E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Antrim, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 4473
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 County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is an Iron Age or early medieval fortified enclosure characteristic of Irish ringfort settlements. The monument consists of a circular or oval earthwork defined by one or more bank and ditch systems, typical of domestic and pastoral farmsteads that flourished throughout the Irish countryside from the Iron Age through the medieval period. Such raths served as defended homesteads for families of moderate status, providing protection for livestock and human inhabitants whilst also signifying social standing within local communities. The site's archaeological significance lies in its contribution to understanding settlement patterns and land use practices in early medieval Ulster.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 4473. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is an Iron Age or early medieval fortified enclosure characteristic of Irish ringfort settlements. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 4473.

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 4473.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bivallate rath (3.9 km), Rath (4.6 km), Counterscarp platform rath (4.9 km).

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