Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, located on a low ridge, with good views over the surrounding undulating terrain, especially to W–NW towards Lough Conn which is located less than c. 700m to W. There is a stream c. 200m to NE.
Raised circular area (diam. 30-35m), with a level interior, enclosed by three earthen banks with two intervening fosses. The enclosing banks are substantial in appearance. Inner bank (Wth 6.4m at NW, 5m at SE; int. H 0.7m at NW, 0.8m at SE; ext. H 1.8m at NW, 2.3m at SE). Innermost fosse (Wth 3.7m at NW, 4m at SE), intervening between the inner bank and the second bank. The second or middle bank (Wth 5.6m at NW, 5.3m at SE; int. H 1.4m at NW, 1.5m at SE). Second fosse (Wth 3.5m at NW, 3.5m at SE). Third/outermost bank (Wth 5.4m at NW, c. 6m at SE; int. H 1.6m at NW, 1.8m at SE; ext. H 1.45m at S).
Stones visible on the inner face of the inner bank may be remnants of stone facing. Stones can also be seen in parts protruding from the outer banks, but it is unclear if this is random or remnants of stone facing. The original entrance is likely to have been at E, where there is a gap (Wth 3.4m) in the inner bank, and corresponding gaps in the two outer banks. The gaps in the two outer banks have been widen in the modern era: Wth c. 15m middle bank; Wth 12m outermost bank. There are also a series of corresponding breaks through the three banks at W: Wth 2m, inner bank; Wth 1.2m, middle bank; Wth 1m, outermost bank. The outermost bank has been adapted to serve as a field boundary at E–SW. The banks are densely ringed by hazel scrub. The interior is covered by an impenetrable tangle of thorn bushes and brambles. There is another rath (MA039-042----) 90m to NW.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 4 February 2020