Lurgan Limestone-Ridge Enclosure

In pasture, encompassing a shallow, natural depression on a terrace on the N-facing slope of a N–S limestone ridge. The N edge of the terrace, c. 10m N of the enclosure, is defined by a steep, almost vertical limestone escarpment. To SE ground rises steeply to the summit of the ridge which is enclosed by a hillfort (DG103-072----) and crowned by a cairn (DG103-029----). Broadly oval area (27m E–W; 22.5m N–S) defined by a ruined stone wall. The wall is evident as a low, gapped, moss-covered rise (Wth 1-1.5m) from which occasional large and medium-sized stones protrude. At SE–W it has a pronounced internal scarp (H 0.7-1.2m) but is almost flush with exterior ground level. At NE–SE it is incorporated into a later N–S field wall. The interior appears slightly sunken, and slopes down gently from S to N. A gapped line of sod-covered stones appears to define a roughly trapezoidal area (c. 3m E–W; 2m N-S at W end) abutting the inner face of enclosing wall at N, possibly the remnants of a structure such as an animal pen or hut. On the N side of the enclosure, there is a gap (Wth 1.4m) in the enclosing wall. This faces a narrow gully on the N edge of the terrace, which provides a natural route way down the steep escarpment to the base of the ridge. Attached image: DG103-091----_01.JPG viewed from W Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 17 November 2015