Enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated on the Rathcroghan plateau and at the N end of a slight natural NE-SW rise or ridge extending NE of Rathcroghan mound (RO022-057010-). A geophysical survey records a circular enclosure defined by two ditch features (int. diam. c. 17m; ext. diam. c. 26m). The outer feature has a distinct opening at E with a wider opening in the same area on the inner feature. There is a possible third feature eccentrically placed between the two distinct features. The double linear feature or avenue (RO022-057094-) is attached to the outermost feature at N and SE, flanking the entrances. (Waddell et al. 2009, 154-6, 193)

An intense examination of a small area (dims 40m N-S; 40m E-W) around the enclosure with various remote sensing techniques provides greater detail. In addition to the two defining features of the earlier survey, the fluxgate gradiometer survey provides evidence of two further circular trenches (diam. c. 25m; c. 28m) most clearly visible immediately W of the already known enclosures. The new features share the same centre-point which is c. 3m W of that of that of the already known enclosures. Therefore, more than one phase of construction is represented. (Fenwick et al. 2020 90-7; Fenwick et al. 2020a)

This is a National Monument in state ownership: No. 294.

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 24 August 2010

References

Waddell, J., Fenwick, J. and Barton, K. 2009 Rathcroghan: archaeological and geophysical survey in a ritual landscape. Dublin. Wordwell.

Fenwick, J., Daly, E. and S. Rooney 2020a Under the Radar at Rathcroghan. Archaeology Ireland, vol. 34, No. 4, Issue 134, 48-52.

Fenwick, J., Daly, E. and S. Rooney 2020 Rathcroghan revisited: A renewed archaeological and geophysical exploration of selected areas of the focal ritual complex. Emania, 25, 81-98.