cultural heritage
sites within the landscape and although it has been possible to avoid physically impacting
upon any known sites, there is the potential that sites will be visually impacted upon.
From the earliest stages the aim of the methodology applied was to reduce the potential for
visual impact of the transmission line upon cultural heritage sites. During the constraints
mapping and line route selection phases of the assessment sites with greater legislative
protection or a higher potential for visual impact were highlighted in the GIS mapping
exercise to inform the process. Wind screen surveys consisting of drive bys and accessing
sites where possible, were completed to verify the mapping and suggest amended tower
positions to reduce the visual impact.
When all environmental factors were taken into consideration the emerging preferred line
route option from the western line route options was line route 3b.
1.5 METHODOLOGY
The methodology employed to complete this EIA is twofold, comprising a desktop study of
the area and field survey.
1.5.1 DESKTOP STUDY OF THE AREA
To assess the potential impact of the proposed development the following were consulted:
World Heritage Sites in Ireland

National Monuments Register
Monuments Subject to Preservation Orders
Record of Monuments and Places (RMP)
Archaeological inventories held by the DoEHLG
Graveyards in the ownership of Meath County Council
Record of Protected Structures (RPS)
National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH)
Survey of Historic Gardens & Designed Landscapes
County Development Plan
Excavations Bulletin
Topographical files of the National Museum of Ireland
Cartographic Sources
Toponym analysis
Aerial photographs
Published archaeological inventories
Documentary Sources: A number of literary references were consulted.
1.5.2 FIELD SURVEY
Access to land where the development is proposed is an issue, with some local
communities who have concerns with regard to the project. Many gates throughout
County Meath have signage specifically stating that EirGrid are not allowed entry to the
land. In view of this the field survey has been conducted in the following manner:
Cultural Heritage Sites: Where possible cultural heritage sites identified in the desktop
study will be visited. Where access is not possible then the sites will be surveyed from the
nearest publicly accessible land or roads.

Tower Location: High definition aerial photographs and lidar data were used to
determine locations and where possible the proposed site of each tower was visited and
inspected to determine if there are previously unrecorded archaeological features or areas
of archaeological potential in the area. Where access was not possible the sites were
surveyed from the nearest publicly accessible land or roads.
Visual Impact: Sites where there is a potential for visual impact were visited where
access was possible to assess the impact magnitude. Where access was not possible
the sites were surveyed from the nearest publicly accessible land or roads.

2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROJECT
2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE
The subject area is located at Teltown, approximately 5km north west of Navan town,
County Meath. It is accessed from the N3 Navan Kells road or a third class road that
follows the River Blackwater from Abbeylands, Navan to Oristown (Appendix 14.8, Annex
1: Figures 1 -6)
2.2 SITE LAYOUT/LOCATIONAL DETAILS

Table 1 Locational Details
County Meath
Parish Donaghpatrick
Townlands Teltown & Gibstown - Zone of
Archaeological Amenity and
surrounding townlands including
Oristown, Donaghpatrick,
Hurdlestown, Tankardstown & Martry
OS Sheet number ME 017
NGR 281930/272690
Height 45-60m


3 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
3.1 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT
The Meath County Council Development Plan 2007 -2013 contains the Meath Landscape
Character Assessment, which was completed adhering broadly to the draft landscape
assessment guidelines published by the DoEHLG in 2000. As part of this assessment the
different landscape character areas were assessed for their sensitivity and capacity for
different types of development. The following summarises the relevant findings from the
assessment with regard to the landscape character area of Teltown.
Table 2 Landscape Character Summary Matrix from the Meath County Development Plan 2007-2013
No. Area
Landscape
Value
Landscape
sensitivity
Landscape
importance
20 Blackwater Valley Very High High Regional

Characteristics of Blackwater Valley
River Corridors and Estuaries, comprising Nanny Valley, and Blackwater Valley
(Landscape Character Areas 8 and 20). The River Blackwater runs between Kells and
Navan where it joins with the Boyne. The entire river has a European designation as an
cSAC and a number of smaller parts designated as pNHAs. The rivers Nanny and Delvin
have largely undeveloped corridors and as such have high ecological value (with
associated wetlands, sand bars, mudflats and coastal areas). Both estuaries (Boyne and
Nanny) are densely wooded and relatively undisturbed, making them important.
Sensitivities of Blackwater Valley
These areas are considered to of very high value and are regionally important. They are
highly sensitive to development. The Nanny Valley in particular would have a low capacity
to absorb all types of development. The Blackwater valley can however absorb some
development, in particular visitor facilities, conversion of existing buildings, overhead and
underground cables, wind farms, roads and railways.



3.2 GEOLOGY
The underlying bedrock is comprised of greywacke with shaley limestone, calp limestone
and isolated areas of granite.
3.3 SOIL TYPE
As with most of the eastern seaboard of Ireland, County Meath and Cavan were subjected
to ice movements from both east and west. Midlandian ice sheets occupied much of the
county and as a result of the continuous interchange of inland and sea glaciers during this
period, the drift geology of the region is complicated. In it simplest form it is characterised
by patterns of glacial till and fluvioglacial conglomerate and sedimental deposits .The
principal soil along the survey corridor is made up of grey brown podzolics (75%) with
associated soils of gleys (20%) and brown earths (5%). East of Kells, the principal soil
comprises of acid brown earths 75%) with associated soils of gleys (15%) and brown
podzolics (10%). The quality of agricultural land in County Meath, brown earths and grey-
brown podzolics ideal for both tillage and pasture, has attracted settlement throughout
prehistoric and historic times.


4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL & HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
4.1 PREHISTORIC PERIOD
Mesolithic Period
In the absence of any evidence of Palaeolithic communities in Ireland our archaeological
record begins in the Mesolithic period (75004500 BC) when hunter-gatherers navigated
the coast and waterways of the country foraging for food and living in temporary camps.
Mesolithic Sites were usually set on elevated ground overlooking rivers. These rivers
played an important part in the survival of the hunter-gathering people by providing a
source of food with salmon and eels available for many months of the year. Water fowl,
hares and wild pigs would have also supplemented the diet. Flint tools are often the best
evidence of these early sites. These microliths (from Latin small stone) are extraordinary
in their sophistication and range of use and include scalene triangles, rods, needlepoints,
scrapers and micro-awls.
The earliest evidence of mesolithic activity in Ireland is to be found in 'The Curran' County
Antrim, Ireland's only source of flint, Mount Sandel in County Derry and Lough Boora in
County Offaly. In Meath primitive stone tools were recovered, including chert lithics in the
form of scrapers and axes at Moynagh Lough (OSullivan 1998, 5253) on the site of a
multi-period Crannog and at Corrallan (Warren & Stanley 2009) between Lough Kinale and
Lough Derravarragh.
In the Later Mesolithic period larger tools were used as spear heads, being attached to
wooden shafts. Many of these were located in Northern Ireland's Bann Valley and are thus
referred to as Bann Flakes. At Ferriter's Cove, on the Dingle Peninsula, in Co. Kerry late
Mesolithic people repeatedly visited the sheltered bay leaving behind shell middens,
hearths, stakeholes, and pits.
Neolithic Period
The practice of farming spread from the Middle East, through eastern and southern Europe
to reach Ireland via Britain around 4000BC. Ireland's Mesolithic hunters were over a period
displaced or assimilated by the new Neolithic settlers. This transition fundamentally
changed the local economy from one based on hunting and foraging to one of cereal
cultivation and livestock rearing. The arrival of the first farmers resulted in land clearance
by burning or chopping down trees with stone axes. There were no indigenous cereal crops
but the settlers brought with them wheat and barley as well as domesticated sheep, goats

and cattle. Tending of crops and animals required a more sedentary lifestyle and larger
permanent settlements were built. Farming as a practice required new skills and more
importantly new tools. This demand resulted in the development of specific crafts. Polished
stone axes, Ards (ploughs) flint tools for harvesting crops, and stone saddle querns for
grinding the grain required the exploitation of specific stone sources. Porcellanite was
quarried at Tievebulliagh Mountain near Cushendall and at Brockley on Rathlin Island, Co.
Antrim. Flint remained an important stone for the production of tools and weapons, objects
such as javelin heads, mace heads, polished axes and fine leaf and lozengeshaped
arrowheads were used for both hunting and warfare. During this period the first long
distance trade networks were established. Stone axes from Britain, a flint axe from
Scandinavia, pitchstone from Scotland, and jadeite axes from the Alpine area of northern
Europe have all been found throughout the country.
Pottery also makes its first appearance in the archaeological record. The pots were
handmade, coilbuilt, and fired in bonfires or pits. The earliest pots were mainly
undecorated roundbottomed bowls, although decoration became more common in the
later part of the period. Towards the end of the Neolithic a great diversity in pottery styles
existed and flatbased pottery was introduced.
Other significant changes included the development of a ritual landscape dotted by large
megalithic (from the Greek mega large and lith stone) monuments built as communal
tombs or for ceremonial purposes. These monuments indicate status, a knowledge of
engineering, and the ability to organize resources, including labour. Within Meath the
megalithic tombs of Br na Boinne, Fourknocks, Loughcrew and elsewhere are the most
visible and recognisable monuments of the period, a number of settlement sites are known
from the county: for example, Newtown (Halpin & Gowen 1992) and Creewood (Moore
1987, 49).
The Bronze Age
As stone tools were replaced by the use of copper, later combined with tin to make bronze,
the structure of society also changed. Henges were constructed in Ireland in a broad period
beginning around 2000BC, and were sometimes constructed around or beside previous
Neolithic megaliths. Thirteen examples have been identified in Co. Meath in the vicinity of
passage tombs, by far the highest concentration is in the Boyne Valley of county Meath,
already home to the great passage tombs of Knowth and Newgrange. The monuments take
the form of flat-topped banks encompassing circular or oval spaces with entrances facing
either east or west and can measure 100 to 200 metres (330 to 660 feet) across. They are

frequently located on slopes or, in a small number of cases, on the bottoms of river valleys;
their builders contrived to give them a prominent siting within their immediate settings.
Within the henges archaeologists have found the systematically cremated remains of
animals as well as evidence of wooden and stone posts. This indicates that henges were
centres for a religious cult, which had its heyday in the first half of the Bronze Age. While
some communal megalithic monuments, particularly wedge tombs continued to be used,
the Bronze Age is characterised by a movement towards single burial and the production of
prestige items and weapons, suggesting that society was increasingly stratified and warlike.
In late Bronze Age Ireland the use of the metal reached a high point with the production of
high quality decorated weapons, ornament and instruments, often discovered from hoards
or ritual deposits. It is likely that the developed communities of the Boyne Valley were
among the first to incorporate metal technology and their settlements have been excavated
at a number of locations across Meath, including Monknewtown and Knowth (Waddell
1998, 117), and more recently at a number of sites along the line route of the M1 Drogheda
Bypass. The Bronze Age period is best known perhaps for the delicate gold artefacts and
elaborate pottery styles, many of which have been identified in Meath. While we have little
evidence for Bronze Age settlement in the Boyne Valley after 1800 BC, settlement
flourished in the east of the county where recent excavations have uncovered numerous
sites, both enclosed and unenclosed from the period 1500 BC onwards.
4.2 IRON AGE / EARLY HISTORIC PERIOD
The end of the Irish Bronze Age merges into the Early Iron Age almost imperceptibly. Not
much is known about this period in time and it has been dubbed 'The Irish Dark Age'. It
would seem from the evidence so far uncovered that iron use was gradually introduced into
Ireland however bronze implements were still very much in use for everyday objects and for
ornamentation. Many of the finds dating to the Iron Age include objects decorated in the
'La Tne' style such as the wonderful torc found at Broighter, Co. Derry. Many finds were
made in lakes and around the sites of cranngs (artificial islands). Many horse trappings
were discovered dating to this period indicating the importance of horses to Iron Age Man.
Many of the 'Historical Romances' transcribed by medieval monks refer to this period in
time, the Ulster Cycle and stories of Emain Macha (Navan Fort) are noted in particular. Life
in Iron Age in Ireland seems to have been much as it was in earlier times mixed farmers
living in or around small defended settlements known as ringforts or stone cashels.


Early Christian Ireland
Early Christian Ireland conventionally dates from the 400s when missionaries such as
Palladius and Patrick established the first churches in the country eventually resulting in the
conversion of the indigenous population and the creation of a literate society. In Meath this
period coincides with legendary kings such as Niall of the Nine Hostages and the Three
Collas credited with creating the political landscape. Patrick is associated with the Hill of
Slane and Tara Palladius and his colleagues founded churches close to the royal centres of
the period: Secundus is remembered by Dunshaughlin, County Meath, close to the Hill of
Tara which is associated with the High King of Ireland.
By the time the Vikings arrived in Ireland, the land was nominally ruled over by the rd R,
but was in truth a warring collection of petty kingdoms which gave lip service only to the
ceremonial overlordship of the Ui-Naill. The North of Ireland was ruled by the Ui-Naill
family. Meath was ruled by the Southern Ui-Naill, while Ulster was ruled by Njall-Caille of
the northern Ui-Naill. The petty kings of Ireland, busy warring among themselves, were
ultimately the cause of the Vikings' first successes in Ireland. Over the next two centuries
Meaths fortunes fluctuated back and forth as the Noresemen tried to establish a foothold.
By the 850's, the Vikings had become integrated into the life of Ireland settling the shores,
and taking Irish wives. Many also converted to Christianity. The Norse rule of Ireland was
certainly not an unenlightened period of barbarism. They were,above all else, traders and
merchants. It has been commented on that the graves of wealthy Vikings often contained a
trader's scales as well as the more martial accoutrements.
The end of the Viking rule in Ireland came with the reign of Brian Bor In 980 The Norse
suffered a heavy defeat at Tara under the leadership of Brian Bor who ascended to rd R
of Ireland, forcing the petty kings to acknowledge his rule. Boru's descendants however
failed to maintain a unified throne, and regional squabbling over territory led indirectly to an
invasion by the Anglo-Normans under Strongbow in 1169.
4.3 LATER HISTORIC PERIOD
Interestingly, the location of the most important sites circa the tenthtwelfth centuries
developed as important manorial centres following the AngloNorman conquest. In 1172,
Meath was given to Hugh de Lacy, who immediately began organising its colonisation and
settlement (Graham 1974, 40), involving the sub-infeudation of the county into areas
roughly corresponding to modern barony divisions.

