E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 12892
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 is a prehistoric ringfort located in Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of an earthen circular enclosure typical of Early Christian period settlement sites in Ulster, featuring a raised bank or wall that once defined a defended domestic or pastoral space. Dating to the Early Christian period, such raths served as the fortified homesteads of the Gaelic nobility and formed the primary settlement pattern across the Irish landscape from the Iron Age through the medieval period. The site represents an important example of the settlement archaeology of Early Christian Ireland and contributes to our understanding of rural social organisation and territorial control in the region during this era.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 12892. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath is a prehistoric ringfort located in Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 12892.

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 12892.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Barrow (1.9 km), Counterscarp rath (2 km), Crannog (2.9 km).

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