Enclosure in Shanballyard (aghnameadle Par.)

This site encompasses both a steep and a more gentle incline on an E-facing slope in rolling pastureland. A large univallate enclosure (diam. 73m N-S; 71.5m E-W) defined by an earth and stone bank (Wth 3.5m; int. H 0.7m; ext. H 0.8m) and a U-shaped external fosse (Wth 4.5m; D 1.7m) with a narrow entrance at E (Wth 3m). The site is built at two levels - the W half slopes steeply to the E while the E half is on the break in slope with a further dip to the E in the E sector. There are a number of undulations in the lower/middle terrace but the clearly defined circular feature (c. 20m) visible on an aerial photograph taken in 1973 (GSIAP, R119/120), is not apparent (TN027-099002). An unusual site in regard to the sharply uneven nature of the interior surface. 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

A local fairy fort (ringfort/rath); wider significance not recorded.