Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In average pasture, located on a slight rise. This rath has been modified and its interior used as burial ground (MA052-003001-) in the modern era. It consists of a slightly raised circular area (34.8m N−S; 31m E−W) defined by a bank. Outside the bank at NW−E is a fosse with an external bank. The inner bank (Wth 3.3m; int. H 0.4m; ext. H 1.9m, at E) is well defined on the E half, but degraded on the W arc where it has been disturbed by burials. The fosse varies in width; it is narrower (Wth 2m) at NW−N, and widens at NE−S (Wth 3.3m, at E). It is defined on its outer edge by an earthen bank (Wth 2m; int. H 0.85m; ext. H 0.9-1m, at E), faced on its external slope with drystone walling. The external bank has clearly served as a field fence, and it is unclear if it is primary to the rath. The fosse and external bank/field fence are not evident at SW−N, where they appear to have been levelled as a result of an extension of the graveyard beyond the confines of the rath.
The rath interior has an uneven surface. Much of the W half is covered by graves, the majority of which appear to be of 20th-century in date. Sycamore trees grow on the external bank.

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 26 June 2020