
What is recorded here
The fairy fort or earthen ringfort in Ballinlough (delvin By.) is in County Westmeath, Ireland. This very large circular area, measuring approximately 68 metres from northeast to southwest and 66 metres from north-northwest to south-southeast, sits on a slight natural rise within the landscaped demesne of Ballinlough Castle, which is located 630 metres to the southwest. The present remains consist of a slightly raised area enclosed by a levelled earthen bank and a wide, steep external fosse that is filled in from southwest through west. A low mound is visible in the southeast quadrant of the interior, while a field fence running northeast to southwest intersects the monument at the southwest.
Situated on top of a slight natural rise surrounded by gently undulating grassland in the landscaped demesne of Ballinlough Castle (WM009-047----) located 630m to SW. Not depicted as an antiquity on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map but shown as a landscaped tree-ring feature. Ringfort (WM009-021----) 130m to NNE. The road which marks the townland boundary with Ballinlough townland is 35m to N. Present remains consist of a very large slightly raised circular-shaped area (approx. diam. 68m NE-SW; 66m NNW-SSE) enclosed by an earthen bank and a wide steep external fosse. The bank has been levelled and the fosse filled in from SW-W. In the SE quadrant of the interior a low mound (diam. 6m N-S; 5m E-W; H 0.8m) is visible. A field fence running NE-SW intersects the monument at SW. Possible ringfort that was converted into a tree-ring as part of the landscaping of the demesne lands associated with Ballnlough Castle. Alternatively this feature may have been constructed as a tree-ring in the post-1700 period as part of the landscaping of the demesne lands of Ballinlough Castle.
See attached profile of monument surveyed and drawn by the ASI.
Compiled by: Frank Coyne and Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 15 May 2017
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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