Ringfort (Cashel), Twomilestone, Co. Donegal
On the northern end of Two Mile Stone ridge in County Donegal stands the remains of an ancient ringfort, known locally as a cashel.
Ringfort (Cashel), Twomilestone, Co. Donegal
This stone fortification, measuring 22 metres across its interior, offers a glimpse into Ireland’s early medieval past when such structures dotted the landscape as defended homesteads for farming families. The circular enclosure is defined by a collapsed stone wall that still reaches half a metre in height in places, with sections of the original facing stones visible along the eastern and southern portions.
The fort’s interior remains largely level, save for fallen stones from the surrounding wall, suggesting it once provided a practical living space for its inhabitants. A gap in the northwestern section of the wall likely marks the original entrance, a common feature in ringforts that would have been secured with a wooden gate during the structure’s active use. The site sits on open pasture land, with natural rock outcrops providing additional protection on its northern side; a strategic placement that would have offered both defensive advantages and commanding views across the surrounding countryside.
This cashel represents one of thousands of similar structures built across Ireland between the early medieval period and the 17th century, serving as fortified farmsteads rather than military installations. These ringforts were the rural homes of prosperous farmers who needed to protect their families, livestock, and grain stores from raids. The stone construction, as opposed to the more common earthen banks found elsewhere, reflects the rocky nature of the Donegal landscape and the ready availability of building materials in this part of the county.





