Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Brittas

In good grazing, on a very gently E-facing slope, providing good views. The ground rises gradually to W. Subcircular platform (39.4m N−S; c. 36m E−W) defined by a substantial scarp/bank, outside which it is enclosed by a broad, flat-based fosse. It is shown on the OS 6-inch maps as a roughly circular enclosure, but the W side is now linear, with the effect that the site appears squarish in plan or subrectangular with rounded corners. It is difficult to examine due to dense overgrowth. The bank/scarp (Wth 3.5m at N, c. 4m at E; int. H c. 0.5m ; ext. H c. 2m at N, 1.7-1.8m at E and S) retains a slight internal lip on the E half, and has a sharply vertical external scarp dropping into the fosse. It appears rather linear at N and E, but curves slightly on the S side, with rounded corners at SE and SW. The scarp on the W side is distinctly linear and is lower and more dilapidated than elsewhere. Towards the SW end, there are possible traces of stone-facing and it appears to be topped with remnants of rough stone walling, with stone tumble on the slope. The fosse (Wth 3.5m; ext. D 1.4m) has a well defined, almost vertical face on its external face. A semicircular area (c. 6m E−W; 2.2.5m N−S) cut into the external face of the fosse on the N side is said locally to have been the site of a well –now silted up. There are short remnants of a wall at the outer edge of the fosse at NE and NW. At W-NW, the fosse is expanded to a broader space (Wth 10m), the result of quarrying disturbance in the modern era. The base of the fosse on the E half is wet and silty, with standing water in the winter. According to local information, the fosse was periodically ‘cleaned out’ in the past. The perimeter is ringed by blackthorn, hawthorn, holly and brambles, with blackthorn encroaching on the interior. There are badger sets in the scarp. The rath appears to survive much as it was when Knox (1911, 239-40) recorded in the early 1900’s as ‘a common earthen fort with a ditch and small rampart around the garth, somewhat ruined on one side by digging for gravel.’ Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 30 May 2023