[Ringfort near Rathkeale]

Sketch plan of a ringfort. There are records of numerous ringforts in the vicinity of Rathkeale, although the majority have been levelled. It has not been possible to identify the location of this particuar ringfort.

Inscribed in Image

  • Caption outside of boundaries of image – N<sup>o</sup>. IV
  • Text within boundaries of image – 170 Feet

Image Details

Genre Scientific or Technical illustration
Technique Wash drawings
Subject(s) Antiquities and archaeological sites, Forts and fortifications
Geographical Location
  • Limerick – County
  • Munster – Province
  • Rathkeale – Town or city – Location is approximate.
Keyword(s) Archaeological sites, Ringforts
Colour Handcoloured
Dimensions 24 cm x 37.8 cm
Published / created 1810

Bibliographical Details

Travel Account Sketch South of Ireland
Print or manuscript Manuscript
Location of image in copy p. 12
Source copy National Library of Ireland MS 672
Alternative source

This is a link to a digital copy hosted by an external website.

 http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000524924#page/1/mode/1up
Permalink https://ttce.universityofgalway.ie/irelandillustrated/view/image/ii_image_1359562472
Rights Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland

Related text from travel account

I cannot help taking notice of a singular species of Work, or Entrenchment, very frequently met with in travelling over Ireland. The Natives call them Raths, and suppose them to be constructed by the Danes, or Ostmen. Indeed the same are to be found in England, as well as Scotland, where they are also thought to be the work of the same people. They are always circular, occupying some advantageous height. None of those I examined were above two hundred feet diameter, or about six hundred feet in circumference, so that probably they were intended as small Posts, to cover Detachments of their Army, or perhaps to secure Depots of provision. Had they been the Sites of Castles, or Strong-Holds, some remains of masonry would be still visible, but I never could observe the smallest vestige of Stone, or Lime. / […] This last Specimen of these kind of works, is found near Rathkeal, in the County of Limerick – but they are in a manner scattered all over the Country. [pp. 1-2]
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