Promontory fort - coastal

The National Monuments Service's description

This possible promontory fort was first recorded by Casey (1999, 89-90). It consists of a truncated headland evident as a small, roughly triangular grass-covered area (c. 8m E–W; c. 3-3.5m N–S) jutting N from the E–W cliff face. The triangular projection has a raised S-sloping surface, interpreted by Casey as remnants of an inner bank. On its landward edge, it is defined by remnants of a fosse with an external bank. The fosse (Wth 1.6-1.8m, Wth base c. 1m) is evident as a shallow depression, and the external bank (W 1.8-2m) is barely discernible as a slight rise, dropping 0.3-0.4m into the fosse on its inner edge, and almost flush with surrounding field level on its outer edge. Roughly mid-way along the fosse there is a causeway (Wth 1.8m). The fosse and external bank curve in a long, shallow arc (L c. 15-16m) ending at the cliff edge on either side of the triangular projection. A post and wire fence extends along the inner edge of the fosse. The interior area of the possible promontory fort has been almost entirely eroded away. However, a projecting, roughly triangular-shaped ledge (c. 10m E–W, c. 3-4m N–S) of rock, 3m below the cliff top, gives an indication of the original size and shape of the headland.

Attached images:
SL011-150----_01 -viewed from SW; ranging rod on external bank
SL011-150----_02 -viewed from SE; ranging rod on causeway
SL011-150----_03 -viewed from W; showing lower rock ledge exposed by erosion of cliff face

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 13th February 2015

References

Casey, M. 1999 The coastal promontory forts of Ireland. A survey of counties Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Clare. Unpublished MA thesis, National University of Ireland, Galway.