Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

On a gently undulating SE-facing slope in pastureland. Outeragh church (TS076-018----) located to NW. Roughly circular bivallate ringfort (diam. 33m N-S; 38.5m E-W), enclosed by inner bank (Wth 2-2.7m crest, 6.6-6.8m base; int. H 0.56-48m; H above fosse 2.04-2.26m); deep U-shaped fosse (Wth 2.3-1.9m) and outer bank (H above fosse 1.2-1.5m; Wth 3.6-2.2m crest; 8.4-4.4m base; H above ext. 0.92-037m), all measurements are from S and W quadrant respectively. Both banks have rounded profile, though in N quadrant the broad outer bank rises towards the exterior. Interior slopes gently to entrance in E quadrant. Entrance defined by reduction in height of both the inner and outer bank (Wth 2.4m and 4.8m respectively), no causeway over fosse. Two earthfast boulders on S side of entrance, in fosse, may be remains of entrance lining. Interior grass covered with some thistles and trees on the banks. Field boundary with stone revetment runs N-S immediately E of ringfort. Field bank also runs roughly E-W along S side of ringfort (distance of 1-1.3m) and curves around outside W quadrant. Some stone evident in banks but mainly clay. No visible trace of ext. fosse. Field bank, quite denuded, also runs just outside N quadrant. In the NW quadrant there is a cattle gap through the outer bank with a slight gap in the inner bank, and a slight causeway. Causeway in NE quadrant (Wth 2.2m; H above fosse 0.5m) but no corresponding gap in inner or outer bank. Lot of stone visible in inner face of outer bank in SW quadrant. Gap in inner bank in W and S quadrants. Monument, as depicted on OS 6-inch map, is still enclosed by field boundaries.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 26 August 2011