E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Down, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7513
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 is a prehistoric earthwork monument located in County Down, Northern Ireland. The site represents a form of enclosed settlement characteristic of the Early Christian period in Ireland, when such raths served as fortified homesteads for farming communities and minor nobility. The monument consists of an earthen bank and ditch forming a roughly circular or oval enclosure, a defensive feature typical of Irish raths dating from the early medieval centuries. These enclosed settlements were common across the Irish landscape from the Iron Age through the medieval period, with many continuing in use and occupation during the Early Christian era.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7513. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath is a prehistoric earthwork monument located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7513.

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 7513.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rath (4.3 km), Counterscarp rath (6.6 km), Ballywillwill rath. counterscarp rath & souterrain (6.7 km).

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