Moanbeg Fort

In hilly pastureland with wide views to the N and S but overlooked by higher ground to the NE, E and SW. Conjoined with a rath (CL008-075002-) to the N. Hachured and labelled 'Moanbeg Fort' on the 1842 and 1920 eds. of the OS 6-inch map. Named 'Móin Bheag' on Robinson's (1977) map. This circular area (av. diam. c. 45m) comprises a raised platform (24.5m N-S; 22m E-W; diam. at top 18m; H 1.2-1.75m) surrounded by a steep-sided, flat-based, reed- and rush-filled fosse (Wth at base 1.9m at N, 7m at SSE) and an earthen outer bank (Wth 1.9m at W, 9m at S; int. H 0.15m at SW, 1.95m at N; ext. H 1.25m at S) which is partly covered by thistles at the E. Three recent cattle gaps cut through the bank at SW-W. This bank conjoins with the inner bank of an abutting rath (CL008-075002-) to the N. A causeway (Wth at base 4.2m; Wth at top 2.2m) crosses the fosse at the S, its top at the same level as the bank and the interior. The centre of the rath is marginally higher than its edges. The following images have been uploaded: CL008-075001-_01.jpg Causeway from N CL008-075001-_02.jpg Aerial view from ESE CL008-075001-_03.jpg Ground view from SW Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Conn Herriott Date of upload: 29 November 2022

Moanbeg Fort is a ringfort situated in hilly pastureland, likely dating to the early medieval period. It is associated with local folklore referring to it as a fairy fort, suggesting a traditional belief in its otherworldly significance.