Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, straddles an E–W rise in gently undulating terrain.
This circular rath (33m N–S; c. 34m E–W) is centrally bisected by a N-S property fence. To E of the fence the rath has been levelled, and its original outline is discernible only as a slight curving undulation. To W of the fence, the rath survives as a slightly raised D-shaped area (33m N–S; 18m E–W to fence) defined by a curving earthen scarp (H 0.8m at W, 1.2m at N), which retains remnants of a broad internal lip. Outside the scarp is a shallow fosse (Wth 3m), bordered externally at S–W by a low stony rise (Wth c. 2m; int. H 0.2-0.35m; ext. H 0.2-0.3m) that may be remnants of an external bank.
At NNW an E–W field fence merges with the rath, truncating the fosse and external bank. The N–S fence, which defines the straight E side of the extant W half of the rath, is bordered on its W side by a parallel field ditch cutting through the rath interior. The interior ground surface in the W half is uneven, broken in parts by stones. There is a roughly circular depression (diam. c. 3m) at NW, and another shallow depression (max. dims. c. 7m) at SW. The entrance to the rath appears most likely to have been on the levelled E half.
On the W half, hazel and hawthorn grow on the bank, and brambles encroach on the interior; the levelled E half is grass covered. There is a rath (MA082-025----) 280m to W and a possible cashel (MA082-044----) 180m to SSW.

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 2 February 2018