Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, prominently sited on top of a hillock with excellent views in all directions.
Raised circular area (30.5m N–S; 29m E–W) defined by a substantial earthen bank and enclosed by a fosse with possible remnants of an external bank.
The inner bank (Wth 4m at N, 5.9m at S; int. H 0.45-0.5m at N & S; ext. H 2.8m at N & S, 3.3m at W) has a pronounced external scarp, enhanced by the natural slope of the hillock, but is low internally with sections at E and SW reduced to a scarp. Stones protrude along the top of the bank. At NE–ENE a rough, intermittent kerb of large stones is evident at the base of the external slope of the bank.
The fosse can be traced at SSW-E as a low terrace (Wth 1.6-2m at SW-N, 3.5-4m at E). At W–N the outer edge of the fosse is bordered by an earth and stone field fence (Wth 1.6m; int. H 0.9m; ext. H 1.2m) that respects the curve of the rath and may preserve the line of an original external bank.
A gap (Wth 1.4m) in the inner bank at SE appears to mark an original entrance, coinciding with a large break in the fosse and with a low rise or undulation that provides a natural causeway or access ramp. A row of stones, partly engulfed in overgrowth, extends from the E side of the entrance gap to SE for a few meters, set adjacent and parallel to a NW–SE field fence that abuts the rath at SE.
The SW quadrant of the interior is at a slightly higher level to the rest of the level interior, demarcated on the E side a low irregular scarp (H 0.45m) and on the W side by a shallow, irregular-shaped depression (Wth c. 1-1.5m) which extends for 9m to SW towards the rath bank at SW. There is a slight, ill-defined hollow close to the inner face of the bank at S.
The rath interior is grassy, with moderate gorse around the perimeter.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 22 June 2021