Ordinary People in Early Christian Ireland

From 400 AD, ordinary farming people lived in circular enclosures in farming groups. These were know as a rath or fort and were surrounded by mounds.

 

Irish National Heritage Park

This picture shows the rath, or ring-fort (at the top) and the early Christian monastery (on the right). Raths were typical dwelling places of the nobles and "strong farmers" from around 500 to 1000 AD. They consisted of a circular area enclosed by a timber wall with a ditch on the outside.

Image courtesy of Irish National Heritage Park
Irish National Heritage Park
Image courtesy of Irish National Heritage Park

Irish National Heritage Park

This picture shows the rath, or ring-fort (at the top) and the early Christian monastery (on the right). Raths were typical dwelling places of the nobles and "strong farmers" from around 500 to 1000 AD. They consisted of a circular area enclosed by a timber wall with a ditch on the outside.

Image courtesy of Irish National Heritage Park
Enlarge image

Staigue Fort

This fort is called the Staigue Fort and it is situated in Co. Kerry. This structure is almost round and is about 114 feet in diameter. The walls of the fort reach 18 feet high in some places. These dwellings were used to defend the inhabitants from oncoming attack.

Staigue Fort

Staigue Fort

This fort is called the Staigue Fort and it is situated in Co. Kerry. This structure is almost round and is about 114 feet in diameter. The walls of the fort reach 18 feet high in some places. These dwellings were used to defend the inhabitants from oncoming attack.

Enlarge image

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