Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, located on a rise in undulating terrain. The surrounding ridges and undulations give the effect of being in the centre of a low natural bowl or amphitheatre. Nephin mountain is visible on the far horizon to W.
Shown on the 1838 edition OS 6-inch map as a circular embanked enclosure, crossed to W of centre by a N–S field boundary/townland boundary; it is shown on the 1916 edition as a D-shaped hachured area bordered on the straight E side by the N−S townland boundary.
Originally circular (diam. c. 20-25m), the W two thirds of this enclosure have been levelled. The remains consist of a D-shaped platform (16.2m N–S; 9.4m E–W to wall) defined on its curving W side by a pronounced scarp (ext. H 1.5m), largely earthen but with some stone protruding slightly from the sod in parts. Outside the scarp is a broad, well defined fosse (Wth 5m) on the outer edge of which is a gravelly external bank (Wth 6-7.4m; int. H 0.7-1.2m; ext. H 1.5-1.8m) with a broad slump enhanced by the natural slope of the rise. The platform is substantially raised, with a slight slope down to the S in the S half. The straight side to E is bordered by a N–S field wall which serves both as a townland and a property boundary.
To E of this N−S wall, a low rise/undulation preserves the outline of the levelled NE quadrant of the enclosure. There is no trace SE quadrant at ground level. A perpendicular field wall extends to E from the N–S townland boundary, crossing the levelled E portion of the enclosure.
There is a cashel (MA082-007----) 175m to NE, and a ringbarrow (MA081-014) visible on the skyline 350m to SW.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 17 December 2021