What is recorded here

Magic and memory are entangled here. Lissanearla is a fairy fort on a steep hill beside Ballinlough Lake in County Cork, Ireland. Its earthen bank still stands two metres high around a narrow circular space, while an underground passage cuts through the southern half. The fort may have tested courage, sealed memory, or hidden a living person from ordinary time.

On top of a steep hill beside Ballinlough Lake. Circular area (26m E-W) enclosed by earthen bank (int. H 2m), stone faced internally in parts; external fosse (D 1m) N->E. Interior heavily overgrown; surface uneven; Man-made underground passage (CO133-057002-) in S half. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Lissanearla, Knockskagh is a circular early-medieval ringfort, likely dating to between the 5th and 10th centuries, situated on a prominent hilltop with defensive features including an earthen bank and external fosse. Local folklore, common to many such sites in West Cork, may associate it with ancient chieftains or fairy legend, though specific traditions are not recorded.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.