E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12678
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Rath of Magherafelt is a prehistoric earthwork settlement located in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of a circular or sub-circular defensive enclosure formed by one or more banks and ditches, typical of Iron Age or early medieval domestic settlements in Ireland. Such raths served as fortified farmsteads or residences for persons of status, with the earthwork providing protection for livestock and inhabitants. The site's surviving physical form allows it to be understood as part of the broader landscape of early Irish settlement patterns in the region.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12678. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath of Magherafelt is a prehistoric earthwork settlement located in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12678.

What period does Rath date from?

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 Rath?

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 12678.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rath (2.3 km), Rath (2.4 km), Dunglady fort. multivallate rath & quaker graveyard (3.1 km).

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