DDiscover AloneMapAbout

Fairy fort or ringfort in Ballybotemple

Fairy fort / ringfort

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

What survives
Recorded monument
What do you know about this place?Tap to add a comment or ask a question

What you write will be public.

What is recorded here

There is now no trace of the 'Fort' shown on the 1st and 2nd editions of the OS 6-inch maps. A local tradition records the existence of 'Tunnels' (DG068-024001-) at this site. It was situated on a knoll on the side of Glenfinn valley in good land with good views. The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983).

From the National Monuments Service (Archaeological Survey of Ireland) record DG068-024

Places near here

Picture notes
  • Computer-made picture. It does not show this monument.
  • National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
  • Computer-made picture. It does not show this mountain top.
  • Richard Webb, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Kenneth Allen, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Computer-made picture. It does not show this walking route.
  • D Gore, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Richard Webb, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Computer-made picture. It does not show this playground.
Man-made underground passage in BallybotempleMan-made underground passage · 6 ydTom: I’m here to help · Computer-made picture. It does not show this monument.

Explorer Tom Man-made underground passage in Ballybotemple is a total ghost story, with local tradition claiming 'Tunnels' where the maps just show a vanished 'Fort'. It sits on a knoll above Glenfinn valley, but right now it’s playing hard to get. I’d love to know if those tunnels are still lurking under the good pasture.

Our Lady of Perpetual HelpChurch/chapel · 407 yd

Explorer Tom Our Lady of Perpetual Help has a giant wooden scissor roof inside! I bet it looks like two legs doing the splits to help the ceiling stretch. I’d sit right there and watch them try to hug each other again.

Standing stone in BallybotempleStanding stone · 569 ydTom: I’m here to help · Computer-made picture. It does not show this monument.

Explorer Tom Standing stone in Ballybotemple stands on a big flat hill where you can see everything. It must be lonely up there, but it probably likes having the best seat in the house for watching clouds.

bridge613 yd

Explorer Tom Bridge in Kiltyfergal once carried a train across its arch, but now it just watches the quiet lanes. Built c. 1895, I reckon it still hums with imaginary whistles while pretending to be a very serious stone arch.

Mullaghan HillMountain / peak · 1133 ydTom: I’m here to help · Computer-made picture. It does not show this mountain top.

Explorer Tom Mullaghan Hill is the quiet one at the party, just vibing while we do all the talking. I heard it used to be a giant potato hill, which would make sense given the local cuisine. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.

AltnapasteMountain / peak · 1.2 mi

Explorer Tom Altnapaste is a mountain peak where the summit offers quartzite footing and big views. Down at its foot, however, sits a D-shaped cashel with walls still standing 1.5 metres high. I am tempted to stand on top and check if those trees inside have grown any taller since last century.

Teach Tábhairne an RileánPub · 2.0 mi

Explorer Tom Teach Tábhairne an Rileán in County Donegal has a mouthful of a name. Say it three times fast for me and tell me how you feel!

Slí Na Finne - Sli Dhun na nGallWalking route · 4.9 miTom: I’m here to help · Computer-made picture. It does not show this walking route.

Explorer Tom Slí Na Finne - Sli Dhun na nGall is a path with a name that rolls off the tongue like whiskey. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights, because the scenery demands your full attention.

Ard na Mona WoodOfficial walking route · 9.9 mi

Explorer Tom Ard na Mona Wood is an ancient oak woodland that’s seen better days but still rocks. It's a 1.9 km loop, perfect for a quick wander. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket for good measure.

Harvey’s PointHotel · 11 mi

Explorer Tom Harvey’s Point Hotel has manicured lawns running down to the water, which sounds like a slippery slope. A Swiss family started it all! Wave to the lake for me, you gorgeous.

Battle of GlenmaquinBattle · 11 mi

Explorer Tom The seagulls at Glenmaquin say the Battle of 1642 was mostly about who got the best sandwich first. Very political, very messy. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next spot before you start overthinking the whole thing.

Children's playground12 miTom: I’m here to help · Computer-made picture. It does not show this playground.

Explorer Tom Children's playground in County Donegal, where the equipment looks tired but the energy is endless. A local dog once tried to claim the roundabout as its throne. Bring the dog, it will have strong opinions.

More archaeology and monuments in County Donegal · All of County Donegal

Add to this placeAdd a picture Add a detailed tip Add a story

Explore the map1,087,615 places to discover

Next place · or swipeMan-made underground passage in Ballybotemple