What is recorded here

A thin stream still cuts the outer trench of a low oval bank in County Cavan, while the eastern gap may be the entrance used when the fort was new. People called it a fairy fort, but that is a story, not a measure; the earth and water are plainly there. It is easy to imagine someone walking that gap in rain, hearing the trench shout beside them and believing the field belonged to more than one kind of witness.

Raised oval area (int. dims. 41m E-W; 32.4m N-S) enclosed by a low earthen bank and traces of a fosse. From NNW-N-ESE there is a trench outside the bank, through which a stream flows from N-E-ESE. No trace of fosse from S-W-NNW. Present entrance to site at E may be original. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cavan' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1995). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 December 2008

A fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Aghateggal or Ryefort is a likely early-medieval circular earthwork enclosure, characterized by a raised oval area with a surrounding bank and partial fosse. Local folklore often associates such sites with supernatural beings, particularly fairies, and they were traditionally avoided to prevent misfortune.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.