Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

Located at the SE tip of NW-SE spur. A large embanked enclosure (diam. c. 40m) is depicted on the 1834 edition of the OS 6-inch map where it is described in gothic lettering as a 'fort'. Faint traces of a circular enclosure (diam. c. 28m) are visible as a low bank (Wth 3.2m; H 0.1m) and fosse (Wth of top 3.6m; D 0.3m) in pasture NW-NE. It is visible as a cropmark defined by two fosse features on the OSi aerial images (1995).
A gradiometer and resistance survey was carried out in 2001 as part of the desk based assessment work for the N2 Carrickmacross-Aclint Road Realignment. This demonstrated that it as a bivallate rath measuring c. 90m x 76m externally and 54m x 46m internally with possible entrances at the N and S. (Walsh 2004d, 1)

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Monaghan' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1986). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of revision: 28 July 2017

References

Walsh, F. 2004d N2 Carrickmacross-Aclint road re-alignment, site 112, Monanny 3. Unpublished excavation report (03E1256), National Monuments Section, Heritage and Planning Division, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin.