Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, prominently sited on a rise, with with good views, especially to SW–W over a lowlying ground. A stream at the base of the slope 20m to N has been infilled. The rath is in a cluster of raths (MA071-049----; MA071-050----; MA071-052001-) all located within 250m of each other close to the townland boundary at the W end of the townland, and is surrounded by s broader cluster of raths within a radius of c. 500m.
Roughly circular Raised area (39.8m E–W; 37.8m N–S) defined by an earthen bank (Wth 3.2m at S, 4m at N; int. H 0.4m at S, 0.2m at N; ext. H 0.9m at S, 2.2m at N). The rath spans the width of a narrow rectangular field and the external face of the bank SW–NNW is incorporated into the NNE–SSW field fence bordering the W side of the field.
At NNW–NE the bank drops to a terrace or berm (Wth 5.4m), which becomes progressively narrower and lower from N–NE and peters out at E; it may preserve the remains of a fosse/outer bank. The terrace is defined on its outer edge by a steep scarp (H 2.6m) which appears to be cut into the natural ridge slope.
The rath entrance may have been at the E where there is a gap (Wth 2.1m) in the bank. The S terminal of the gap is flanked by an upright slab, and both terminals retain a low stone kerb on their inner edge which continues along the inner face of the bank for several meters to NE and SE.
A slightly raised, sub-circular feature (13.4m N–S; 14m E–W) located to NE of centre in the interior may be the foundations of a house (MA071-111001-). Immediately to NNW is a depression (5m WNW; 2.5m NNE; D 0.4m) with a shallower extension for 6m to WNW to a break (Wth 3m) in the bank.
Grass cover, with a few hawthorn trees around the perimeter.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 24 August 2021