Settlement deserted - medieval

The National Monuments Service's description

On a low hillock in gently undulating terrain, in pasture, with good views in all directions. The medieval church of Railstown (TS061-125----) and its graveyard (TS061-125001-) are located 280m to the NE; Ballyduagh medieval church (TS061-095002-) and deserted settlement (TS061-095----) lie 2km to the NW; Kilbragh church (TS069-026----) and possible settlement (TS069-026002-) lie 1.2km to the SSE and a ringfort (TS069-017----) is visible 400m to the SSE. A hollow-way (TS061-126----) runs E-W from the northern portion of the settlement. There was probably a settlement at Railstown from the late 13th century onwards, though numerous versions of the name appear in historical sources, from 'Ranileston' c. 1297 (Cal. Jus. Rolls 132), 'Vill Raynyl' in 1306 (Pap. Tax 316) and 'Ranyllestoun' in 1317 (Rot. Pat. 24) to the more recognisable 'Raillaston' in 1373 (COD vol. 3, 385) and 'Railestown' in 1549 (COD vol. 5, 35). The Civil Survey (1654-6) lists 'Thomas Butler of Kylconell Esqr. Irish Papist' as proprietor of 'Raylstowne [which] cont[ains] eight acres of the old extend' in 1640, the lands are described as being 'at prsent wast without any Impvemt' (Simington 1931, vol. 1, 204). The settlement occupies a roughly rectangular area (240m N-S; 198m E-W) which is defined by scarp on the S side and along the southern portion of the E side, elsewhere it is defined by the limit of plots. This plots consist of a large number of irregular enclosures of various shapes and size. Some of the smaller plots are associated with specific buildings, at least three of which are probably houses. These three (TS061-126003-; TS061-126004-; TS061-126005-), all orientated E-W, are situated to the W of a pond. This oval pond (dims. 30m N-S; 15m E-W) is roughly centrally positioned in the northern portion of the settlement. There is a mound immediately E of the pond (overall dims. 9.5m N-S; 8.4m E-W; H 1.2m) and another to the S. Four other buildings were identified, though their positions on the edge of the settlement, to the N (TS061-126002-), E (TS061-126008-) and W (TS061-126006-; TS061-126007-) might suggest they are less likely to be houses. A number of rotary quern fragments were found scattered throughout the settlement. The earthworks which comprise this settlement are very well preserved and consist of earthen banks with stone protruding (H 0.4-1m; Wth at top 1-1.5m; overall Wth 2.5-4.5m). The largest plots are in the SE quadrant of the settlement enclosure and these appear to be more rectangular in form. A modern cattle track runs roughly E-W through the centre of the settlement.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 18 July 2012

References

Curtis, E. (ed.) 1935 Calendar of Ormond Deeds 1413-1509 A.D. Vol. 3. Dublin. The Stationery Office.

Curtis, E. 1941 (ed.) Calendar of Ormond Deeds 1547-1584 A.D. Vol. 5. Dublin. The Stationery Office.

Simington, R.C. (ed.) 1931 The Civil survey, AD 1654-1656. Vol I: county of Tipperary: eastern and southern baronies. Dublin. Irish Manuscripts Commission.