Enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

In flat marshy pasture, bordered to E by a low ridge. A high oval mound (c. 50m NE-SW; c. 35m NW-SE; H 4m) with broad steeply sloping sides and a flat top (36.5m NE-SW; 20m NW-SE), possibly a modified natural feature. The base of the mound is defined by a fosse (Wth 3m), visible as a slight depression S-NE but more clearly defined NW-NE; elsewhere the fosse appears to be masked by an expanse of marshy ground. Outside the fosse at SW is a low stony rise (Wth 3m; H 0.3m) that may be the only remnant of an outer bank. Occupying most of the top the mound is an oval flat-topped platform (21m NE-SW; 12m NW-SE) defined by a scarp (H 0.6m). A gap (Wth 1m) separates the platform from remnants of a bank (Wth c. 2m; ext. H 1m) along the edge of the mound S-NE. Where there is no bank the gap that separates the platform from the edge of the mound is wider (Wth 1-2m). Immediately outside the bank SSE-SW, a gently sloping terrace (Wth 2.5-3m) breaks the steep slope of the mound. A shallow linear depression (6-7m N-S; 2m E-W) at the N end of the platform appears to be the result of quarrying. A semicircular quarry pit (4-5m N-S; 3m E-W) dug into the N slope of the mound has partially destroyed a possible causewayed entrance ramp. Another enclosure (SL026-035----) lies c. 50m to W.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005).

Date of upload: 18 January 2008