Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In a tree copse on a W-facing slope in rough pastureland. Named ‘Rahannagroagh’ on the OS 6-inch maps, this roughly circular rath (diam. c. 45m), in fair condition, is defined by an inner bank, fosse and outer bank. A number of mature ash, sycamore and fir trees are growing on the enclosing elements and within the interior. A roadway curves around it from S to W and a large pit (diam. 10m; D 1.5m) is visible to its NW. From N to E to SE the inner bank (Wth 1.3m; int. H 0.2m; ext. H 1.1m) is fairly well defined but from SE to S, it is poorly preserved. From S to W it is low and grassed over. From W to N its inner face is hard to discern as it slopes gently to the interior (Wth 3.9m; ext. H 1.3m). Traces of a low wall are visible on its outer face. It is disturbed at NW. The fosse (base Wth 1.8m) is visible all round and best preserved from W to N. A field wall has been built in it from E through S to W. The outer bank survives from W to NW (Wth 1.3m; int. H 1.8m) but peters out between NW and N (H 0.15-0.4m). A shed has been constructed immediately to the N of it. No visible trace of it is evident from N to E and from E to S intermittent traces survive in a much-dilapidated state as old feeders, corrugated sheeting, branches of trees and rubbish are dumped on it. From S to W it has been reprofiled and is now wider and lower (Wth 3m; int. H 0.8m) where the roadway curves around it. An avenue (Wth 5.6m), associated with Masonbrook House which was formerly located c. 85m to the ENE, runs roughly E-W through the interior of the site. It is defined by the moss-covered foundations of two double-faced walls (Wth 0.8m) and a number of large boulders. It leads to stone-revetted causeway across the banks and fosse at W. The causeway (base Wth 4.3m) is defined by double-faced walls with a rubble core (Wth 1m). There is a souterrain (GA106-123001-) in the SW quadrant of the interior. (Harbison 1975, 99)

The following images have been uploaded:
GA106-123----_01 Access pt from WSW
GA106-123----_14 Causeway from S

Compiled by: Olive Alcock

Date of upload: 8 October 2018

This monument was taken into Ownership under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 - National Monument 499.

References

Harbison, P. 1975 (2nd. ed. 1992 reprint) Guide to the national monuments in the Republic of Ireland. Gill and Macmillan, Dublin.