What is recorded here

That is the largest recorded ringfort in Ireland. It stands in Ráth Ghaiscígh, County Cork, containing a separate stone chamber and underground passage within its massive wall. The fort is not a small fairy circle; it is a large human stronghold that still keeps its inner rooms hidden beneath the forest floor.

In forestry, on SW-facing slope. Circular area (31m N-S; 29m E-W) enclosed by substantial stone wall (H 2.2m; T 2.3m) of dump construction, faced with coursed stone work; ledge (Wth 0.3m) forms possible walkway, on inner face c. 1.3m below wall top. Two niches (Wth 0.9m; D 0.4m; H 0.8m) at walkway level on inner face to NE and SW. Entrance (Wth 3m) to SE; recess in bank on either side of entrance may have held lintels to cover entrance way. Interior uneven and overgrown. Man-made underground passage (CO069-039002-) in interior. Stone structure with lintelled ope visible (Wth 0.51m; D 1.2m; H 0.6m) abutting inner bank face to SSW, partially covered by collapse from bank. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). 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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