What is recorded here

Lisnaraha is a substantial fairy fort in County Cork, Ireland, enclosing nearly a hectare behind a 3.4-metre earthen bank and waterlogged fosse. Its eastern causeway still crosses the ditch, though machinery has cut vertical scars through the ancient bank. The interior was ploughed around 1984, yet the site remains protected under a 1972 preservation order. Cattle graze the pasture above it, unaware they tread beside a place local tradition reserves for unseen company.

In pasture, on SW-facing slope. Circular area (91.4m N-S; 90.4m E-W) enclosed by substantial earthen bank (int. H 3.4m) with external fosse (D 2.65m). Low earthen field boundary (H 0.4m) at outer edge of fosse, stone faced externally. Gap (Wth 3m) in bank to SSW. Second gap (Wth 4.8m) to E with causeway across fosse; sides of gap cut back by machinery, giving vertical sections through bank. Fosse waterlogged to E; according to Hartnett (1939, 288), spring in fosse to S of entrance (causewayed gap). Possible Man-made underground passage (CO062-135002-) in interior; interior ploughed c. 1984. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 12/1972).

Lisnaraha, Loughane East is a large, well-preserved early-medieval ringfort, likely dating to between the 6th and 10th centuries AD, characterized by a substantial earthen bank and external fosse. Local tradition associates such sites with the Tuatha Dé Danann, and they are often referred to as "fairy forts," believed to be the homes of supernatural beings in Irish folklore.

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