Fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Tawnaglass

In pasture, located on a rise in undulating terrain, with good views along a stream valley to W. Overlooked by higher ground to SE Substantially raised circular area or platform (27.8 E−W; 30.7m N−S) defined by an earthen scarp (ext. H 2m at E, 2.5m at W). The scarp shows evidence of modification in relatively recent times: especially on the S arc, where it has been cut to the vertical and there are remnants of stone facing. A possible fosse in the form of a broad, flat gap or terrace (Wth c. 3-4m) intervenes between the scarp and a possible outer bank, which is evident as a scarp incorporated into/topped by a field wall. It is uncertain to what extent these features are original as they were incorporated into the route of a trackway, which is shown on the 1838 and 1930 the OS 6-inch maps. At SE the rath scarp has a gradual, ramp-like slope (Wth 2m), which may mark an original entrance. There is also a break (Wth 2m) at NW, which allows tractor access to the interior. The perimeter is ringed with hawthorn and hazel. The interior is grassy; in the S half there is large hollow, densely obscured by blackthorn and brambles –it appears to be the result of quarrying. There is a rath (MA072-068001-) 320m to NW Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 14 May 2021