Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In improved pasture, in a stand of hazel trees, utilising a low rise on gently N-facing slope that falls 40m to the banks of the Gweestion River.
This rath is named ‘Lissheela’ on the 1838 and 1931 OS 6-inch maps and is shown enclosed by a fosse and possible external bank. The remains consist of a circular earthen platform (33.5m E−W; 33.5m N−S) defined by a high earthen scarp (2.5m at SW−NW; 1.35m at E). Large stones and boulders protrude randomly in parts from the scarp, especially towards the base. The fosse is evident as a slight depression marked by a band (Wth 3m) of richer grass growth. There is no trace of an external bank. The enclosing scarp is lowest at E, the most likely location for an original entrance.
A spine of raised ground extends across the centre of the interior on an E-W axis, with a possible souterrain (MA071-017001-) incorporated into its W end. At the E end of the rise there is a low concentration (diam. c. 2m) of stones, including a large prostrate slab, at the base of a few hazel trees.
The rath is densely covered in hazel trees. All the field boundaries shown adjacent to and abutting the rath on the OS maps have been removed. There is a rath (MA071-014----) 260m to WSW.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 25 June 2021