These baronies were divided up into smaller units known as manors. There was an
overwhelming growth in settlements in this period; many of these remain at the heart of
modern towns and villages, for example, Navan, Ratoath, Athboy, Trim, Dunboyne, and
Dunshaughlin (Bradley 1988, 3446). The primary form of settlement in medieval Meath
was based on the manorial centre. Generally, this comprised a fortification (usually a motte
or later a tower house), a manorial church and a number of dwellings, which could be
nucleated or scattered around the manor. An example of one of the most important Norman
military castles in the general area is Trim castle, built on the site of a Motte. A total of
ninety-eight villages from this period have been identified in Meath (Graham 1974, 48), with
many abandoned from the seventeenth century onwards.
Ecclesiastical centres were also prolific during medieval times. Lewis lists the following
major religious structures in his description of county Meath, The monasteries of which no
ruins remain are those of Ardbraccan, Ardceath, Ardmulchan, Ardsallagh, Athboy,
Ballybogan, Beaumore near Colpe, Beaubeg, Calliagh, Cloonmanan, Disert-tola,
Donaghmore, Donneycarney near Colpe, Donoughpatrick, a priory of the Virgin Mary and
the Magdalen Hospital at Duleek ; abbeys at Dunshaughlin, and Indenen near Slane ; a
house of Regular Canons, an hospital of St. John the Baptist, and a chantry, all at Kells ; a
house of Regular Canons and a nunnery at Killeen; an abbey at Navan, on the site of which
the cavalry barrack is now built ; priories at Odder and Rosse, south of Taragh ; an abbey
of Regular Canons and a chantry at Skreen ; a monastery of Grey Friars, on the site of
which the sessions-house at Trim stands ; a nunnery, a Greek church, and a chantry at
Trim ; Dominican friaries at Kilberry, Lismullen, and Dunshaughlin ; besides several others
now existing only in name. Columbkill's house, a stone-roofed cell, said to by one of the
oldest stone-built houses in Ireland, is still traceable at Kells in which town there are also
several stone crosses, one in particular of beautiful workmanship. In the cemetery at
Castlekieran, in which are the ruins of a small church, is also a very fine stone cross richly
sculptured, (Lewis Topographical Dictionary).
After the Arrival of the English, Henry II. granted to Hugh de Lacy the whole of the ancient
kingdom of Meath, to hold by the service of 50 knights. De Lacy shortly afterwards divided
the greater portion of this princely grant among his principal followers, giving to Gilbert
Nangle the territory of Morgallion; to Jocelyn, son of Gilbert, Navan, Ardbraccan, and their
dependencies to Adam Pheipo, the district and manor of Skreen ; to Robert Misset, the
lands of Lune ; and to Gilbert Fitz-Thomas, Kells. From these grants, and from their first
possessors having been created barons by the lord of the palatinate, who exercised the
rights of sovereignty, the divisions were called baronies, which term ultimately became the

general name for the great divisions of counties. The new occupants were not permitted to
enjoy undisturbed the possessions thus acquired. Roderic O'Conor, King of Ireland, at the
head of a large army, suddenly entered Meath, and laid siege to Trim, which was saved by
the rapid approach of Raymond le Gros, then celebrating his marriage with Strongbow's
sister in Wexford. The county also suffered about the same time from the incursions of the
Irish of Ulster, and from an invasion of Melaghlin, King of Meath, who took and demolished
Slane Castle, after its governor, Richard Fleming, had been killed in its defence. On the
death of Hugh de Lacy, who was assassinated at Dermagh or Durrow, in the Kings county
(Offaly), by one of his own dependants, Meath descended to his son Walter.
King John spent some time in this county during his abode in Ireland, and tradition says
that he held a parliament at Trim, which is very doubtful, as there are no traces of its
proceedings. A tomb in which one of this king's daughters is said to have been interred
was shown in the abbey of Newtown, near Trim. About the year 1220, Meath was almost
ruined by the private quarrels of Hugh, Earl of Ulster, and William Marshall. Walter de Lacy
having died in 1234 without male issue, his princely possessions descended to his two
daughters, the wives of Geoffrey de Geneville and Theobald Verdun.
4.4 EARLY MODERN PERIOD
In the reign of Henry VIII., the extensive church property in the county fell into the hands of
the king on the dissolution of the monasteries and towards the close of the same reign Con
O'Nial, King or Prince of Ulster, invaded Meath and pillaged and burned Navan in his
progress; to prevent a recurrence of this calamity a cess (tax) of 3s. 4d. was laid on every
plougland in the county, to be applied towards enclosing Navan with a wall. In the 34th year
of the same kings reign, the division of the county into Meath and Westmeath took place.
During the reign of Elizabeth the county was in a state of great wretchedness and
destitution, as appears from the report made by Sir Henry Sidney, in 1576, in which he
says of that, of the 224 parish churches then in the diocese, the walls of many had fallen;
very few chancels were covered, and the windows and doors were spoiled.
The re-conquest of the country was completed by James I, after several extremely brutal
conflicts. After this point, the English authorities in Dublin established real control over
Ireland for the first time, bringing a centralised government to the entire island, and
successfully disarmed the native lordships. From the mid-16th and into the early 17th
century, crown governments carried out a policy of colonisation known as Plantations.
Scottish and English Protestants were sent as colonists to the provinces of Munster, Ulster
and the counties of Laois and Offaly. These settlers, who had a British and Protestant

identity, would form the ruling class of future British administrations in Ireland. However, the
English were not successful in converting the Catholic Irish to the Protestant religion and
the brutal methods used by crown authority to pacify the country heightened resentment of
English rule.
This seething resentment was unleashed with a rebellion of the Irish of Ulster in October
1641, during which thousands of Scots and English Protestant settlers were killed. The
rebellion spread throughout the country and at Kilkenny in 1642 the association of The
Confederate Catholics of Ireland was formed to organise the Irish Catholic war effort. The
Irish Confederates professed to side with the English Royalists during the ensuing civil
wars, but mostly fought their own war in defence of the Irish Catholic landed class's
interests.
The Confederates ruled much of Ireland as a de facto sovereign state until 1649, and
proclaimed their loyalty to Charles I. From 1641 to 1649, the Confederates fought against
Scottish Covenanter and English Parliamentarian armies in Ireland. The Confederates, in
the context of civil war in England, were loosely allied with the English Royalists, but were
divided over whether to send military help to them in the English Civil War.
The wars produced an extremely fractured array of forces in Ireland. The Protestant forces
were split into three main factions (English Royalist, English Parliamentarian and Scottish
Covenanter) as a result of the civil wars in England and Scotland. The Catholic
Confederates themselves split on more than one occasion over the issue of whether their
first loyalty was to the Catholic religion or to King Charles I.
The wars ended in the defeat of the Confederates. They and their English Royalist allies
were defeated during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland by the New Model Army under
Oliver Cromwell in 1649-53. The wars following the 1641 revolt caused massive loss of life.
The ultimate winner, the English parliament, arranged for the mass confiscation of land
owned by Irish Catholics as punishment for the rebellion and to pay for the war. Although
some of this land was returned after 1660 on the Restoration of the monarchy in England,
the period marked the effective end of the old Catholic landed class.
Despite the devastation wreaked on the country by the Cromwellian conquest there was
still another bloody chapter to be written. This time international events would conspire to
put Ireland centre stage for the final confrontation between The War of the Two Kings. Also
known the Williamite War this conflict followed the deposition of King James II in 1688
when he was replaced by his daughter Mary II with her more acceptable protestant

husband William of Orange, grandson of Charles I. In an effort to regain his throne James
landed in Kinsale, Ireland on 12 March 1689, with 6,000 French soldiers. He first marched
on Dublin, where he was well received and, with a Jacobite army of Catholics, Protestant
Royalists and French. After initial successes such as Dromore on 14 March 1689 the
Jacobites were able to advancenorthwards and occupy Belfast. At Crom Castle on 28 July
1689, near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, the Jacobites received their first major defeat
of the Williamite War. Their numerical superiority became worthless when their
commander, Viscount Mountcashel, gave an unclear order. A chaotic retreat followed and
roughly 400 officers were detained and 2500 men died, amongst them several who tried to
swim over Upper Lough Erne to safety.
Following their success the Williamites landed reinforcements under the Duke of
Schomberg, at Ballyholme Bay in County Down on 13 August 1689. Schomberg marched
southwards to Dundalk but his army was slowed due to an outbreak of fever and the
delaying actions fought by the retreating Jacobites. Impatient with Schomberg's slow
progress, William decided to take charge. He arrived with a fleet of 300 ships at Belfast
Lough on 14 June 1690. He then marched south towards Dublin. After some resistance
near Newry the Jacobites withdrew to the south bank of the River Boyne, where they took
up a defensive position at the village of Oldbridge, near Drogheda. On 1 July, William
attacked their position, fording the Boyne at several places, forcing the Jacobites to retreat
to avoid being surrounded. The Battle of the Boyne was not militarily decisive and
casualties on both sides were not higharound 1500 Jacobites and 500 Williamites were
killed. However, it proved enough to collapse James's confidence in victory and he
deserted his Irish supporters returning to exile in France. William published very harsh
peace terms in Dublin, excluding the Jacobite officers and the Irish Catholic landed class
from the pardon he offered to Jacobite foot-soldiers. As a result, Irish Jacobite leaders felt
they had no choice but to fight until they received guarantees that their lives, property, and
civil and religious rights would be respected in a peace settlement. This settlement signed
in Limerick on 3 October 1691 offered generous terms to Jacobites willing to stay in Ireland
and give an oath of loyalty to William III. Peace was concluded on these terms between
Sarsfield and Ginkell, giving toleration to Catholicism and full legal rights to Catholics that
swore an oath of loyalty to William III.
The Williamite victory in Ireland ensured British and Protestant dominance over Ireland.
Until the 19th century, Ireland would be ruled by what became known as the "Protestant
Ascendancy", the mostly English Protestant ruling class. The majority Irish Catholic

community and the Ulster-Scots Presbyterian community were systematically excluded
from power, which was based on land ownership.
This legacy is evident in the many large country homes of the Anglo-Irish landed gentry in
County Meath. These Big houses are usually encompassed by large estates with small
plots rented out to the native Irish tenants. Of the many big houses built in County Meath
many, like Randalstown House, are no longer standing. Others, like Slane Castle and
Headfort house, are still in use for various purposes.


5 THE TELTOWN ZONE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL AMENITY
During discussions with the DoEHLG regarding the proposed Woodland Moyhill 400kV
Transmission Line Project, the department representatives highlighted their concerns
regarding the line route passing through the Teltown region. A map was presented which
outlines a Zone of Archaeological Amenity (Appendix 14.8, Annex 1: Figure 1) in the area
and although the zone has no legal status the mythological and folkloric associations, some
of which are referred to in this report, are extensive and therefore the DoEHLG view the
region as a nationally important landscape.
The zone is located on south facing gently sloping terrain to the north of the river
Blackwater. Its southern boundary is predominantly the Blackwater River itself, except in
the south east corner where the zone also encompasses an area to the south at a sharp
bend in the river. To the north it is bordered by the R163 which also represents a
geographical boundary to the zone as the road follows a ridge line. There are no views
over the zone of archaeological amenity from the north due to its south facing aspect.
Views are limited around and within the zone, characterised by arable land with high hedge
rows. Many of the roads and fields in the area are bordered by trees providing high levels
of screening.
5.1 LITERARY REFERENCES TO THE AREA
5.1.1 O DONOVAN S ORDNANCE SURVEY LETTERS
ODonovan was the fourth son of Edmond O'Donovan and Eleanor Hoberlin of
Rochestown. His early career may have been inspired by his uncle Parick O'Donovan. He
worked for antiquarian James Hardiman researching state papers and traditional sources at
the Public Records Office. He also taught Irish to Thomas Larcom for a short period in 1828
and worked for Myles John O'Reilly, a collector of Irish manuscripts. Following the death of
Edward O'Reilly in August 1830, he was recruited to the Topographical Department of the
first Ordnance Survey of Ireland under George Petrie in October 1830. Apart from a brief
period in 1833, he worked steadily for the Survey on place-name researches until 1842,
unearthing and preserving many manuscripts. His letters to Larcom are generally regarded
as an important record of the ancient lore of Ireland for those counties he documented
during his years of travel throughout much of Ireland.

The Following are extracts from ODonovans Ordnance Survey Letters, written at the time
of the drafting of the First Edition Ordnance Survey Maps. Some of the letters refer to
features indicated on the following Illustrations:
Illustration 13: ODonovans map of the Teltown 1836, showing the significant sites
associated with the area;
Illustration 14: Annotated map of Teltown showing locations of monuments; and
Appendix 14.8, Annex 1: Figure 3 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map with
ODonovans notes from the Ordnance Survey Letters.
5.1.1.1 JULY 15TH 1836,
The Parish of Tailteann is otherwise called Orestown, which is probably the name you
have got on the plan. Teltown is however a Townland, and must be on the plan,
J, O'Donovan.
5.1.1.2 JULY 12TH 1836. KEANNANNUS, 6
Dear Sir, I
To say no more about Molaise and the wandering Methodists whom (not Molaise) I most
heartily detest as a set of immoral, lying scoundrels. I shall now go on with my own
business, which has a good deal to do with ould Saints but nothing at all with those who
see angels and converse with them in the l9th century. I have visited Taillteann and
identified its name and locality. It lies about four miles southeast of Kells to the right of the
road as one goes from Kells to Donaghpatrick. Nothing is now to be seen there but an
earthen fort called Rath Dhubh, 112 paces in diameter but presenting no peculiar features.
Between this Rath and the road is to be seen two small loughs now nearly dried up. These
have the appearance of being artificial lakes and may have been used while the Olympic
Games of Taillteann were celebrated by the Irish. Have this fort and these loughs been
shown on the plan; if so, what names have been given them?
Lanigan throws out a very bold conjecture that Telltown in the County of Meath was the
place called Taillteann by the Irish writers, but it need not remain a matter of conjecture, as
it is called, Taillteann at this day and pointed at as the famous place of antiquity where the
Irish met for various purposes.
The names of Meath present a very strange aspect to the Irish Etymologist; they have
almost all assumed an English appearance, and the most ridiculous transpositions have

been made to anglicise them; town has been stuck as a tail to the greater part of them, and
the word rath, instead of being placed first as is the Irish custom, has been placed last,
which frequently gives a name a very exotic look. Ex. gr. Maperath for Rath a' Mhabaidh,
Calliaghstown Ballynagalliagh. To comply with the general custom of sticking town as a tail
to as many of these names as possible, the ancient name of Queen Taillteann, the
daughter of Mamore, was changed to Telltown, as if it were to make it impossible to tell
what town it anciently was the name of! Fortunately however, it happens that the Irish
Language is still spoken in the neighbourhood which enables me to put it on record that the
place which the English speaking people call Teltown is invariably called Taillteann by the
Irish, which, joined with the traditions connected with the Rath and with its description by
Colgan as near Donaghpatrick, perfectly identifies it with the Olympic Games of Looee.
We are informed by the Four Masters that Roderic O'Conor was the last King who
celebrated the Nassa of Tailteann, and that on the occasion his people covered the country
for some miles around. Of this more here after.
Your obedient servant,
John ODonovan.
5.1.1.3 JULY 15TH 1836, KENNANUS, 9
Dear Sir,
I hope that in the course of next Winter we shall be able to prepare for the ensuing
excursion, as this has proved a perfect failure. If you want names for the Engravers you
can draw upon me instantly as we have not lost 1 minute since we arrived in Meath; but
should there be no immediate call for names I shall keep the Name Books until the Extracts
from the Annals, etc., arrive that I may be enabled to speak with more confidence and
decision upon the names of wells and other remarkable features of antiquity.
Traditio de Taltenia asservata.
In my last letter I mentioned that the Fair of Tailteann was celebrated by Roderic OConor,
the last Milesian King of Ireland. I can now state on the authority of several old natives that
the sports of Tailteann were celebrated at so late a period as thirty years ago! An annual
Pattern was held on the south side of the River, opposite the fort of Telton, on the first
Sunday of the month, which the Irish at this day in every part of Ireland call Lughnasadh, its
having been, according to Cormacs Glossary, the month in which Looee of the Long
Hands celebrated the Games of Tailteann, It was the month of August, which is called by

the Irish the Month of Looees Nasa or Sports or Games. About thirty years ago the
Meathians carried the Nassa of Looee to such a pitch of violence after they had introduced
Potten instead of Metheglin, that the Clergy, the Magistrates and all those who consulted
for the welfare of the people, thought it advisable to abolish the Sports of Tailteann, and
thus put a stop to Olympic Games which had continued to amuse the people for a period of
more than 2,000 years! What a pity that they were not able to let them continue by re-
introducing Metheglin instead of Whisky!
What I consider very curious in this Pattern is that it was not carried on in honor of any
Saint, as is always the case in every other Parish, and that it was held in the very beginning
of the month which derived its name from the Sports of Tailteann. The usual sports carried
on in latter days were dancing, wrestling, boxing- sports congenial to the Irish temperament
or Constitution. In ancient times the Irish met at Tailteann for various purposes, viz., to
contract marriages, which they did by the simple ceremony (if we believe the book of
Fermoy) of kissing and shaking hands (und posadh, marriage); for buying and selling (we
learn from Cormac's Glossary that there was a hill at Tailteann called Tulach na Coibhche,
which he explains Hill of Buying or Market Hill. This is probably the mound lying to the north
of the road on which there is a Trig. Station) and for exhibiting feats of eangnamh -
dexterity at arms and buffoonery (l suppose grinning through horse-collars as in England!).
But these are facts which must be hereafter cleared up from The Book of Fermoy. My
present object is to identify the sites of ancient places; to clear up the history is another
business which cannot be done in a letter written from the force of memory in a country
town where there is not a single book to be consulted on the subject.
Tradition says that St. Patrick condemned the shade of Laogaire, King of Tara, to remain in
the Dubhloch, which lies to the east of the Fort of Tailteann, until the Day of Judgement.
Laogaire never believed that Christ was the Son of God, for which he is condemned by all
the Milisian writers of Christian era..
J. O'Donovan.


