E.CHRIST. · RATH

Spirehill. rath

Lisburn, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 7058
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Spirehill Rath is an Early Christian rath situated in the parish of Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of a circular earthwork enclosure typical of Early Christian settlement sites in Ulster, dating to the early medieval period. As a rath, the site would have functioned as a defended domestic and possibly ecclesiastical settlement, reflecting the settlement patterns and social organization of Early Christian Ireland. The earthwork remains represent an important example of the vernacular fortified dwellings that characterised Early Christian rural society in the north of Ireland.

Spirehill. rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 7058. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Spirehill. rath?

Spirehill Rath is an Early Christian rath situated in the parish of Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 7058.

What period does Spirehill. rath date from?

Spirehill. 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 Spirehill. rath?

Spirehill. 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 7058.

What other scheduled monuments are near Spirehill. rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Crannog (4.2 km), Large hilltop enclosure (4.4 km), Giants' graves. court tomb (5.1 km).

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