Earthwork, Runnamoat, Co. Roscommon
Along the eastern end of a low ridge that runs from west-northwest to east-southeast, you'll find the remains of Runnamoat earthwork in County Roscommon.
Earthwork, Runnamoat, Co. Roscommon
This rectangular grassy platform measures approximately 39.5 metres from north-northeast to south-southwest and 36.3 metres from west-northwest to east-southeast. Mature deciduous trees now grow across the site, which is enclosed by a substantial moat and bank system that gives the monument its distinctive appearance.
The moat surrounding the central area is quite impressive, with a flat bottom measuring between 2.3 and 3.3 metres wide and depths ranging from 1 to 1.6 metres. The top of the moat spans 6 to 10 metres across. Beyond this defensive ditch, an outer bank rises between 0.25 and 0.9 metres high, with a base width of 6.5 to 8.3 metres and a flattened top measuring 3 to 4.9 metres across. The entire monument covers an area of roughly 63 metres north to south and 60 metres east to west, though no original entrance can be identified today. Field banks now surround the entire structure.
Historical records add an intriguing detail to the site’s layout. In 1911, Knox documented what he called an ‘outer garth’ attached to the main earthwork, likely a field measuring about 40 metres east to west and 15 metres north to south, located to the north and east of the main structure. According to his account, this area was once enclosed by additional fosses and banks, though no trace of these features remains visible today. The site was surveyed and compiled by Michael Moore, with data uploaded on 29th September, 2010.