Larkfield fort facts for kids
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Ráth Chluain Fhuiseog
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 Location in Ireland
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| Location | Larkfield, Mullinalaghta, County Longford, Ireland |
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| Coordinates | 53°50′30″N 7°32′46″W / 53.841538°N 7.546034°W |
| Type | ringfort |
| Area | 0.14 ha (0.35 acres) |
| History | |
| Material | earth |
| Periods | Bronze or Iron Age (c. 2400 BC – AD 400) |
| Site notes | |
| Ownership | private |
| Designation | National Monument |
Larkfield fort is an ancient circular earthwork called a ringfort (or rath). It is also recognized as a National Monument in Ireland, meaning it's a protected historical site. This fort is found in County Longford.
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Where is Larkfield Fort?
Larkfield fort is located in a place called Larkfield. It sits to the east of Lough Gowna, which is a large lake. The fort is only about 500 meters (about a third of a mile) from the lake's edge. The closest village is Mullinalaghta, which is about 1.9 kilometers (just over a mile) to the southeast.
What Does Larkfield Fort Look Like?
Larkfield fort is a type of ringfort known as a "univallate bank and ditch." This means it has a single, circular bank (a raised mound of earth) and a single ditch (a trench) surrounding it. These features were built to protect the people and animals living inside. The entrance to the fort is on its eastern side.
What is a Ringfort?
Ringforts are the most common type of ancient monument you can find in Ireland. They are circular areas enclosed by one or more banks and ditches. Think of them as ancient farmsteads or homes, built for protection.
Why Were Ringforts Built?
People built ringforts mainly for defense. The banks and ditches would have made it harder for enemies or wild animals to get in. They also helped to mark out the property of a family or small community. Inside the ringfort, there would have been wooden houses, animal pens, and storage areas.
When Was Larkfield Fort Used?
Larkfield fort was likely built and used during the Bronze Age or Iron Age. The Bronze Age in Ireland was from about 2400 BC to 600 BC, and the Iron Age followed, lasting until about AD 400. During these times, people used tools and weapons made from bronze and later, iron. Ringforts like Larkfield fort give us clues about how people lived, farmed, and protected themselves thousands of years ago.
