Rathbadoge — Ballynalynagh

In pasture, located on a prominent rise in sharply undulating terrain. This rath is named ‘Rathbadoge’ on the 1838 and 1922 OS 6-inch maps. It consists of a raised circular area (38m N–S; 40.9m E–W) defined by a bank of earth and stone. The bank (Wth 6.8m; int. H 1.2m; ext. H 1.6m, at E) is substantial, with a broad internal slump, particularly evident at E, and much stone protruding from the sod covering. There is a break (Wth 4m) in the bank at ENE, which may be the site of the original entrance. On the 1838 and the 1922 OS 6-inch maps an outer boundary encircles the rath, respected its curve; this has been removed, except for a short section at SW which now serves as a property boundary. A gap of 2.7m intervenes between this fence and the rath. It remains unclear whether the removed outer boundary represented a primary fosse and external bank, or merely a system of later field fences. In the SE quadrant of the interior there is a circular stony feature (diam. c. 3m) defined by an outer rim (Wth c. 1.2m; ext. H 0.4m) of partly sod-covered loose stones; it is largely obscured by overgrowth and its nature is uncertain. A concrete silage pit (12m N–S; 6.5m E–W; D 1.8m) has been inserted into the N half of the interior, truncating a section of the bank. A low platform-like rise (17m N–S; 12m E–W) lies outside the entrance, on the S side; it may be a natural feature, but could have been used as a small annex to the rath. Heaps of field clearance stones abut the external face of the rath bank. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 29 July 2019