Rathnaathenon

In pasture located on a low N–S ridge, which provides very good views of the surrounding lowlying terrain, with the NE shores of Lough Conn c. 400m to W. This rath, named ‘Rathnaathenon’ on the 1838 and 1930 OS 6-inch maps, consist of a slightly raised circular area (34m NNE/SSW) defined by an earthen bank (Wth 4.8m at SW, 6m at NW; int. H 0.4m at SW, 1m at NW; ext. H 1.7m at SW, 1.65m at NW) with an external fosse (Wth 2.9m; ext. D 0.55m). The sunken arc of the fosse is clearly evident at N and S, but at E and W it appears to be largely infilled and is overlain by later, roughly N-S field fences, which box the rath into a small field. Traces of cultivation ridges, on a NW–SE axis, are evident in the level interior. A gap (W c. 2m) at E may be the site of an original entrance. A remnant of an old field bank, on a NW–SE axis, abuts the external slope of the rath bank immediately to S of the gap. The perimeter is densely ringed by overgrowth –hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn, brambles –which is also encroaching on the interior. There is a rath (MA039-062----) located 155m to N. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 25 March 2020

Rathnaathenon is a likely early-medieval ringfort situated on a low ridge near the shores of Lough Conn, offering strategic visibility over the surrounding area. The name "Rathnaathenon" may derive from Irish *rath* (fort) and *n-Áth Éanáin* (the ford of Éanán), suggesting a possible historical or legendary association with a local figure or crossing place.