Structure in Aghalattive

A subcircular area (DG026-008001-) enclosed by a stone wall between 2.8m and 3.15m in width. In places this wall has collapsed for the greater part, but stretches of the inner and outer original facing are visible at other points, up to 1.6m in height. The outer face survives best in the NW quadrant and the inner face best in the S half. There is a gap, just S of E. This is 2.1m, wide on its inner side. On the outside, set about 1m beyond the outer edge are two stones set on edge transversely to the wall, one to the N of the gap and the other to the S, 2.7m apart. A platform c. 0.7m high of small stones at this entrance area appears to be a modern feature. The interior of the enclosure, c. 2m to c. 5m inside the wall edge is raised to give a platform effect, up to 2m high in places. At the centre of this the W half of a low stone-faced scarp, c. 12m in diameter, possibly an internal structure (DG026-008002-), survives. The interior is uneven and covered by vegetation but other protruding stones might suggest further structures. Ruined field walls run from the outer face of the site and although the area is now forested it originally enjoyed extensive views especially to the N and W towards the Back Strand of Sheephaven Bay 200m away. It is situated on a rocky platform which falls sheer on the W and markedly on the S. The land is light-soiled with much rock outcrop. The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Date of upload: 22 September 2008