E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Derry, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12542
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 an Early Christian enclosed settlement located in County Derry, Northern Ireland. The monument comprises a circular or sub-circular enclosure defined by a bank and ditch, characteristic of the rath form which served as fortified domestic and pastoral centres during the Early Christian period in Ireland. Raths of this type typically date to the period between the fifth and tenth centuries, functioning as the residences of farming families or minor nobility. The Counterscarp rath represents one of numerous such settlements scattered across the Irish landscape, though detailed archaeological investigation of this particular site remains limited in the published record.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12542. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is an Early Christian enclosed settlement located in County Derry, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12542.

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 12542.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cross (4.9 km), Rath (5.3 km), Wedge tomb (5.8 km).

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