Fairy fort / earthen ringfort in Milltown (rathconrath By., Churchtown Ed)

Situated on a natural rise, in gently undulating and hilly pasture, with good views in all directions. Field system lies c. 55m to NE at its closest point with possible barrow and ringfort (WM025-036---- /WM025-037001-) c. 200m and 275m to NW, respectively. Monument described in 1971 as a large circular-shaped area (approx. diam. 52m) enclosed by a substantial inner bank, a wide deep intervening fosse and large outer bank. There is an entrance gap (Wth at top 7.6m; basal Wth 3m) in the inner bank, a corresponding gap in the outer bank and a causeway (Wth at top 6m; basal Wth 8.2m; max. H c. 1m) across the fosse at E. The causeway is defined either side by traces of a low bank and incorporates some large stones, however these do not form any definite plan. The inner bank is best preserved from SW-W and from N-E and has been reduced to a scarp from E-SW and from W-N. It has definite indications of an internal stone facing. The outer bank has traces of internal stone facing and there are some disturbance gaps in places including one at the S side of the entrance. A modern roadside earthen bank and wire fence has been constructed against the external face of the outer bank from NNW-N. The footings of an old stone wall cross the top of the outer bank at ESE. A modern wall running NW-SE is located to the immediate NE of the monument. A modern field fence running NW-SE intersects the outer bank at WSW. The interior rises gently from the perimeter towards the centre and is traversed by cultivation ridges running NW-SE. A souterrain (WM025-038001-) and a house site (WM025-038002-) are located within. Outline of monument visible on oblique aerial photograph (CUCAP AOY090) taken 12/07/1966. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 05 September 2019