What is recorded here
On a slight N-S ridge at the highest point of the Rathcroghan plateau. Subcircular grass-covered mound (dims 17.3m N-S; 12.9m E-W; H 1.2-1.5m) defined by a berm (Wth 3.4m at N to 6m at E; H 0.7m at S to 1.4m at N). This is surrounded by another berm (Wth 2.3-3.3m; H 0.1m at E to 0.7m at W), with an outer bank (Wth 2m; H 0.1-0.2m) SE-SW (max. ext. dims 37.7m N-S; 37.3m E-W). A quarry damages the perimeter at NW (total H 1.8m at S to 3.6m at N). (Knox 1911, 234-5; Herity 1983, 130; 1988, 134, Toberrory 11; Waddell 1983, 35; 1988, 12, No. 25)
Geophysical survey confirmed that the berms are shallow fosses with outer banks, and that there may be a third outer fosse. However, no evidence of internal structures was recovered, apart from what may have been intense burning at the summit of the mound. Archaeological testing (08E0867) on a relict field bank with a ditches on the N side c. 120m to the NW produced no conclusive results but suggests that the field system may be post-medieval in date (McCarthy 2012a). Archaeological monitoring (E004965) of the removal of farm buildings and the restoration of grass c. 170m to the SE produced no related material (Murphy 2019; excavations.ie 2019:594). (Waddell et al. 2009, 104-112)
See the attached images taken from the N in Summer (001) and Winter (005), and an aerial image taken from the NE (006).
Compiled by: Michael Moore
Date of upload: 5 February, 2013
Amended: 29 January, 2020; 28 October 2020
This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 21/1934), and is now a National Monument in state ownership: No. 294.
Rathbeg, Toberrory is a subcircular earthen mound, likely a ring barrow or cairn, dating to the Bronze Age. Its location on the prominent Rathcroghan plateau suggests a possible ceremonial or funerary significance within a broader prehistoric landscape.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
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