Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In rough, heathery pasture, located on the S-facing side of a rise. Good views.
Roughly circular raised area (16.6m N-S; 19.4m E-W) defined by a bank (Wth 3.2m; int. H 0.4m; ext. H 1.4m to E; 1.6m to W), largely reduced to a scarp to S. The low inner face of the bank is roughly faced with stones, most clearly seen at E, but now largely tumbled. The external slope of the bank is well defined, and it too is faced with stones in parts, especially along the base of the slope. The stone facing may be a late modification. The original entrance may have been on the E half of the rath, where interior level is lowest relative to exterior ground level, but there is no clearly defined gap; a narrow break (W 1.6m) at SE appears to have been eroded by cattle.
Outside the bank at SW-W there is a slight rise (W 1.5m; H 0.5-0.7m), incorporating large boulders, marked by a line of hazel, which may be a remnant of an external bank or wall, or possibly a later field wall. The intervening gap (Wth 1.5m) between it and the rath serves as a cattle track.
Roughly in the centre of the interior there is a circular raised area (diam. c. 8m). Located on this are the remnants of a possible hut site (MA031-032001-). A poorly preserved, loose ‘wall’ of stones extends from the rath bank at S through the interior to N, and appears to curve around the raised area on which the possible hut site is located. The rath is engulfed in a thicket of hazel scrub, which impeded the inspection.

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 28 June 2018