Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated on a slight rise in undulating countryside with good views in all directions. Monument depicted on 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map as a circular ringfort located standing in a small area of planted trees possibly associated with country house marked on map as 'Birr View' located 600m to the W. On the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map a line of trees running E-W in N part of field may indicate presence of old roadway. No trees are depicted in this field on the revised 1908 ed. OS map. Present remains consist of a slightly raised circular area (diam. c. 54m) enclosed by an earthen bank, mainly reduced to a scarp and external fosse visible from W to N, modern road at E with field fence at S. The damaged fosse measures 6m wide with possible evidence of an outer bank (Wth 8m) badly damaged at W. No entrance feature visible. Bing maps aerial photograph taken between 06-07 November 2011 shows outline and condition of ringfort.

See attached aerial image of ringfort taken from Bing Maps at www.bing.com/maps

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload/revision: 18 December 2013