E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Lisburn, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 4532
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 Lisburn, Northern Ireland, is a prehistoric Irish ringfort of probable Iron Age date. The monument consists of a circular or oval enclosure defined by one or more earthen banks and external ditches, a defensive and domestic settlement form characteristic of early medieval and late prehistoric Ireland. Such raths served as fortified farmsteads and were occupied by families of considerable status, with evidence suggesting use over extended periods. The Lisburn rath represents an important example of the early settlement pattern in County Antrim and contributes to understanding of Iron Age and early medieval territorial organisation in Ulster.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 4532. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath, located in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, is a prehistoric Irish ringfort of probable Iron Age date. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 4532.

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 4532.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bivallate rath with souterrain & rath annexe (1 km), Green mound. rath & multivallate motte (1.1 km), Bivallate rath (1.8 km).

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