Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, located on SSW-facing slope, giving extensive views over gently undulating terrain SE–W.
Slightly raised circular area (44.2m E–W; 38m N–S) defined by an earthen bank, outside which it is enclosed by a fosse with an external bank.
The inner bank is evident as a low broadly-slumped rise (Wth 5-6m). On the upslope N half it has a substantial internal slump (int. H 1.6m; ext. H 1m at NE); on the S half it is very low internally but has a pronounced external drop (int. H 0.2m; ext. H 1.7m at SW). A section (L 11m) of the bank at N has been dug away. The fosse is well defined, varying in width from c. 2m at NE, to 2.5m at NW and c. 3m at SE.
The external bank (Wth 3.5-4m; int. H 1.5m; ext. 0.5m) survives intact at NW, but is engulfed in overgrowth and difficult to examine. At N−E it has been largely levelled, but remnants survive at SE. An earth and stone field fence curves around the rath at SSE–NW, incorporating or truncating the outer bank.
A gap (Wth 3m) in the inner bank at ESE may indicate the original entrance, and is now use for tractor access.
The interior slopes down from N to S. The surface is rather uneven and there are traces of possible cultivation ridges. A souterrain (MA082-015002-) is located close to the bank in the W half of the interior.
The rath interior is grassy; the perimeter is ringed with blackthorn, hawthorn and gorse.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 20 December 2021