Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

On a S-facing slope in undulating pasture. Monument appears almost square on an aerial photograph (CUCAP 13 July 1966 AOZ 97), however is quite circular on the ground (diam. 33.7m N-S; 31.4m E-W) and is also depicted as being circular on the 1st (1840) ed. and 2nd (1901-05) ed. OS 6-inch map. Ringfort is defined by an inner bank, largely reduced to scarp (Wth 5.4m; int. H 0.35m; ext. 0.47m); U-shaped fosse (Wth 2.9m; D 1.66m) and outer bank (Wth 2.8m crest, 7.5m base; ext. H 0.75m). In the N quadrant the outer bank is very broad and flat, appearing to have been partially levelled. According to the landowner the fosse has been built up with earth in SE and W quadrant, originally the fosse was much deeper. Entrance (Wth 3.1m) in S quadrant, with banks slightly offset. It is defined by a limestone boulder (dims. 1.1m L x 0.6m T x 0.67m H) on the E side of the inner bank, with a flat face to the entrance. There is a smaller boulder (dims. 0.66m L x 0.56m D x 0.35m H) on the W side to outer face of outer bank, it appears to have been displaced slightly but is embedded, with flat face lining the entrance. Sileage dumped on former outer bank in the S quadrant. This section of the bank is not depicted on the 2nd ed. OS 6-inch map. In the N quadrant there is a break in the inner bank and a causeway over the fosse, probably infill as there is no break in the outer bank. The outer bank is best preserved in E quadrant. The inner bank is largely reduced to scarp. There are stones visible in the bank construction.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 01 April 2014