E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Antrim, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 4095
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 period ringfort located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of a circular or sub-circular earthwork defence comprising a bank and ditch, a characteristic form of domestic and pastoral settlement that flourished in Ireland during the early medieval period, roughly between the fifth and twelfth centuries. Such raths served as the residences of farming families and minor nobility, their defensive earthworks providing protection for livestock and inhabitants. The Counterscarp example represents the archaeological testimony to early medieval settlement patterns and land use in the Antrim region.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 4095. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is an Early Christian period ringfort located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 4095.

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 4095.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Donald's mound. mound - burial mound? (3.7 km), Counterscarp platform rath (5.2 km), Bivallate rath (5.4 km).

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