Hillfort, Colvinstown Upper, Co. Wicklow

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Hillfort, Colvinstown Upper, Co. Wicklow

Perched atop Kilranelagh Hill at 385 metres above sea level in County Wicklow's townland of Colvinstown Upper, this univallate contour hillfort commands sweeping views across the surrounding landscape, particularly towards the lowlands to the south and southwest.

The hillfort, which encompasses approximately 5.33 hectares, forms part of the remarkable Baltinglass hillfort cluster, one of nine such fortifications in the area. Though much of the site now lies beneath conifer forestry and thick gorse growth, the enclosing stone bank remains partially visible, particularly on the western and southwestern sides where it measures roughly 14 metres wide and rises up to 0.6 metres high, with its outer edge reinforced by horizontally placed stone slabs.

The hillfort's strategic position places it amongst a rich archaeological landscape. Just 500 metres to the west lies Kilranelagh Church and graveyard, complete with St. Bridget's holy well, whilst Crosoona Rath sits 500 metres to the east, containing two hut sites and an ogham stone. The western slopes of Kilranelagh Hill host three recorded cairns, and a stone circle and barrow can be found 650 metres to the east northeast. The hillfort itself was only identified in 2014 by researcher James O'Driscoll, who conducted GPS mapping and aerial photography analysis after igneous bedrock prevented geophysical surveys. His work revealed that whilst the eastern section remains hidden beneath dense vegetation, historical Ordnance Survey maps from 1910 show curving field patterns that may represent the remnants of the enclosing elements in this area.

The southern portion of the hillfort's defences incorporates a natural cliff face standing 3 to 6 metres high, demonstrating how the builders cleverly integrated the landscape's natural features into their defensive strategy. Changes in vegetation patterns immediately outside the bank suggest the possible presence of an outer ditch approximately 6 metres wide, though commercial forestry plantations have significantly impacted the ramparts over time. Aerial photographs from 2000 and 2005 clearly show the upstanding bank from east through south to southwest, where it gradually fades away, providing crucial evidence for understanding the full extent of this ancient fortification despite the challenges posed by modern land use and vegetation growth.

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