This circular earthwork, measuring 51 metres across internally and 61 metres externally, consists of a low, wide earthen bank that’s still clearly visible despite centuries of weathering. The bank itself is between 4 and 7 metres wide at its base, rising to a modest height of 0.4 metres on both its internal and external faces. Though the site has been considerably levelled over time, its distinctive circular form remains unmistakable to anyone crossing the field.

What makes this site particularly mysterious is its absence from all editions of the Ordnance Survey maps, suggesting it may have been overlooked or dismissed by early surveyors. Local tradition holds that this might be a killeen, a type of unconsecrated burial ground often used for unbaptised children in Ireland’s past, though this interpretation remains unconfirmed. The enclosure’s substantial size and construction suggest it could equally be a ringwork castle, a type of medieval fortification that predated stone castles in Ireland.

The site’s location adds another layer of historical intrigue, sitting northeast of two significant medieval monuments: Carrigafoyle Church and the impressive Carrigafoyle Castle. This proximity suggests the earthwork may have played a role in the broader medieval landscape of the area, perhaps serving as an earlier fortification or settlement that was eventually superseded by the stone castle. Whatever its original purpose, this enigmatic circular earthwork stands as a tangible reminder of North Kerry’s complex and layered history, waiting to reveal more of its secrets to future archaeological investigation.