E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Armagh, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 5711
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, situated in Armagh, Northern Ireland, is an Iron Age or early medieval ringfort, a fortified farmstead characteristic of Irish settlement patterns from the late prehistoric through medieval periods. The monument comprises a circular or sub-circular earthwork enclosed by one or more banks and ditches, a defensive configuration typical of raths constructed to protect livestock and dwellings. Such monuments are particularly common in Ulster and represent the domestic and pastoral economy of their inhabitants, with archaeological evidence suggesting occupation spanning from the Iron Age through the early Christian period. The site's preservation within the modern landscape contributes to understanding settlement distribution and land use in Armagh's archaeological heritage.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 5711. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath, situated in Armagh, Northern Ireland, is an Iron Age or early medieval ringfort, a fortified farmstead characteristic of Irish settlement patterns from the late prehistoric through medieval periods. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 5711.

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 5711.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Mound - motte? or raised rath? (3.1 km), Rath & cross-carved stone (3.7 km), Rath (3.7 km).

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