E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Banbridge, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7739
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 Irish ringfort located near Banbridge in County Down, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of a circular or oval earthwork defined by a bank and ditch, typical of Early Christian period settlement enclosures, though raths of this type often have deeper prehistoric origins in Irish settlement practice. The site's name derives from the counterscarp bank, the outer bank of the defensive ditch system that characterises this form of fortification. As with many Irish raths, the monument represents a dwelling site of regional significance, likely associated with a farming community of elevated status during the Early Christian period.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7739. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a prehistoric Irish ringfort located near Banbridge in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7739.

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 7739.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Water hill fort. henge (5.9 km), Three sisters. standing stones (3) (6.7 km), Standing stone (7.3 km).

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