E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12764
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, situated in Magherafelt, County Londonderry, is a prehistoric earthwork monument consisting of a circular or oval enclosure defined by one or more banks and ditches. The site represents a form of domestic settlement or defended residence typical of the early medieval period in Ireland, though such ringforts were often constructed on sites with earlier prehistoric occupation. The monument preserves evidence of settlement patterns and land use in the region during the early Christian period and earlier, contributing to our understanding of rural settlement hierarchy and social organisation in early medieval Ulster. The earthwork survives as an upstanding archaeological feature, though like many such monuments its precise chronology and phases of occupation require careful archaeological examination to establish.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12764. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath, situated in Magherafelt, County Londonderry, is a prehistoric earthwork monument consisting of a circular or oval enclosure defined by one or more banks and ditches. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12764.

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 12764.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Dunglady fort. multivallate rath & quaker graveyard (1.7 km), Rath (2.3 km), Standing stone and burials (3.7 km).

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