Enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, on top of a ridge with good views, especially extensive to S−SW, and with Croagh Patrick visible on the far horizon to W.
Shown on 1838 OS 6-inch map as an oval enclosure, crossed centrally on a NNW–SSE axis by a field boundary, coinciding with the townland boundary between Ballynabrehon South Td. at W and Corbally Td. at E; on the 1920 edition only the W third of the enclosure is shown, indicated as a semi-circular hachured area (c. 70m N−S; c. 25-30m E−W) bordered on straight side to E by the NNW-SSE field boundary/townland boundary. Also recorded in an aerial photograph (SMR file: GSI-M 98-9, Roll 213, pr. 25).
This large oval enclosure (69m N−S; c. 85-90m E−W) is poorly preserved; it has been partly levelled and incorporated into later field fences. The W and N arcs of the enclosure can still be traced defined at SW−NW by a poorly preserved stony scarp (H 0.6-0.7m) and at N−ENE by a scarp (H 1.2m) adapted to serve as a field fence. The enclosing element on the SE arc has been levelled but a slight undulation can be discerned at S.
It is crossed by two perpendicular field fences: the NNW−SSE fence/townland boundary extends across the W half of the enclosure, and an E−W fence extends E from the NNW−SSE fence through the NE quadrant. A parallel field ditch (Wth 1.8m) flanks the N side of the E-W fence.
The interior in the W part of the enclosure slopes down gently from W to E; this may relate to disturbance caused by the construction of a low platform to take a concrete water tank (12.5m N–S; 6.8m E–W) in the SW quadrant. There is a break (W 2.5m) in the enclosing scarp at W adjacent to the N end of the water tank. Another break (Wth 4m) in the scarp at N now allows tractor access to the E portion of the interior. The original entrance may have been at the now levelled E−SE side of the site.
A low subrectangular platform (15m E−W; 10m N−S; H 1-1.5m) abuts the E side of the enclosure, merging with the sloping scarp of the enclosure. The N and E sides of the platform are defined by an almost vertical scarp, and the S side is bordered by the same E−W fence that crosses the enclosure. The significance of this platform is uncertain.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 9 February 2022