E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Newry And Mourne, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 8257
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 the Newry and Mourne district of Northern Ireland. The monument consists of a circular or oval enclosure defined by a substantial earthen bank and external ditch, characteristic of the rath monument type that served as defended homesteads and centres of local authority during the Early Christian period. The site's name references the outer defensive ditch, or counterscarp, which formed a key component of its fortification system. As a documented archaeological monument of early medieval date, it represents the settlement patterns and social hierarchy of Early Christian Ireland.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 8257. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is an Early Christian period ringfort located in the Newry and Mourne district of Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 8257.

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 8257.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The long stone, long stone. standing stone (5.7 km), Ballyvally rath. counterscarp rath (6.3 km), Carrigakill. court tomb (6.6 km).

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