Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Deerpark (talbotstown Upper By., Donaghmore Ed)

Situated on a gentle S/SE-facing terrace at a break in a marked slope in forestry. Circular area (diam. 28m; max. ext. diam. 41m) defined by an earthen bank (Wth 2-3.5m; H 0.2m-1.8m) and an external flat-bottomed fosse (Wth 3.5m; D 1-1.3m). There is a counterscarp bank (max. Wth 3m; max. ext. H 1.2m) SE-W-NE. The entrance (Wth 2m) consists of gaps in both banks and a causeway across the fosse at the W; three other gaps in the inner bank appear to be modern. There is a narrow fosse (max. Wth 1.8m; D 0.4m) inside the bank in the E quadrant. Inside this is another bank (Wth 3m; H 0.4m) attached to the fort bank at the SE and NE and curving inwards. It has a centrally placed gap (Wth 2m) and its purpose and date are unknown. No other internal features. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008