Hilltop enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

On a low hill surrounded by flat bogland. An oval enclosure (E-W 112m, N-S 95m), in fair condition, defined by a bank/scarp, an intervening fosse and outer bank. The inner bank survives as a low denuded bank/scarp (H c. 0.3m max.) except from N to NE where an attempt was made to level it, and at W where a disused silage pit now stands. The fosse is shallow (Wth 4-8.5m) but intact save at W, and at WNW where it is overlain by a modern causeway. The outer bank (Wth 2.3m, H 1.3m max.) is incorporated into a modern field boundary. A CBG (GA017-071001-) lies in NE quadrant of the interior and a probable souterrain (GA017-071002-) is also associated. While the presence of the CBG and probable souterrain might indicate an early ecclesiastical connection, the size and location of the enclosure suggest a prehistoric origin. (Neary 1914, 113-14, no. 139)

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999).

Date of upload: 05 August 2010

References

Neary, J. 1914 On the history and antiquities of the parish of Dunmore in the baronies of Dunmore and Ballymoe, Co. Galway. Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society 8, 94-128.