Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, prominently sited on a rise, commanding excellent views over the surrounding lowlying, damp grassland and along the valley of the Gweestion River which is located 200m to N.
Raised circular platform (29.3m N−S; 32m E−W) defined by a substantial scarp (H 2.4m at SW; c. 3m at NE; Wth slope 4.5-5m) and enclosed by a well-defined fosse (Wth 4m at SW) with a substantial external bank (Wth c. 5m; int. H 0.5m; ext. H 2.4m at SW). At N−E the fosse takes the form of a terrace (Wth 3.5m) cut into the natural slope and the outer bank is reduced to a scarp (H 1.75m). The steep sides of the platform and external bank are enhanced by the natural fall of ground, particularly at N−E.
A broad slumped area/gap (Wth 4.3m) in the enclosing scarp at ESE indicates an original entrance, with stones protruding randomly from the terminals of the scarp on either side. It opens onto a low causeway (Wth 2-2.5m) across the fosse and a corresponding gap (Wth 1.2m) in the outer bank.
A low roughly circular grass-covered rise (diam. c. 6-6.5m; H 0.3m at W; 0.6-0.8m at NW-N), gently domed in profile, is located slightly to NE of centre in the rath interior. Its significance is uncertain. Immediately to NE, ground level in the NE quadrant of the interior sloping down gently towards the rath scarp.
The interior is grassy, with some scrub and brambles; the enclosing scarp and the outer bank are ringed with beech trees. There are hawthorn and ash trees on the W arc of the scarp.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 25 June 2021