This oval shaped site, measuring 26 metres in internal diameter, appears on old Ordnance Survey maps as a single ringed enclosure. Today, visitors can still trace its boundaries, defined by a clever combination of natural topography and human engineering; the northern and western sides feature deliberate terracing that works with the natural slope to create a distinct, isolated area.

The enclosure at Inishfad represents just one of many archaeological treasures scattered across County Donegal, each telling part of the story of human habitation in this northwestern corner of Ireland. Its strategic position on the ridge would have provided excellent views across Donegal Bay whilst the natural defences of the sloping ground made it an ideal spot for settlement or ceremonial use. The exact purpose and date of the enclosure remain uncertain, though such sites typically date from the Bronze Age through to the early medieval period.

This site was documented as part of the comprehensive Archaeological Survey of County Donegal, conducted in 1983 by a team led by Brian Lacey. The survey catalogued field antiquities spanning from the Mesolithic period right through to the 17th century, creating an invaluable record of Donegal’s archaeological heritage. Whilst the enclosure may appear modest compared to more famous Irish monuments, it forms an important piece of the archaeological puzzle, helping researchers understand patterns of settlement and land use in this Atlantic coastal region.