Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandBallymenaCounterscarp rath and souterrain
E.CHRIST. · RATH & SOUTERRAIN

Counterscarp rath and souterrain

Ballymena, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 2650
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH & SOUTERRAIN
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Counterscarp rath and souterrain is an Early Christian period enclosed settlement located near Ballymena in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The monument comprises a ringfort or rath defended by an outer bank and ditch, with an associated underground passage or souterrain typical of Early Christian rural settlements in Ulster. The souterrain would have served domestic or storage functions, taking advantage of the cool subsurface environment common in Iron Age and Early Christian contexts. Such dual monuments are characteristic of the period between approximately the fifth and seventh centuries, representing a significant form of settlement organisation in Early Christian Ireland.

Counterscarp rath and souterrain is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 2650. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath and souterrain?

Counterscarp rath and souterrain is an Early Christian period enclosed settlement located near Ballymena in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 2650.

What period does Counterscarp rath and souterrain date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Counterscarp rath and souterrain?

Counterscarp rath and souterrain 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 2650.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath and souterrain?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rectangular enclosure (5.9 km), Mount hilly, mount wholly. counterscarp rath (6.5 km), Rath (6.7 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 Counterscarp rath and souterrain