Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Falnashammer

In undulating pasture, on top of a rise; the ground slopes down to E and S of the rath. A circular platform (diam. at top 29m; diam. at base c. 55m; H c. 5m) with sloping sides, enclosed on top by an earthen bank (Wth 4m; int. H 0.6m) topped by one course (Wth 1m) of loose stones. The base of the platform is defined on the upslope by a fosse (Wth 5m; D 0.6m) NW-NE and by a terrace (Wth 2.5m; H 1.1m) elsewhere. The fosse and terrace are in turn enclosed by another terrace, widest along the N arc of the rath (Wth 19.5m; H 3m) but still substantial along the S arc (Wth c. 10m; H 2m). The entrance (Wth 2m) at NNE, with remains of stone lining, has been widened to c. 5m and is approached from the exterior by a gently sloping ramp and a causeway across the fosse. The interior slopes distinctly down to E. Recorded in 1836 as the 'Big Fort' (OSNB vol. 1, 159). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008