Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Ballylin

Situated on N facing slope of high ground with good extensive views. Large circular area (diam 40m N-S) enclosed by a well preserved earth and stone bank (Wth 2m; int. H 0.5m; ext. H 1.7m) with wide flat bottomed fosse (Wth 3m; ext. D 1m) and external bank (Wth 1.6m; ext. H 0.5m) visible from S through W to N. No entrance feature visible. Modern road intersects external bank at E. Described in 1991 as 'The interior which measures about 38m in diameter crest to crest is relatively level though there is a slight rise around the centre. The bank is c. 4m wide and up to 1m high above the interior. The ditch is some 4m wide and up to 0.,6-0.8m deep below exterior levels. There is a concentric field fence immediately outisde the ditch to the west and south and there are trees and bushes on it and also on the ringfort bank. There is a gap in the bank some 2.5m wide facing north-north-east with traces of a causeway outside it across the ditch which is not greatly in evidence at this point. This appears to be the original entrance. On the opposite side facing south-south-west the ditch appears to have been deepened and widened into the bank in modern times possibly to make a drinking place for animals. There is only 6m between the outer edge of the ringfort bank and the west side of the roadside wall' (SMR file 1991). 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 by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 16 August 2010