Ardaravan Stone Ringfort near Buncrana Graveyard

The outline of the N half of the single-ringed 'Fort' shown on the 1st and 2nd editions of the OS 6-inch maps is still traceable as a stone wall 1m high and 0.7m wide. It is situated in cultivated land overlooking Lough Swilly to the W. The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Date of upload: 22 September 2008 Excavation licence number 01E0477 ext. Monitoring was carried out in the townland of Magherainture, Ballymacarry, Buncrana, on 26 January 2002. The proposed development entails the construction of 29 detached and semi-detached houses. The site is on high ground to the north of Buncrana, overlooking the town. A cashel has been preserved in situ near the development. Testing had previously been carried out on the site of the proposed development (Excavations 2001, No. 292). Nothing of archaeological significance had been observed. Monitoring of topsoil-stripping took place on 26 January 2002. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted during the monitoring. (Excavations Bulletin 2002) Declan Moore, Moore Ltd, Unit 6, Riveroaks, Claregalway, Co. Galway.

Ardaravan Stone Ringfort near Buncrana Graveyard is a partially preserved early-medieval ringfort, likely dating to between the 5th and 10th centuries, characterized by a stone wall 1m high and 0.7m wide. Local tradition associates such sites with fairy folk, and they were often avoided due to beliefs about supernatural inhabitants.