Cahernagrian

On level ground in rocky landscape with partial views of the sea from WSW to N and with steep ledges overlooking the site from NNW to SE. Within a field system (CL004-027001-). Indicated and named ‘Cahernagrian’ on the 1915 OS 6-inch map. Listed by Westropp (1900, 427) as a fort in Ballynahown. Described by Westropp (1905, 348) as ‘an over-thrown stone fort, wrongly called Cahernagrian’ (dims. 30.48m) with collapsed walls (Wth 1.82-2.43m; H 0.91-1.21m) constructed from ‘large blocks and good masonry’ with ‘hut-enclosures and other walls inside’. A circular cashel (30m E-W; 27m N-S) defined by partially collapsed stone walls (Wth 0.7-2.5m; int. H 0.45-1.4m; ext. H 0.6-1.5m). Only the outer wall-face is intermittently visible and is best preserved from SW to ENE (H 0.6-1.5m). The hut sites noted by Westropp (1905, 348) are not visible on Digital Globe. A conjoined enclosure (CL004-058002-) located to the S. A cashel (CL004-060----) which is correctly known as ‘Cahernagrian’ is located c. 135m to the ENE. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Lynda McCormack Date of upload: 10 October 2022

Cahernagrian, Ballynahown is a ringfort, likely dating to the early medieval period, situated in a rocky landscape with partial sea views. Local tradition associates such sites with fairy folklore, often regarded as dwellings of the "good people" or places to be avoided at night.