RATH: LANY FORT in Ballyknock

Lany Fort in Ballyknock, County Down, is an ancient rath marked on official maps, though little else is recorded. The name Lany resists easy explanation, perhaps a lost family, a forgotten owner or a word worn smooth by time. A rath is a defended place, likely circular, built to keep out rain, invaders or ordinary forgetfulness. It may have held a hall, a herd or a person who refused to disappear.