E.CHRIST. · RATH & SOUTERRAIN

Rath & souterrain

Ballymena, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 2202
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH & SOUTERRAIN
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR)

Overview

History & significance

Rath & souterrain is a prehistoric and early medieval settlement monument located near Ballymena in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The site comprises a rath, an Irish hill fort typically surrounded by defensive earthwork banks, associated with a souterrain—an underground stone-built passage or chamber characteristic of Iron Age and early medieval Irish settlement sites. Such monuments are generally dated to the later prehistoric period through the early medieval era, though the precise chronology of individual sites often remains uncertain without excavation. The rath and souterrain at this location represent important evidence of settlement patterns and defensive practices in prehistoric and early medieval Ulster.

Rath & souterrain is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 2202. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rath & souterrain?

Rath & souterrain is a prehistoric and early medieval settlement monument located near Ballymena in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 2202.

What period does Rath & souterrain date from?

Rath & souterrain dates from the e.christ. period, and is classified as a rath & souterrain. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Rath & souterrain?

Rath & souterrain 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 2202.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rath & souterrain?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rath and structures (0.2 km), Rath & souterrain (0.6 km), Standing stone (2.1 km).

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