E.CHRIST. · RATH

Bivallate rath

Down, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7157
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 bivallate (double-banked) earthen ringfort situated in County Down, Northern Ireland. Dating to the early Christian period, typically between the fifth and twelfth centuries, this monument represents a domestic and defensive settlement form characteristic of early medieval Ireland. The site comprises two concentric banks of earth with intervening ditches, a defensive configuration that distinguished it from the more common univallate raths found throughout the island. Such bivallate examples suggest either a settlement of elevated status or a structure built during a period of heightened defensive concern, though the specific circumstances of its construction and occupation remain undocumented in surviving historical records.

Bivallate rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7157. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bivallate rath?

Bivallate rath is a bivallate (double-banked) earthen ringfort situated in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7157.

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 7157.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bivallate rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Counterscarp rath (3.9 km), Magheradrool fort. counterscarp rath (3.9 km), Rath (5.8 km).

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