Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, on gently elevated ground bordered at SE−W by expanses of bog. There is a gentle fall of ground to N and gently rising ground to S−SE.
Broadly oval area (28.4m N−S; 36m E−W) defined on the E half by a low bank (Wth 3m; int. H 0.65m; ext. H 0.7m), and on the W half by a scarp (H 0.9m; Wth ext. slope 1.8m). The scarp retains a slightly raised stony internal rim (Wth c. 2m) and there is much loose, tumbled stone on the external slope. The scarp has a gradual slope into a fosse, evident as a broad depression (Wth 2-3.5m; ext. D 0.7m). The fosse is not evident on the E half, and it is possible that it is not a primary fosse but a field ditch related to the incorporation of the W half of the rath into a later field fence, which has since been removed.
There are gaps/breaks in the bank at NE (Wth 2m) and at E (Wth 1.5m). A larger section (L 8-10m) of the enclosing bank is levelled at SE. The interior is not noticeably raised relatively to exterior ground level. It is dotted with a number of large heaps of field clearance debris. Immediately outside the bank at SE−S is a deep pit partly filled with loose stone and field clearance debris. Other heaps of stone are piled up close to the pit. The rath perimeter at W is engulfed in thorn-bushes and brambles.

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 26 June 2020