Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in An Bhánóg Theas

Internal diam. 66m NW-SE, 43.1m NE-SW Lios na Ceallúnaí: This large oval enclosure was probably originally either a rath or early ecclesiastical settlement, but portion of it was later used as a calluragh burial ground (OSNB Minard, 33; An Seabhac 1939, 176; Ashe 1954, 18), and it is not clear whether the 2 rectangular structures contained within the site are associated with its original occupation or whether they are relatively late in date. A coffin-shaped standing stone, inscribed with 2 crosses, formerly stood at the edge of the calluragh area (Ashe) but it could not be located on this occasion. In the OSNB account, the site is described as a circular enclosure about 2.5 chains (50m) in diameter, with an enclosing bank c. 3 feet (.9m) high. The enclosure is now oval in plan, and for much of its circumference is defined by field fences. Only the S section of the bank is undisturbed by fences, and here it is c. 2m wide and up to 1m high. A sunken, rectangular foundation occurs in the NW corner of the interior. It measures 6m N-S x 4.8m E-W. The NE part of the enclosure is traditionally regarded as the calluragh burial ground. This area measures 38.5m SE-NW x 16.4m NE-SW and is enclosed to N and E by field fences, to W by a low bank, and to S by a 1m high drop to the level of the remainder of the interior. The ground within this smaller enclosure is strewn with grass-covered stones, mostly quartz, and it also contains a sunken, rectangular foundation which Ashe interpreted as a church. The structure measures 7m x 3.8m and is aligned NW-SE. There is a probable entrance in the NW wall. A low bank extends 8.2m S from the SW corner of this feature. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 348. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 6 August 2013