E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Banbridge, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7714
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 monument located in Banbridge, County Down, Northern Ireland. The site comprises a circular or sub-circular enclosure formed by one or more defensive banks and ditches, characteristic of Early Christian period raths that served as enclosed homesteads or farmsteads. Such monuments typically date to the early medieval period, roughly between the 5th and 10th centuries, when they functioned as the domestic and agricultural centres of the native Irish population. The earthwork's physical form, with its defensive perimeter, reflects the settlement patterns and social organisation of early medieval Ulster society.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7714. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a prehistoric earthwork monument located in Banbridge, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7714.

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 7714.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Platform rath (6.3 km), Platform rath (6.7 km), Two conjoined raths (7.8 km).

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