What is recorded here

Mellifontstown is called a fairy fort because it is a common Irish name for a ringfort, not proof that fairies ever lived there. The circular enclosure measured about thirty-five metres across on the 1842 map, but ploughing and field work levelled most of it; a low earthen fence to the north may still hold part of the original bank. Under the grass and traffic of an ordinary town edge, the fort has become a ghost shape, remembered more often in joke and story than in stone.

Shown on 1842 OS 6-inch map as circular enclosure (diam. c. 35m). Levelled; earthen field fence to N may retain portion of original bank (H 1.8m). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

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