Bens Fort — Balnagon Lower

Located in a fairly level, low-lying landscape. It is depicted as a rectangular earthwork described as ‘Ben’s Fort’ in gothic lettering on the 1836 and 1908 editions of the OS 6-inch map. This is a raised rectangular and grass-covered area (dims 37m NE-SW; 25m NW-SE) defined by a fosse or moat (Wth of top 8-11; int. D 1.2m; ext. D 0.2m), and slight outer banks at the S end of the NE and SW (Wth c. 6m; ext. H 0.2m) sides. The W angle forms a raised platform (dims 21m NE-SW; 12 NW-SE; H 0.4m) which may be natural. The moat is eroded away at the N angle where there is a grass-covered mound (diam. of base 15m; diam. of top 3m; HJ 1.7m) that may be spoil. There are gaps at either end of the NE side and at the centre of the SE side but an original entrance is not identified. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of revision: 25 February 2019 Amended: 3 February 2012