5.1.1.4 JULY 14TH 1836. KELLS
Dear Sir,
My paper is all out; please to send me some, as also some quills, for Meath will consume a
good deal of both.
Let me have St. Patrick's travels through Meath as given in the Tripartite and Colgan's
notes upon the same.
St. Patrick's visit to Tailteann is thus described by the Monk Jocelyn:-
"And on Monday Patrick came to Taltenia where the royal fair, public Games and contests
were accustomed to be held yearly. ln this place he met with Carbr (the son of Niall and
brother of King Laogaire) who was like the King, his brother, in ferocity of mind and cruelty.
When St. Patrick was preaching the Word of Life unto him, and was laying before him the
way of salvation, that man of adamantine heart not only refused to believe in the truth
preached unto him but even plotted death for the preacher of the Way of Life, and drove
with scourge the companions of the holy men into a neighbouring river called Sele,
because Patrick had celled him an enemy of God. Then the man of God, seeing that he
was a man of inveterate malice and a reprobate, said unto him "Because thou hast
opposed the doctrine of the of the King of Heaven and refused to bear his sweet yoke,
neither Kings nor Rulers shall be descended from thy seed, but thy seed shall be
subservient to the seed of thy brothers, nor shall the neighbouring river, into which thou
hast driven my companions and which now abounds in fish, ever yield any henceforward."
This passage is curious, but I am anxious to have the words of the Tripartite as Jocelyn has
obtained the character of Jocelyn of the Dark Ages, Prince of legendary writers" and this
without deserving it more than St. Augustin or any other of the same imaginative class of
writers.
Colgan says that the river called Sele by Jocelyn was called Abha Dhubh i.e., Fluvius Niger
in his own time (1647). It is now called The Blackwater River which rises in Lough Ramor
near Virginia in Cavan and pays its tribute to the Boyne at the Town of Navan but l guess it
has shaken off the curse of St. Patrick as I crossed a stone carry or weir upon it which
makes me suspect that fishes venture up it in this age of general liberty and universal
benevolence, when men never carry their indignation so far as to wreak vengeance on
rivers and other imprecipient objects which, as they have no power of volition, cannot

become accountable for any transgressions. I shall Follow St. Patrick through every glen
and over every river, and find Fault with him wherever he becomes haughty for which he
will probably keep me out, but if St. Patrick shuns the truth I have no wish to go into the
same place with him. He had his whims and his faults as well as modern preachers, who
would curse rivers new as well as in the days of Patrick if they could gain any point by so
doing.
It is curious that the fort, river and lough of Tailteann now bear the epithet of dubh, black,
being called Rath Dubh, Dubh-Loch and Abha Dhubh. Let these be carefully marked on the
Plan of Tailteann Parish. Should we not venture to anglicise this Telton, as it is spelled by
Usher in his Primordia (Page ?) and in the Inquisition taken in the reign of James I. Teltown
is a very vulgar modern corruption, supported by no respectable authority.
Let me know the lands belonging to the Abbey and other establishments at Kells according
to Archdall and the inquisitions. Is there any record of Headfort (Headford) near Kells,
which is called Kenlis by the Irish and supposed to have given the name of Kenlis to Kells?
John O'Donovan.
5.1.1.5 SUNDAY, JULY 17TH 1836. NAVAN
Dear Sir,
This being an idle day we again visited Telton, and went over the ground carefully with the
most intelligent of the natives, who pointed out some additional features. They say that the
Fair of Telton was transferred to Orestown, where it was held till thirty years ago. Orestown
is set down in old Almanacks as a fair-town. The sports of Telton were transferred to
Martry, opposite the Rath on the south side of the Blackwater River. Perhaps you could
send me a trace from the fair plan of Telton or Orestown Parish, that I may see if all are
marked.
a. The great Rath of Tailteann, measuring one hundred and twelve steps in diameter. It
now consists of one ring only but there was a second ring which was levelled a few years
ago by the present proprietor.
b. An artificial lake, one hundred and ninety two paces in circumference; it is nearly circular.
c. An artificial lake 130 paces in circumference.

d. A blind lough called Doolough lying two fields east of the Rath. Tradition says that Saint
Patrick confined the shade of Laogaire in this lough.
e. A Trig. pole lying north of the road. The eminence on which this pole stands is believed
by the natives to be the highest ground in Ireland! Is it 2300 feet above the level of the sea?
f. Remains of a mound, now a rabbit warren.
g. A hollow called Lag an Aonaigh, i.e., the Hollow of the Fair. Here, according to tradition,
marriages were celebrated in Pagan times. A well springs in the centre of this hollow a
short distance (i.e., a few yards) to the south of which a wall (now a ditch) was erected, and
in this wall there was a gateway closed by a wooden gate in which there was a hole large
enough to admit a human hand. This is the spot at which marriages were celebrated
according to the odd manner following. A number of young men went into the hollow to the
north side of the wall and an equal number of marriageable young women to the south side
of the wall, which was so high as to prevent them from seeing the men; one of the women
put her hand thro' the hole in the gate, and a man took hold of it from the other side, being
guided in his choice only by the appearance of the hand. The two who thus joined hands by
blind chance were obliged to live together for a year and a day (this agrees with the hand-
fasting of the highlanders) at the expiration of which time they appeared at the Rath of
Telton, and if they were not satisfied with each other they obtained a deed of separation,
and were entitled to go to Leganeeny again to try their good fortune for the ensuing year.
This tradition has given rise to a phrase in the Country "they got a Tailteann Marriage" by
which is meant that they took each other's word for nine months. The natives of Telton think
that there was a great deal of fair play in this marriage, for which as opinion Paley would
condemn them as savages, and Milton would applaud them as men of sound ethical
principles!
Whether this tradition be right or wrong, or partly right and partly wrong, we must ascertain
hereafter, not now.
The natives believe that Telton is the oldest place in Ireland excepting Tara.
h. An artificial lough just dried up. The tradition in the Country is that the loughs (b, c, h. )
were formed by an old race of men called the Firvolg, but for what purpose they know not,
unless it was for watering their cattle.
i. A pile of stones around a tree called Bun Mucnaidhe,

Tradition remembers nothing about this monument but that it was placed there to
commemorate the death of a Christian warrior of the name Art, who was a very good man
and on whose fall several poems, now forgotten, were composed.
Cromwell ran a road through the Country in this direction, a part of which is still traceable
from Leganeeny to Bunmuckny (vide g i).
The old graveyard of Tailteann is yet pointed out and the Patron Saint is remembered to be
St. Catherine.
I hope that all those features are marked on the plans; if not I think you should have them
marked.
Let me know how soon the Name Books of the Barony of Navan will be ready? Direct to
Navan as I find it a better town and a more convenient centre than Kells. St. Patrick does
not allow much fish up the Blackwater.
Let me know if Mr. Petrie has heard of the Copper book found near Moynalty and sent to
Dublin?
John ODonovan.
5.1.1.6 TUESDAY JULY 18TH 1836. NAVAN
Dear Sir,
The map of Meath which you sent us is wrong, and we have been often set astray by it; I
hope you will be able to send us a more correct one, that is one shewing the relative
situation of the parishes and all the villages. The parishes of Meath are very small, and will
for that reason occupy much time; and much time will also be consumed by going away
from Navan and Kells without finishing the Parishes lying around them. What time will it
take to finish the name Books of the Barony of Navan? Let me suggest that, unless the
Inquisitions be compared immediately we shall soon be knocked idle for want of N: books.
OF THE PARISH OF DONAGHPATRICK.
This is a very small parish lying to the East of the Rath of Telton and midway between the
towns of Kells and Navan. The site of the ancient Church is occupied by a modern
Protestant church, which the natives believe to be of the same size and form with the one

erected by St Patrick. It stands near the northern bank of the River Sele or Black water.
The situation of Domnach-Padruig is described by Colgan thus: `Domnach-Padruig is
called by that name even to this day: it is a Church in the Diocese of Meath near Taltenia'
(juxta Talteniam). Evin, in the Tripartite Life of Saint Patrick, gives the following account of
the Apostle's visit to Telton and of the erection of Donaghpatrick:
Triad: Thau: p. 129, col. 2, c. 4.
And on Monday Patrick came to Taltenia where the Royal Fair, Public
Games and contests (certamina) were accustomed to be celebrated
yearly. Here he met with Carbr (the son of Niall and brother of King
Laogaire) who like the King his brother was fierce and cruel. When St.
Patrick was preaching the word of life unto him and was laying before him
the way of salvation, that man of adamantine heart, not only refused to
believe in the truth preached unto him, but even plotted death for the
preacher of the way of life, and with a scourge (whip) drove the
companions of the Holy Man into an adjacent river, called Sele, because
Patrick had called him an enemy of God. Then the Man of God, seeing
that Carbr was a man of inveterate malice, and a reprobate in sight of
God, said unto him `Because thou hast opposed the doctrine of the King of
Heaven and refused to bear his sweet yoke, neither Kings nor chieftains
shall be descended from thee, but they seed shall, for ever, be subservient
to the seed of thy brothers; and this adjacent river into which thou hast
scourged my companions, although now abounding in fish, shall never
yield any henceforward.'
CAP. V
Patrick, having left Carbr the son of perdition proceeded to Conall, his
brother, whose residence was then at the place where the Church of
Domnach-Padruig was afterwards erected. Conall received with joy the
herald of truth, as an angel of light, and behaved towards him with due
respect and reverence, and adapting his ears and mind to his doctrine,
was by him instructed in the mysteries of faith, regenerated in salutary
baptism and added to the family of Christ. The Man of God gave him his
Benediction, saying at the same time `the seed of thy brothers shall serve
thy seed, and this sacred patrimony obtained by hereditary right, shall
pass to thy posterity from father to son, that they may venerate my

successors, respect them with homage, and defend them with their
patronage.'
1

In that place where his palace (Aula) stood, Conall laid the foundation of a
Church for God and St Patrick, which was sixty of his own feet (quod
pedibus ejus LX. pedum erat) and he removed his own palace to another
place not far distant.
Patrick then said unto him, whosoever of thy posterity shall rashly attempt
to injure this Church, he shall not enjoy a happy or long reign. Whilst
likewise the holy man was marking out with his crozier and measuring for
Prince Conall a place on which to build a fort (Arx) which is called Rath-
Airthir and was afterwards blessing it, he said with a prophetic mouth, that
only one person was to be killed in that place until the day of judgment.
INTERPOLATION.
This prophecy, it is evident from experience has been fulfilled, for only one person is known
to have been killed in that place. As Kineth and Dubhdaleth, the two sons of Fergal, prince
of Meath came on a Sunday to that place, a certain man named Mac Bressuill met them
outside the door, and one of them for some reason pierced him with his sword whereupon,
one of them betook himself over Taltenia and other into the Church of Donaghpatrick and
thus saved their lives by committing themselves to the protection of flight.
Another accident also happened which affords a sufficient proof that no other person could
be killed in that place. In the time of Donchad, king of Ireland, Cobdenach, the son of
Fidgal, an illustrious man together with three other troops engaged boldly and dexterously
with his enemy on that plain; and when the battle which was prolonged till evening at length
ceased, Cobdenach found that his own right hand was much injured and, gashed by lances

1
Note by J.O'D. at foot of page:] This part of the Tripartite Life has been very much interpolated, as Colgan himself
acknowledges, saying `All these and what follows them in this chapter appear to be suppositions and to have been
foisted in by some commentator of the latter age. We have, therefore, thought it proper to have them printed in a
different type to distinguish them from what we conceive original. For it is evident from what we have said in the
notes 1, 6 and 42 that the author of this Life flourished before or about the middle of the sixth century'

and other weapons, yet not one fell on either side, and he acknowledged that during the
battle he could not inflict the slightest wound on any one.
I have made every search and enquiry for this Rath-Airthir, and have at length come to the
conclusion that it is no other place than the present Orestown (Orient-dun)! How different
the names, and still they are the same! Orestown is a ridiculous anglicising of its present
Irish name Baile Othdhe by changing Orhy to Ore, adding s for the Genitive case as if
Orhy were a family name, and translating Baile town and to the end of the name to agree
with English Analogy Now Baile Othdhe is a Meathian corruption of Baile which is a
modernization of Rath Airthir by substituting Baile for Rath, and Rath irthir is the same
Asrath Airthir both meaning East fort.
This is placing etymology on the rack in earnest, and still it is more than probable that it will
turn out the truth. The following similar corruptions will corroborate the assumption. [59]
Ros Aithir in Fermanagh near Enniskillen is anglicised to Rossorry and Hibernicised in
modern times to Ross Orrraidh, which is according to the Fermanagh mode of corruption. If
Rossorry were in Meath, it is ten to one but it would have been Anglicised Orrystown!
Ath na Dairbhrighe in Meath is now pronounced Dairbhudhe, the r at the end being totally
rejected, and Dairbhreach in Louth is also corrupted Dairbhuidhe by the Irish though
correctly anglicised Dervor. From these analogies in corruption I conclude that Orestown is
a translation of Baile Aithir, and that Baile Aithir is a modernization of Rath Birthir.
The Fort of Orestown (Oristown) is yet in existence: the shades of its ancient inhabitants,
now called the good people (gentry) carried away into its subterranean abodes, a man of
the name Martin who lives there still and from whom the Fort is named Rath Martinraw.
(See Plan).
The locality of the Church of Donaghpatrick will support the account in the tripartite of its
having been erected on the site of Prince Conall's palace. A fort lies near it from which a
subterranean passage leads (it is said) to the Church. It is believed that there is a vast
treasure of gold laid up in this Crypt, but none have courage enough in those days to
explore the gloomy mansion. Not many score years ago a number of young men and
women entered this abode of gold and the fairies for the purpose of searching every hole
and corner in it for the treasure, and in order to inspire themselves with real Irish courage
they took with them a piper and some whiskey They set out or rather in on their journey like
AEneas going to the Elysian fields, & the piper was heard (by those outside) playing until
he had come under the church, after which the animating notes of his instrument were

hushed to silence. Not one of the party ever returned: they were all either choked by the
fairies or smothered in the foul air of the gloomy passage!
This story may or may not be true, but the passage underground exists according to
tradition and the testimony of some old men, who saw it opened, which affords a strong
corroboration of the statement in the Tripartite Life of St Patrick, that the church of
Donaghpatrick is on the site of the mansion of an Irish Prince, which was certainly a
wooden structure surrounded with earthen mounds and having about it various caves and
places of defence and concealment.
That many ancient Irish churches were erected within the rings of Pagan Raths and
Cashels cannot be doubted, as Fenagh within the Cashel of King Fergna, and perhaps
Inishmurray & c, but it is also certain that the early Christian converts raised mounds and
Cashels around their Monasteries in imitation of the mode of fortification practised by their
fathers.
5.1.2 THE BOYNE AND THE BLACKWATER BY SIR WILLIAM WILDE
PUBLISHED 1849
The following is an Extract from The Boyne and the Blackwater by Sir William Wilde as he
traverses the region in the mid 19
th
Century.
Descending the river upon the northern bank we arrive at Teltown, about midway between
Kells and Navan. This is one of` the most celebrated spots in Ireland; perhaps, next to
Tara, it is the most ancient, if not the most notable. An entire chapter might be devoted to it,
describing its topography, transcribing its annals, relating its legends Pagan and
Christian, - and giving a detailed account of its battles, sham and real; its fairs, games,
sports, and marriages; these, however, would far exceed the limits of a guidebook,
intended chiefly to direct the tourist, and point out the scenic beauty, and the memorable
localities upon the hitherto neglected Boyne and Black-water, which is all this little work
pretends to. Let the following notice suffice. Upon a green hill sloping gradually from the
waters edge, and rising to at height of about 300 feet, amidst the most fertile grazing lands
in Meath, if not in Ireland, may be seen a large earthen fort, about a furlongs length to the
right of the road, with a few hollows or excavations in the adjoining lands, apparently the
sites of small, dried up lakes ; and to the left of the road, nearly opposite these, parts of the
trench and embankments of two other forts, which, judging from the portions still remaining,
must have been of immense size, greater even than any of those now existing at Tara.
These mark the sites of the early Pagan settlement, and the position of the palace of
Tailtean, one of the four royal residences which existed in Ireland in very early times.

