Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, prominently located on the top of a knoll. To NE the ground falls away steeply to a small lake filling a natural depression; to SW− NW the knoll commands a good view along the length of a small N−S stream valley.
Raised oval area or platform (24m N−S; 30m E−W) defined by a scarp. It is bisected just S of centre by a field fence on an E−W axis. The enclosing scarp (H 0.4m) is low at E−SE, but has a steeper more pronounced slope (H 1.7-2m) at S−NW where it is enhanced by the natural fall of ground. To N of the field fence, the scarp is somewhat dilapidated, with a short section at NNW−N partly dug away.
Outside the scarp at NE there is a short stretch of level ground forming a rough terrace (Wth 2m; H 0.7m). At the base of the scarp SE−SW there is a narrow berm or terrace (Wth 1m) which follows the contour of the slope; this may be related to modification of the rath in the modern era. It is not clear if these terrace-like features preserve traces of an original outer enclosing element or fosse. Traces of relict cultivation ridges, on an E-W axis, are visible in the rath interior.
The interior is grass-covered, with a thicket of gorse in the NW quadrant; a few hawthorn bushes grow around the perimeter, and along the line of the bisecting field fence. There is an enclosure (MA062-067----) is c. 60m to SW.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 1 December 2020