Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In improved pasture, on top of a hillock affording good views of the surrounding landscape. Depicted on OS historic mapping as a circular enclosure. Described by Westropp (1908-9, 386) as being much levelled at the E side and having an inner ring, an outer fosse and a slight outer ring (H 3-5ft) with a large pit (L 45ft, D 9ft) in the interior planted with fine ash trees. Present remains comprise a roughly circular area (diam. c. 38m) defined by an earthen bank (int. H 0.3m; Wth at top 1.4m; Wth at base 3.9m; ext. H 1m) with an outer fosse (overall Wth 5.4m; Wth at base 2m; D 0.05m). A field boundary encloses the ringfort S-W-NE and a field fence encloses it NE-S. Trees and dense vegetation obscure the enclosing elements SW-NW. The interior is accessible across the N sector only and is otherwise inaccessible due to impenetrable vegetation, having been closed off from cattle and not grazed for a long period of time.

The following photographs have been uploaded:

CL035-057----_01.jpg General view from SE.
CL035-057----_02.jpg Exterior of bank at N.

Compiled by: Mary Tunney

Date of upload: 14 November 2017

References

Westropp, T.J. 1908-9 Types of the ringforts and similar structures remaining in Eastern Clare (Quin, Tulla and Bodyke). Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 27C, 371-400.