Settlement deserted — medieval in Lemanaghan

Situated on a slight rise in poorly drained flat land. Archaeological complex consists of an early christian ecclesiastical enclosure (OF015-004008-), tower house (OF015-004001-), multi-period church (OF015-004003-) dating from the romanesque and late medieval date with several early christian cross-slabs (OF015-004005-) and architectural fragments in the interior of the church. To the NW there is a rectangular building (OF015-004009-) possibly of late medieval date. Holy well (OF015-004007-) and possible oratory or hermitage (OF015-004006-) and togher (OF015-004011-) located to the southeast of the main church. No surface remains visible of any clustered settlement in the area around Lemanaghan church and graveyard. A group of dwellings and Lemanaghan Castle (OF015-004001-) are depicted standing in close proximity to Lemanaghan church on the 1655 Down Survey map of Garrycastle barony. Monitoring under licence no. 02E1437 was required as part of the planning permission for a house on a greenfield site. The development was near the Early Christian enclosure of Lemanaghan (OF015-004008-). No features or finds of archaeological significance were revealed. John Purcell, Ballinvalley, Killeigh, Co. Offaly. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011