Promontory fort

The next headland S of Leek Castle (987) is called Tonalassa (Tóin an Leasa - bottom of the ringfort). To the SSE of this promontory lies a small rath (215). With the landward side at the SE, the promontory extends outward in the shape of a boot. It measures 102m long NW-SE and 56m in maximum width. The landward side of the promontory has been provided with a high steep bank which contains stone facing and a wide fosse. The fosse is traversed by a causeway c2m wide. The fosse measures 65m long and on average 5m in width, and has a maximum height below the surrounding land of 1.5m. According to Westropp (1909) there was an outer bank that has been completely levelled; material from this bank has filled some of the fosse. The axis of the bank is NE-SW and rises to a maximum height of 5m above the fosse; its width ranges from 7m to 8m at the base. The internal height of the bank above the interior measures c2m. About 13m from the N cliff there is a gap measuring 8m in width. As one enters the promontory through this gap, on the left are the remains of a tower that was built earlier this century as a lookout during WWI. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 103. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 2 August 2013