E.CHRIST. · RATH

Bivallate rath

Limavady, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12285
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR)

Overview

History & significance

Bivallate rath is a ringfort of Early Christian date located near Limavady in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The monument is defined by its characteristic dual defensive earthen banks and intervening ditch, a feature that distinguishes it from simpler single-banked raths common throughout the island. Such bivallate examples represent a more substantial form of settlement enclosure, typically dating to the Early Christian period, and suggest the elevated status or resources of their inhabitants. The site survives as an earthwork monument and contributes to the archaeological evidence for settlement patterns and social hierarchy in early medieval Ulster.

Bivallate rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12285. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bivallate rath?

Bivallate rath is a ringfort of Early Christian date located near Limavady in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12285.

What period does Bivallate rath date from?

Bivallate rath dates from the e.christ. period, and is classified as a rath. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Bivallate rath?

Bivallate rath is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Ni. The official designation reference is 12285.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bivallate rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Lismore. rath (3.1 km), Rath (3.7 km), Rath (3.8 km).

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