Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In a thicket of blackthorn, encompassing a natural rise, with very good views.
This rath is named ‘Lisnaheemoy’ on the 1838 and 1919 OS 6-inch maps. Raised oval area (c. 22m NE-SW; c. 30m NW-SE) enclosed by earthen bank (Wth 3.9m; int. H 0.35m; ext. H 1.9m at NE, 1.5m at SW).
The bank has a substantial external scarp, enhanced by the natural fall of ground, and a very low internal rim incorporating much stone. At S−SW it survives mainly as a scarp with a hint of an internal rim.
The interior is covered by blackthorn and brambles, and is difficult to examine. Low moss-covered stones, some of which appear to be set upright, can be glimpsed beneath the overgrowth.
The original entrance is likely to be at SE where there is a gap (Wth 1.4-2m) which opens onto a spine of raised ground (Wth c. 12-15m) with a drop of 1.5-2m on either side. This appears to be a natural ridge that has been utilised as a causeway or routeway. It extends for c. 40m to SE and is largely engulfed in blackthorn and gorse, heaps of field clearance debris and is disturbed in parts by quarrying.
According to local tradition, the ringfort was used as a children’s burial ground (MA081-025001-). Another rath (MA081-026---) is located 225m to SSW.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 8 December 2021