The first notice which the Annals record of Tailtean (the name of which is still preserved in
the modern Teltown) is, that in the year of the world 3370, in the reign of Lugh Lamhfhada,
" The fair of Tailltean was established in commemoration and in remembrance of his foster-
mother Tailte, the daughter of Maghmor, King of Spain, and the wife of Eochaidh, son of
Ere, the last king of the Firbolgs."This fair continued down to the time of Roderick O'Conor,
the last monarch of Ireland, and was held annually upon the first of August, which month
derives its name in the Irish language from this very circumstance, being still called Lugh-
nasadh, or Lugh's fair,the Lammas day,to which several superstitious rites and ancient
ceremonies still attach throughout the country generally. Upon these occasions various
sports and pastimes, a description of Olympic Games, were celebrated, consisting of feats
of strength and agility in wrestling, boxing, running, and suchlike manly sports, as well as
horse races and chariot races. Besides these the people were entertained with shows and
rude theatrical exhibitions. Among these latter are enumerated sham battles and also
aquatic fights, which it is said were exhibited upon the artificial lakes, the sites of which are
still pointed out. Tradition assigns the site of the fair to that portion of the great rath still
existing upon the northern side of the road, and about a quarter of a mile to the north-east
of the great fort, or Rath Dubh
2
; and here it is said the most remarkable of the Teltown
ceremonies took placethe marriages or betrothals. Upon one side of this great
embankment were ranged, it is said," the boys," and on the other "the girls;" the former
ogling, the latter blushing; for human nature is, we suppose, the same at all times and in all
places, among our forefathers and mothers at Teltown upwards of a thousand years ago,
or in a modern drawing-room, or at a flower-show or review. They then, having had a good
view of each other, passed down a little to the south, where there is a deep hollow in the
land, evidently formed artificially, probably the ditch of one of the ancient forts, and called
Lug-an-Eany, where they became separated by a high wall, which prevented their seeing
each other. In this wall, say the local traditions, there was a door with a small hole in it,
through which each young lady passed her middle finger, which the men upon the other
side looked at, and if any of them admired the finger he laid hold of it, and the lass to whom
it belonged forthwith became his bride; so that we find a fair and pretty hand, a delicate and
taper finger, with its snowy skin and delicately formed nail, were even more captivating

2
None of these localities, with the exception of the great fort and the two adjoining hollows, are marked upon the
Ordnance Map. Indeed the remains of Tailtean have been, except by Mr. ODonovan, in his unpublished letters,
altogether too much neglected. There exists ample material, both from the records and the existing remains here, for a
very interesting archaeological paper on the subject.

among the Irish lads and lasses some twelve hundred years ago than they are at the
present day. He took her for better for worse, but the key-hole or wooden ring was not as
binding as the modern one of gold; for, by the laws of Tailtean, the marriage only held good
for a year and a day. If the couple disagreed during that time they returned to Tailtean,
walked into the centre of Rath Dubh, stood back to back, one facing the north, and the
other the south, and walked out of the fort, a divorced couple, free to try their luck again at
Lug-an-Eany.
3
What a pity there is no Teltown or Black Fort marriage in the present day!
What numbers would take advantage of it!
In the bottom of this hollow there is a well, which in wet weather overflows, and its waters
trickle down the adjoining hill towards the Blackwater. Leading nearly southward from this
spot we pass down the remains of an ancient paved, but now grass-grown way, called
"Cromwell's road," and near where this joins the modern main road there is another hollow,
still containing some water, pointed out as the site of one of the artificial lakes. The fair of
Tailtean was continued up to about eighty years ago, and some vestiges of the sports,
particularly the fighting, existed within the memory of man at a Patron which used to be
held on the opposite side of the river.
4

The Great Fort, or Rath Dubh, measures round the outer wall of circumvallation 321 paces,
having openings in it nearly due north and south. The height of the surrounding earthen
embankment varies from fifteen to twenty feet. Standing in the centre of this great fort we
again obtain one of those refreshing views which we have so often attempted to describe
when following the course of the Boyne. Looking up towards the north west, the hill of Lloyd
presents a grand and imposing object. Below it the eye rests upon the steeple and round
tower of Kells, appearing to rise out of the woods of Headford;
While in the extreme distance the round hills of Cavan bound the horizon. Immediately
around us is a country of immense fertility and with a gently undulating surface, divided into
fields of great size,that in which we stand contains nearly 100 acres,bordered by rows

3
A somewhat similar custom existed in `Wales, and parts of England and Scotland, till very lately. The expression, "a
Teltown marriage," is often used in Meath to this day.
4
This meeting and rustic pastime was, we understand, suppressed by the neighbouring magistrates and clergy about
30 years ago, in consequence of the rioting which generally took place there. lt is a remarkable circumstance, and
confirmatory of the conjecture of its being a remnant of the Teltown sports, that this assembly, though called a Patron,
was not held in honour of any saint, but upon Lammas Day.

of well-grown timber, rising out of tall quickset hedges. There is scarcely a cottage, or even
a farmer's house, to be seen. All seems one vast pasture farm, through which the Sele
winds in pleasing curves, presenting glimpses of its dark blue waters among the flowery
meadows which stretch along its brink. The wooded hill of Foughan rises up beyond it to
the south-west, and following its track by the little ruined church of Teltown, by the heights
of Donaghpatrick, over the woods of Liscarton, above which the old castle in that locality
topples, and by the plantations of Eathaldron, the eye rests upon the hills of Skreen and
Tara in the extreme north-eastern distance.
St. Patrick visited the royal residence of Tailtean early in his missionary career, and not
merely in the local legends, but in the written Lives of that saint, we meet with abundance
of tales and. fables regarding the miracles and the wonders "which he wrought here upon
the sons and servants of Cairbre, brother-of King Loeghaire.
Many of the legends told of Patrick by the people here are evidently but paraphrases of his
"doings" at Tara. The Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego story about the fire trial
between the servant of Patrick and the servant of the Druid. gets here a new dress, with
new names and "entirely new scenery, machinery, decorations, and processions." King
Loeghaire or Leary (not Cairbre), who was a wonderful Druid and powerful magician
entirely, is the chief personage in the Tailtean fables. After being defeated in various trials
of skill and necromancy with the saint, who could make no hand of him at all, Patrick was
forced to put him down into a dark "condemned hole," near the river, called to this day, "an
t-aithghearr go h-Iffrionn," "the short road to hell," where the heathen king, Loeghaire, is still
believed to be, if he never got any farther. Some fool-hardy people went a few years ago to
lift mooreen out of this spot, but they had scarcely broke the scraw that covered the soft
surface of the hollow, when a terrible roaring was heard coming up out of the bottom of the
earth, and presently a most venomous serpent, with a long mane and a head as big as a
horse, rose up out of the pit, and looked about him; but when he saw nobody, for all the
men had run away, he drew himself down again, and no one ever attempted to make any
inquiries after the ould king of the black rath since. But all that is nothing to what happened
at the building of Donapatrick Church hard by. Every one knows that Prince Conall gave
the saint one of his beautiful raths there to build a church upon, and that the workmen
engaged in the erection of it came very short of provisions one hard summer,just, for all
the world, like the year before last. Well, Loeghaire when he heard that, sent him a furiously
wicked bull that was the terror of the whole country, and used to be horning and aiting
every body that came next or nigh him,he was as cross and as thievish as the ould king
himself,in hopes that he'd finish the blessed man all out. The baste was sent over to the

other side of the water, and when he saw St. Patrick, he stopt bellowing and snorting all of
a sudden, and was as quiet as a sucking calf. ' Kill him,' says the saint; so they made a
great feast of him. Next day the king came down to the river side, just walking along mighty
easily, letting on as if he didn't want to know anything about what happened, but hoping all
the while that the bull had made a meal of some of the good Christians. He wasn't long
there when some of the saint's servants bid him the time of day, and told him how much
they enjoyed the bull, which, we may be sure, was no ways pleasing to his majesty; but to
convince him, not only of the truth of the story, but to give him a taste of his power, St.
Patrick ordered his servants to bring out the well-picked bones, and to tie them up in the
skin, and to throw them into the river to Leary. That was easy enough, but then comes the
miracle. The bundle had hardly touched the water, when out of it rose the bull, well and
harty, large as life, bone to bone, and sinew to sinew, and swam over to the king. And yet,
for all this, history records that the old reprobate died in his mother Church, and was buried
in the hill of Tara, in a standing position, accoutred in his battle dress. Conversions of old
people or grown up men and women are not as common or as easy as people imagine.
A short distance above Teltown the river is crossed by Bloomsbury Bridge; but the tourist
will find greater and more frequent objects of attraction on the northern bank, till he reaches
Donaghpatrick, about a mile and a quarter lower down.
In the valley, by the water's edge, about midway between these two places, and beside a
broad curve of the river, we meet the ruins of Cill-Tailltean, the little church of Teltown,
which was plundered by Diarmaid Mac Murchadha and the Danes in 1156, and again by
the same prince and the English in 1170, in their marauding excursions among the rich
churches of East Meath.
We now arrive at Donaghpatrick, which takes its name from Domnacli-Padraig, the ancient
church of Patrick, which formerly stood here, on the site now occupied by the modern
parish church. This was the "Ecclesia Patricii Magnet the Domnach Mor, or great church,
sixty feet long, so frequently alluded to in our Irish hagiology,
5
one of the earliest daimh-
laigs, or stone sacred edifices, erected in Ireland after the introduction of Christianity. It is
related in the life of St. Patrick, attributed to St. Evin, and published by Colgan in the Trias
Thaumaturga, that Conall, the brother of King Loeghaire, "who resided here, not only gladly

5
See Petries Round Towers.

accepted Christianity, and was baptized, but also showed great 'kindness to Patrick, and
gave him his house or rath on which to erect a church; and the outline of this very cashel
can still be discerned in the present graveyard. The only other evidence of great antiquity
now remaining here, is what appears to be a fragment of a gable tombstone similar to that
still existing at Slane, of which we give a drawing, in the description of that place (p. 182). It
can be seen just protruding above ground to the south of the present church.
Upon the left of the road, as we approach the church, stands, without exception, one of the
very finest raths of the military class to be seen in Ireland. It is of immense size, but, its out-
line being now obscured by trees and much underwood, it escaped the notice of the
Ordnance surveyors, and has not been marked on the map of this part of Meath. It much
resembles that at Downpatrick, consisting of a central circular mound, rising gradually out
of several circumvallations, or earthen embankments, four of which can still be traced; the
great ring fort at Dowth, and the King's Rath enclosing the Forradh at Tara, and Rath Dubh
at Tailtean, extend over a greater space; but of its kind there is nothing to compare with this
along the Boyne or Blackwater.
It is much to be regretted that earthen mounds of this description should be planted; a
graceful tree at top, or a few growing on the sides, add to their picturesqueness; but
covering them with trees and underwood quite obscures their form and conceals their
purpose. May not this moat have been the celebrated Rath Airthir, the eastern fort, now
Oristown; or even the house which the good Conall erected for himself after he so
hospitably gave his own to Patrick?
Author: Sir William Wilde (1815 to 1876)
First published: McGlashan & Gill, Dublin, 1849
This edition: Kevin Duffy, Headford, County Galway, 2003

5.1.3 A SOCIAL HISTORY OF IRELAND BY P.W. JOYCE PUBLISHED 1903.
A social history of ancient Ireland: treating of the government, military system, and law;
religion, learning, and art ; trades, industries, and commerce ; manners, customs, and
domestic life, of the ancient Irish people"
ASSEMBLIES, SPORTS, AND PASTIMES
Between Navan and Kells, was attended by people from the whole of Ireland, as well as
from Scotland, and was the most celebrated of all for its athletic games and sports :

corresponding closely with the Olympic, Isthmian, and other games of Greece. It was held
yearly on the 1st August, and on the days preceding and following. What vast numbers
were congregated during these games will be seen from the Four Masters' record of the
last official aenach held there, A.r). 11 69, by Roderick O'Conor, king of Ireland, when the
horses and chariots alone, exclusive of the people on foot, extended in a continuous line
from Tailltenn to Mullach-Aiti, now the Hill of Lloyd near Kells, a distance of more than six
English miles. This aenach was originally instituted, according to the old legend, by the De
Dannan king Lugad, or Lug of the Long Arms, to mourn and commemorate his foster-
mother, Tailltiu, who was buried there under a mound, and from whom the place took its
name. From Lug the first of August was named Lugnasad, meaning the nasad or games of
Lug : a name still in use.
Marriages formed a special feature of this fair. From all the surrounding districts the young
people came with their parents, bachelors and maidens being kept apart in separate
places, while the fathers and mothers made matches, arranged the details, and settled the
dowries. After this the couples were married, the ceremonies being always performed at a
particular spot. Hence, according to Cormac's Glossary (p. 48), a hillock there had the
name of Tulach-na-Coibche, "the hill of the buying," where the bride-price was paid. All this
is remembered in tradition to the present day: and the people of the place point out the spot
where the marriages were performed, which they call "Marriage Hollow." The remains of
several immense forts are still to be seen at Teltown.
SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC LIFE
O'Donovan carefully examined this historic site in 1836 for the Ordnance Survey, and found
among the people vivid traditions of the old customs. Though the younger generation, when
speaking English, called it Teltown, the older Irish-speaking people never used any name
but Tailltenn. They told him too that games were carried on there "down to 30 years ago" -
i.e. to 1806 - but that, on account of the increasing manufacture of - pottheen whiskey -
instead of the old native drinks, ale and mead there were quarrels and scenes of
violence, so that the magistrates at last put a stop to the meetings
Author: Joyce, P.W. (Patrick Weston), 1827-1914
Publisher: London ; New York : Longmans, Green, and Co.


