Aghnahily Ringfort facts for kids
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Ráth Achadh na hAidhle
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 Location in Ireland
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| Alternative name | Rahenhoylley, Aghanaheily, Aughenahilie, Aghabahile, Aughnally |
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| Location | Aghnahily, Stradbally, County Laois, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°01′33″N 7°12′21″W / 53.025845°N 7.205918°W |
| Type | rath |
| Area | 1,800 square metres (0.44 acres) |
| Diameter | 48 metres (52 yd) |
| History | |
| Material | earth |
| Designation | National Monument |
Aghnahily Ringfort is an old circular fort found in County Laois, Ireland. It is also known as a rath and is protected as a National Monument. This means it's an important historical site that must be preserved.
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Where is Aghnahily Ringfort?
Aghnahily Ringfort is located in the countryside of County Laois. It is about 700 meters (less than half a mile) south of a famous landmark called the Rock of Dunamase. You can find it just south of the N80 road, which connects the towns of Portlaoise and Stradbally.
What is a Ringfort?
A ringfort is a type of ancient settlement. It was common in Ireland during the Early Medieval period. This time was roughly from 600 AD to 1000 AD.
- Ringforts are usually circular areas.
- They are surrounded by one or more earthen banks.
- These banks were often topped with wooden fences.
- Sometimes, there was also a ditch outside the bank.
Why Were Ringforts Built?
People built ringforts for several important reasons. They served as homes and provided protection.
- Homes: Ringforts were the homes of farming families. They lived inside the protected area.
- Protection: The banks and ditches offered defense. They kept out wild animals and protected against raids.
- Storage: They also had space for storing food and tools. This helped families survive through the year.
- Status: Owning a ringfort showed a family's wealth and importance.
Aghnahily Ringfort's Features
Aghnahily Ringfort is a good example of these ancient structures. It has a circular shape.
- The fort measures about 48 meters (52 yards) across.
- It covers an area of about 1,800 square meters (0.44 acres).
- The main material used to build it was earth.
- It stands as a reminder of how people lived long ago in Ireland.
