Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandDownCounterscarp rath
E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Down, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7862
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 univallate ringfort situated in County Down, Northern Ireland. This earthwork monument, designated as a scheduled historic monument, represents a form of domestic fortification typical of early medieval Ireland, likely dating to the early Christian period. The rath consists of a single substantial bank and external ditch, a defensive arrangement characteristic of settlements from this era. Such raths served as enclosed homesteads for elite families and their dependants, combining residential and economic functions within a fortified perimeter.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7862. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a univallate ringfort situated in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7862.

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 7862.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Raised rath (3 km), Motte (3.4 km), Lismahon. raised rath reused as motte (3.9 km).

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