Kilmihill Ringfort facts for kids
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Ráth Chill Mhichíl
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 Location in Ireland
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| Alternative name | Kilmihil Ringfort |
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| Location | Kilmihil, Ballingarry, County Limerick, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 52°27′38″N 8°51′17″W / 52.460560°N 8.854760°W |
| Altitude | 108 m (354 ft) |
| Type | ringfort |
| Area | 0.16 ha (0.40 acres) |
| Diameter | 51 m (167 ft) |
| History | |
| Material | earth |
| Periods | Early Christian age (c. AD 400–900) |
| Site notes | |
| Ownership | private |
| Official name | Kilmihill Ringfort |
| Reference no. | 538 |
Kilmihill Ringfort is an ancient circular fort located in County Limerick, Ireland. It is a special type of old settlement called a ringfort, also known as a "rath." These forts were common homes for families during the Early Christian age, which was about 1,100 to 1,600 years ago. Today, Kilmihill Ringfort is protected as a National Monument, meaning it is an important historical site. Its official code on the Record of Monuments and Places is LI037-042.
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What is a Ringfort?
A ringfort is a circular area of land that was used as a farm and home. It was usually surrounded by one or more banks of earth and ditches. These banks and ditches helped to protect the people and animals living inside. Ringforts were built by early Irish farmers and families. They were very common across Ireland.
How Ringforts Were Built
Most ringforts were built using earth and stone. Workers would dig a circular ditch and pile up the soil to create a bank. Sometimes, they built stone walls instead of earth banks. The size of the ringfort could vary, depending on the wealth of the family. Larger ringforts often meant a more important family lived there.
Life Inside a Ringfort
Inside the ringfort, there would have been wooden houses, storage pits, and places for animals. Families lived and worked here, growing crops and raising livestock. The ringfort acted as a safe place for them. It protected them from wild animals and sometimes from other people.
Kilmihill Ringfort's Location
Kilmihill Ringfort is found in County Limerick, Ireland. It is located about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) southeast of the town of Ballingarry. This area is known for its rich history and many ancient sites.
Why Kilmihill Ringfort is Important
Kilmihill Ringfort is important because it helps us understand how people lived in Ireland long ago. It is a well-preserved example of a ringfort. Because it is a National Monument, it is protected by law. This means it cannot be damaged and its history can be studied. Archaeologists learn a lot from sites like Kilmihill Ringfort. They find clues about daily life, farming, and the tools used by people centuries ago.
