Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

Internal diam. 24m
This circular univallate rath, containing the remains of 2 hut sites, lies on a N facing slope overlooking Trabeg. It is enclosed by an earthen bank and fosse, the latter present along the W side only. The fosse averages 1.2m in depth below the external ground level and 3.2m below the crest of the bank. The latter is up to 1.5m high internally. The inner face of the bank has collapsed considerably but sections of its drystone facing are preserved. The E facing entrance is also faced with drystone walling but is now blocked.

(1) (KE053-049001-) This hut abuts the bank at N and only the N half of its outline is now discernible. It was at least 4.2m in diameter internally and its wall stands to a maximum height of .85m.

(2) (KE053-049002-) The SW part of the interior is occupied by a stony mound measuring 14.3m x 8m x lm in height. A circular depression at its S end may be the remains of a hut. This is c. 4.2m in diameter and is enclosed by a bank of stones and earth. A 2nd depression, directly N of the 1st, measures 2m x c. lm x .8m in depth, and its SSE side is lined with drystone masonry; the function of this feature is not clear.

The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 531. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 7 August 2013