Ringfort (Cashel), An Chorr, Co. Donegal
On a limestone knoll above the Gweebarra river in County Donegal stands the remains of an ancient double-walled cashel, a type of stone ringfort that once served as a fortified homestead.
Ringfort (Cashel), An Chorr, Co. Donegal
The inner enclosure measures approximately 18 metres across, though much of its original structure has been obscured by a modern stone wall built directly along its ancient foundations. Where the original stonework remains visible, you can still make out both the inner and outer facings of what was once a substantial defensive wall, ranging from 1.8 to 2.2 metres thick. The builders cleverly incorporated natural rock outcrops into their construction, saving labour whilst strengthening the fortification.
The cashel’s defensive capabilities were enhanced by a second, outer wall that runs between 8 and 15 metres down the slope of the knoll. Though now largely collapsed, this outer wall appears to have been somewhat lighter in construction, originally measuring between 1 and 1.3 metres wide. Like its inner counterpart, it too made use of the natural rock formations, weaving them into the defensive circuit. This double-walled design was a common feature of high-status ringforts, providing multiple layers of defence and creating distinct zones within the settlement.
Today, the site at An Chorr sits surrounded by the rocky pastureland typical of this part of Donegal, with views north and east towards the Gweebarra river valley. While the modern alterations have changed its appearance, enough of the original structure survives to tell the story of a substantial fortified dwelling, likely home to a prosperous farming family during Ireland’s early medieval period. The careful positioning on elevated ground and the investment in double walls suggest this was no ordinary farmstead, but rather the residence of someone with considerable resources and perhaps local authority.





