Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, at the base of an E-facing slope, with a stream/drain 12m to S coinciding with the S boundary of the townland. Views are most extensive to E, overlooking lowlying pasture.
Raised oval area (30.3m N–S; 23.7m E–W) defined by an earthen scarp (H 1.4m at E, 2m at W), and enclosed by a fosse (Wth c. 2m; D 0.3m at E), with ephemeral remnants of an outer bank at NW and SE.
The scarp is pronounced, with a fairly vertical face which suggests that it may have been modified in recent times. It is lowest at NE−SE, and there is a marked ramp-like slump (Wth 3m) at E, which extends as a causeway (Wth c. 4m) over the fosse, most likely indicating the original entrance. The fosse is visible as a slight depression marked by greater density of rushes, and is most clearly defined on the E half of the rath. The outer edge of the fosse at W appears to be slightly truncated by a field ditch that flanks a modern road on a N−S axis. The outer bank is evident as a slight rise (Wth c. 2m; ext. H 0.35m at NW).
The W half of the interior is occupied by an oval rise (16.6m N–S; 9m E–W; H 1m). The rise has a fairly level top (c. 10m N–S; c. 6m E–W) with sloping sides that merge gradually with the rest of the interior. At the N end of the top of the rise, there is a circular depression (diam. c. 3m; D 0.4m).
The interior surface is uneven underfoot with several low rises and small hollows, and is covered in long grass and clumps of brambles. There is another rath (MA102-029----) located c. 100m to NE.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 26 September 2022