Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Cill An Urdráin

Internal diam. c. 28.5m Lisroe/An Lios Rua: This univallate rath is situated on the lower NW slopes of Beenbo mountain and commands an extensive view towards Brandon mountain and Brandon Bay. The enclosure has undergone considerable modification since it was first recorded in the early 19th century (OSNB Ballyduff, 17). The present remains consist of a sub-circular, level platform which is raised c. 1.5m above the surrounding field on the downslope side, but lies below the level of the field on the upslope side. The E half is enclosed by a narrow earthen bank, faced internally and externally with drystone masonry. The remainder of the enclosure (from SW through W to N) is defined by a scarp, faced externally with drystone walling. As the site is described in the OSNB as being 'composed chiefly of earth', and as the bank does not differ significantly from the adjacent field fences, it seems likely that it is of relatively recent construction. An earlier bank, probably the original one, is visible beneath the later one in the NNE sector and is also visible along the upper edge of the adjoining section of the scarp at N and NNW. This is c. 0.5m high and protrudes c. 1.4 to 2m in from the later wall. At ENE a 3m wide gap is partly blocked by a drystone wall of more recent construction again. A .65m wide gap at SW is lined on both sides with drystone walling. It is not clear whether either of these breaks represents the original entrance. A couple of stretches of walling are visible a little S of the centre of the enclosure, but they do not form any recognisable pattern. The N half of the interior is occupied by a series of cultivation ridges. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 469. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 7 August 2013