Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, located at the E end of Inishkeel Island in Clew Bay. The rath straddles the spine of a narrow ridge that extends the E–W length of the island. The elevation provides good views of the mainland, which located c. 200m to NW and is accessible on foot at low tide. A cluster of other islands lies nearby to N and E.
Raised circular area (int. diam. 24.5m E–W) defined by an earthen bank, and enclosed by an external fosse, with possible remnants of an external bank. The bank (Wth 6m; int. H 1.4m; ext. H 3.3m, at N) is substantial and well-preserved on the N half of the rath; on the S half it retains its pronounced external scarp but the internal slope is reduced to a low internal rim. The fosse (Wth 3.5m; ext. D 1m) is evident as a well defined, flat-bottomed depression on the N arc, but at S it takes the form of a flat, water-logged terrace or shallow dip. A slight rise (Wth c. 2.5m) on the outer edge of the fosse at the S–SW may be the remains of an external bank.
The interior is level; the height of the bank and its broad internal slump gives the rath a slightly concave profile. The entrance consists of a ramp-like gap (Wth 2m) at E, with a broad causeway (Wth 9-10m) across the fosse. It is possible that the notable width of the causeway results from relatively modern modification. According to local tradition, there is a souterrain (MA066-001001-) in the interior of a rath. Two low, sod-covered rises (diam. 2-3m), roughly circular in plan, in the N half of the interior may be relatively recent field clearance heaps.

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 3 January 2020