5.2 NOTES ON THE LITERARY SOURCES
5.2.1 AFTER O DONOVAN
ODonovans letters on Teltown are insightful as they offer not only a detailed field report
with location maps but more importantly comment on the customs and the folklore
associated with the area and the annual fair. The important points that ODonovan makes
in relation to the area are as follows:
Confirms that Teltown is indeed Taillteann where the Irish met for various purposes
and that the games were carried out until the turn of the nineteenth century.
That the fair was not a Christian honorific but dated back to earlier times as
evidenced by the pagan wedding ceremony.
Confirms the areas folkloric associations with St. Patrick.
Acknowledges that the Teltown fair was later transferred to Oristown and that the
games were transferred to Martry in the early 1800s.
Identifies and locates the different sites. Interestingly ODonovan describes the
Knockauns as the remains of a mound, now a rabbit warren and places the
marriage site near a hollow at Lugnaneay along Cromwell road. More recent
historians have erroneously identified the Knockauns as the Marriage site.
Unfortunately a portion of this site has recently been built on and is now occupied by
a dwelling house with landscaped gardens.
Suggests Rath Airthir was originally the site of Prince Conalls palace.
5.2.2 AFTER WILDE
Wilde expands on the marriage ceremony offering his own thoughts on the subject. He also
describes visiting the hollow where the marriage ceremonies were carried out, Cromwells
road and Rath Dubh. He also revisits the Patrician stories and discussing Rath Airthir
correctly mentions that it does not appear on the 1
st
edition map, obscured as it was by
trees and overgrowth.


5.2.3 AFTER JOYCE
Joyce writing in 1903 quotes ODonovans letters regarding the pronunciation and spelling
of the name Tailltenn and referencing the Annals of the Four Masters comments on the
aenach or fair held in 1169 by Roderick OConnor King of Ireland.
5.3 TELTOWN TODAY - INTERPRETATION AND COMMENTS
It is noteworthy that the above commentators focussed their attentions on this area despite
ODonovans introduction that nothing is now to be seen there but an earthen fort called
Rath Dhubh.
Today Teltown appears as an attractive landscape with visible historic features including a
church, earthworks and vernacular features such as stone bridges and cottages. In the past
its regional importance was partly due to its geographical location situated along a bend in
the River Blackwater overlooking a grassy plain in North Leinster. The natural environment
has all the elements conducive to settlement including a good water supply, rich pasture
and arable land. What differentiates Teltown from areas that shared these resources
however, is its location within the ancient kingdom of Meath. Meath meaning Middle was
the social, cultural and political centre of Ireland to and from which all roads led. In early
medieval Ireland, Meath was one of five kingdoms the rest being Ulster, Munster, Leinster
and Connaught. Ulster seems at first to have been dominant; but, by the time Niall of the
Nine Hostages died early in the 5th century, hegemony had passed to his kingdom of
Meath that consisted of the present Counties of Meath and Westmeath, with parts of Cavan
and Longford centred around the royal site of Tara. It was due to Meaths primacy as a seat
for the high Kings that Teltown first came to prominence as a place of assembly for the
annual aonach a celebration marked by games and festivities.
Teltown first appears in the literary tradition in association with Tailtiu the last Queen of the
Fir Bolg. It was under her direction that the original forest was cleared into a grassy plain.
Tailtiu named the area in her own memory and designated it as her place of burial. In the
Yellow book of Lecan it is recorded that there were 50 hillocks in Tailtiu. An 11
th
Century
poem names eight raths and ODonovans description confirms the existence of ponds,
earthworks and roadways. Teltown figures prominently in the Tain and Dunaire Finn and
also in the Life of Patrick and in the Vitae of Ciaran. Much of the early literature concerning
the area is mythological and in some way seems to mark the cultural transition from a
pagan to a Christian society
Many battles are also supposed to have been fought here including the final battle between
the Milesians, ancestors of the Gael, over the Tuath De Dannan. The Tin records that the

defending charioteers confronted invading forces at Roi Ard in Tailtiu. Later the Ui Neill had
frequent Dynastic battles in the area as claimants fought for the high Kingship. In the early
Christian period a synod was held at Tailtiu in AD 563 in an effort to Christianise the site. Its
ritual significance continued until at 1168 when the last of the High Kings Ruaidhri O
Conchobair held a royal assembly here after his inauguration in Dublin.
The three marvels of the Oenach (assembly) relate to wondrous events that occurred at
Teltown and concern a Headless man, a Mannkin small enough to be held on a finger
and fathered by a boy and ships in the air witnessed by a multitude of people. These
assemblies were also associated with amusement and games, chief amongst them chariot
races.
By the 12
th
century, the kingly status of the festival had diminished with the ascent of the
Norman barons and the geopolitical transfer of power to Dublin. However it is testimony to
the potency and significance of the festival that it endured as an annual fair till the
nineteenth centuary.
Today the Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity as defined by the map prepared by the
National Monuments Service of the DoEHLG comprises two main areas, the area to the
West can be credited to ODonovan and focuses on Rath Dhu and its immediate environs
including the now disappeared artificial lakes, The Knockauns, Cromwells road, St.
Catherines church (since replaced) and Teltown house, church ruin and graveyard. The
area to the east is centred on the village of Donaghpatrick its church and graveyard and
Rath Airthir fort.
In terms of amenity only one of the numerous monuments is publically accessible and that
is the, still utilised Church of Ireland at Donaghpatrick. Elsewhere all the other field
monuments are situated in privately owned land, un-serviced by either pedestrian tracks or
rights of way. There is limited signposting at some sites but no provision for carparking. At
a local level there is no information centre or brochures available providing information on
the history or the archaeology of the area, nor is it promoted on a regional level for visiting
tourists. Donaghpatrick is not serviced by local bus routes.
The monuments within the Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity can be dated
provisionally to the Iron Age, Early Christian and Medieval period. The elements that
contribute to their significance are as follows.
As a multi-period and ritual landscape the area is of national importance. This
significance is enhanced by the overall group value of the monuments.

The mythological, folkloric and literary associations of the area appeal to a growing
public interest in Irish legends and sagas.
The significant sites in the area include the following:
5.3.1 RATH DH OR THE BLACK FORT - (CHS-018)
Referred to as Rath Telton by ODonovan in his letters, it consists of a flat topped mound
and is the most prominent of the Teltown monuments and was possibly an inauguration site
comparable to the circular mound at the Rathcrogan in County Roscommon. The flat
topped mound has a steep sloping side measuring 3-4m in height with a base diameter of
approximately 100m. There is a trace of a fosse to the north west (Appendix 14.8, Annex 1:
Figure 2 & 3).
Plate 1 Aerial Image Rath Dh

5.3.2 RATH AIRTHIR (THE EASTERN FORT) - (CHS-010)
Rath Airthir is a very impressive overgrown monument identified as a trivallate ringfort with
an outer diameter of 120m and an inner platform of 65m. Set on the NE edge of this
platform is a high mound, its top slightly flattened, with steeply sloping sides, measuring
about 30m in diameter at its base. It rises to a height of approximately 5m and retains the
surviving remnants of a surrounding bank and ditch. This site has been identified by Herity

as the Tredua or triple rampart fort at Tailt, as mentioned in the Metrical Dindshenchas:
The Tredua of Tailti, famed beyond all lands, where the Kings of Ireland used to fast that
no disease might visit the land of Erin.
Plate 2 Aerial Images Rath Aritir and Donaghpatrick Church


5.3.3 THE KNOCKAUNS (CHS-019)
This site comprises two parallel earthen mounds with steeply sloping sides orientated just
north of the bend in the river, east of Rathdu. ODonovan (1836) referred to this site as both
Cnocan a Chrainn and Tulach na Coibche. The former meaning the little hill of the tree
the latter translating as a contemporary bride or a lady of easy virtue. The hill of the tree
could refer to this site as an inauguration mound which traditionally had a tree planted on
top. While the reference to the bride could refer to the folklore of the Teltown marriage.
ODonovan in his OS letters, places the marriage site to the ESE of the Knockauns along
the road known as Cromwells Lane near a now destroyed well known then as Luganeany.
A new dwelling house now stands in the general area.
This ceremony wedding ceremony involved the couple joining hands through a hole in a
wall and committing themselves to live as husband and wife for a year and a day. At the
end of this period the couple would return to the site and decide to continue the relationship
or amicably separate.
The Knockauns was partly destroyed by earth-moving machinery in May 1997. The
northernmost bank was completely demolished, the intervening ditch was filled with
redeposited material and part of the southern bank was removed. Excavation (on behalf of
the National Monuments Service) was undertaken there in August and September 1997
along with a geophysical survey (by the Applied Geophysics Unit, NUIG)


Plate 3 Aerial Image the Knockauns

5.3.4 DONAGHPATRICK CHURCH AND STANDING STONE (CHS-007)
This site as the name suggests has strong connections with Patrician literature and is the
location of a modern church and burial ground surrounded by an earlier enclosure. Legend
has it that St. Patrick set out the boundaries of the church in 433 A.D. Initially a wood and
clay structure was erected and subsequently a stone church which was plundered on
numerous occasions from about 800 A.D. onwards. The Church was in ruins in 1682, apart
from the medieval tower. It was rebuilt in 1805 and incorporated the tower. In 1835 the
Ecclesiastical Commissioners gave a grant of 104.3.7d. to repair the Church. The Rectory
was built in 1812, by aid of a gift of 200. and a loan of 600. from the Board of First Fruits.
Despite being only 81 years old, the Church was demolished in 1895, apart from the
medieval tower, and a new Church was built, again in the same position. The new Church
was designed by the architect, J.F. Fuller, and was erected by Thomas Gerrard and his
sisters, Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Johnston, of Gibbstown House. The Church is a small
pleasing structure, with a three bay Nave, constructed of rock-faced limestone, an apsidal
Chancel, a Vestry, and a lean-to gabled Porch, adjoining the South wall of the mediaeval
tower.
The interior decoration is limited to the Chancel, which contains a tiled floor and tiled wall
decoration. The Chancel arch is Caen stone and the ceiling of the entire Church is
panelled. The original pews, Font, Reading-Desk and American Organ are still in situ. The

large 'Eagle' brass Lectern, came from Ardbraccan Church, when that Church closed. The
Altar, is decorated with a curious fretted front panel, not unlike that commonly found on a
Victorian radiator cover. The small Vestry, off the Chancel, contains its original decorated
fire place surround and a decorated table and matching chairs, complete the furnishing.
There are no Memorial Tablets on the walls of the Church, an expressed wish of the
Gerrard family. Some Tablets from Kilshine Church, now closed, have been erected in the
inner porch.
The Tower is a bulky structure of coursed limestone rubble and was a residential tower.
Like a traditional Tower House it contained a large room on each of its four storeys. Each
room had a fire place and recessed cupboards and was linked to the next storey by a stone
staircase in the North wall. The floors have long since been removed, but access to the top
of the tower is still possible, as the ancient stone steps have survived.
The church is notable for its five magnificent stained glass windows. In the graveyard there
is a mediaeval font of uncertain date and many gravestones of all denominations, dating
from the seventeenth century on. Within this enclosure are a number of standing stones
often associated with inauguration sites. In close proximity to the townland are the ruined
remains of three other churches, one surrounded by a circular enclosure found to the west,
St. Catherines found to the north and Martry, a sister house of Kells, found to the south of
the river.
Near the Church, is a handsome Parish Hall, again retaining most of its Victorian interior
intact. It was built in 1889, and was designed by R.S. Barnes C.E.

5.3.5 ANCIENT ROAD
This site is situated to the SE of the Teltown area in Tatestown and consists of two parallel
banks 600m in length by 14m in width with traces of an internal ditch. This feature is
orientated south-south-east to north north-west and is partly levelled. This represents an
early formal roadway leading to the heart of the ritual complex. This site is not part of the
Teltown zone of archaeological amenity and will not be affected by the proposed
development.
Plate 4 Aerial Image the Ancient Roadway


6 BASELINE DATA
This section inventories the results of the desktop assessment summarising the available
data in relation to both recorded and unrecorded cultural heritage sites within the study
area. The following tables list the sites from south to north with details regarding each site
contained under the relevant sub headings of this chapter. Where a site is comprised of
many elements with different types of legal protection these have been combine under a
single CHS number (e.g. CHS-007 Donaghpatrick and CHS-018 Rath Dh). Table 4 below
indicates the approximate distance of each CHS site from the nearest tower and the
proposed line route.
Table 3 Summary of Cultural Heritage Sites (CHS)
Site
Number Site Name
Legal
Status Reference Townland Classification NRG East NGR North
CHS-001 Martry House RPS RPS - MH017-128 Martry House 280334 272260
CHS-002 Mill None Cartographic feature Teltown Mill 280950 272273
CHS-003 Martry Mill RPS RPS - MH017-127
NIAH - 14401714
Martry Mill 280227 272278
CHS-004 Donaghpatrick Bridge RPS RPS - MH017-130 Tankardstown
Gibbstown
demense
Bridge (road) 281935 272313
CHS-005 Mill None Cartographic feature Tankardstown Mill 281743 272398
CHS-006 Sextons House RPS RPS - MH017-134
NIAH - 14401704
Gibbstown
Demesne
Sextons House 282022 272532
CHS-007 RMP RMP - ME017-
034001
Gibbstown
Demesne
Church 281957 272538
RMP RMP - ME017-
034002
Standing Stone
RPS RPS - MH017-132
NIAH - 14401703
Parochial Hall
RPS RPS - MH017-131
NIAH - 14401701
Church (C of I)
CHS-008 Donaghparick
Parochial House
RPS RPS - MH017-133
NIAH - 14401702
Donaghpatrick House 282016 272583
CHS-009 Enclosure RMP RMP - ME017-032 Tankardstown Ringfort - Rath 281529 272584
CHS-010 Rath Aithir RMP RMP - ME017-033 Gibbstown
Demesne
Castle - Motte And
Bailey
281930 272690
CHS-012 Teltown House RPS RPS - MH017-129 Teltown House (detached) 280424 272864
CHS-013 Teltown Graveyard RMP RMP - ME017-031 Teltown Church 280550 272930
CHS-014 Copse of Trees None Aerial anomoly Gibbstown
Demesne
Copse 281731 273532
CHS-015 Gatelodge to Gibstown
House
RPS RPS - MH017-143 Gibstown
Demesne
House (detached) 282493 274006
CHS-017 Gibstown Gate Feature RPS RPS - MH017-138 Gibbstown
Demesne
Demesne features 282093 274145
CHS-018 Rath Dh National
Monument
& RMP
National Mon. - 149
RMP - ME017-027
Teltown Enclosure 280140 274190
CHS-019 Knockauns RMP RMP - ME017-049 Oristown Linear Earthwork 280980 274340
CHS-020 Henge RMP RMP - ME017-050 Oristown Henge possible 281155 274411
CHS-021 St Catherines Church None Cartographic feature Oristown Church 281411 274580
Donaghpatrick Church
& Graveyard


Table 4 Distance of CHS Sites from Towers and the Line Route
Site
Number Site Name
Distance from
route (m)
Nearest tower
Number
Distance from
tower (m)
CHS-001 Martry House
709
89 710
CHS-002 Mill
125
90 220
CHS-003 Martry Mill
816
89 815
CHS-004 Donaghpatrick Bridge
793
92 800
CHS-005 Mill
594
90/91 620
CHS-006 Sextons House
693
92 700
CHS-007 Donaghpatrick Church
& Graveyard
644
92 650
CHS-008 Donaghparick
Parochial House
652
93 660
CHS-009 Enclosure
317
91 340
CHS-010 Rath Aithir
515
93 525
CHS-012 Teltown House
804
91 770
CHS-013 Teltown Graveyard
703
91 690
CHS-014 Copse of Trees
119
94 160
CHS-015 Gatelodge to Gibstown
House
907
96 910
CHS-017 Gibstown Gate Feature
516
96 525
CHS-018 Rath Dh
1431
97 1440
CHS-019 Knockauns
584
97 585
CHS-020 Henge
406
97 405
CHS-021 St Catherines Church
170
97 220

6.1 NATIONAL MONUMENTS
Under Section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 as amended, sites which are
protected require the granting of consent for all works carried out around or in proximity to a
national monument in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister, a local authority or
which is subject to a preservation order. The Minister may grant consent in writing for the
carrying out of works affecting such a monument. The Minister may also take into account
public interest in allowing the carrying out of any works.
Applications to work on or in the vicinity of a monument protected under this legislation are
made through the National Monuments Section of the DoEHLG (Form NMS 5 06
available from www.archaeology.ie). It is required by law for the Minister to contact the
Director of the National Museum of Ireland on all applications for consent.
There is one National Monument in the Zone of Archaeological Amenity for the Teltown
area, Rath D ME017: 027 is classified as an enclosure site and is located to the west of
the proposed overhead transmission line.

