E.CHRIST. · RATH

Counterscarp rath

Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 9531
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 County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. The site comprises a circular or sub-circular defensive earthwork typical of Iron Age settlement patterns in Ulster, characterised by an outer bank and ditch arrangement that gives the monument its defensive capability. As with many raths of this period, Counterscarp rath likely functioned as a residence for a person of considerable local status, with the counterscarp bank serving to reinforce the fortification against both animal and human incursion. The monument represents an important example of early medieval or late Iron Age territorial settlement in the region, reflecting the long tradition of ringfort construction across Ireland during the later prehistoric and early historic periods.

Counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 9531. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Counterscarp rath?

Counterscarp rath is a prehistoric earthwork monument located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 9531.

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 9531.

What other scheduled monuments are near Counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Barrow or possibly hengiform enclosure (8.8 km), Counterscarp rath (9 km), Rath - one of pair with fer 210 (9.4 km).

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