Promontory fort - coastal

The National Monuments Service's description

Identified from an aerial survey by Markus Casey who described the monument as a broad sub-rectangular SE-facing headland (dims. 110m E-W; 65m N-S) defended on the narrow isthmus by a fosse (Wth 8m; D 1m) flanked by low earthen banks. A central causewayed entrance leads to the gently undulating interior. Remains of a perimeter bank and several sheep tracks run through the otherwise featureless garth. Outside the headland some 25m from the enclosing elements and to the W along the cliff edge is a low wide earthen bank running parallel to the cliff, suggesting further defensive features. If this were the case then the narrow neck may have been broader in the past. Erosion continues and the isthmus is almost undermined. The area is one of fertile pasture and tillage, with steep cliffs falling to a sandy shore. (Casey 2001)

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 13 December 2016

References

Casey, M. 2001 The coastal promontory forts of Ireland: interim report for the Heritage Council. Unpublished specialist report, National Monuments Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.