Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, located at the break of slope on the SW side of a ridge top, with excellent views SE–W over a broad shallow stream valley. The Trimoge River is 370m to N.
Raised circular area (c. 29m N−S; c. 24m E−W) defined by a scarp. The scarp has a broad, poorly defined slump. At NW−N it is incorporated into a later field fence and is faced with stone to a height of 1.4m. A field fence (Wth c. 2m; H 0.8-1m) encloses the rath at NE−W, respecting its curve, with an intervening gap of c. 4m; it is possible that the fence preserves the curve of an original outer bank.
The rath interior has a domed profile, sloping down towards the perimeter from a raised centre. In the W half, there is a low sod-covered stony rise (L 6m; Wth c. 1.8m; H 0.3m) which curves SSE−SW in a shallow arc, and a low, sod-covered stony linear feature (Wth 2m; H 0.3m) is located 4.5m to NW, extending for several meters across the interior from SE to NW, expanding in width at its NW end. In the NE quadrant there is a low heap (4m NW−SE; 3m NE−SW; H 0.4m) of earth and stones. The significance of these features is uncertain.
Hawthorn bushes grow on the enclosing field fence. Clumps of brambles and blackthorn scrub are encroaching on the interior, making examination difficult. There is a rath (MA071-106----) 100m to SE.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 19 August 2021