Concentric enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

In reclaimed pasture, immediately W of enclosures (LI031-068002/003-). Depicted on the OSi 25-inch map as a raised circular-shaped area (diam. c. 29m) defined by a scarp with wide fosse and external bank from SE-S-SW. Monument described by O’Kelly (1943, 232) as a Type C earthwork consisting of ‘a large flat-topped platform surrounded by a fosse. Outside this is a narrow, low bank, surrounded by a second fosse. Lastly a large, wide, high bank surrounds the whole. The banks have been completely levelled on the N and NW sides. A small, low circular mound occupies the NE quadrant of the platform. In the centre of the SE quadrant of the outer bank is a narrow break and inside it a causeway leads across the fosse to the top of the inner bank, but does not continue across the inner fosse. The maximum height of the platform over the fosse-bottom is 15’ [4.5m] and the overall diameter of the structure is 250’ [76m].
Outline of much degraded monument consisting of a circular-shaped area defined by a tree-lined scarp with fosse, and remains of an outer bank from SE-S-W, faint traces of an external fosse visible on OSi orthophoto taken between 2005-12 and Digital Globe orthoimage taken 20/09/2020. Trace of possible causeway at SE visible on the Google Earth orthoimage taken 03/03/2013.
The monument is located within a large rectangular-shaped field, visible on the OSi orthophoto taken 2005-12 and Digital Globe orthoimage taken 20/09/2020. A field boundary running NW-SE to the W of the monument, is depicted on the 1840 ed. OSi 6-inch map and not depicted on the 1907 ed. OSi 25-inch map which suggests that it was levelled between these dates.

Compiled by: Fiona Rooney

Date of Upload: 15 March 2021

See attached ASI aerial photographs ASIAP – 307/8, 9, 13 and 14 taken 13/09/2002.
See attached ASI two aerial photographs ASIAP _12, _13 taken on 04/03/2006.

References

O'Kelly, M.J. 1942-3 A survey of the antiquities in the barony of Small County, Co. Limerick. North Munster Antiquarian Journal 3, 75-97, 169-84, 222-46.

ASIAP - Archaeological Survey of Ireland Aerial Photographs (c. 1996 - c. 2010).