Enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

Cahercullaun/Cathair Coileáin: Situated on the lower W slopes of Ballysitteragh mountain about 40 to 50m N of a small tributary of the Milltown river. The site consists of a ruined cashel, with possible souterrain, which was modified and incorporated into later defensive works of unknown date.

The wall of the large enclosure was previously described as 4 to 10 feet (1.2 to 3m) high and 2.5 feet (.76m) thick (OSNB). Local tradition asserts that this fort was built by Coileán Ó Duinn (or Ó Duibhne) who used the large enclosure to protect his animals from wolves at night (An Seabhac 1939, 24). O'Donovan (OSM) was also of the opinion that this acted as a bawn or cattle enclosure associated with the 'castle'. At present the enclosure is defined to N by a low wall, to W by what appears to be a field wall, to S by a low bank, .4m high, with a small stream flowing outside it, and to E by a lane way. The ruinous nature of the present remains prohibits definite interpretation of the later remains, and their date and precise function remains unknown.

The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 573. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 7 August 2013