Why this matters
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.
What is recorded here
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
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