Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

Internal diam. 24.5m N-S, 29.3m E-W.
Lisbaun/An Lios Bán: A univallate rath situated on the S slopes of Knockmoylemore, overlooking the broad valley that surrounds Trabeg. It is known locally as a burial ground and is named 'Calluragh burial ground' on the OS maps. The earthen enclosing bank is a maximum of 1.45m high and is revetted internally with neat drystone masonry, up to .8m high. The E portion of the bank now forms part of a N-S field fence. The drystone facing on its inner and outer flanks here, similar to that on the remainder of the field wall, is probably associated with this secondary use. It is not clear where the original entrance lay. Two gaps at NW and NE do not cut through the lower portion of the bank, and a 3rd at SW appears to be modern.
Much of the interior is occupied by a stony, subrectangular raised area which measures 20m N-S and 11m E-W. To N it is defined by the ringfort bank, to E by a low scarp, c. 0.3 to .5m high, and to S and W by a stony bank up to .7m high. The function of this feature is not known. The foundations of a circular structure, 4.3m in diameter, are located at the SW corner of the platform. A pair of orthostats set .5m apart at E may mark its entrance. A 3rd orthostat, .5m high, stands a short distance to S. The function of the latter is not clear but it may be a grave-marker related to the use of the site as a burial ground.

The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 315. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 6 August 2013