Hillfort in Knockeen

Situated on the N shoulder of a hill c. 300m N of Rathgall hillfort (WI037-016----). Circular enclosure (max. diam. c. 200m). The bank, where it survives, is of earth and stone and has been cleared of growth (max. H c. 1.5m; max. Wth c. 5m). It has been destroyed from NNW to SE, although a scarp is visible at the N. Traces of a second, outer rampart (original diam. c. 300m) are visible on aerial photographs (GSIAP, S 121-2), and are preserved in field boundaries visible on aerial photograph (CUCAP, AHK074; AHK078-079). There is a cairn (WI037-018001-) near the centre of the site. Also visible on the aerial photographs are two fences radiating out from the cairn. These have been removed but were described by Orpen (1911, 142) as being possibly ancient due to their great size. Geophysical survey of the monument undertaken in 2014 (O'Driscoll 2014). The hillfort was recently described in the Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland as following; 'Possible multiple enclosure positioned surrounding the low-domed summit of hilltop. Circular fort follows contours of hill and takes advantage of steep break of slope to N. It has a total site footprint of 6.2ha and is positioned 300m to the N of the large multiple enclosure of Rathgall (Atlas No.0723). Aerial photography has suggested that this is a bivallate multiple enclosure with widely spaced enclosing elements separated by approximately 50m. This has been confirmed by geophysics. There are three breaks through the inner enclosing elements that are probably modern. Large cairn positioned at the centre and highest point of the hillfort. Geophysical survey has identified up to twenty possible hut structures within the interior of the inner enclosing elements and possible pits and relict field systems have also been identified (O'Driscoll 2014). Ramparts survive well at S and W and are levelled at the N and E. Outer enclosing elements visible in Cambridge University aerial photographs as a vegetation mark. Interior under pasture. Earlier map depiction in first edition Ordnance Survey maps. More detailed depiction in second edition mapping. Geophysical survey by O'Driscoll in 2014. Inner enclosing elements extant. Possible outer enclosing elements visible as a vegetation mark in aerial photography. in Cambridge University aerial photographs and in geophysics. Circular area defined by a bank of earth and stone that has been cleared of growth (Grogan and Kilfeather 1997, 42-43). It has a maximum height of 1.5m and is approximately 5m wide. There is no obvious ditch feature on the surface. Geophysical survey has confirmed the presence of an in-filled external ditch. The enclosing elements have been destroyed at the N and E. These have been traced by geophysics, confirming that these have been destroyed in these areas (O'Driscoll 2014). Possible outer enclosing element identified as a concentric cropmark approximately 50m outside the inner example and confirmed by geophysics. Cropmarks indicate that there is a second enclosing element. This is visible at the S, SW and W in Cambridge University aerial photographs. A modern road and farm development have been built over the remaining sections and are therefore not visible. It is likely that the second enclosing elements formed a complete circuit.' (http://hillforts.arch.ox.ac.uk/records/IR0722.html) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 7 February 2020