Battle of Bunratty 1310 — Bunratty East

On a generally level area at the top of an E-facing slope, in pasture with excellent views NE-E over the Owenogarney or Ratty River valley. Identified on aerial photography (Digital Globe 2015). It is a well-formed oval mound (10m N-S; 16m E-W) defined by a well-preserved scarp (Wth 1.1-1.2m; H 0.25-0.35m) and counterscarp (Wth 1.7-3.5m; H 0.45-0.5m). These are formed by the obvious two-phase construction of this mound which has a basal layer and a smaller top tier. The scarp and counterscarp are best defined around the eastern and western arcs, less well defined NW-NE and only a single scarp (Wth 2.7m; H 0.95m) is present to SE-SW. The top (9m N-S; 10m E-W) is conical and uneven with three depressions. A long L-shaped feature (long-axis E-W; L 17m) with a short return (L 9m) to NW at the W end is c. 5.25m to S of the mound. It is very uniform (Wth 1.5m; H 0.6-1.2m) and it is at the precise location of a former field boundary, as per OS historic mapping. There is a mound forming the W end of this, which appears recently formed. The short return to NW is a wide oval area (9m N-S; 6m E-W) which is low in profile (H 0.35m). A long bank which is c. 3m to N of mound is extending downslope to E for some distance. It is parallel with a house plot to N and appears relatively modern. The antiquity of this mound is questionable. The top tier has a high gravel content and may be associated with the very extensive quarry to the W. Although this area is named 'Battle of Bunratty 1310' on the OS 6-inch map these earthworks are not known to be associated. See CL061-018--- for the battlefield record. The following images have been uploaded: CL051-200----_01.jpg From S. Cross-section view of scarp at E. CL051-200----_02.jpg From NW. General view of monument. CL051-200----_03.jpg From E. General view of monument. Compiled by: Mary Tunney, Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 9 January 2019