Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, on the western outskirts of Swinford town, located on a rise, at the break of slope on the NW side. There are good views W–N over undulating grassland, with a tract of forested land c. 200m to W. Another rath (MA062-045) is located 70m to NNE.
Substantially raised oval area (33.2m NE–SW; 20.2m NW–SE) defined by a scarp (Wth slope 4m; ext. H 2m at SE). At SW–NW the scarp (Wth slope c. 10m; H c. 4m at W) is enhanced by the natural fall of ground. At the base of the scarp at NW–E there is a narrow, shallow depression (Wth 1.3m; D0.15-0.3m). This may mark an original fosse but in its current form it resembles a field ditch, associated with the incorporation of the rath into later field fences, which abut the rath at W and NE.
A low area (Wth c. 2m) in the enclosing scarp at E opens onto the spine of the ridge, and may be the site of an original entrance. Another break or slumped area (Wth c. 3-3.4m) in the scarp at SSW is flanked by two low banks or scarps which extend 4-5m beyond the rath. The rath interior is flat, grassy and featureless.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 25 November 2020