Bastioned fort in Coolyhune — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

The following description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Carlow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Pentagonal fort with bastions enclosing summit of hill. Walls of drystone construction (ext. max. H 2.2m, int. H 0.6-2m; top Wth c. 1.2m, base Wth c. 1.5-1.8m), with slight external batter. Construction suggests fairly recent origin, possibly connected with events of 1798. (dims. of interior (excluding bastions) 60m x 60.5m; L of bastion 18m; max. Wth of bastion 20m; Wth of opening to bastions 17.6m). Rebuilding in some areas; entrance gap at S probably not original.

A bastioned fort in Coolyhune is a type of early-medieval ringfort, likely dating to between the 5th and 10th centuries, characterized by its reinforced defensive features. Local folklore often associates such forts with fairy dwellings or ancient royal settlements, though specific traditions connected to this site are not recorded.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.