Indicated

In pasture, located on a ridge, utilising the fall of ground at SW−NW. There are excellent views, especially to W−SW along the valley of the Gweestion River, which lies c. 60m to W, and of the undulating terrain beyond; to SE the view is along the level top of the ridge and of a parallel ridge in the middle distance at NE−SE. This bivallate rath consists of a substantially raised platform (c. 65m NNW−SSE; c. 45m ENE−WSW) defined by a scarp (H 3.5m at W, 1.5-1.6m at E), outside which it is enclosed by a fosse with a possible external bank. The scarp retains a hint of a raised internal lip in parts, particularly at NW. It is lowest at E, suggesting that the entrance might have been on that side, possible at ESE where a slump/possible gap is now obscured by a later field fence which crosses it. A semicircular pit (c. 10m by 10m) has been deeply quarried out of the scarp at N. At ENE−SE, the fosse can be traced as a shallow depression with no trace of an external bank. At SSW−NNE the fosse takes the form of a terrace/flat gap (Wth 2.4m), bordered on its outer edge by a bank/fence (Wth c. 2m; int. H 0.65m) of earth and stone, which merges with the steep ridge slope; this appears to be a modern field fence, but may preserve the curve of an original external bank. At NE the field fence curves in to merge with the rath scarp. The interior is relatively level. There appears to be a slight rise (diam. 6-8m), best defined on the N arc, in the centre of the rath; it was obscured by overgrowth on the date of inspection. A field fence on a NE−SW axis crosses SE part of the rath, and a perpendicular fence extends to SE. The rath is thickly ringed with blackthorn, hawthorn and hazel trees; brambles and blackthorn scrub are encroaching on the interior. The centre is remains largely free of scrub, but is covered with ferns. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 17 August 2021