Rathlyhar

Marked as a large enclosure described as 'Rathlyhar' on the 1839 and 1925 eds of the OS 6-inch map and situated just E of the top of a broad, low hill. This is a circular area (diam. c. 110m) planted in a cereal crop and defined by an earthen bank (Wth 3.5-5m; int. H 1.3m; ext. H 1.6- 1.8m) and hedge. There are slight traces of an outer fosse (Wth c. 6-8m) visible as a slight dip down towards the base of the bank externally. There is an entrance (Wth of top 5.2m; Wth of base 2m), perhaps modern, at the W point. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 15 August, 2012

Rathlyhar, Courthoyle New is a circular early-medieval ringfort, likely dating to between the 5th and 10th centuries, characterized by its large enclosure of approximately 110 meters in diameter. While no specific folklore is recorded for this site, like many such forts in Ireland, it may have been associated with local legends of fairies or ancient inhabitants in oral tradition.