What is recorded here

Fairy forts are often dismissed as fantasy, yet this earthen ring in Philipstown measures thirty-six metres across and still casts a shadow. The bank rises higher outside than inside, suggesting people built it to keep something out rather than keep themselves in. A possible underground passage cuts through the interior, inviting speculation about what lived below or what was hidden from sight. Local tradition calls these places fairy forts, but the shape and scale point to human hands, human fear, and human pride.

The following description is derived from both the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1986) and the 'Archaeological Survey of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1991). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Site of ringfort (diam. c. 36m), now only visible as earthen bank (Wth 5.5m, H c. 0.3m internally, 2.4m externally) from NW-E-ENE. Possible Man-made underground passage (LH006-007002-) in interior.

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