Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, close to the Mayo-Galway border, sited towards the W end of a narrow spit of raised ground, below the highest point which is located c. 30m to W where the ridge ends. The location provides panoramic view, especially extensive westward over a broad expanse of lowlying level pasture interspaced with bog. To E it overlooks another rath (MA111-066----) c. 50m distant and, beyond that, across gently undulating terrain which stretches into county Galway.
Circular platform (28m N−S; 25.5m E−W) defined by a substantial earthen scarp (H 1.5m N, 2m at S; Wth slope 1.5m at N, 2m at S). The scarp has a slightly raised internal rim at SW, perhaps a remnant of an original bank. Around much of the circuit the scarp is relatively vertically cut, possibly the result of modification in the relatively recent past. The scarp and part the interior at NE−E have been deeply quarried out. A section of the scarp at ESE has a gradual ramp-like slope, and may have been used as an entrance. There is also a slumped section of scarp at NW, but a field wall now backs up against it.
The interior is level with a rather uneven surface. According to local tradition, it was used as a children’s burial ground (MA111-065001-).
The rath is tightly boxed in at S, W and N by field walls, built to within a meter of scarp. Immediately to E of the rath the ridge top forms a terrace of level ground (c. 25m E-W), beyond which ground slopes down towards the adjacent rath (MA11-066----).

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 17 February 2023