E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Newry And Mourne, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 6125
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 defensive earthwork located in the Newry and Mourne district of Northern Ireland. The monument comprises a circular or subcircular rampart with an external ditch, characteristic of Iron Age hill fort construction in the region, though raths of this type were also utilised during the early medieval period. The site's earthwork defences suggest it served as a fortified settlement or refuge during antiquity, with the external counterscarp ditch providing additional defensive capability. Such monuments remain significant archaeological indicators of settlement patterns and territorial control in prehistoric and early historic Ireland.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 6125. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a prehistoric defensive earthwork located in the Newry and Mourne district of Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 6125.

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 6125.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Counterscarp rath (0.4 km), Carrickinaffrin. hilltop enclosure (1.5 km), Rath & ?souterrain (2.5 km).

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