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Why this matters
Downings Stone Ringfort is a circular early-medieval defensive structure, likely dating to between the 5th and 10th centuries AD, characterized by a collapsed stone wall with visible original wall facing and a possible outer revetment. Local folklore, though not specifically documented for this site, often associates such ringforts with ancient Irish settlers or with fairy activity, reflecting their mystical and historical significance in the landscape.
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Internal diam. 22m. A circular area enclosed by a collapsed stone wall in which some stretches of original wall facing are visi-ble. 6m to 9m from the wall a second line of stones may have been an outer wall or revetment. In places the original inner wall width can be seen to have been 3m. Modern field walls have been built on the col-lapse at the SE and NW. At the SW, modern circular clearings have been made in the collapse. There is a lot of collapse internally also. The outer stone wall .5m to 1m in height on its N side seems to revet an artificially raised levelled area stretching to the inner wall. A gap to the E through the wall may be an original entrance. It is located in a commanding position overlooking Sheep Haven Bay in an area of rough grazing and rock outcrop.
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
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