E.CHRIST. · RATH

Bivallate rath

Larne, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 2792
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 prehistoric ringfort located in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The monument comprises two concentric earthen banks and intervening ditches, a defensive arrangement characteristic of the most substantial raths constructed during the early Christian period in Ireland. Such bivallate structures typically date to between the fifth and eighth centuries and are interpreted as the enclosed homesteads of high-status families or minor nobility. The earthworks survive as landscape features that contribute to understanding settlement patterns and social hierarchy in early medieval Ireland.

Bivallate rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 2792. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bivallate rath?

Bivallate rath is a prehistoric ringfort located in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 2792.

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 2792.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bivallate rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Platform rath (8.1 km), Duncrue fort. motte with 2 baileys (9 km), Dunrock. rectangular enclosure (9.1 km).

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