E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Antrim, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 2983
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 County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of a circular or oval earthwork enclosed by one or more defensive banks and ditches, a settlement form characteristic of Iron Age and early medieval Ireland. Such raths served as fortified homesteads for farming families and minor lords, and this example represents the substantial archaeological evidence for settlement patterns across the Irish landscape during these periods. The site's preservation as a scheduled monument reflects its importance to understanding pre-Norman Irish domestic and social organization.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 2983. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath is a prehistoric ringfort located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 2983.

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 2983.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Raised rath (7.5 km), Rath and motte (7.9 km), Bull mount. counterscarp rath reused as motte & bailey with later enclosure (8.4 km).

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