Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, located on a slight rise with good views, most extensive to E–SE.
Subcircular area (31.7m N–S; 30.4m E–W) defined by a sod-covered earth and stone bank (Wth 2.6m at NE, 3.6m at SW; int. H 0.4m at NE, 0.65m at SW; ext. H 1m at NE, 0.65m at SW). Stones protrude randomly from the inner face of the bank but some may be remnants of a kerb. A possible external bank (Wth 1.5m; int. H 0.4m; ext. H 0.45m) with an intervening gap/fosse (Wth 2.8m) can be traced at SW–N. This external bank, earthen with large stones protruding at intervals, is relatively narrow and insubstantial, and may simply be a later field boundary; at its SW end it veers to S to intersect with a relict field bank which skirts the S side of the rath, at a distance of 5.8m from the inner bank.
The interior is generally level, except for a slight dip to E. The original entrance is most likely at the SE where there is a gap (Wth 2.4m) facing a gentle fall of ground to E. There is also a break (Wth 0.8m) in the bank at E.
Prominent cultivation ridges traverse the interior on a NE–SW axis, and are also visible in the surrounding field. There is a heap of field clearance stones in the SE quadrant. A property fence on a NE–SW axis crosses the SE edge of the interior. There is a souterrain (MA092-062002-) in the rath.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 10 May 2022