Promontory fort

Located on a coastal promontory jutting S from the mainland. It is called ‘Rinanillaun’ and defended at N by an earthen bank (Wth 7-8m; int. H 2.5m; ext. H 1.2m) separated by a berm (Wth 1m) from a fosse (Wth of top 12m; int. D 2m; ext. D 4m; total L c. 12m). A causeway (Wth 1.5m) crosses the fosse towards the centre. The interior slopes down to the S (dims. 58m N-S; 3-10m E-W). Outside the fort the promontory continues to the N (L c. 22m) to a point where the sea narrows the promontory (Wth c. 16m), but this point is not defended; instead a path passes S through this isthmus and leads down to the sea on the W side of the promontory. (Westropp 1914-16, 201-2) Westropp, T. J. (1914-16) Fortified headlands and castles on the south coast of Munster. PRIA C vol. 32, 188-227. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Waterford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 17 October 2011