Promontory fort - coastal

The National Monuments Service's description

Identified from an aerial survey by Markus Casey who described this monument as a long narrow undulating promontory (L 60m) which juts out into the rocky shore immediately to the E of Illaunacoltia. Flanked by a sandy beach to the W and sea rocks to the E and surrounded by 50’ high steep cliffs with some sward clinging to the sides of the fort. The headland has a straight fosse (Wth 3m; D 1.4m) running across the neck (Wth 11m) which is wider towards the E where some relatively recent excavation was carried out. A slight rise in the level of the interior along the edge of the fosse suggests an inner bank. A causeway crosses the fosse close to the eastern edge. The remains of earthworks, possibly representing banks and an intervening fosse lie close to the tip of the headland. The area is one of fertile pasture. (Casey 2001)

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 24 November 2021

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 Unpublished specialist report, National Monuments Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.