Enclosure, Srath Bruithne Íochtarach, Co. Donegal

Enclosure, Srath Bruithne Íochtarach, Co. Donegal

Nestled on the wet, marshy slopes of Srath Bruithne Íochtarach in County Donegal, this enigmatic stone enclosure sits on steep ground that faces south, with a small stream running immediately to its east.

Enclosure, Srath Bruithne Íochtarach, Co. Donegal

The structure appears on Ordnance Survey maps as an oval enclosure measuring approximately 14 metres north to south and 8 metres east to west. What remains today is a sub-rectangular area bounded by heather-covered drystone walls that stand nearly a metre high and just under a metre thick.

The enclosure tells a story of multiple periods of use and modification. The southern half shows clear evidence of rebuilding or extension, with a noticeable change in construction style along the western and southern walls. This later work appears to connect with a field wall dating from after 1700 AD, which meets the enclosure at its southwestern corner. The small stream that marks the townland boundary has taken its toll on the eastern side, where it has caused the outer face of the wall to collapse over time.



Archaeological evidence suggests this may have originally been a pre-1700 enclosure that was later repurposed and partially rebuilt as a sheepfold during the post-1700 period, when the surrounding field system was established. This pattern of reuse is common throughout Ireland’s upland areas, where older structures were often adapted to meet the changing agricultural needs of local communities. The site was documented by archaeologist Caimin O’Brien in July 2010, adding another piece to our understanding of how Ireland’s rural landscapes evolved through centuries of continuous use.

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Srath Bruithne Íochtarach, Co. Donegal
54.63962436, -8.55491133
54.63962436,-8.55491133
Srath Bruithne Íochtarach 
Enclosures 

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