Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandBallymenaHillfort & ?souterrain
E.CHRIST. · HILLFORT

Hillfort & ?souterrain

Ballymena, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 1956
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
HILLFORT
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Hillfort & Souterrain is an Early Christian period defensive settlement located near Ballymena in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The site comprises a hillfort with an associated souterrain, a characteristic combination of settlement features that demonstrates the continued occupation and fortification of elevated positions during the early medieval period in Ulster. The souterrain, an underground stone-built passage structure, represents a form of storage or refuge facility typical of Irish Christian communities from approximately the fifth to eighth centuries. This monument reflects the settlement patterns and architectural practices of Early Christian Ireland, when hillforts served as centres of local power and economic activity, often associated with monastic or secular lordly establishments.

Hillfort & ?souterrain is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 1956. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Hillfort & ?souterrain?

Hillfort & Souterrain is an Early Christian period defensive settlement located near Ballymena in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 1956.

What period does Hillfort & ?souterrain date from?

Hillfort & ?souterrain dates from the e.christ. period, and is classified as a hillfort. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Hillfort & ?souterrain?

Hillfort & ?souterrain 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 1956.

What other scheduled monuments are near Hillfort & ?souterrain?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Drumfane motte. motte and bailey (5.8 km), Standing stone (6.2 km), Mound (6.5 km).

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