Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Rathroe

In pasture, located in an area of gently undulating terrain. The rath utilises a low natural knoll, which forms a small N-projecting spur on a low E−W ridge. The location provides good views, especially to N and E along the meandering valley of the Rathroe River. The rath encompasses a roughly oval, level area (c. 25m N−S; c. 30m E−W) on the top of the knoll. It is defined at W−NNE by the steep natural slope of the knoll (H c. 2m at W; H c. 3.5m at N). The base of this steep slope has been incorporated into a later field bank, now disused and partly eroded. At NE a short stretch of scarp (H 1.45m) is evident which peters out at E. At E−SE, where the knoll merges with a lower part of the ridge extending to E, there is slight slope down but no clearly defined enclosing element. This side of the knoll is bordered by a NNE−SSW property fence. At SE−SW, a slight scarp (H 0.3m) appears to indicate the curving S perimeter of the rath. The interior area is level and featureless. It is known in local tradition as a ‘fort’ (pers. comm. Mr. Seán Gilvarry, Rathroe, May 2016); it would appear to be the rath from which the townland derives its name. Rathroe Castle, a tower house (MA021-033----) is located on the E bank of the river c. 200m to SE. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 23 May 2015