Ringfort (Cashel), Gortletteragh, Co. Donegal
Co. Donegal |
Ringforts
Hidden within the forestry of Gortletteragh, County Donegal, lies a fascinating archaeological site that combines two distinct features of ancient Irish settlement: a souterrain and a cashel.
The souterrain, catalogued as DG078-039, sits within the substantial remains of a sub-circular stone enclosure, its walls still clearly visible despite centuries of weathering and the encroachment of surrounding woodland. The cashel's perimeter shows at least two gaps where entrances once stood, whilst scattered stones nearby hint at what might have been a second outer wall or perhaps an elaborate entrance structure.
The site bears the marks of more recent history too; local tradition speaks of a summer house that once belonged to the nearby estate, now lost beneath the canopy of trees that dominate the landscape. It's thought that stones from the ancient cashel may have been repurposed for this Victorian folly, a common practice that saw many Irish archaeological sites partially dismantled for building materials. Today, no other structures remain standing within the enclosure, leaving the souterrain as the sole survivor of what was once a bustling farmstead.
Recent developments have brought new life to this ancient place, with walking trails now threading through the forestry and one path cutting directly through the cashel itself. For safety reasons, a protective fence has been erected around the souterrain entrance; these underground passages, whilst archaeologically significant, can pose a real danger to unsuspecting walkers who might otherwise stumble into the hidden chamber below. The site offers a tangible connection to Ireland's early medieval past, when such fortified farmsteads dotted the landscape and souterrains provided crucial storage and refuge for farming communities.