What is recorded here

In rough pasture at the south-east end of the Shanid Upper hilltop, a three-banked earthen ringfort stands opposite Shanid Castle. Its interior holds a mysterious cruciform division with four shallow depressions, possibly marking a lost rabbit warren rather than a human home. Thorn and gorse still choke the outer banks, hiding the shape of a place that may have served more than one kind of creature.

In rough pasture, at south-east end of hilltop; opposite end occupied by Shanid Castle (LI019-081001-). Circular area (28m NNW-SSE; 30m ENE-WSW) enclosed by three earthen banks: inner bank (int. H O.8m; ext. H 4.5m; Wth 10.95m); inner intervening fosse (basal Wth 2m; total Wth 12.75m); middle bank (Wth 7.4m; int. H 2m; ext. H 2.25m); outer intervening fosse (basal Wth 1.4m; total Wth 6.65m); outer bank (int. H 1.25m; ext. H 1.4; Wth 7.35m). The enclosing element is covered by a dense overgrowth of thorn, gorse and trees. Entrance at E (Wth c. 4m). Interior, clear of overgrowth, is divided into quadrants by a level cruciform area (Wth c. 3m) defined by sub-triangular depression in each quarter; the purpose of this feature is not clearly evident by it may be a pillow mound associated with a rabbit warren (pers. comm. Brian Hodkinson). Compiled by: Denis Power Date of Upload: 3 August 2012 LI019-082----_01.jpg Aerial view taken in 1985 of Shannid Castle, motte and bailey (LI019-081002-) and ringfort (LI019-082----) (Photograph: J. Danaher). LI019-082----_02.jpg View of Shannid Castle from the east (July 2013; photograph: J. Danaher) LI019-082----_03.jpg View of the keep interior from the north (July 2013; photograph: J. Danaher) Images uploaded courtesy of John Danaher.

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