CHS ref. no CHS-0018
Monument No. 149
RMP No. ME017-027---
NGC. 280140 274190 017-
Classification Earthworks

6.2 RECORD OF MONUMENTS AND PLACES (RMP)
The following sites are listed in the vicinity of the proposed overhead transmission line:
CHS ref. no CHS-007
SMR No.: ME017: 034002
Nat Grid Ref.: 281965/272522
Townland: Gibstown
Classification: Standing stone
Description: Standing stone with rectangular cross section (c. 0.4m by c. 0.35m,
H c.1.8m), perhaps salvaged from a building. Within graveyard of church.

CHS ref. no CHS-007
SMR No.: ME017: 034001
Nat Grid Ref.: 281957/275238
Townland: Gibstown
Classification: Church St. Patricks Church
Description: Tower of present church is medieval with base batter, face corbel
built in wall and blocked windows. Medieval font in graveyard. Sundial built into S wall of
graveyard. The enclosure is the only indication of the pre-Norman church. The present
church, covering the area laid down by St. Patrick, was consecrated in 1897. It makes use
of the earlier mediaeval tower, where the Parish Priest was formerly housed. Within this
enclosure are a number of standing stones often associated with inauguration sites.

CHS ref. no CHS-009
SMR No.: ME017: 032
Nat Grid Ref.: 281930/272690
Townland: Tankardstown
Classification: Ringfort

Description: Circular area defined by earthen bank (dims. 33m NE-SW, 26m
NW-SW) with external fosse. Entrance and causeway to SW. Two possible hut sites in
interior.

CHS ref. no CHS-010
SMR No.: ME017: 033
Nat Grid Ref.: 281930/272690
Townland: Gibstown
Classification: Castle- Motte and Bailey Hachured Rath Airthir
Description: Flat topped earthen mound (diam. of base 20m) defined by ditch
with lunate bailey attached SE-NW (dims. 29m NW-SE, 20m NE-SW). Both surrounded by
double bank and ditch SW-ENE, with defaced scarp ENE-SW.
Rath Airthir may originally have been a trivallate ringfort with an outer diameter of 120m
and an inner platform of 65m. Set on the NE edge of this platform is a high mound, its top
slightly flattened, with steeply sloping sides, measuring about 30m in diameter at its base. It
rises to a height of approximately 5m and retains the surviving remnants of a surrounding
bank and ditch.

CHS ref. no CHS-013
SMR No.: ME017: 031
Nat Grid Ref.: 280550/272938
Townland: Teltown
Classification: Church
Description: Parts of N and W walls of church of indeterminable dimensions.

CHS ref. no CHS-018
SMR No.: ME017: 027
Nat Grid Ref.: 280140/274186
Townland: Teltown
Classification: Enclosure Hachured Rath Dhu
Description: Large enclosure Subcircular area defined by scarp (dims.
94m NNW-SSE, 87m ENE-WSW) with traces of fosse S-W. Entrance may have been at E.

CHS ref. no CHS-019
SMR No.: ME017: 049
Nat Grid Ref.: 280978/2744334

Townland: Oristown
Classification: Linear earthwork
Description: No information in Meath Inventory, this site is commonly referred to
as the Knockauns. It comprises two parallel earthen mounds with sloping sides extending
E-W for 65m and set 3m apart.

CHS ref. no CHS-020
SMR No.: ME017: 050
Nat Grid Ref.: 281158/274408
Townland: Oristown
Classification: henge possible
Description: Large enclosure Subcircular area defined by scarp (dims.
94m NNW-SSE, 87m ENE-WSW) with traces of fosse S-W. Entrance may have been at E.

6.3 RECORD OF PROTECTED STRUCTURES (RPS)
The list below comprises a brief description of architectural features/buildings of
architectural significance near the subject area.
CHS ref. no CHS-001
Site ID: RPS - MH017-128 NIAH- N/A
Building Type: House
Name: House beside Martry Mill
Townland: Martry
Feature: Architectural, Technical
Importance: Regional
Distance: 709 m
Description: Three bay, two-storey house with steeply pitched roof. Central projecting
porch. Sash windows. Could be mill house?

CHS ref. no CHS-003
Site ID: RPS - MH017-127 NIAH- 14401714
Building Type: Mill
Name: Martry Mill
Townland: Martry

Distance: 815 m
Description: Group of three adjoining two-storey mill buildings, on L-shape plan, built
c.1800. Probably built on site of an earlier mill structure.

CHS ref. no CHS-004
Building Type: Bridge (road)
Name: Donaghpatrick Bridge
Townland: Tankardstown/Gibbstown demense
Distance: 792 m
Description:

CHS ref. no CHS-006
Building Type: Sextons House
Name: Sextons House
Townland: Gibbstown Demesne
Distance: 693 m
Description: Detached three-bay two-storey former sexton's house, built c.1890, now in
use as private dwelling. Pitched tile roof with red brick chimneystack. Rubble stone walls.
Replacement timber windows with some limestone dressings.

CHS ref. no CHS-007
Building Type: Parochial Hall
Name: Hall
Townland: Donaghpatrick
Feature: Architectural, Social, Technical
Distance: 674 m

Description: Detached gable-fronted parochial hall, dated 1889, with three bays to side
elevations and single-bay porch to east gable. Pitched slate roof with cast-iron ridge
cresting and carved timber barge boards.

CHS ref. no CHS-007
Building Type: Church ( C of I )
Name: Saint Patrick's Church of Ireland Church and hall
Feature: Architectural, Archaeological, Artistic, Historical, Social, Technical
Distance: 643 m
Description: Detached church, built c.1896, designed by J.F. Fuller. incorporates a
former tower house to the west. Octagonal ashlar limestone gate piers with pair of cast-iron
gates, flanked by turnstile steps.
CHS ref. no CHS-008
Building Type: House
Name: Parochial House
Townland: Donaghpatrick
Distance: 651 m
Description: Detached three-bay two-storey former parochial house, built c.1889, with
gabled central breakfront. Red brick walls with limestone plinths and plaque. Red brick
outbuildings to site. Bounded by cast-iron railings and gates.
CHS ref. no CHS-012
Building Type: House ( detached )
Name: Teltown House
Townland: Teltown
Feature: Architectural, Technical,
Distance: 803 m

Description: Early 19thC, the house is a two-storey three bay house, gable ended and
with slated roof and square porch.

CHS ref. no CHS-017
Building Type: Demesne features
Name: Gibbstown Estate - Circular entrance feature
Feature: Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social, Technical
Distance: 516 m
Description: The gates of the now demolished Gibbstown House.

6.4 THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND TOPOGRAPHICAL FILES
The topographical survey for Teltown, Oristown Gibstown, and Hurdlestown townlands
produced one result reporting the discovery of human remains near the vicinity of a ringfort
at Oristown (no further information available ie: Reg no. RMP no.).


6.5 PREVIOUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDWORK IN THE AREA
CHS-019
Meath
1997:430
The Knockans,( Teltown), Oristown
Linear earthwork
280940 274335
97E301

The double-banked monument known as The Knockans at Teltown, County Meath, was
partly destroyed by earth-moving machinery in May 1997. The northernmost bank was
completely demolished, the intervening ditch was filled with redeposited material and part
of the southern bank was removed. Excavation (on behalf of the National Monuments
Service) was undertaken there in August and September 1997 along with a geophysical
survey (by the Applied Geophysics Unit, NUIG).
The southern bank survived as a large truncated earthwork 38m in length, about 10m in
maximum width and 2.4m in maximum height, with its long axis aligned west-north-
west/east-south-east. The destruction exposed machine-cut section faces at either end on
the west and east and a longitudinal section running the length of the earthwork on the
north. Earth from the destroyed parts of the monument was redeposited in the general
vicinity, in the intervening ditch and in the western and southern parts of a water-filled
hollow marked on the OS map to the east of the earthwork. This hollow seems to have
been an irregular oval measuring about 42m eastwest and 11m northsouth, with a
maximum depth below external ground level of about 2m at its centre. The vegetation in the
undisturbed north-eastern portion suggests that it was not a pond as such.
Utilising the exposed sections on the west and east, two 2m-wide cuttings were opened;
two shorter 2m-wide cuttings to the north were cut to reveal the amount of redeposited
material in the intervening ditch; and one small cutting on top of the earthwork was opened
to explore its upper surface, but revealed nothing. It transpired that the northern earthwork,
though completely destroyed, had left a clear geophysical signature, and the presence of a
broad, deep, flat-bottomed ditch between the two embankments was confirmed.
It was evident that the surviving earthen bank had a substantial core of compressed, burnt,
ash-like material; this has been extensively sampled and should provide material for
radiocarbon dating. A small votive deposit of unburned cattle bones was found in the lower

levels of this burnt deposit. Further excavation will be necessary to investigate the lowest
levels of the burnt deposit, and what may be small settings of stones and small pieces of
wood, possibly stakes, have yet to be investigated. Partial and preliminary reconstitution of
the monument was undertaken, and this, too, has to be completed.
John Waddell and Madeline OBrien, Department of Archaeology, National University of
Ireland, Galway.
CHS-019
Meath
1998:519
The Knockans,( Teltown), Oristown
Linear earthwork
280940 274335
97E0301

The double-banked monument known as the Knockans at Teltown, County Meath, was
partly destroyed in May 1997. Excavation (on behalf of the National Monuments Service)
was undertaken there in 1997 (Excavations 1997, 143), and a second season, of nine
weeks' duration, took place in July and August 1998.
The focus of this excavation was the eastern side of the southern bank, in order to
complete the recording of the archaeological layers exposed by machine in 1997.
Excavation revealed that there was a much greater depth of deposit in the central organic
core (the burnt deposit) of the monument than the 0.8m recorded in 1997. The core, buried
beneath 1-2m of redeposited gley, was made up of layers of deposited silts with some large
stones revetting their southern side. Over these, and on the northern side, were many
lenticular deposits of silt with pointed stakes driven into them.
Because of machine destruction the relationship of the organic core to what appeared to be
a ditch between the two banks was not resolved in 1997, the old ground surface not being
clearly identified. Excavation of a greater depth of this organic core in 1998 clarified this
issue and demonstrated that the banks were constructed without an intervening ditch, the
gap between them containing a considerable depth of silts and clay resting on the original
ground surface. Although it was not possible to complete the excavation of this year's
cutting to sterile ground across its entire length, it was possible to recover secure samples
for dating and analysis from undisturbed contexts.

The reinstatement and grass planting of the northern bank was completed, but the final
reshaping of the upper eastern slope of the southern bank was not finished as additional
topsoil was required; the reconstruction of this small area will now have to wait until dryer
weather in spring 1999.
Finds consisted of post-medieval pottery and modern material from the plough zone at the
southern end of the southern bank. Flint and a fragment of bronze were recovered in the
lower layers of the bank construction material, while fragments of leather, wood, a small
amount of bone and one sherd of glass came from contexts within the organic core.
John Waddell and Madeline O'Brien, Department of Archaeology, National University of
Ireland, Galway.

Meath
Teltown
No archaeological significance
28051 27329
SMR 17:31, 17:27
00E0110

An archaeological assessment was carried out at the site of a proposed bungalow and
associated works at Teltown, Donaghpatrick, County Meath, on 12 April 2000. The site of
the proposed development is located within the area of archaeological potential in Meath as
identified in the 1994 County Development Plan. It is located north of a church site (SMR
17:31) and south of an enclosure (SMR 17:27).
Four test-trenches were excavated by machine within the proposed development. All
revealed that natural deposits were present beneath the topsoil at an average depth of
0.3m. No archaeological features or deposits were exposed, and no finds were recovered.
Consequently no archaeological deposits will be destroyed by the proposed development.
No further work is required subject to the approval of Dchas The Heritage Service.
Deirdre Murphy, Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd, 15 Trinity Street, Drogheda,
County Louth.


Meath
2001:1059
TELTOWN
N805735
01E1093

Monitoring was carried out during the construction of a dwelling-house with garage, septic
tank and driveway. The site is in the townland of Teltown, some 800m south-south-east of
Rath Dhu (SMR 17:21).
The site lies on locally flat ground with a very gradual slope down to the Boyne. There is a
slight slope down from north to south within the site.
Sod and topsoil was reduced by 0.20.3m for the house and driveway, and at the back of
the house at the location of the septic tank and percolation area. A very fine yellow clay
was exposed; this was consistent all over the site. Nothing of archaeological significance
was exposed.
Rosanne Meenan, Roestown, Drumree, County Meath.

Meath
2003:1396
Gibstown
03E0405

The site of the proposed development is located outside Kells, County Meath, and within
the archaeological landscape surrounding the Teltown complex. The proposed
development is to consist of a 500m access track and the erection of a GSM mast and
related compound. An assessment of the proposed development, including testing, was
carried out at the end of April 2003. The site is not near any known monuments, but, given
the nature of the surrounding archaeological landscape, the potential of encountering
subsurface remains is high. Upon arrival on-site, it was discovered that the access track
had been previously stripped and mostly gravelled. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed
that very little was actually excavated, with the sod (0.05-0.1m) having been removed. Six
trenches were excavated by machine along the line of the access and across the

foundations of the mast and associated compound. No evidence of archaeological activity
was revealed.
Christopher Read, North West Archaeological Services Ltd, Cloonfad Cottage, Cloonfad,
Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim.

