House - indeterminate date, Lurgan, Co. Donegal
Sitting atop a north-south limestone ridge in Lurgan, County Donegal, lies the remains of what appears to be an ancient dwelling or small enclosure within a larger hillfort complex.
House - indeterminate date, Lurgan, Co. Donegal
This circular structure, measuring 10 metres north to south and 9.5 metres east to west, is defined by a stone bank roughly 1.5 metres wide. Though now covered in sod with only occasional stones protruding, the bank is most visible on the northern and northeastern sides, where a slight drop in the surrounding ground level reveals an external face standing about 65 centimetres high.
The structure occupies a relatively level plateau that runs along the spine of the ridge through the hillfort. Its western side connects directly to another circular enclosure, whilst a larger circular enclosure sits 20 metres to the north, containing a cairn that marks the highest point of the ridge. This positioning suggests the site held strategic importance, offering commanding views across the surrounding landscape from its elevated position.
Currently used as pasture land, the site offers a glimpse into Ireland’s distant past, when hillforts served as centres of power, trade, and community life. The presence of multiple structures within the fort, including this possible house, indicates this was once a thriving settlement. Though time and weather have softened its features, the careful arrangement of stones and the deliberate positioning on the landscape speak to the skill and planning of its ancient builders.