E.CHRIST. · RATH

Bivallate rath

Down, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7197
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 County Down, Northern Ireland. The monument is defined by its characteristic two concentric defensive banks and ditches, a defensive arrangement that distinguishes it from simpler single-vallate examples of the type. Raths of this kind are typically dated to the early medieval period, roughly between the fifth and tenth centuries, though some may have had earlier origins. The site represents an important form of domestic settlement and territorial demarcation in early medieval Ireland, serving as a fortified residence for a farming family or small community of considerable status.

Bivallate rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7197. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bivallate rath?

Bivallate rath is a prehistoric ringfort located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7197.

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 7197.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bivallate rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Castlewilliam. castle (5.1 km), Pair of platform raths (5.2 km), Raised rath (7.8 km).

Aubrey Research

Generate a full report for this location

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in the UK — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.

Research the area around Bivallate rath