E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Lisburn, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 4844
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 located near Lisburn in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of a roughly circular enclosed area defined by a bank and ditch, characteristic of Iron Age and Early Christian period settlement sites in Ulster. Such raths served as defended homesteads or small fortified settlements, typically occupied by a single extended family or small community. The site's proximity to Lisburn places it within a landscape rich in prehistoric and early medieval settlement evidence, though detailed excavation records for this specific rath remain limited in the published archaeological literature.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 4844. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a prehistoric earthwork located near Lisburn in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 4844.

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 4844.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Giant's grave. megalithic tomb (1.8 km), Bivallate rath (2.1 km), Barrow (3.3 km).

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