What is recorded here
Fairy fort in Astee West is a sub-circular earthen ringfort with a 34m internal diameter, preserving a shallow fosse and a distinct eastern gap. The bank rises 1.8m externally and varies from 4m to 7m wide at its base, forming an univallate enclosure rather than a vague mound. People may have lived, herded or hidden there before the name changed, while the fairies kept the fort for themselves.
Internal diameter 34m N-S, 31m E-W
This sub-circular univallate rath is situated c 73m NE of KE002-052---- and c 33m N of the possible bawn. The enclosing earthen bank rises to a maximum external height of 1.8m, .4m above the interior. The width of the bank at the base varies between 4m-7m. The fosse appears as a shallow, flat-bottomed depression that encloses most of the site, except to the E where it can be barely identified. The fosse measures on average 2m in width and .7m below the height of the surrounding land. A 2m wide gap appears on the E side.
The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 155. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 2 August 2013
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
Places near here
Enclosure in Astee WestEnclosure · 54 yd
ToberruaneHoly well · 1072 yd
Beal Castle (in ruins)Castle, Anglo-Norman masonry castle · 2.5 mi
Carrig Point BatteryRuins · 3.0 mi
Beal PointHeadland · 3.0 mi
Church (in ruins)Church · 3.1 mi
Carrig IslandIsland · 3.2 mi
Carrigafoyle Cas. (in ruins)Castle, tower house · 3.2 mi
Cliffs of DooneenCliff · 3.7 mi
Scattery IslandIsland · 4.5 mi