E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 3026
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 Newtownabbey, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The monument comprises a roughly circular earthwork defined by a substantial bank and external ditch, characteristic of the rath form that emerged in Ireland during the Early Christian period. Such settlements functioned as defended farmsteads or low-status aristocratic residences and were widely constructed from the fifth century onwards. The site's designation as Early Christian reflects its likely occupation and use during the medieval period when raths remained a prevalent settlement type across the Irish landscape.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 3026. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is an Early Christian enclosed settlement located in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 3026.

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 3026.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Donegore motte, donegore moat. motte (8.2 km), Souterrain (8.2 km), Bivallate rath, conjoined with 051 (8.9 km).

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