Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

On raised ground on the W bank of the River Nore where it bends from the NE and meets a stream from the NNW. In gently undulating terrain, in pasture. There are very good views in all directions. An impressive ovoid shaped monument consisting of a raised interior enclosed by a low bank (Wth crest 2.3m; overall Wth 9.1m; int. H 0.6m; ext. H 3m) largely reduced to scarp, a deep fosse (Wth 3.4m; D 1.75m) and substantial outer bank (Wth at crest 2.2m; overall Wth 10.9m; ext. H 2.4m). There is a lot of stone in the bank. The outer bank does not survive along the E side where there is a berm (Wth 3.6-4m) at the base of the sheer drop (H 4.05m) from the inner bank. The ground falls away from the berm to river bank (H 2.5m). The level interior (int. dims. 36m N-S; 24m E-W; overall int. L c. 41m NNW-SSE)) narrows towards the N and broadens towards the S. The E side is quite straight. There is a causewayed entrance (H 0.45m above fosse; inner Wth 2.7m; ext. Wth 4.8m; Wth of causeway 3.8m) at the WSW. Carrigan (1905, vol. 2, 322) notes that, 'It was erected, according to our Annalists, by Heremon, son of Milesius, and was, moreover, selected by him to be his resting place when his life's career was ended'. The shape of the monument and it's defensive nature, with a high interior surrounded by a deep fosse and substantial outer bank, suggest that it could be an Anglo-Norman ringwork.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of revised upload: 9 May 2018

References

Carrigan, Rev. W. 1905 (Reprint 1981) The history and antiquities of the diocese of Ossory, 4 vols. Kilkenny. Roberts Books and Wellbrook Press.