This remarkable archaeological site was discovered by Dr James O’Driscoll using cutting-edge LiDAR technology, which revealed the true extent of what had been obscured by centuries of tree growth and modern forestry operations.

The hillfort consists of two distinct enclosures, one nested within the other like ancient Russian dolls. The inner enclosure sits proudly on the upper slopes above the 800-foot contour line, forming a roughly circular area of about 2.13 hectares with an estimated diameter of 190 metres. This inner sanctuary is defined by a substantial earthen bank measuring 7.3 metres in width, suggesting it once held considerable defensive importance. Surrounding this is a much larger outer enclosure that follows the natural contours of the hill between the 600 and 700-foot levels, encompassing an impressive 41.03 hectares of terrain.

Unfortunately, modern forestry has taken a heavy toll on this ancient monument. The inner enclosure has been almost completely destroyed by tree planting and harvesting activities, whilst over 60% of the outer enclosure’s southern perimeter has suffered significant disturbance. The northern sections remain buried under forest cover, making detailed archaeological investigation challenging. Despite these modern intrusions, the LiDAR imagery has provided archaeologists with invaluable insights into the scale and layout of this Iron Age stronghold, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s fortified past that would otherwise remain hidden beneath the trees.