E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Newry And Mourne, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 6127
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 Early Christian period enclosed settlement located in the Newry and Mourne district of Northern Ireland. The monument consists of a defended farmstead characteristic of the early medieval period, defined by its earthen bank and ditch defensive works typical of Irish rath fortifications. Such sites represent the residences of farming communities and minor nobility during the Early Christian era, roughly the fifth to eighth centuries, and are among the most common domestic structures of their period in Ireland. The Counterscarp rath survives as a landscape feature demonstrating the pattern of early medieval settlement and land use in the wider region.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 6127. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a Early Christian period enclosed settlement located in the Newry and Mourne district of Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 6127.

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 6127.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Counterscarp rath (0.4 km), Carrickinaffrin. hilltop enclosure (1.8 km), Glasdrumman lough. crannog in glasdrumman lough (2.5 km).

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