Ringfort - rath

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated on the upper S edge of a natural terrace, overlooking the W shoreline of Lough Ennell, c. 120m to S, with extensive views in all directions. According to Cox (1972, 23), this monument was the ‘chief residence of Maeleachlainn Mor who became high king of Ireland in 980AD’. Walsh (1955, 31), recorded that ‘Maelsechnaill, King of Meath, and high king of Ireland, died in 1022, at his house of Dun na Sgiath at Lough Ennell’. However, Walsh (ibid) stated that he died on the crannóg of Cró-inis (WM025-150---), or Cormorant Island located 335m to S, in 1022.
High status ringfort or raised rath described as a raised circular-shaped platform (diam. 26m) defined by a scarp, inner fosse, earth and stone bank, an intervening fosse and an outer bank. The platform (H 3-4m) is high and steep with a much disturbed, uneven top. The side of the platform has been broken down at NNW. The platform is enclosed by a wide inner fosse which is almost completely infilled from SE-S-SW. The inner bank is visible from NNE-E-SE. The intervening fosse is very shallow and is also present from NNE-E-SE. Only a short segment of the outer bank is visible from NNE-NE-E. There is no recognisable trace of a formal entrance. The top of the platform has a very gentle S-facing slope, the surface of which is very uneven, being pitted with numerous holes and animal burrows. Profile of monument suggests a raised rath type earthwork which is similar to the profiled of a low motte.

See attached profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI.

Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien.

Date of upload: 27 September 2019

References

Cox, L. 1970 The Magawlys of Calry. Journal of the Old Athlone Society 2, 61-71.

Walsh, P. 1957 The Placenames of Westmeath. Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.