Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, on a low hill. A circular area (c. 32m N-S) defined by the remains of two earthen banks, an intervening fosse and a possible outer fosse. The inner bank (Wth 5.2m; int. H 1.1m; ext. H 1.5m) is covered with overgrowth and appears to be stone-faced internally. A stone wall (H c. 1m) is built on top of it WSW-NW. The intervening fosse (Wth 2.65m at the base) is covered with overgrowth in places. The outer bank (Wth 2.95m; int. H 1.25m; ext. H 1.2m) is covered with overgrowth and stone-faced externally. A possible outer fosse (Wth c. 2.5m; D 0.3m), which has been infilled in places, is evident S-SW. The interior is level and covered with overgrowth. There is an opening into a souterrain (KE058-076001-) in the NW quadrant. An entrance occurs in both banks at E. This rath was recorded as 'Cliddagh Fort' in the 1840s when it was described as being in the boundary at the S end of Cleedagh townland (OSNB, Kilcummin, no. 2, 8). It was mentioned in the 1940s as 'a great earthen Fort, with two rings' (ITA). Another rath (KE058-073----) is c. 40m to the WSW.

Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork.

Date of upload: 31 January 2011