Meath
1999:712
TANKARDSTOWN
Adjacent to ploughed-out ringfort
O035508
SMR 45:11
99E0581

This work was carried out as part of the ongoing monitoring of pipe-laying for the
Ashbourne/ Ratoath/Kilbride Sewerage Scheme. A 2m-wide ditching bucket was used to
trench along the verge parallel to the area where the ploughed-out ringfort was sited.
Telecom lines and a stone-filled ditch disturbed the area. Modern china and crock were
recovered but nothing of archaeological significance. Subsoil was reached at a depth of
0.35m and was a pale beige/yellow clay.
Finola O'Carroll, Cultural Resource Development Services Ltd, Campus Innovation Centre,
Roebuck, University College, Belfield, Dublin 4.

6.6 CARTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE
The following section considers the Ordnance Survey First & Second Edition maps for the
area in relation to significant and unrecorded cultural heritage sites. (Appendix 14.8, Annex
1: Figure 1-6).
6.6.1 THE KNOCKAUNS (CHS 019)
There is no indication on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map (Illustration 1) of the linear
earthwork known as the Kockauns. ODonovan in his OS letters records the monument as
being located to the immediate south of the arcing field boundary circled in red (also see
Appendix 14.8, Annex 1: Figures 3, 4 & 5).

Illustration 1 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing site of Knockauns. RMP 017:049

On the later Second Edition Ordnance Survey map (Illustration 2) this bow shape boundary
has been re aligned and straightened. Also noticeable is an unmarked elliptical feature that
may relate to the monument. Other changes include Cromwells road (Appendix 14.8,
Annex 1: Figure 3) that on the 1
st
ed. links the Oristown to Gibstown road to the Oristown to
Donaghpatrick road. The lane now appears to end at a cul de sac. The right of way
apparently sacrificed to enlarge a field has since been re-instated as a through road.


Illustration 2 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Knockauns, note elliptical feature to south of field
boundary

6.6.2 DONAGHPATRICK (CHS-007)
On the First Edition Ordnance Survey map (Illustration 3) Donaghpatrick is depicted as a
small wooded hamlet with a church and a number of small dwellings, there is no notation
indicating Rath Airthir. The Motte and Bailey site may have been overlooked by the
surveyors obscured as it was by trees. Donaghpatrick Bridge is evident to the south
crossing the River Blackwater.


Illustration 3 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Donaghpatrick Church, Rath Airthir, Bridge and Mill
...
The Second Edition Ordnance Survey map (Illustration 4) shows the village in more detail,
and particularly focuses on the site of Rath Airthir, a tri-vallate fort converted into a Motte
and Bailey. Other developments include dwellings, a rectory and a Parochical hall.


Illustration 4 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Donaghpatrick and Environs

6.6.3 RATH DH (CHS-018)
Rath Dh, a National Monument, is depicted on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map
(Illustration 5) as an annular enclosure in a large open field, notated as a fort. A literary
reference from a similar era by William Wilde is effusive in its description of the fort
describing it as originally having a second external bank that was still traceable even
though it had recently been levelled. Its setting within a large open field has commanding
views of the surrounding landscape. Also notable in this map are the two dried up loughs to
the north of the fort. According to ODonovan sources these artificial lakes were made by
an ancient race called the Firbolgs and were possibly used to water cattle during the course
of the fairs.


Illustration 5 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Rath Dh

By the time of the Second Edition Ordnance Survey map (Illustration 6) the monument is
pennanular in shape and the surrounding area has been developed, fields subdivided, a
lane constructed and dwellings built in close proximity.
Illustration 6 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Rath Dh


6.6.4 UNRECORDED CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES
Corn Mill (CHS-002)
Along the southern boundary of the Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity the First
Edition Ordnance Survey map shows a Corn Mill Ford and Weir (Illustration 7).
Illustration 7 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Corn Mill, Ford & Weir

Old Mill (CHS-005)
South west of Donaghpatrick on the opposite side of the Blackwater the First Edition
Ordnance Survey map (Illustration 8) shows an Old Mill.


Illustration 8 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing Old Mill south west of Donaghpatrick

Copse of Trees (CHS-014)
Aerial photography and the Second Edition Ordnance Survey map (Illustration 9) indicated
a potential archaeological feature taking the form of a circular copse of trees in a field north
west of Donaghpatrick. This site does not however appear on the earlier First Edition
Ordnance Survey map (Illustration 10).


Illustration 9 Second Edition Ordnance Map showing a circular copse of trees

Illustration 10 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing the absence of the circular copse of trees that
appears on the later map


St. Catherines Church (CHS-021)
Both the First Edition and Second Edition Ordnance Survey maps (Illustration 11) and
(Illustration 12) show St. Catherines Roman Catholic Church to the north of the Teltown
Zone of Archaeological Amenity on the R163. Both appear to indicate a well-defined
circular enclosure around the church, which could be indicative of an early foundation date.
Illustration 11 First Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing St. Catherine's Church


Illustration 12 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map showing St. Catherine's Church


6.6.5 O DONOVANS MAPS
6.6.5.1 MAPS

Illustration 13 ODonovans Map of the Teltown 1836, showing the significant sites associated with the area


Illustration 14 Annotated Map of Teltown Showing Location of Monuments



6.6.5.2 ODONOVANS NOTES
a. Rath Dhu, according to ODonovan this fort was original bi-vallate but the external bank
was levelled in the early 19
th
century.
b & c Artificial lakes, these lakes have now been filled in and survive only as dark
anomalies on the aerial photographs. The tradition in the country is that the loughs were
formed by a race called the Firbolg.
d. A blind lough called Doolough lying two fields east of the Rath. Tradition says that Saint
Patrick confined the shade of Laogaire in this lough. This lake does not appear on the 1
st
or
the 2
nd
. Edition maps. On the aerial photographs however it is discernible as a slight
depression with evidence of water-logging.
e. A Trigonometry pole, since removed.
f. The site of the Knockauns, ODonovan describes it as the remains of a mound, now a
rabbit warren. As previously stated this site does not appear on the 1
st
edition map but does
appear on the 2
nd
edition as an un-annotated sub-oval shape. This site was partially
bulldozed in the early 90s and was the subject of an archaeological investigation.
g. A hollow and well site known as Lag an Aonaigh, or the Hollow of the Fair. Here,
according to tradition the famous Teltown marriages were carried out. This site is not
indicated on either the 1
st
or 2
nd
editions of the OS maps. However the site does appear as
a cropmark on an aerial photograph taken in 2005 to the immediate east of Cromwells
road. A newly built house occupies a site to the west of the road.
h. An artificial lough. This lake does not appear on the 1
st
edition map but does appear on
the 2
nd
. edition as a sub oval un-annotated feature. This lough is visible on aerial
photographs as an area of water-logging to the north of a dwelling house.
i. A pile of stones around a tree called Bun Mucnaidhe. O Donovan records that there was
a pile of stones there to commemorate the death of a Christian warrior of the name Art long
since forgotten. On the 1
st
and 2
nd
edition maps this site is occupied by a house and
outbuildings that have since been demolished, the site now exists as an open field.


6.6.5.3 OBSERVATIONS ON ODONOVANS NOTES
ODonovans letters and maps (Illustration 13 and 14) on Teltown offer a fascinating insight
into the cultural importance of the area at a time when the annual festival that used to be
held there was still in living memory. Local sources would have been able to point out the
different monuments and sites and describe the peculiar customs associated with them. As
a Gaelic scholar ODonovan would have also been familiar with the old Irish manuscripts
relating to the area and its central place in ancient mythology. Furthermore as an employee
of the Topographical Department of the first Ordnance Survey of Ireland under George
Petrie he also had access to the most recent maps, which he traced over when recording
his field notes. ODonovans sketches of the Teltown field monuments are important insofar
as they define geographically a discrete area that he believed constituted the focus of
Tailteann and the annual Aonach. This area includes both the northern portion of Teltown
and the south of Oristown. It is defined by the course of the River Blackwater to the west,
Cromwells road to the east, the Oristown to Gibstown road (R163) to the North and
Teltown Church ruins to the south (refer to Appendix 14.8, Annex 1: Figure 3). ODonovans
area comprises the north western portion of the designated Teltown Zone of Archaeological
Amenity and excludes Donaghpatrick village and the west of Gibstown Demesne.
6.7 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS
EirGrid commissioned detailed aerial photography of all potential line routes in 2007.
Analysis of this and Ordnance Survey photography from 2002 and 2005 did not reveal any
further unrecorded sites in the assessment area covered by this report. EirGrid also
commissioned lidar surveys to be completed in August 2009. This high resolution
orthophotography allowed a more detailed assessment of this area. Appendix 14.8, Annex
1: Figure 5 shows the Teltown zone of archaeological amenity and the proposed
development overlayed on ordnance survey aerial photography from 2005.

7 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS
In line with EPA Guidance notes and the NRA Guidelines on EIA, the impact upon each
cultural heritage site was assessed using the following criteria:
Quality of Impacts
Positive Impact - A change that improves or enhances the setting of a cultural
heritage site.
Neutral Impact - A change that does not affect the cultural heritage.
Negative Impact - A change that will detract from or permanently remove a cultural
heritage monument from the landscape.

Significance of Impacts
Imperceptible Impact - An impact capable of measurement but without noticeable
consequences.
Slight Impact - An impact, which causes noticeable changes in the character of the
environment without affecting its sensitivities.
Moderate Impact - An impact that alters the character of the environment in a
manner that is consistent with existing and emerging trends.
Significant Impact - An impact, which, by its character, magnitude, duration or
intensity alters a sensitive aspect of the environment.
Profound Impact - An impact, which obliterates sensitive characteristics.

Duration of Impacts
Short-term Impact - Impact lasting one to seven years.
Medium-term Impact - Impact lasting seven to fifteen years.
Long-term Impact - Impact lasting fifteen to sixty years.
Permanent Impact - Impact lasting over sixty years.
Temporary Impact - Impact lasting for one year or less.

Types of Impacts
Cumulative Impact - The addition of many small impacts to create one larger, more
significant, impact.

Do Nothing Impact - The environment as it would be in the future should no
development of any kind be carried out.
Indeterminable Impact - When the full consequences of a change in the
environment cannot be described.
Irreversible Impact - When the character, distinctiveness, diversity or reproductive
capacity of an environment is permanently lost.
Residual Impact - The degree of environmental change that will occur after the
proposed mitigation measures have taken effect.
Worst Case Impact - The impacts arising from a development in the case where
mitigation measures substantially fail.

7.1 DIRECT IMPACTS
Due to the degree of flexibility with the individual tower towers there will be no direct
impacts on any recorded monuments, protected structures or known cultural heritage sites
(Table 5). The nearest CHS site (CHS-014, copse of trees), which is quite possibly not of
significance as it does not appear on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map, is
approximately 120m from the proposed line route, with the nearest recorded monument
(CHS-009, enclosure) being in excess of 300m from the line route. However the region has
an extensive written and folkloric history, and although this would appear to centre upon a
region in the vicinity of Rath Dh (CHS-018), to the west of the proposed scheme, there is
a potential of encountering undiscovered archaeology.
The greatest threat to undiscovered archaeology would occur during the construction
process. These impacts may take the form of:
Ground-breaking excavation for tower bases (including the working areas around
towers), access roads or winch locations.
Movement of machines over or near to sensitive areas resulting in rutting and/or
compaction of sediments.
Breaching of field boundaries including townland boundaries, banks /ditches and
stone walls.


Table 5 Assessment of Direct Impacts
Site
Number Site Name Legal Status
Quality of
Impact
Significance
of Impact
Duration of
Impact
CHS-001 Martry House RPS Neutral None Long term
CHS-002 Mill None Neutral None Long term
CHS-003 Martry Mill RPS Neutral None Long term
CHS-004 Donaghpatrick Bridge RPS Neutral None Long term
CHS-005 Mill None Neutral None Long term
CHS-006 Sextons House RPS Neutral None Long term
CHS-007 Donaghpatrick Church & Graveyard RMP Neutral None Long term
CHS-008 Donaghparick Parochial House RPS Neutral None Long term
CHS-009 Enclosure RMP Neutral None Long term
CHS-010 Rath Aithir RMP Neutral None Long term
CHS-012 Teltown House RPS Neutral None Long term
CHS-013 Teltown Graveyard RMP Neutral None Long term
CHS-014 Copse of Trees None Neutral None Long term
CHS-015 Gatelodge to Gibstown House RPS Neutral None Long term
CHS-017 Gibstown Gate Feature RPS Neutral None Long term
CHS-018 Rath Dh National Monument & RMP Neutral None Long term
CHS-019 Knockauns RMP Neutral None Long term
CHS-020 Henge RMP Neutral None Long term
CHS-021 St Catherines Church None Neutral None Long term

7.2 INDIRECT AND VISUAL IMPACTS
Developments of this type have the potential to impact indirectly and visually upon cultural
heritage sites and their settings. Although indirect effects may occur during construction the
greatest potential is for long term indirect effects, which occur during the operational phase.
Indirect impacts could take the form of changes in hydrology that effect subterranean
archaeological deposits. As has been discussed previously there will be no direct impacts
upon know cultural heritage sites, there will therefore be no indirect impacts of this type
upon known archaeological sites. There is the potential that the development could
indirectly impact upon previously unrecorded archaeological deposits however the degree
of impact would likely be minor due to the small footprint of the tower towers. The potential
for indirect impacts will be taken into account during execution of the mitigation measures
for direct impacts.
There will be impacts upon the settings of cultural heritage sites and upon the Teltown
Zone of Archaeological Amenity, including effects on the inter-relationships between
features, effects on the relationship of a feature to the wider landscape and effects on
significant views from and to the features.
Other far less tangible indirect effects have to be weighed in assessing Teltowns cultural
significance are its mythological associations. The Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity
encompasses an area second only to Tara in terms of legends and folklore. Figures from
ancient tales stride the landscape including Pagan Kings, kindly Queens, mighty warriors
and of course St. Patrick himself shining the light of Christianity and banishing the older

Celtic deities to the darkness. In the days when William Wilde and John ODonovan
travelled here, in the early to mid Nineteenth Century, the great sites of Tailtean still stood
as proud reminders of the areas central role in the rites and rituals of a time long past. Rath
Dhs earthen banks were drawn up to a height of almost 7 metres, in the centre of a single
field of nearly 100 acres offering commanding views over the surrounding landscape.
Enigmatic depressions to the north of the Fort still survived. These, according to local
mythology were built by the Firbolg and hosted aquatic fights as part of the annual games.
East of this is the Knockauns, ODonovan refers to this feature as the remains of a mound,
now a rabbit warren, Wilde however is much more enthused, parts of the trench and
embankments of two other forts, which, judging from the portions still remaining, must have
been of immense size, greater even than any of those now existing at Tara. To the south
along Cromwells Road is Luganeany, site of the Teltown marriages, then discernible as a
spring and depression and further south again is Doolough where St. Patrick confined the
shade of King Laoghaire.
Unfortunately much has changed since the time of ODonovan and Wilde; at the time of the
first edition Ordnance Survey in 1836 the Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity
contained approximately 47 structures, now there are almost 240. The 100 acre expanse
was subdivided into 15 fields by the beginning of the Twentieth Century with a road
extending into the area from the north along which six houses had been constructed, many
with accompanying outbuildings. Several of these outbuildings have since been extended
into extensive agricultural sheds. The earthen bank of Rath Dh is now three to four
metres high and one of the artificial lakes is slowly being encroached upon by a farmyard
development. The Knockauns was inexplicably partially destroyed by earth moving
machinery in 1997 and in the last couple of years a house has been constructed adjacent
to the wedding site of Luganeany. The cumulative effect of these incremental
developments have altered the original landscape and reduced, denuded or destroyed
some of the ancient sites.
However much of what is important about the area is ephemeral and this resource cannot
be underestimated. Interest in Irish mythology remains strong in Ireland and defines our
cultural identity.
The proposed line route corridor for the overhead 400KV line from Kingscourt to Woodland
will in its current form traverse the Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity area as
outlined by the DoEHLG. A total of nine tower bases will potentially affect the visual
amenity of the area. Travelling south to north the proposed line route enters Teltown via
Castlemartin and crosses the River Blackwater to the west of a large U shaped bend in

the river near Donaghpatrick village. The line route then doglegs to the north west of a
Motte and Baily known as Rath Airthir (ME017-033) and crosses a third class road linking
Donaghpatrick and Oristown. From this point the line route continues north overland to the
east of the Knockauns earthwork (ME017-049) and west of Crasulthan Cross roads where
it exits the designated zone and enters Oristown. The relevant tower bases are numbers 89
to 97 at this stage.
Scott Wilson were commissioned to undertake photomontages from locations within and
around the Teltown Archaeological Amenity Area to assess the visual impact of the
proposed development. Cognisant of the issues in relation to access the locations from
which the photomontages were taken were agreed previously with the DoEHLG and are
representative of the impacts from various sensitive cultural heritage sites within the
landscape. Photomontages have also been taken which are representative of the highest
magnitude of impact as someone traverses the region via the local roadways. The
photomontages along with a map indicating both the location from which photomontages
are taken and the direction of the view are included in Appendix 14.8, Annex 2. Many of
the views are transient and only available for short distances whilst traversing the region,
Appendix 14.8, Annex 1: Figure 6 indicates the extents of the views.

