Enclosure in Westport Demesne (burrishoole By.)

In pasture, located on the narrow top of a steep-sided E−W ridge, close to the W end of the ridge. The ridge is named ‘Knocknageeragh’ on the 1838 and 1929 OS 6-inch maps. This rather high and exposed location provides extensive views of the surrounding hilly terrain. The Nephin Beg range defines the far horizon at NW−N, with Nephin Mountain prominent at N. To SW the ridge has views of part of Clew Bay, bordered by the dramatic silhouette of Croagh Patrick. In the more immediate vicinity, the N-facing slope of the ridge falls into a flat-based valley of wettish ground, bordered at N by a parallel ridge. Immediately to the S of the ridge, there is a somewhat smaller, steep-sided ridge, which is named ‘Barrett’s Hill’ on the 1929 OS 6-inch map. This enclosure is not indicted on the 1838 and 1929 OS 6-inch maps. It consists of a very slightly raised, roughly circular area (24m E−W; 22m N−S) defined by a scarp. The enclosing scarp is evident as a low, broadly-slumped undulation (H c. 0.3-0.6m). It is poorly defined and difficult to measure, but appears to represent a levelled bank, with a hint of a slightly raised rim (Wth c. 2m) still evident in parts at E. On the S arc, the scarp merges seamlessly with the natural slope of the ridge, dropping in a broad slope (H 1.45m, Wth slope 6.5m) to a slight natural terrace, from which the ridge slope falls again more steeply. The enclosure conforms to the natural undulations of the ridge top, so that the interior slopes gently from E down to centre, and levels out in the W half. There is possible rath (MA088-105----) located 160m to E on the same ridge top. A rath (MA088-001----) and an enclosure (MA088-103----) are located 150m and 210m, respectively, to SSW on the N-facing slope of a smaller parallel ridge, Barrett’s Hill. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 12 February 2018