E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Lisburn, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7476
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 in Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of a circular or sub-circular defensive enclosure, characteristic of raths which served as habitation sites and refuges during the early medieval period, though some such monuments have earlier origins. The earthwork comprises a bank and ditch arrangement typical of Irish ringforts, with the counterscarp (outer bank) formation that defines its classification. Such monuments were prevalent in Ireland from the Iron Age through to the early medieval period, representing domestic and defensive centres for local communities during these centuries.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7476. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a prehistoric earthwork located in Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7476.

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 7476.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cashel (1.1 km), Rath (1.6 km), Cup-marked stone (1.6 km).

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