What is recorded here

Fairy forts are earthen ringforts abandoned before human memory, yet local people still call them fairy forts because the shapes look like dwelling places for invisible neighbours. In Ballyvullagan the earthwork stands as a rath, a round fortified home from the age when Clare villages lived under constant threat of raiding. The field may have held a family, a herdsman or a small kin group, but the name suggests the people vanished while the wall remained.

The Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) is in the process of providing information on all monuments on The Historic Environment Viewer (HEV). Currently the information for this record has not been uploaded. To access available information for research purposes please make an appointment in advance with the Archive Unit (open Fridays 10.00 am – 5.00 pm), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Custom House, Dublin 1 D01W6XO or email NMarchive@housing.gov.ie.

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