Hillfort in Cloneybrien,laghtea,townlough Upper

Situated on top of Laghtea Hill with extensive views in all directions. A large irregular-shaped area enclosed by two earth and stone banks with intervening fosse (Wth 2.5m) visible from S through W to N. The natural fall of the cliff-edge forms the defensive feature at E. The inner bank (Wth 2.5m; int. H 0.7m; ext. H 2.5m) is the best preserved while the outer bank (Wth 2.5m; int. H 0.5m) is covered by peat and furze. The ground surface in the interior is very rugged, occupied largely by rock outcrop. There is a low circular platform (diam. c.20m) containing a stone-edged wall at the N end of the hillfort interior, possibly contemporary with the hillfort construction (Condit 1995, 37). Possible causewayed entrance feature at W. The hillfort was recently described in the Atlas of Hillforts of Britain and Ireland as following; 'Irregular shaped contour fort surrounding two summits of Laghtea Hill. The enclosing elements are positioned at the base of a steep incline. In commanding position overlooking the S fording point of Lough Derg and with panoramic views from the summit. Bivallate for the entire perimeter with no enclosing elements at SE. The site has a total foot print of 7.8ha. There is a possible original entrance at the W (Condit 1995, 37). Walking track breaks through enclosing elements at S. Low circular platform with well within interior to the N. No other features visible on the surface. Ramparts survive well throughout, however, heavy overgrowth largely conceals the enclosing elements. First identification and monument survey by Condit (1995). The hillfort is not depicted in any historic mapping. Modern walking track breaks through enclosing elements at the S and extends to the N summit where a large cross has been erected. Small modern structure has been near the N summit of the interior. Commercial forestry plantation abutting enclosing elements at W and SW. Hillfort interior heavily overgrown and under light blanket bog. Large areas of rock outcrop near summits. Boundary seperating the townlands of Laghtea and Cloneybrien runs N - S through the center of the hillfort. The S section of the enclosing elements forms the intersection between the two aforementioned townland boundaries and Townlough Upper townland to the S.' (http://hillforts.arch.ox.ac.uk/records/IR0714.html) Site inspection by Anne Carey, Archaeologist, NMS on the 25/02/2022 noted that; 'Laghtea Hill is accessible via a man-made unbound path which was constructed in c. 2002, with additional works in c. 2015, and which has developed into a very popular walking route, known as the Millennium Cross and Lough Derg Circular (AllTrails). The 3m wide walking path rose in a generally north-easterly direction, with some meanders included, but the point at which it crossed into the hillfort could be seen from the map in Tom Condit’s publication. The path continued to the summit of the hill, past a masonry built, poorly preserved cross base, dating to 1932, to a new cross, erected in 2002. Named the Millennium Cross, it has a man-made foundation measuring c. 9m x 9m. In addition it has four wire stays, anchored to the ground outside the foundation area and there is fixed signage overlooking the scenic view of Lough Derg as well as a tubular metal bench, all necessitating ground works within the area of the hillfort. Steep steps, which were constructed in c. 2015, descend the hillside from the Millennium Cross, continuing the walking trail to the north-west. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien Revised by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Anne Carey Date of revised upload: 1 June 2022