Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture in an area of mixed grassland and bog, straddling a slight rise. Views good to N and E, but restricted now elsewhere by field fences and trees.
Raised circular area (c. 35m NNE−SSW) defined by a scarp topped by a ruined drystone wall. In parts the wall rises 0.5m above interior ground level, but for most of the circuit it has collapsed into a dense band of loose stone tumble. In parts at SE−S and at SW−W the scarp is faced with drystone walling (H 1.8m at S). There is a low eroded gap (W c. 1m) at SE, but it is unclear if this is an original entrance.
The level interior is strewn with loose stones. It contains a souterrain (MA051-007003-), marked as ‘Cave’ on the 1838 OS 6-inch map. The interior was used as a burial ground (MA051-007002-); a number of small upright slabs mark or outline graves.
The perimeter is thickly ringed with blackthorn, hawthorn and elder trees; elder and thorn bushes also encroaching on interior, which impeded inspection. A slumped heap of stone –probably field clearance – is piled against the scarp at S. An old trackway (Wth 1m) flanked by field fences clips the NE edge of the rath.

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 17 June 2020