What is recorded here

Thirty-seven metres of packed earth still stand in Astee West, SW of a larger rath, with a clear view in every direction. The bank rises two metres externally and five metres across at its base, while a shallow ditch cuts four metres wide to the south. Immediately NE sits a rounded square enclosure, perhaps the cattle bawn Charles Smith described in 1756 before it vanished from sight. People may have driven herds inside when raiders came, then watched the coastline from the rim until the danger passed.

Internal diameter 37m SSW-NNE, 38m E-W Situated SW of a univallate rath (155) this site has a good view in all directions. This univallate rath has a fairly well-defined enclosing earthen bank, which is 2m high externally, 1.6m above the interior and 5m wide at its base. A fosse which is to be noted to the S measures 4.4m in width and .7m below the surrounding land. Situated immediately NE of this rath is a sub-square enclosure. Charles Smith described a square bawn in 1756 which was situated near the village of Astee; in 1909 Westropp could find no trace of it. This enclosure (KE002-053----) has rounded corners, measures 22m N-S and 22m E-W, and rises to between .2m to 1m above the surrounding land. Possibly this is the bawn that Smith described, stating that it was built 'as a place of strength to preserve cattle from being carried off by an enemy'. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 154. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 2 August 2013

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