Rathealy Ringfort is a ringfort (rath) and National Monument located in County Kilkenny, Ireland.[1]
Ráth Éalaigh | |
  Shown within Ireland | |
| Alternative name | Stuaic of Rathealy |
|---|---|
| Location | Rathealy, Tullaroan, County Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Region | Nore Valley |
| Coordinates | 52°41′41″N 7°25′57″W / 52.694722°N 7.432500°W |
| Altitude | 247 m (810 ft) |
| Type | ringfort |
| Area | 0.8 ha (2.0 acres) |
| Diameter | 99 m (325 ft) |
| Height | 3 m (9.8 ft) |
| History | |
| Builder | Síol Elaigh |
| Material | earth |
| Founded | 6th–12th century |
| Periods | Early Christian Ireland |
| Associated with | Gaelic Irish |
| Site notes | |
| Public access | yes |
| Official name | Rathealy |
| Reference no. | 376 |
Location edit
Rathealy Ringfort is located on a hilltop 3.5 km (2.2 mi) north of Tullaroan.
History edit
Rathealy is believed to derive its name from Élothach mac Fáelchon, king of the Uí Cheinnselaig of South Leinster. There is a surrounding wall 3 m (9.8 ft) high and a ditch 6 m (20 ft) deep.[2] It also known as the Stuaic of Rathealy, the Irish word meaning "peak" or "spike". A standing stone nearby may be pre-Christian.[3]
Description edit
Rathealy Ringfort is a trivallate rath with a rectangular house, circular house and souterrain entrance clearly visible.[4]
References edit
- ^ "Historic Castles of County Kilkenny Ireland".
- ^ "The Schools' Collection » Tullaroan (B.)". Dúchas.ie. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
- ^ "Rathealy".
- ^ "The Early Development Of Irish Society". CUP Archive. 6 November 2008 – via Google Books.