Enclosure, Laheen, Co. Donegal

Enclosure, Laheen, Co. Donegal

Situated on a level terrace at the foot of a north-northeast facing ridge, this circular stone enclosure overlooks a flat, boggy valley dotted with three lakes: Lough Laheen to the west, Lough Gorman to the north, and Lough Tullaghevlin to the southeast.

Enclosure, Laheen, Co. Donegal

The enclosure itself measures 24 metres in diameter and is defined by the remnants of an ancient stone wall, now appearing as a low, moss-covered rise about 2.5 metres wide and barely 20 centimetres high. Large stones still protrude from the outer edge along the eastern and southern sections, whilst the northern and northeastern portions feature a pronounced internal scarp that gives the entire structure a distinctive sunken, saucer-shaped profile.

The interior of the enclosure reveals intriguing details about its past use and construction. The southeastern quadrant has a noticeably stonier feel underfoot, and a subtle undulation running northeast to southwest across this section might indicate an internal division, though it could simply be exposed bedrock. A later drystone field wall, built on a north-south axis, cuts through the southwestern and northwestern sections of the enclosure, following and partly respecting the curve of the original wall; a testament to the site’s continued use and modification over centuries.



Just beyond the main enclosure, two smaller structures hint at more recent habitation. Six metres to the south stands a square structure measuring roughly 4 by 3.8 metres, defined by low, sod-covered stony banks that likely represent the remains of a vernacular building or small dwelling. A second, similarly sized square structure lies 4.4 metres to the east, bordered on its eastern side by a limestone scarp. This same escarpment, which shows evidence of historical quarrying, extends southeast from the terrace edge about 50 metres from the enclosure, adding another layer to the site’s long history of human activity in this remote corner of County Donegal.

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Laheen, Co. Donegal
54.5423494, -8.13004418
54.5423494,-8.13004418
Laheen 
Enclosures 

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