Ringfort - cashel

The National Monuments Service's description

On rough grazing with extensive views to the W–NNE. Hachured on the 1842 and 1915 eds. of the OS 6-inch maps. Listed as ‘Enclosure’ in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996). A poorly preserved circular cashel (int. diam. 17.5m) defined by a low grassed over stony bank (Wth 1.5–2m; max. H 0.42m). There is no trace of an entrance and the interior is generally flat and featureless. Low banks that run SE from the ENE and W from the SW may be a remnant of a contemporary field system. A relatively modern square enclosure defined by a drystone wall is located c. 10m to the W and an enclosed doline is located c. 25m to the N.
There is an unusual density of ringforts in this part of the Burren. In 1897, Borlase (1897, 65) counted twenty between Derreen West and East and thirty-three on the slope of which they occur (including the NW facing slope of Knockauns Mountain). Westropp (1901, 10–11) reported several of these to be largely levelled and rebuilt as sheep folds but still believed them to be of ancient origin.

Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Ros Ó Maoldúin

Date of upload: 17 February 2021