Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandDownCounterscarp rath
E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Down, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7504
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 ringfort located in County Down, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of a circular or near-circular earthwork with a distinctive counterscarp bank, a feature characteristic of certain Irish raths of the early medieval period. Such fortified farmstead enclosures were typical dwellings of the Celtic and Anglo-Saxon elite between the fifth and twelfth centuries, serving both domestic and defensive purposes. The counterscarp element, comprising an outer bank positioned beyond the main fosse, represents a refinement of ringfort design intended to enhance the defensive capability of the structure.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7504. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a ringfort located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7504.

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 7504.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The temple, templemoyle. church & graveyard (2.4 km), Neolithic house (2.9 km), White fort. cashel with house & souterrain (4.8 km).

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