E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Banbridge, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 8152
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 ringfort located in the Banbridge area of County Down, Northern Ireland. The site represents a form of fortified domestic settlement characteristic of the early medieval period in Ireland, though such monuments have roots extending into earlier prehistory. Raths typically consist of one or more circular or oval earthen banks with external ditches, serving as defensive enclosures for elite or high-status families. This example contributes to the archaeological record of early settlement patterns and social organization in the region during the centuries following the introduction of Christianity to Ireland.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 8152. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath is a prehistoric ringfort located in the Banbridge area of County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 8152.

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 8152.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Motte (5.8 km), Standing stone (6.1 km), Two standing stones, possibly megalithic tomb (6.3 km).

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