What is recorded here

Fate, not foresight, uncovered the Haggardstown ringfort when development disturbed capstones and collapsed an underground passage. The resulting excavation revealed a thirty-metre ditch, broken only in the south, where an entrance may have stood. Its fill still holds much bone and shell, suggesting the fort was not empty but crowded with life, loss and ritual.

Discovered as a result of land reduction for development (Excavation Licence No. 95E0126). Prior to arrival of an archaeologist on site, the capstones of a Man-made underground passage (LH012-069002-) had been disturbed causing it to collapse in on itself. A number of trenches were excavated around the Man-made underground passage to reveal an enclosing ditch with a diam. of c. 30m. The ditch was not evident in the S, leading to the suggestion that this was perhaps the location of the entrance. The fill contained a large quantity of bone and shell. (McConway 1995b) Compiled by: Claire Breen Date of upload: 19 April 2012

A fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Haggardstown is a likely early-medieval circular earthwork, commonly associated with ancient Irish settlements or ritual sites. Local folklore often links such forts to the supernatural, particularly to the fairies, and they were traditionally avoided to prevent offending the "good people."

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