Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

Marked on the 1841 and 1908 editions of the OS 6-inch maps; an almosy circular area (max. diam. c. 80m NW-SE). Reference to a partly square rath with a double rampart on W and N sides and the site of a building (LA028-012002-) in the interior (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 354). No visible surface remains.

Described by Carrigan as a 'Large square rath in Beckfield 20 or 30 perches west of this bridge. It is partly square, and has a double rampart on the north and west sides, the outer one being high and very wide and massive. A low irregular enclosure within the rath marks the site of some ancient building (LA028-012002-). Outside is 'the Old Street', where there are extensive foundations of buildings beneath the surface of the field (LA028-074002-). A castle(LA028-074001-) or large residence is entered here on the Down Survey Map of 1657.' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 354) Townland originally called Ballyawley and was changed to Beckfield after a spinster lady named Beck or Rebeccca Flood who built Beckfield House more than a century ago. In 1665 John Fitzpatrick paid hearth-money for two hearths in Ballyawly.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 17 December 2007