Table 6 Assessment of Visual Impacts
Location
Associated
CHS site(s)
Quality of
Impact
Duration of
Impact
Significance of
Impact
Photomontage 1 Gibstown Gate CHS-017 negative long term moderate
Photomontage 2 R163 negative long term moderate
Photomontage 3 Henge feature CHS-020 negative long term moderate
Photomontage 4 Donaghpatrick CHS-007 negative long term slight
Photomontage 5 Oristown / Donaghpatrick Road negative long term moderate
Photomontage 6 Oristown / Donaghpatrick Road negative long term moderate
Photomontage 7 Donaghpatrick Bridge CHS-005 negative long term slight
Photomontage 8 N3 negative long term moderate
Photomontage 9 The knockauns CHS-019 negative long term slight
Photomontage 10 Rath Dhu CHS-018 neutral long term imperceptible

Photomontage 1 CHS-017 Gibstown Gate
This view is taken from the decorative gate of the former Gibstown Demesne looking to the
west. Both the circular feature and entrance gate are listed in the record of protected
structures for County Meath. Gibstown house has long been demolished, however a
number of outbuildings survive which are located approximately 1km to the east, south east
of the gates. The road linking the gate to the house has been reclaimed by fields leaving
the gate as an independent feature within the landscape. The graveyard and GAA pitch
with associated lighting detract from the structures setting. The proposed transmission line
would be visible from this location as indicated above. Three towers would be partially
visible with the wirescape almost fully visible with some screening provided by existing
trees. The proposed transmission line is seen in the context of existing poles and wires.
The visual impact of the transmission line on the setting of the Gibstown Gate will be
assessed in the context of the cumulative visual impact of all the other elements in view.
The visual impact could be reduced by the planting of trees to the rear of the GAA pitch and
graveyard.
Photomontage 2 R163
This view looks southwest from a location on the R163 west of the cemetery at Crasulthan
Cross roads. There are no designated cultural heritage sites in the vicinity. The roadside
hedges in view have been recently cut back but after summer growth they are much higher
providing a more substantial screen. There are already existing poles and wirescape within
view. The two towers seen from this viewpoint will have a visual impact, but the remainder
of the transmission line will be screened by roadside hedges and the local topography as
seen in the photomontage. Although there is an impact from the towers upon this particular
viewpoint, generally travelling along the R163 (the northern boundary of the Teltown
Landscape) the views towards the Teltown area are very restricted.

Photomontage 3 CHS-020 Henge Feature
This view looks east from a third class link road running south from St Catherines Church
to a T-Junction with the Oristown Donaghpatrick road. The site was chosen due to its
proximity to a monument classified as a possible henge (RMP ME017:50), a site with no
surface expression visible only as a cropmark. From this viewpoint the monument is
located to the rear of the viewer. There are a number of new single dwelling houses nearby
just outside the extent of the image. This viewpoint is within the confines of the Teltown
archaeological landscape. One tower is predominantly visible against the skyline but the
other three potentially visible towers are screened by mature treelines, hedgerows and the
topography. There are existing electricity poles and wires in the field to the foreground and
telephone poles and cable along the road circumambient to the view. The overall
significance of impact of the proposed development in this cumulative context is moderate.
Photomontage 4 CHS-007 Donaghpatrick
This view looks west from the corner of the graveyard at Donaghpatrick Church (RMP
ME017:034). The church grounds and graveyard contain several structures listed in the
Record of Monuments and Places and Record of Protected Structures. The valley of the
river Blackwater is in view, and a ringfort is located on the far side of the river. The land
rises steeply to the right of this photo, preventing views of the proposed transmission line.
Within the curtilage of the church this corner located to the SW of the graveyard is the only
location from which the proposed transmission line is visible. One tower is visible on the
skyline, and a further three are fully screened by vegetation and topography. Part of the
wirescape is also visible. Donaghpatrick Church is visible to the right of the image.
Photomontage 5 Oristown / Donaghpatrick Road
This view looks southeast over the Blackwater River valley towards the location of a ringfort
in the centre of the image. A Motte and Bailey is located to the rear of this viewpoint. The
low vegetation in this location allows for a wide view over the landscape however all but
one of the towers are partly or fully screened. The hedges have been recently trimmed and
this view will be further screened as they grow back. Travelling along the Donaghpatrick
Oristown third class road in a north westerly direction the view along the Blackwater Valley
is visible for approximately 100m before it is screened by a hedgerow. This natural screen
continues for a couple of hundred metres before giving way to the view in photomontage 6
for approximately 30m. The tower in the far right of this image is visible throughout most of
this journey however the eye is naturally drawn to the picturesque valley.

Photomontage 6 Oristown / Donaghpatrick Road
This view south west is available for approximately 30m of this stretch of road. The
signpost points towards Cill Tailteann. There is a tower directly behind the signposts, partly
screened by trees. The summer growth of the trees would screen this tower fully from this
viewpoint. A further four towers and associated wirescape are partly visible in the distance.
New tree planting and additional planting to the existing hedgerows would reduce the visual
impact on views from this location.
Photomontage 7 CHS-005 Donaghpatrick Bridge
This view northwest is taken from the north side of Donaghpatrick bridge which is a
protected structure. The walls on either side of the bridge are high and prevent views from
eye level in a car. The wall reduces in height for a short stretch but the visibility of this view
would greatly depend on speed of travel. A pedestrian walking along the bridge would
have this view for the length of the bridge, but the high hedgerows on either side of the
bridge prevent views out into the wider landscape. The bridge is narrow and therefore not
particularly appealing to or safe for pedestrians. Two of the towers are very partially visible
along with some of the wirescape. The vast majority of the proposed transmission line is
screened by vegetation and topography.
Photomontage 8 N3
This view looks north east from the Top Service Station on the N3. The N3 is a very busy
road and any views to the wider landscape would be experienced at speed. Four of the
proposed towers are visible in this view, with the closest in the centre of the viewpoint. The
wires would cross the road close to this viewpoint. Summer growth and foliage on the
roadside hedge in view would greatly reduce the visibility of the towers and wirescape.
This view would be available for approximately 300m of this road, the transmission line
would also be visible to the right of the road.
Photomontage 9 CHS-019 The Knockauns
This view is from a similar location to Photomontage 3. The Knockauns or Teltown
earthwork is to the rear of the viewer. A new house has been built on the road in front of
the linear earthwork between the earthwork and the proposed development. One tower is
partially visible along with the wirescape. The other potentially visible towers are mostly
screened by existing trees. The screening capabilities of the trees would increase with
summer foliage. There is a wider panoramic view to the right of the picture, no parts of the

transmission line are visible in this part of the view due to the screening effects of
vegetation and the effects of distance.
Photomontage 10 CHS-019 Rath Dh
This view looks over the Teltown archaeological landscape and Rath Dh an enclosure and
national monument is located to the rear of the viewer. The wireframe model indicates that
six towers are potentially partially visible, however, the vegetation and other structures
within the viewpoint screen the towers from view from this location.
As seen in the Assessment of Visual Impact above, there will be moderate impacts upon
several views within and around the Teltown zone of archaeological amenity. These views
were chosen as they were associated with know cultural heritage sites or were areas which
would experience the highest levels of impact from the proposed development. Natural
screening provided by the rolling topography, hedgerows, tree lines and field boundaries
naturally impedes and obscures views from areas of high viewer incidence (known vistas,
roadways, pedestrian paths etc) and sensitive receptors (monuments, protected structures
etc). Individually the recorded monuments and structures will not be significantly affected
by the development. Taken as a whole given, the cultural sensitivity of the landscape and
the complex of monuments within the zone of archaeological amenity, the overall impact of
the development will detract from the areas uniqueness however the impact upon views
from the major sites of Rath Dh and Donaghpatrick will range from imperceptible to slight
respectively.

8 MITIGATION
8.1 DIRECT IMPACTS
In accordance with the relevant legislation and DoEHLG policy, the main mitigation would
involve preservation in-situ, by avoiding any direct impacts on known sites. In pursuance of
this the National Monuments Section of the DoEHLG has recommended that the whole of
the line route through the Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity be subjected to a
programme of geophysical investigation which could further inform changes to tower
placement and mitigation strategies prior to construction. Sites within close proximity to the
proposed development should be properly demarcated ensuring their protection from
construction traffic and future operational works.
8.1.1 MITIGATION STRATEGIES DURING CONSTRUCTION
The following mitigation strategies have been formulated in consultation with National
Monuments Section of DoEHLG.
Avoidance of known cultural heritage sites wherever possible.
A geophysical survey along the line route of the proposed corridor within the
Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity will be undertaken pre construction to
assess the nature and extent of potential sub surface archaeological remains.
There are difficulties associated with completing the geophysical survey prior to
submission of the EIS due to access issues. At pre construction phase further
mitigation strategies will be agreed with the DoEHLG including:
o Avoidance based upon the results of the geophysical survey.
o Archaeological testing based upon the results of the geophysical survey.
Archaeological sites along the line route corridor should be clearly demarcated, with
appropriate buffer zones, to ensure no damage from construction activities.
Information regarding the location and extent of these demarcated sites would form
part of the site induction for all on site personnel.
Employ a construction methodology that has a minimal impact upon in situ
archaeology. This construction methodology is to be agreed with the DoEHLG and
will include where appropriate the use of mats for vehicle access, construction by
hand of towers without the use of heavy lifting machinery.

Following receipt of planning the project will undergo more detailed design works
prior to construction. Under the agreed Codes of Practice between the Minister of
Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Eirgrid (April 2009) and ESB
networks (April 2009) will appoint a Project Archaeologist. The project archaeologist
would liaise with the DoEHLG, relevant authorities and stake holders and oversee a
further phase of assessment and mitigation once access and construction
methodologies have been finalised, including:
o Assessment of detailed access plans and construction methodologies.
o Field survey of cultural heritage sites in close proximity to the proposed
development where there were access issues during initial assessment
phase.
o Demarcation of protective buffer zones around cultural heritage sites where
there is a potential for disturbance during the construction phase and
inclusion of same in site induction.
o All impacted townland boundaries would be recorded.
o Continuing liaison with the DoEHLG.
The following codes have been used in Table 7 to represent mitigation strategies for
individual sites:
D: Demarcation of site with appropriate buffer
T: Archaeological testing
M: Archaeological Monitoring of ground disturbance
G: Geophysical survey of area of archaeological potential
N: No mitigation required
Although based upon the results of this assessment the construction of the proposed
transmission line through the Teltown Zone of Archaeological Amenity should have no
direct impact upon any of the known archaeological sites, there is the potential that some
sites may be impacted in the process of accessing or enabling the works. Demarcation of
these sites has been recommended in Table 7.

Table 7 Mitigation Measures
Site
Number Site Name Legal Status
Mitigation
Recommended
CHS-001 Martry House RPS N
CHS-002 Mill None D
CHS-003 Martry Mill RPS N
CHS-004 Donaghpatrick Bridge RPS N
CHS-005 Mill None N
CHS-006 Sextons House RPS N
CHS-007 Donaghpatrick Church & Graveyard RMP N
CHS-008 Donaghparick Parochial House RPS N
CHS-009 Enclosure RMP N
CHS-010 Rath Aithir RMP N
CHS-012 Teltown House RPS N
CHS-013 Teltown Graveyard RMP N
CHS-014 Copse of Trees None D
CHS-015 Gatelodge to Gibstown House RPS N
CHS-017 Gibstown Gate Feature RPS N
CHS-018 Rath Dh National Monument & RMP N
CHS-019 Knockauns RMP N
CHS-020 Henge RMP N
CHS-021 St Catherines Church None N

8.1.2 MITIGATION STRATEGIES DURING OPERATIONAL AND
DISMANTLING WORK
Maintenance and upgrading of the transmission bases and their eventual dismantling could
have direct or indirect impacts on the cultural heritage resource. These effects can be
mitigated by liaison with the DoEHLG and avoidance of known sites.
8.2 INDIRECT EFFECTS
Mitigating indirect effects is most effectively achieved through avoidance during the routing
stage. Beyond this, potential setting effects may be mitigated through the placing of access
tracks so as to minimise their visual impact and the micro-siting of towers or consideration
of tower heights on specific sections of the proposed line route.

9 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bennet, I. (Ed.), 1992. Excavations 1991Newtown. Dublin
Bennet, I. (Ed.), 2000. Excavations 1998. Dublin.
Bennet, I. (Ed.), 2000. Excavation 1999. Dublin.
Joyce, P.W., 1913. Irish Names of Places. Vol. III. Dublin.
Killannin, Lord & Duignan, M., 1962. The Shell Guide to Ireland Edbury Press, London.
Nolan, W. & Simms, A., (Eds.), 1998. Irish Towns, A Guide to Sources. Dublin.
Wilde, W. 2003. Beauties of the Boyne and Blackwater. Headford: Kevin Duffy (reprint of original
edition).
Waddell J. 2000. Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. Wordwell.
ODonovan, J. Letters containing information of the Antiquities of the County of Meath collected
during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1836 (Dublin 1836).
Condit, T & Cooney G. (ed). 1998. Heritage Guide No. 3. Teltown: An Ancient Assembly site in
County Meath. Wordwell. Dublin.
Moore, M. 1989. Archaeological Inventory of County Meath. Government Publications office.
Dublin.
OSullivan, A. 1998. The Archaeology of Lake Settlement in Ireland. Royal Irish Academy. Dublin


10 OTHER SOURCES REFERENCED
Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands, 1999. Frameworks and Principles for the Protection
of the Archaeological Heritage, Government publications, Dublin.
Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands, 1999. Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological
Excavation. Govn. Publications, Dublin.
The Heritage Council, 2000. Archaeology & Development: Guidelines for Good Practice for
Developers. The Heritage Council of Ireland Series, Kilkenny.
The Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government. Sites and Monuments Record, County Meath.
EPA, 1995. Advise notes on current practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements.
Dublin.
National Monuments Acts 1930-2004.
National Museum of Ireland. Topographical files, County Meath.


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