Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In good pasture, straddling a low natural elevation in an area of gently undulating, lowlying terrain. Views are good but not extensive, best to E−SE and are restricted to W−NW by a slight rise and by field fences.
Raised circular area (31.8m E−W; 35.5m N−S) defined by a substantial earthen bank (Wth 5.7m at N, 5.1m at S; int. H 0.7-0.8m ay N, 0.5m at S; ext. H 1.6m at N, 1.5m at S), best preserved on the N arc and reduced to a scarp on the S arc. At NE−SE the external slope of the bank is truncated by a later N−S field wall, and a portion of the bank (L 4-5m) on the W arc has been partly dug away. A narrow line of low stones protrudes randomly from the crest of the bank in parts, possibly the remnants of an old field fence.
A possible external fosse is evident as a very slight surface depression (Wth 2.5-3m) at S−NW, marked by a growth of thistles; it is truncated at N by a grassed-over area of quarrying.
The W half of the interior is level. Slightly E of centre there is a marked break of slope from which ground slopes down towards the enclosing bank, levelling out again within 2m of the bank; the drop in height is c. 0.6m. A low portion of bank at ENE−E may indicate an original entrance, but no clearly defined gap is apparent as the bank here is now obscured by the N−S field wall.
The bank is lightly ringed with hawthorn trees and brambles; dense brambles lines the N−S field wall at E.

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 16 December 2022