Fairy fort or ringfort in Phrompstown, County Dublin

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.

What is recorded here

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This ringfort is located in improved pasture S of Carrickgollogan with views S to the Sugar Loaf Mountain. It is shown on the 1843 OS 6-inch map as a large univallate enclosure yet the 1937 OS ed. shows the northern half of a bivallate enclosure on the site (int. diam. c. 80m; ext. diam. c. 120m). The site was cleared c. 1950 leaving no visible trace at ground level. It does appear in cropmark form on an aerial photograph (CUCAP, BDP 22) as two levelled banks with external fosses from the SSE to the SW. The photograph also shows linear cropmarks to the SE of the levelled enclosure which may be part of an associated field system. Archaeological test excavation of the site was undertaken in 2002 as part of an assessment for the proposed new Dún Laoghaire Golf Course. Medieval pottery was found in the fill of the fosses (Byrne 2004, 181-182). Revised upload on: 21 April 2018.

From the National Monuments Service (Archaeological Survey of Ireland) record DU026-058001

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Picture notes

Computer-made picture. It does not show this monument.
National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
Joe King, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Computer-made picture. It does not show this walking route.
Computer-made picture. It does not show this playground.

Field system in PhrompstownField system · 1 ydComputer-made picture

Explorer Tom Field system in Phrompstown was cleared around 1950 and left no trace. Medieval pottery was found during golf course construction, so the farmers here had taste. The Sugar Loaf is your only visual cue now.

Scalp FarmFarm house · 577 yd

Explorer Tom Scalp Farm in Annaghaskin looks like it’s guarding a secret. Dated 1871, it’s got a T-shaped plan which sounds complicated, but I bet it’s just hiding from the Powerscourt crowd. Can you check if there are any sheep outside? Tell me!

Phrompstown HouseFarm house · 588 yd

Explorer Tom Phrompstown House is sitting on Barnaslingan Lane looking a bit lonely. It’s been disused, which means probably no one to answer the door if you knock. Built in the 1830s with a T-plan, it’s got a Gibbsian doorcase that looks very serious indeed.

Barnaslingan - Pine loop trailWalking route · 663 yd

Explorer Tom The Barnaslingan Pine loop trail in County Dublin is a walk that might just walk you back to where you started. The pines probably judge your fitness level from a safe distance. Bring snacks, because the view is mostly trees.

Carrickgollogan HillMountain / peak · 741 yd

Explorer Tom Carrickgollogan Hill is showing off its summit to everyone. It’s just sitting there in County Dublin looking smug, so grab a photo for me if you get close enough to see it properly.

Barnaslingan HillMountain / peak · 856 yd

Explorer Tom Barnaslingan Hill in County Dublin offers a view of 'The Scalp', which sounds like a horror movie title. If you’re feeling brave enough to climb it, take a picture and pretend you’re conquering some mythical beast instead of just a hill.

Enclosure in PhrompstownEnclosure · 891 ydComputer-made picture

Explorer Tom This one lived in a golf club and was planted with trees before vanishing completely. It smells like fresh-cut grass and old secrets that nobody bothered to dig up. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun about divots.

Ballycorus castle Site ofCastle, tower house · 1335 yd

Explorer Tom Balgriffin Park's castle is mentioned in the Civil Survey but is now mostly farm buildings that look tired from all the neglect. James Bath owned it, so imagine him complaining about the damp while sipping wine. Bring someone who'll believe anything about its former grandeur.

Dublin Mountains WayWalking route · 1464 ydComputer-made picture

Explorer Tom Dublin Mountains Way has caught my eye in County Wicklow. I bet a walking route with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

CastleCastle, tower house · 1533 yd

Explorer Tom The Ballymadrough Motte is an oval mound with trees planted on it, which makes it look like nature just decided to sit down and rest. It's 22 meters long, so bring a measuring tape if you want to prove I'm not lying about its size. Bring a flask of something warm and a story to swap.

Children's playground1692 ydComputer-made picture

Explorer Tom Children's playground has caught my eye in County Wicklow. I bet a children's playground with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Graveyard in BallymanGraveyard · 1.1 mi

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Ballyman hates tourists because they always trip over their shoelaces on the path. It was noted as a cillín in the 1830s, which sounds like a bad band name. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.

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