Promontory fort - coastal

The National Monuments Service's description

Identified from an aerial survey by Markus Casey who described this monument as a large rectangular headland (L 90m; max. Wth 33m), flanked by a gully to the SE and by a blow-hole and cliff on the W which was cut off from the mainland by exploiting a natural cleft running along the E side. A fosse dug along the landward side leaving a causeway close to the blow-hole along the W completed the enclosure. A gentle rise on either side of the fosse and along the eastern gully suggests a former bank. A land commission earthen bank surrounds the headland, except along the E where it has recently collapsed into the sea. On the extremity of the headland is a small subsidiary promontory, which was in turn cut off by a low earthen bank and slight ditch across its narrow neck (Wth 7m). The area is one of undulating fertile overgrazed pasture with 100' cliffs. (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 Unpublished specialist report, National Monuments Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.