Scheduled MonumentsNorthern IrelandAntrimMcdonald's fort. rath & adjoining earthworks
E.CHRIST. · RATH

Mcdonald's fort. rath & adjoining earthworks

Antrim, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 3398
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

McDonald's Fort Rath is a Early Christian rath, or Irish hill fort, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The site comprises a circular earthwork with adjoining defensive features characteristic of Early Christian period settlements, typically dating from the fifth to twelfth centuries. Such raths functioned as fortified homesteads for members of the Irish aristocracy and clergy, serving both residential and defensive purposes within the early medieval Gaelic social hierarchy. The earthworks at this location represent the archaeological remains of what was likely a small elite settlement, now preserved as a scheduled monument of archaeological significance.

Mcdonald's fort. rath & adjoining earthworks is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 3398. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Mcdonald's fort. rath & adjoining earthworks?

McDonald's Fort Rath is a Early Christian rath, or Irish hill fort, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 3398.

What period does Mcdonald's fort. rath & adjoining earthworks date from?

Mcdonald's fort. rath & adjoining earthworks 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 Mcdonald's fort. rath & adjoining earthworks?

Mcdonald's fort. rath & adjoining earthworks 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 3398.

What other scheduled monuments are near Mcdonald's fort. rath & adjoining earthworks?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Dunhin. motte and bailey (0.6 km), Shane's castle (ruins). tower-house & later buildings (2.3 km), Mound - motte? (4.7 km).

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