Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, located on a low rise, with good views, in undulating grassland.
Raised oval area (25m E–W; 20m N–S) defined by an earthen bank (Wth 3.6m; int. H 0.3m; ext. H 1.3m, at WNW). The bank has a very low internal rim, and at E–S is largely reduced to a scarp (Wth slope 0.9m; ext. H 1.4m, at E), which is cut quite vertically on its external face. Outside the bank at SW–W there is a depression (Wth 4.6m; D 0.4m), partly infilled with large field clearance stones. There is no evidence that the depression continues around the complete circuit of the rath; it may be the result of relatively recent disturbance rather than the remains of a fosse.
A low terrace or platform (L c. 10m; Wth c. 3m; H 0.5m), with a slightly raised rim (Wth 1.9m; H 0.15m) on its outer edge, is appended to the external face of the bank at N–NNE; its function is unclear.
The rath interior is level. The bank/scarp is lowest relative to external ground level at SE, and the entrance may have been located in this area, although no clearly defined gap is evident. The perimeter is thickly ringed with hawthorn and brambles.
There is a rath (MA022-008----) 100m to S. Another rath (MA022-003----) located 350m to N is visible on top of a knoll.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 23 April 2019