E.CHRIST. · RATH

Raised rath

Ards, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 6813
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Raised rath is a defended homestead located in the Ards Peninsula, County Down, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of an artificially raised earthen mound that would have served as a defensive dwelling site, typical of early medieval settlement patterns in Ulster. Such raths, or ring-forts, were characteristic of the Early Christian period in Ireland, generally dating from the fifth to the twelfth centuries, and functioned as the fortified residences of farming families or minor nobility. The raised construction of this particular example represents an alternative fortification strategy to the more commonly encountered circular or sub-circular earthwork enclosures found throughout the region.

Raised rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 6813. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Raised rath?

Raised rath is a defended homestead located in the Ards Peninsula, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 6813.

What period does Raised rath date from?

Raised 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 Raised rath?

Raised 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 6813.

What other scheduled monuments are near Raised rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Curly's fort. raised rath or motte (3.9 km), Raised rath (4.2 km), Motte & bailey (4.3 km).

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