E.CHRIST. · RATH

Bivallate rath

Lisburn, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 4536
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 dual-ramparted ringfort located near Lisburn in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The site consists of two concentric earthen banks with intervening ditches, a defensive arrangement that distinguishes it from simpler single-ramparted raths and suggests either higher status occupation or construction during a period when enhanced fortification was deemed necessary. Raths of this type are typically dated to the Early Christian period, broadly spanning from the fifth to the twelfth centuries, though precise chronology for individual sites without excavation remains uncertain. The monument represents an important example of early medieval domestic and defensive settlement in Ulster, exemplifying the ringfort tradition that dominated rural settlement patterns across Ireland during this era.

Bivallate rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 4536. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bivallate rath?

Bivallate rath is a dual-ramparted ringfort located near Lisburn in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 4536.

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 4536.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bivallate rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bivallate rath (1.8 km), Green mound. rath & multivallate motte (1.8 km), Giant's grave. megalithic tomb (3.2 km).

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