E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Cookstown, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 14795
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 earthwork monument located near Cookstown in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The site represents a form of defended settlement characteristic of the early medieval period in Ireland, with its defining feature being a counterscarp or outer bank that would have provided additional defensive capability. The monument comprises the remains of an earthen bank and ditch system typical of raths, which served as enclosed homesteads for Irish families of status during the early Christian period. Such sites are important archaeological evidence for understanding settlement patterns, land use, and social organisation in early medieval Ulster.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 14795. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a earthwork monument located near Cookstown in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 14795.

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 14795.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Birch hill. rath (0.7 km), Wedge tomb (1.7 km), Trackway (2.3 km).

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