Rathmacostello — Rathmacostello

In undulating average pasture, located on a rise or low ridge, with a fall of ground to SE overlooking an area of wettish pasture. This rath is named ‘Rathmacostello’ on the 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps. It consists of a raised circular area (28m E–W; 27.3m N–S) defined by a bank, with remnants of an external bank survive at SE–SW. The inner bank (Wth 4.3m at NW, 3.4m at SE; int. H 0.7m at NW, 0.35m at SE; ext. H 1.45m at NW, 1.55m at SE) is largely earthen but incorporate some stone. On the inner face at NW–N stones appear to be regularly set, suggesting the remnants of a kerb. The bank is generally low internally, especially at E–S, but it retains a well defined external slope. An external bank (Wth 2.6m; int. H 0.4m) survives in an arc at SE–SW, coinciding with the natural break of slope of the ridge. It has been removed elsewhere, but a slight undulation can still be traced, outlining its original circuit W–NE. It is shown on the 1922 OS 6-inch map as a field boundary that encircles the rath, from which other field boundaries radiate to NE and SW. A broad, flat intervening gap (Wth 5m) intervenes between it and the inner bank. The gap does not resemble a fosse, and while a fosse may have existed, no surface depression or crop mark is evident to highlight its presence. It is possible that the external bank is a later feature rather than a primary enclosing feature of the rath. The interior of the rath is level and featureless. There is a break (Wth 1.8m) in the bank at NE. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 25 July 2019