E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12832
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, located in Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, is a prehistoric or early medieval ringfort, a circular or oval earthwork enclosed by one or more banks and ditches. Such raths served as defensive settlements and status symbols for local elites throughout the early medieval period, particularly between the fifth and twelfth centuries, though some may have origins in the late Iron Age. The monument represents the characteristic form of secular settlement in early medieval Ulster and wider Ireland, functioning as a residence and stronghold for a farming community or noble family. Like many raths across Ireland, this example has survived as an upstanding earthwork, preserving evidence of settlement patterns and social organisation in the region during the early medieval period.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12832. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath, located in Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, is a prehistoric or early medieval ringfort, a circular or oval earthwork enclosed by one or more banks and ditches. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12832.

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 12832.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Killelagh church. church, graveyard, & 2 bullauns (1 km), Rath (4.1 km), Fort william. counterscarp rath (4.8 km).

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