Enclosure in Killowen

Large enclosure (int. dims. c. 40m E-W, 51m EW) situated on NW end of a prominent ridge. Almost square in plan with rounded angles and defined by a large bank (base of fosse to top of bank H 2.75m) of earth and stone with a fosse (max. W. 8.10m) outside it. Dome-shaped interior. Ramp entrance at NE. recently described in the Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland as following; 'Near the village of Castlejordan, a sub-rectangular partial contour fort with a total site footprint of approximately 0.4ha is positioned in a commanding position on the NW edge of a prominent hill ridge surrounded by low-lying terrain and overlooking the Yellow River to the N. Univallate for the entire circuit, with a simple entrance gap in the NE. No evidence for any internal features on the surface. The enclosing elements have been damaged at the SW where quarrying has encroached upon the monument. The external ditch has been in-filled and is not visible at the N or W. The surviving sections of the enclosing elements are under dense tree cover. The interior is under pasture. First map depiction in first edition Ordnance Survey mapping. More detailed earthwork survey in second edition Ordnance Survey mapping. Site survey by O'Brien and Sweetman in 1997.' (http://hillforts.arch.ox.ac.uk/records/IR0986.html) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 6 February 2020