Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandDownCounterscarp rath
E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Down, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7497
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 small earthwork fortification located in County Down, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of a circular or sub-circular enclosure defined by a bank and ditch, typical of Irish raths which served as defended farmsteads and dwelling sites during the early medieval period. The site's name derives from the outer ditch or counterscarp characteristic of such fortifications. Though specific excavation data for this particular site is limited in the published record, raths of this type generally date from the Early Christian period, roughly the fifth to twelfth centuries, and represent important evidence for settlement patterns and social organisation in early medieval Ireland.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7497. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a small earthwork fortification located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7497.

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 7497.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The temple, templemoyle. church & graveyard (3.8 km), Neolithic house (4.6 km), Blackwoods fort. counterscarp rath (5.9 km).

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