E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Lisburn, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 4522
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 prehistoric earthwork monument located in Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The site represents a type of defended settlement characteristic of the Iron Age period, comprising a circular or sub-circular enclosure defined by one or more banks and ditches. The monument's name derives from the counterscarp bank, the outer bank of such fortified enclosures, which would have formed part of the defensive system. As a rath, the site belongs to a widespread class of ringforts that were utilised across Ireland from the Iron Age through to the medieval period, though the precise dating of this particular example remains subject to archaeological assessment.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 4522. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a prehistoric earthwork monument located in Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 4522.

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 4522.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Green mound. rath & multivallate motte (1.3 km), Giant's grave. megalithic tomb (2.2 km), Bivallate rath (2.3 km).

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