What is recorded here

Fairy forts are human ringforts misnamed by later folklore. This is a real rath in Moneygall: a roughly circular enclosure on a ridge slope, with an earthen bank, external ditch and a possible causeway gap at the southeast. The eastern part is damaged by a modern field fence, but the shape still reads as a defended or occupied place rather than a fairy story. People may have lived, stored or hidden here before the name changed its meaning.

Situated on N facing slope of E-W ridge in undulating countryside. Roughly circular area (diam 27m N-S; 33m E-W) enclosed by an earthen bank (Wth 2m; ext. H 1m; int. H 0.5m) which is destroyed at E by a modern field fence and external fosse (Wth 3m; ext. D 0.5m) also destroyed at E. Possible causeway entrance gap (Wth 3.5m) at SE. Interior of site slopes from S to N. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

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