E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Omagh, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 15202
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 Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, is an early Christian ringfort dating to the early medieval period. The monument consists of a circular or sub-circular earthen enclosure defined by one or more banks and ditches, a form of settlement that was widespread throughout Ireland from the Iron Age through the medieval period but which saw particular use during the early Christian era. Such raths served as the defended homesteads of the secular and ecclesiastical élite, providing both domestic and agricultural functions within their enclosed space. The site represents an important example of early Christian settlement archaeology in Ulster and contributes to understanding the pattern of land use and social organisation in the region during the early medieval centuries.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 15202. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath, located in Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, is an early Christian ringfort dating to the early medieval period. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 15202.

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 15202.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rectangular counterscarped earthwork (2.5 km), Large hilltop enclosure - hillfort? (2.8 km), Church & graveyard (3.8 km).

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