Ringfort, Calhame or Montgomery's Fort, Co. Donegal
In the rolling pastures of County Donegal, overlooking a valley to the southwest, once stood a ringfort that has since vanished from the landscape.
Ringfort, Calhame or Montgomery's Fort, Co. Donegal
Known locally as Calhame or Montgomery’s Fort, this single-ringed fortification appeared on the first and second editions of the Ordnance Survey 6-inch maps, marking its presence in the historical record even as the physical structure itself has disappeared without trace.
These circular earthwork enclosures, commonly called ringforts, were amongst the most widespread archaeological features across medieval Ireland, serving as defended homesteads for farming families between the early medieval period and the 17th century. The fort at this location would have consisted of a raised circular area surrounded by an earthen bank and external ditch, creating a secure space for dwellings, livestock, and daily life. Its position in good pasture land with views across the valley suggests it was carefully chosen for both agricultural potential and defensive advantage.
The site’s documentation comes from the comprehensive Archaeological Survey of County Donegal, compiled in 1983 by Brian Lacey and his team of archaeologists. This survey catalogued field antiquities from the Mesolithic period through to the 17th century, preserving knowledge of sites like this ringfort that might otherwise be forgotten. Though the fort itself has returned to pasture, leaving no visible remains, its inclusion in these historical maps and archaeological records ensures its place in Donegal’s rich archaeological heritage remains documented for future generations.





