Ringfort - cashel

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, located on a terrace or rise on a NW-facing slope, with extensive views SW–NE. Views are restricted at E–S by rising ground.
Raised circular area (32m N–S; 32.3m) defined by a substantial drystone wall (Wth 3.3-4m; int. H 0.4-0.8m; ext. H 1.35-1.75m). The wall is constructed of random rubble with larger stones evident in the basal levels. The exterior wall face is highest at N–NE where there is a natural fall of ground. The inner wall face is low and largely tumbled.
The wall has been modified or rebuilt in parts. At SE a later field wall is incorporated into the cashel wall but respects the original curve of the enclosure. At SW the cashel wall is replaced by a linear field wall on a NW–SE axis. Heaps of loose small stones, probably field clearance stones, are piled along the top of the wall.
There is no clearly defined entrance; there is a narrow gap, now blocked up, in the wall at S, and another narrow gap (Wth 0.4m), also blocked up, at NW.
A sod-covered stony terrace (Wth 4m) projects beyond the base of the cashel wall at WNW–NE, defined on its outer edge by an irregular scarp (H 1m), partly quarried away at N.
A low spine (Wth c. 15m E–W) of raised ground with gently sloping sides extends through the centre of cashel on a roughly N–S axis, giving the interior a slightly domed profile. Traces of cultivation ridges on an E-W axis traverse the interior, most evident where they cross the central rise.
The interior was used as a children’s burial ground (MA073-002002).

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 2 June 2021