Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, located on a low rise. Views are not extensive.
This rath is named ‘Lismael’ on the 1922 OS 6-inch map. Slightly raised, roughly circular area (31m E−W; 27m N−S) defined at SE−SW by an earthen bank (Wth 4.4m; int. H 0.55m; ext. H 1.3m, at SW) and elsewhere by a scarp (ext. H 1.45m). Stones protruding from the inner face of the bank at S−SSW may be remnants of a stone facing. In parts on the E arc the scarp retains a slight internal lip (int. H 0.3m).
The rath appears to be built up slightly higher on the E half, compensating for a natural fall of ground, thus creating a level interior. Traces of cultivation ridges on a NE−SW axis traverse the interior. In the NE quadrant there is a slight hollow, adjacent to which there is a cluster of three boulders and some smaller stones protruding from the sod. There are remnants of a small circular stone-built structure (diam. c. 2m; H 0.4m) on the bank/scarp at NE, possibly a 19th-century limekiln. There is a break (Wth 1m) in the bank at N, and a low area/break at ESE, but it is uncertain is either indicates an original entrance.
There is moderate growth of hawthorn, blackthorn and gorse around the perimeter, more on the E half. A field fence on a NE−SW axis lies immediately adjacent to the E side of the rath, and remnants of a parallel fence lie immediately to W.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 8 June 2020