E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 13034
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 an Early Christian ringfort, a fortified farmstead characteristic of early medieval Ireland. The site comprises a roughly circular earthwork enclosed by a bank and ditch, representing the typical defensive and domestic arrangement of such settlements from the fifth to twelfth centuries. Early Christian raths served as the residences of farming families and minor nobility, functioning simultaneously as secure homesteads and territorial markers within the early Christian landscape of Ulster. This example, recorded in the Nene Monuments and Inventory of Historic Monuments of Northern Ireland, represents the archaeological heritage of the early medieval period in County Londonderry.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 13034. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath in Magherafelt is an Early Christian ringfort, a fortified farmstead characteristic of early medieval Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 13034.

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 13034.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Aghagaskin fort. counterscarp rath (2.6 km), Multiperiod church & graveyard (early christian-modern) (3.3 km), Knockcloghrim windmill. windmill (4.4 km).

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