Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, in an area of undulating grassland, straddling a rise on the W end of an E–W ridge, with a steep fall of ground on the S W and N sides, and a more gradual slope to E along the spine of the ridge. Views are especially extensive to W and N. Raths (MA050-017----; MA050-015----) are visible 250m to ENE and 330m to NW respectively.
Raised roughly circular area (20.7m N–S; 23.7m E–W) defined by a scarp (H 2.5-3m at N and S, 0.95-1m at E and W), which is topped by a low spread (Wth c. 2m) of stones. In parts, the stones appear to be remnants of a wall, and at W a length of internal stone facing (H 0.2m) is visible. Whether the wall is a primary feature is, however, unclear. Elsewhere, at E and NW, piles of stones topping the scarp appear to be the result of relatively recent field clearance. At NW–NE the scarp is incorporated into a later field fence.
A low area (Wth 3.3m) in the scarp at E may mark an original entrance.
The interior gives the impression of being gently domed in profile, with a slight more marked slope from centre down to S, an effect reinforced by the natural contours of the ridge and the pronounced natural fall of ground to N and S. There is a souterrain (MA050-016002) in the centre of the interior. No evidence was found of a possible house (MA050-016003-) noted in the interior by O’Hara (1991, 138, no. 40). The rath is covered with hawthorn and hazel trees.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 12 June 2020