Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, located on a low NW–SE ridge, with good views.
Raised circular area (42m E–W; 41m N–S) defined by a substantial earthen bank, outside which is a fosse with external stone bank/fence.
The inner bank (Wth 9m; int. H 1.3m; ext. H 3m at SW, 1.7m at E) has a broad internal slump on the E half of the rath, with a stepped appearance at E–S; it has a pronounced external scarp, especially at S−SW.
The fosse (Wth 3.5-4m; ext. D 1.2m) is well defined on the W half, but is barely discernible at N–NE and cannot be traced at E−S. On the external edge of the fosse at S–N there is a stone bank (Wth 2.6m; int. H 1.2m; ext. H 0.7m) which serves as a field fence but may incorporate remnants of a primary enclosing bank.
There is a break (Wth 4.3m) in the inner bank at S with a corresponding causeway-like feature (Wth c. 3m) over the fosse, but no corresponding break in the outer bank/fence.
A gorse-covered property fence and field drain, on a NE–SW axis, cross the rath slightly to NW of centre.
The interior appears slightly elevated in the centre, and is dotted with several small sod-covered heaps of stone. At W, there is a depression (Wth 2-2.7m; D 0.45m), somewhat irregular in plan, which extends from the inner face of the bank, for 6m to E. It is deepest at W, becoming shallower towards E end. The base of the depression is irregular in depth with some stones protruding slightly from beneath the sod.
The interior is grassy; hawthorn and brambles ring the perimeter.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 7 December 2021