Hillfort

The National Monuments Service's description

Encircling the base of Knigh Hill proper. This univallate hillfort, identified by Manning (1983, 48), is now largely levelled. It is described as a large circular area (diam. 230m) enclosed by a bank and external fosse, formerly best preserved at N and defined by field boundaries along the S and W (ibid.). The N portion has subsequently been reclaimed and the enclosing bank and fosse levelled. A possible trace of the fosse is visible at W. At the centre of the hillfort there is a cairn (TN014-033001-) with a conjoined mound. Geophysical survey (O'Driscoll 2012) has identified that Knigh hillfort is probably bivallate.
The hillfort was recently described in the Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland as following; 'Multiple enclosure following natural contours, surrounding S summit of isolated steep dome-shaped hill surrounded by low-lying terrain. Hillfort overlooks Lough Eorna to E and Dromineer Bay is visible to W. Geophysical survey (O'Driscoll 2012) has identified that Knigh hillfort is probably bivallate. It has a total site foot print of 5.4ha. There are no recorded entrance features in either enclosing element. A cairn and conjoined mound are positioned at the centre of the hillfort. Geophysical survey has identified a number of small pit features distributed throughout the interior and two possible structures. The enclosing elements are levelled are and are only visible in aerial photography. The site was first identified by Manning (1983) and O'Driscoll surveyed the monument in 2012. Enclosing elements levelled and visible on aerial photography. Formerly best preserved at the N and defined by field boundary on S and W (Manning 1985, 48). It comprises a bank and external ditch. This was confirmed by geophysical survey (O'Driscoll 2012). Both first and second edition Ordnance Survey mapping suggest that the inner defences were partially incorporated into a field system at its SW, which is still present today. A possible second enclosing element was identified at the N, approximately 54m from the inner enclosing element (O'Driscoll 2012). Modern track overlying possible outer enclosing elements at SE and NE.' (http://hillforts.arch.ox.ac.uk/records/IR0712.html)

The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 7 February 2020

References

Manning, C. 1983-4b Prehistoric sites in the neighbourhood of Ardcrony. Éile 2, 43-55.

Lock, G. and Ralston, I. 2017 Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland.(Online website at https://hillforts.arch.ox.ac.uk)

O'Driscoll, J. 2012 Unpublished geophysical survey report: Knigh, Co. Tipperary. UCC Cork, Dept of Archaeology.