This single-ringed enclosure at Ballymoney was documented on the first and second editions of the Ordnance Survey 6-inch maps, marking its position on what was described as good open ground with views down towards the lough. Today, however, visitors to the site would find no visible trace of this ancient structure; time and agriculture have erased all physical evidence of what was once a notable feature of the local landscape.

The fort’s disappearance represents a common fate for many of Ireland’s earthwork monuments, particularly those situated on productive farmland. These circular enclosures, often called ringforts or raths, were amongst the most common settlement types in early medieval Ireland, typically dating from around 500 to 1200 AD. They consisted of a circular area enclosed by an earthen bank and external ditch, providing both a defensive barrier and a clear marker of property ownership for farming families.

While the Ballymoney fort has been lost, its recorded position on the historical maps serves as an important reminder of the area’s rich archaeological heritage. The Archaeological Survey of County Donegal, compiled in 1983, preserved details of this and hundreds of other sites throughout the county, creating a vital record of monuments that might otherwise be forgotten entirely. The survey notes that the fort occupied an advantageous position on the slopes overlooking Lough Swilly, suggesting it was strategically placed to take advantage of both the productive land and the proximity to water routes that have long made this area attractive for settlement.