What is recorded here

Gallows Hill is a fairy fort in County Cavan, a raised circular area twenty-eight metres across where a low earthen bank still traces the edge of an older rath. People later cut a trench outside that bank and planted trees around the top, turning a human dwelling into a green ring that hides its own entrance. The name suggests rope work and fear, yet the shape remains gentle, a shallow bowl that may have held hearths, children or quiet argument before becoming a fort for unseen neighbors.

Depicted as a tree-ring on OS 1836 and 1876 eds. Raised circular area (int. diam. 28.6m) enclosed by slight traces of a low earthen bank. The site has been modified as a tree-ring and a relatively modern earthen bank with an external trench constructed outside the bank of the rath. Original entrance not recognisable. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cavan' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1995). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 December 2008

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.