Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Laharanshermeen

In pasture, on a terrace on a S-facing slope with commanding views across the valley of the Mealagh River to Mullaghmesha. A roughly circular area (diam. c. 24m) is defined by a scarp (H 0.1m NW and NE) which heightens towards the S (H 1.25m). The enclosing element is damaged and unclear NW-NE. The original scarp survives best along the S arc where it has been faced with a stone wall, which is obscured by briars and grass. The W and E arcs have been cut through and are now faced with linear stone walls, also obscured by overgrowth. Traces of the original earthen scarp were noted near the N and S ends of these walls. A more recent enclosing element of earth and stone (Wth 0.6-2m; H 0.2-0.8m), overgrown and with several breaks, has been added on top of the stone walls and along the present perimeter, except at NW-NE. An external depression beside the W wall appears to be a recent feature. The interior, with a small depression in the centre, is slightly uneven and displays traces of cultivation. Trees grow around the N half of the rath. This rath was identified by Myler (1998, 50). The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009