E.CHRIST. · RATH

Rath

Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 9543
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 Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, is an Early Christian ringfort, a fortified homestead typical of early medieval Ireland dating to the period around the fifth to eighth centuries. The monument consists of a roughly circular or oval earthwork defined by a bank and ditch system, characteristic of the rath or dun form that provided both domestic and defensive functions for high-status families during the Early Christian period. Such sites served as the residences of túatha, local chieftains and their households, and often hosted small communities engaged in agricultural and pastoral activities. The site's survival as an archaeological earthwork testifies to the enduring settlement patterns and social structures of early medieval Ulster.

Rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 9543. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath?

Rath, situated in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, is an Early Christian ringfort, a fortified homestead typical of early medieval Ireland dating to the period around the fifth to eighth centuries. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 9543.

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 9543.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Giant's grave. wedge tomb (3.2 km), Giant's grave. wedge tomb (3.2 km), Megalithic tomb (3.2 km).

Aubrey Research

Generate a full report for this location

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in the UK — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.

Research the area around Rath