E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Lisburn, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7132
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 Lisburn, Northern Ireland, is a prehistoric ringfort, a characteristic Iron Age or early medieval defensive enclosure. The monument consists of a circular or sub-circular earthwork defined by a raised bank or banks, typical of the rath form that was widespread throughout Ireland during the later prehistoric and early medieval periods. Such structures served as fortified homesteads or livestock enclosures, providing both practical defence and status demonstration for their inhabitants. The site's preservation and designation reflect its archaeological importance as evidence of settlement patterns and social organisation in the region during antiquity.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7132. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath, situated in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, is a prehistoric ringfort, a characteristic Iron Age or early medieval defensive enclosure. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7132.

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 7132.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rath (2.7 km), Crannog (3.8 km), Platform rath (3.9 km).

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