Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandDownCounterscarp rath
E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Down, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 8040
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 an Early Christian period ringfort located in County Down, Northern Ireland. The site comprises a univallate earthwork enclosure typical of Early Christian settlement and defensive sites in Ulster, with a single bank and ditch defining the perimeter. Such raths served as domestic and pastoral centres for elite families during the Early Christian period, roughly from the fifth to twelfth centuries. The monument represents the material expression of territorial control and social hierarchy characteristic of Early Christian society in medieval Ulster.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 8040. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is an Early Christian period ringfort located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 8040.

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 8040.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Windmill stump (c.f. ihr 3454 for details) (3.5 km), Rathmullan motte, rathmullan mound, rathmullan. raised rath reused as motte (4 km), A.p. site - barrow? (4.1 km).

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