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Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Losset

Fairy fort / earthen ringfort

What is recorded here

Magic and mystery surround the fort in Losset. It stands on a rise above Breakey Lough, marked by a thick earthen bank and outer ditch. The SE gap likely served as the original entrance, while the interior has become overgrown since 1968. This is a genuine ringfort, not a fairy tale, though local stories may have grown around its strange shape and remote position.
Situated on a rise at the crest of the NE-facing slope of a col which has higher ground c. 400m to the N and c. 300m to the SW and lower ground to the W and E where Breakey Lough is c. 200m distant. This is a raised, circular, grass and scrub-covered area (diam. 44m WNW-ESE), the E half of which slopes down to the E (H 2.5m). It is defined by an earthen bank (Wth of base 6.5-7m; int. H 1m; ext. H 3.5-4m) and hedge with an outer re-cut fosse (Wth of top 5-6m; Wth of base 1-2m; ext. D 0.5m at E). There are gaps at S and SE (Wth of base 3.5m), but the latter is more likely to be the original entrance. There is a N-S road bank immediately to the W and the interior has become overgrown since 1968 (Digitalmap). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of revision: 3 September 2018

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

What survives
Recorded monument

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