Coolcran Fort

In pasture, located at a break of slope on the S side a rise, with a stream c. 50m to S, and very good views in all directions. Named ‘Coolcran Fort’ on the 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps, this rath consists of a raised circular area (33m N–S; 29.5m E–W) defined by an earthen scarp, topped at E–WSW by a slightly raised stony internal rim (Wth 2.7m). The scarp (Wth slope c. 4m at SSW, 2m at N; ext. H 2m at SSW, 0.7m at N) is markedly more pronounced on the S half, where the rath is built up to compensate for the natural slope and to create a level interior. A slumped area (Wth 2m) in the scarp at E may indicate the location of the original entrance. At N–SSE the scarp has been modified to serve as a property division, and is topped with a post and wire fence and buttressed externally with a bank of stone. Ground level is slightly higher in the NW quadrant of the interior, and here close to the scarp at NW, there is a very shallow depression which may indicate the location of a Man-made underground passage (MA038-065002-). Traces of cultivation ridges traverse the interior on a NNW–SSE axis, particularly evident in the W half. A low field wall on a NNW–SSE axis bisects the E half of the interior. The rath perimeter is ringed with oak, hazel and blackthorn. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 31 July 2019