Moated site in Gortygara

In pasture, on top of a narrow ridge with good views. Indicated on the 1838 OS 6-inch map as a roughly circular enclosure and on the 1942-3 OS 6-inch map as a subrectangular enclosure. A level subrectangular area (32.7m WNW-ESE; 25m NNE-SSW) raised c. 0.8m above the surrounding ground level and enclosed by linear field boundaries topped with ash and hawthorn trees and brambles. The enclosing boundaries (Wth 2-2.4m; int. H 0.45m; ext. H 1.2m) have a vertical external face, with traces of external stone facing evident on the N side. The N, E and S sides are straight but the W side retains a slight curve, particularly at the NW corner. Outside the bank at the E end of the S side there is a broad band (Wth c. 6m) of damp ground marked by a dense growth of rushes, possibly indicating an infilled fosse. A 'corn kiln', indicated on the 1838 OS 6-inch map on the line of the field boundary to NNE was not located. An abandoned farmstead lies c. 30m to W. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008