Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

Internal diam. 40m
A univallate rath situated on the level floor of the broad valley that extends N from Dingle Harbour. The sub-circular interior is enclosed by an earthen bank, now much modified, and a fosse which is traceable only along the N sector and for a short distance at SW. The fosse is no more than .15m deep and is c. 1.2 to 1.6m wide. The bank is 1.47 to 3m high externally, 1 to 1.6m high internally and 1.52 to 2.8m wide at base. For most of its circumference it is revetted internally and externally with drystone masonry of very varied construction. The outline of the bank is irregular in parts and it is clear that it has been modified and perhaps completely replaced at some points. The site lies at the junction of 3 fields and the revetment walling may relate to its use as a field boundary. One of the 3 gaps through the bank may mark the original entrance but this is not certain. A large, irregularly-shaped mound in the interior may simply be field clearance debris.

The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 468. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 7 August 2013