List and describe the reasons for the development of linear,

clustered, dispersed and nucleated settlement patterns in Ireland.

There are four types of rural settlement patterns to be found on O.S maps
and photographs. Dispersed settlement, clustered/nucleated settlement,
linear/ribbon settlement and absense of settlement pattern.
1. Dispersed settlement pattern
This settlement pattern is made up of buildings scattered over a wide area. It
has a long tradition in Ireland. Before the 18 th century, the open field system
of farming was practiced where farmers shared open grazing land. This was
called common land and it usually surrounded a central settlement.
Everybody had access to this common land and let their animals graze on it.
After the 18th century, this land ownership system changed and the common
land was enclosed by fences and hedges. The original farmers who shared
the land were given an enclosed farm and built their farmhouse in this
enclosed area. They no longer shared grazing land. Instead, they worked their
own fields for their own benefit. As a result of this change in the land
ownership system, a dispersed pattern developed of isolated farmhouses
surrounded by fields.
2. Clustered/nucleated pattern
This settlement is made up of buildings grouped together. In the uplands of
the west of Ireland, clusters of houses are a sign of old farming systems.
Clachans were small clusters of houses which belonged to an extended family
group. Another type of rural clustered settlement was built in landlord times.
Small villages were built for estate workers. Many of these still exist today
and have an important heritage and tourist function, e.g. Adare in County
Limerick and Charlestown in County Mayo. The term nucleated settlement is
generally applied to urban settlements. Here, there is a larger population and
usually a focus of routeways. Such settlements are often found at a bridging
point or castle.
3. Linear/ribbon settlement pattern
In this case, buildings are arranged in a line, usually along a road or along a
scenic coastal route. Several factors combine to encourage this type of
development. Many people prefer to live in rural areas close to a nearby town
where they can access services. Roads entering a town have services along
them as it is less expensive for the local authorities to supply them along the
major roads rather than along each small laneway or driveway. The
availability of these services make roadside sites valuable places in which to
live. Farmers may often sell their more valuable road-frontage land for
housing sites. In some cases, this has led to unsightly ribbon developments

or 'bungalow blight' in scenic areas e.g. Spiddal in County Galway.