E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Newry And Mourne, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 5950
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 ringfort located in the Newry and Mourne area of Northern Ireland. The monument consists of an earthen defensive enclosure typical of early medieval settlement sites, featuring a raised bank or rath characteristic of Irish Iron Age and early Christian period fortifications. Such raths functioned as enclosed homesteads and strongholds for the native Irish population, serving both domestic and defensive purposes. The site represents the archaeological evidence of Early Christian period settlement patterns in the region, when such fortified farmsteads were common features of the Irish landscape.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 5950. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a prehistoric ringfort located in the Newry and Mourne area of Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 5950.

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 5950.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Newry canal. newry canal - c.f. ihr 172 & arm 029 (2.4 km), Bagnal's castle. tower-house (3.4 km), Crown mound. motte & bailey (4.4 km).

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