E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12799
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 ringfort located near Magherafelt in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The monument comprises a circular or near-circular earthwork defence characteristic of Early Christian raths, which typically date from the first millennium AD and served as the residential and livestock enclosures of the Irish rural elite. The site takes its name from the counterscarp bank, an outer defensive bank that reinforces the main rampart structure common to many Irish ringforts of this period. Such monuments represent significant archaeological evidence of Early Christian settlement patterns and land use across the island of Ireland.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12799. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a ringfort located near Magherafelt in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12799.

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 12799.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Dergmore's grave. portal tomb (1 km), Standing stone, possibly remains of megalithic tomb (2.2 km), Rath (3.1 km).

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