E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12684
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 in Magherafelt is a prehistoric ringfort representing a common settlement form of early medieval Ireland. The monument consists of a circular or oval earthwork enclosed by one or more banks and ditches, a defensive arrangement typical of the late Iron Age through early medieval period. Such raths functioned as homesteads for families of substantial means, offering protection for both residents and livestock. The site's survival as an archaeological feature preserves evidence of settlement patterns and land use in the Magherafelt area during the pre-Norman period.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12684. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath in Magherafelt is a prehistoric ringfort representing a common settlement form of early medieval Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12684.

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 12684.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rath (2.4 km), Giant's grave. wedge tomb (2.5 km), Standing stone and burials (2.7 km).

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