Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, located on a terrace on a NNE-facing slope, giving good views to N–E over a broad sweep of countryside.
Raised circular area (33m E–W; 30.5m N–S) defined by a bank, outside which it is enclosed by a fosse and external bank.
The inner bank (Wth 3.6m; int. H 0.4m; ext. H 0.9m, at W) is constructed of gravelly earth and stone. In parts, especially at SW, stones protruding from the top appear to be remnants of kerbing or possibly wall footings (Wth c. 0.8m). At NNW–NNE it has been partly levelled and overlain by a later E–W field wall that preserves the curve of the enclosure. The fosse (Wth 3.7m, at W) is flat-based and at SW–W is covered with a surface spread of stones; it cannot be traced at NNE–E. The external bank (Wth 3.4m; int. H 1m; ext. H 0.65m, at W) survives as a low rise at E–S and is well defined at SW–NNW, but it is levelled elsewhere.
The entrance is at E where there is a gap (Wth 2m) in the inner bank. The interior appears slightly higher at W and SW but is generally level.
The interior is grassy; hawthorn, hazel and a few blackthorn trees ring both banks. There is a possible rath (MA082-006----) 175 m to SW and a wedge tomb (MA082-065----) 170m to SE.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 17 December 2021