Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

Located at the SW edge of a broad low hill. Described in 1969 (SMR file) is a raised subcircular and grass-covered area (dims 53m N-S; c. 40m E-W) that slopes down to the SE (H c. 1.2m) defined by an earthen bank (Wth of base 6-7.5m; ext. H 2-2.5m) except NNE-SSE where it is defaced. There is an external fosse (Wth of top 13m; Wth of base 4m; int. D 1.7m; ext. D 0.7m) that can be distinguished from the bank SW-NW, but an original entrance is not identified. The perimeter is being eroded NW-E-SW since c. 2005 and it now has a rectangular appearance.
The name Colliersttown is derived from Calliagh, meaning an old woman or a nun, and St. Mary’s Abbey of Odder (ME032-078---) was in the vicinity. In a confirmation of its possessions in 1196 Dún Domhnaill, described as in the adjacent field, was amongst its possessions, and Bhreathnach (1999, 9) suggests that this may be a reference to this rath.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 10 July 2007
Amended: 21 April 2022; 23 March 2023

References

SMR file - Sites and monuments record files in the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Bhreathnach, E. 1999 Authority and Supremacy in Tara and its Hinterland. In Discovery Programme Report, 5, 1-23. Dublin, Royal Irish Academy