Hillfort in Colvinstown Upper

Univallate contour hillfort situated on the summit of a hill [1254ft. OD) in the townland of Colvinstown Upper overlooking Kilranelagh Church (WI027-034001-) and graveyard (WI027-034002-) containing St. Bridget's holy well (WI027-0340013) 500m to W. Crosoona Rath (WI027-038----) containing two hut sites (WI027-038001-/003-) and an ogham stone (WI027-038002-) lies 500m to E. On the W slopes of this hill known locally as Kilranelagh Hill there are three recorded cairns (WI027-035---/036-/037-), the stone circle (WI027-039----) and barrow (WI027-040----) described below in the Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland lies 650m to the ENE. Outline of enclosing bank of hillfort clearly visible on OSi aerial photographs dating from 2000 and 2005 which clearly shows the upstanding bank from E-S-SW where it fades away. Unrecorded hillfort identified in 2014 and described by O'Driscoll (2014) as following; 'A possible hillfort was discovered by the author on the summit of Kilranlagh (385m OD), in the townland of Colvinstown, a prominent hill 5km to the east of Baltingalss town. The site occupies a total area of approximately 5.33ha, most of which is now under conifer forestry and thick gorse growth. There are panoramic view from the summit, with particularly striking scenes of the lowlands to the south and south-west'. Igneous bedrock prevented the application of geophysical survey, with the survey carried out using GPS mapping and aerial photographs. The enclosing element comprises a stone bank, approximately 14m wide and up to 0.6m high on the west and south-west sides. The outer side of this bank is revetted with large stone slabs placed horizontally. A change in vegetation immediately outside the bank may indicate the presence of an outer ditch, approximately 6m wide. This section of the enclosing elements extends for approximately 140m in length and continues into forestry to the north, abutting a 3-6m high cliff face which forms the southern portion of the hillfort defences. The eastern section is under dense vegetation and is not visible on the ground. A curving field pattern recorded in the 1910 edition of the Ordnance Survey may represent the remains of the enclosing elements in this area. There are no obvious internal features, although these may be obscured by thick heather and scrub growth in some areas (O'Brien and O'Driscoll 2017, 205). In 2017 this hillfort was described in the Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland as a, 'Possible univallate contour fort in commanding positioned surrounding the domed summit of Kilranlagh Hill at SW edge of Wicklow mountains. This fort is one of nine hillforts comprising the Baltinglass hillfort cluster. There are no recorded entrance features. No evidence for any internal features on the surface. Three cairns [WI027-035---/036-/037-], a stone circle and barrow are located on the hilltop, outside the possible hillfort. The ramparts have been heavily affected by commercial forestry plantation. GPS survey (O'Driscoll 2014) has identified a curving rubble stone bank on the western side of the hill. This may be the remains of a possible hillfort. This may correspond with a curving section of bank on the eastern side of the hilltop depicted in first edition Ordnance Survey maps, and with features revealed by aerial photography, which indicate the possible presence of a large enclosure on the summit of Kilranlagh. The interior is overgrown with scrub and is under light blanket bog and is in parts, covered by forestry. First identification and GPS survey by O'Driscoll in 2014. Recent survey has identified a curving rubble stone bank on the western side of the hill, 140m in length and extending into newly planted forestry. The bank is approximately 14m in width and has exterior facing comprising large slabs. A change in vegetation on the immediate outside may indicate an outer ditch feature. This corresponds with a curving section of bank on the eastern side of the hilltop depicted in first edition Ordnance Survey maps. These may be the remains of a hillfort bank that, when projected, would have enclosed an area 5.33ha. Enclosure visible at the E, S and W in aerial photography. GPS survey has traced the enclosing elements on the SW and W side of the hilltop. Newly planted forestry prevented the continuation of this survey' (http://hillforts.arch.ox.ac.uk/records/IR0730.html). See attached contour plan of the hillfort provided by James O'Driscoll Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien with details provided by James O'Driscoll and Alan Hawkes Date of upload 19 March 2020