What is recorded here

Fools Fort is a circular earthen ring in County Meath, marked on maps since 1836 and tested by archaeologists who found nothing but soil. Its grass-covered bank rises one metre on the north side and barely touches the ground on the south, where the floor slopes away like a forgotten breath. The name suggests ridicule, yet ridicule often belongs to the person who refuses to see what the shape already knows.

Located towards the top of a S-facing slope, it is depicted on the 1836 and 1908 editions of the OS 6-inch map and it is described as ‘Fool’s Fort’ on both in gothic lettering. This is a circular grass-covered area (diam. 38m N-S; 37m E-W), the S half of which slopes down to the S (H 2m). It is defined by a grass-covered earthen bank (Wth of base 5-5.4m; int. H 0.2m at S to 1.1m at N) that has become overgrown since 1968 (Digitalmap), with an outer fosse (at N: Wth of base 2.6m; ext. D 0.3m) NNW-NE. The original entrance is likely to be that at ESE (Wth of base 1.1m). Archaeological testing (99E0477) to the S and SE failed to produce any related archaeological material (Murphy 2000). 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

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