E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Down, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7156
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 County Down, Northern Ireland, is an Early Christian ringfort, a common settlement type in early medieval Ireland. The site comprises a circular or sub-circular earthwork enclosed by one or more banks and ditches, characteristic of raths constructed during the Early Christian period, roughly the fifth to twelfth centuries. Such monuments served as defended homesteads for families of substance and often incorporated both domestic and agricultural functions within their enclosed boundaries. The physical remains at this location preserve evidence of Early Christian settlement patterns typical of County Down during this formative period of Irish Christian society.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7156. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath, situated in County Down, Northern Ireland, is an Early Christian ringfort, a common settlement type in early medieval Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7156.

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 7156.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Counterscarp rath (3.5 km), Magheradrool fort. counterscarp rath (3.6 km), Rath (5.6 km).

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