Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandMagherafeltDrumbally fort. counterscarp rath
E.CHRIST. · RATH

Drumbally fort. counterscarp rath

Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12978
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR)

Overview

History & significance

Drumbally fort is a counterscarp rath located in Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The monument dates to the early Christian period and comprises an earthwork defensive structure characteristic of raths, which served as enclosed homesteads or strongholds in medieval Ulster. The counterscarp configuration, with its external bank and ditch formation, represents a variant of the standard rath design. Such monuments typically functioned as high-status residential or administrative centres between the fifth and twelfth centuries, though Drumbally's precise dating and period of occupation remain to be fully established through archaeological investigation.

Drumbally fort. counterscarp rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12978. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Drumbally fort. counterscarp rath?

Drumbally fort is a counterscarp rath located in Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12978.

What period does Drumbally fort. counterscarp rath date from?

Drumbally fort. 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 Drumbally fort. counterscarp rath?

Drumbally fort. 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 12978.

What other scheduled monuments are near Drumbally fort. counterscarp rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Loughinsholin. crannog at loughinsholin (1.1 km), Kilcronaghan church. church & graveyard (3 km), Aghagaskin fort. counterscarp rath (5.2 km).

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