MEDIEVAL · FISH TRAP

Stone fish trap

Ards, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 13480
Period
MEDIEVAL
Site type
FISH TRAP
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Stone fish trap is a medieval fish trap located in Ards, County Down, Northern Ireland. The structure comprises a stone-built weir or barrier constructed within a tidal zone to capture fish as water levels fluctuated between tides. Such traps represent an important medieval fishing technology, exploiting the natural movement of fish populations in estuarine and coastal environments. The trap's survival demonstrates the continuity of fishing practices in medieval Ulster and the engineering knowledge applied to food production in the period.

Stone fish trap is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 13480. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Stone fish trap?

Stone fish trap is a medieval fish trap located in Ards, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 13480.

What period does Stone fish trap date from?

Stone fish trap dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a fish trap. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Stone fish trap?

Stone fish trap 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 13480.

What other scheduled monuments are near Stone fish trap?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Kircubbin harbour. quay, slipway and mooring (1 km), Tidal mill wall (1.5 km), Ardkeen castle, castle hill. motte and bailey with later tower-house (5 km).

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