E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Coleraine, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12329
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Counterscarp rath is a prehistoric circular earthwork located in Coleraine, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The monument comprises a roughly circular bank and ditch formation characteristic of Iron Age or Early Christian defensive settlements, though its precise dating remains uncertain without archaeological investigation. The site's name reflects the outer defensive ditch characteristic of rath fortifications, structures that were common throughout Ireland during the Early Christian period and earlier. Like many Irish raths, it would have served as a defended farmstead or residence for a person of status, though its archaeological condition and any remaining structural features require professional assessment to determine its specific chronological attribution and cultural context.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12329. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a prehistoric circular earthwork located in Coleraine, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12329.

What period does Counterscarp rath date from?

Counterscarp 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 Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp 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 12329.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Tamney cromlech. stone circle or cairn (0.9 km), Rath (3 km), Rath (3.1 km).

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