These circular stone enclosures, built between roughly 500 and 1200 CE, were the rural strongholds of farming communities who needed protection from raiders whilst maintaining their agricultural way of life. The thick walls of this particular cashel, constructed from locally sourced stone without mortar, would have enclosed wooden houses, storage buildings, and livestock pens, creating a self-contained farmstead that could withstand both harsh Atlantic weather and unwelcome visitors.

Like many of Ireland’s estimated 45,000 ringforts, this cashel represents a fascinating glimpse into how people lived during a turbulent period of Irish history, when local chieftains vied for power and Viking raids were a constant threat along the western coasts. The site’s elevated position would have provided its inhabitants with clear views across the surrounding landscape, allowing them to spot approaching danger whilst also proclaiming their status to neighbouring communities. Archaeological evidence from similar sites suggests these weren’t just defensive structures; they were symbols of wealth and social standing, with larger, more elaborate cashels belonging to more prosperous families.