 |
Ringforts in general
Ringforts began to diminish from
1200's, with the introduction of the castle by the
Anglo-Normans, following their 1169 invasion. But most
ringforts were still in use up to the time of the famine in the
1800's by poorer farmers or labours, in rural parts of Ireland,
but Irish Rulers had built them from some centuries before the
invasion. Also with the development of towns and villages, they
became more attractive to many, than the hardship of rural life.
The largest ringfort in Ireland
is 20 miles from Lios-na-gCon, at Garranes, near Bandon which
is dated to the 2nd Century A.D. It is about 200 metres in
diameter, defended with 3 banks. It is debated whether it was the
ruling seat of a branch of the Eoganacht dynasty, or someone
high in a wealthy class perhaps of skilled craftsmen.
There is also a ringfort of
similar size in Ballinaspittle, near Kinsale about 18 miles from
Lios-na-gCon, called Ballycatten Fort, which is probably of
similar status.
There are 3 identifiable ringforts on the farm land of Clonakilty Agricultural College, and 45 in the Clonakilty area. |
