E.CHRIST. · RATH & MOTTE

Rath and motte

Antrim, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 4030
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH & MOTTE
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Rath and motte is a medieval fortified settlement in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, representing a fusion of native Irish and Anglo-Norman defensive traditions. The site comprises two distinct earthwork elements: a rath, which is an Iron Age or early medieval Irish ringfort, and a motte, the characteristic mound-and-bailey fortification introduced by Norman settlers in the twelfth century. This combination reflects the period of cultural encounter and settlement in Ulster during the medieval period, when incoming Norman-influenced fortification practices were superimposed upon or adjacent to earlier native Irish settlements. The survival of both earthwork types at a single location provides archaeological evidence of the landscape's occupation across multiple centuries and the interaction between indigenous and settler populations.

Rath and motte is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 4030. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath and motte?

Rath and motte is a medieval fortified settlement in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, representing a fusion of native Irish and Anglo-Norman defensive traditions. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 4030.

What period does Rath and motte date from?

Rath and motte dates from the e.christ. period, and is classified as a rath & motte. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Rath and motte?

Rath and motte 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 4030.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath and motte?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Motte (7.1 km), Camlin, camelyn. medieval church & graveyard (7.1 km), Conjoined raths (7.7 km).

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