Black Fort

Located on a gentle E-facing slope in undulating pastureland with a nearby ringfort (TN041-057) to the SE. The site was levelled c. 1973 according to the landowner but is still clearly visible as a raised, roughly circular platform (diam. 41m N-S; 37.5m E-W) defined by a very gradual sloping scarp (H 1.04m) and outer fosse (Wth 5m; D 0.22m). There is a suggestion of a causeway in the SE sector (Wth 5m). The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

Black Fort, Cormackstown is a likely early-medieval ringfort, indicated by its circular, raised earthwork remains, typical of such settlements in Ireland. Local tradition associates it with fairy lore, as suggested by the name "Black Fort," which may hint at a belief in supernatural occupancy or significance.