List of hillforts in Ireland facts for kids
Ireland is home to many ancient sites called hillforts. These are usually described as small settlements on hilltops that were protected by earthworks (big banks and ditches made of earth). However, not all of them are on hills, and some might not have been used as forts at all!
For a long time, people thought hillforts were just strongholds for defense or places where important leaders lived and traded. But there isn't much proof that they were often attacked. More recently, experts think they might have been more like special monuments or important gathering places. Many of Ireland's hillforts are also promontory forts, which means they are on pieces of land that stick out into the sea.
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What Are Hillforts?
Hillforts are ancient sites that were built a very long time ago, often during the Bronze Age or Iron Age. They are usually found on high ground, like hills, which gave people a good view of the area around them.
How Were Hillforts Built?
People built hillforts by digging large ditches and piling up the earth to create high banks. These banks and ditches formed a protective barrier around the settlement. Sometimes, they built several layers of these defenses.
Different Kinds of Hillforts
Not all hillforts are the same! Here are some common types you might find in Ireland:
- Contour forts: These follow the natural shape of a hill, with their defenses built along the curves of the land.
- Promontory forts: These are found on land that juts out into the sea or a lake. The water provides natural protection on most sides, so people only needed to build defenses across the narrow neck of land connecting it to the mainland.
- Multiple enclosure hillforts: These have several rings of banks and ditches, creating different enclosed areas. This might mean they had different uses or were built up over a long time.
- Hillslope forts: Instead of being right on top of a hill, these are built on the side of a slope.
- Level terrain forts: Some hillforts are even found on flat ground, which makes their purpose even more mysterious!
Famous Hillforts in Ireland
Ireland has many amazing hillforts, each with its own story. Here are a few well-known examples:
Mooghaun, County Clare
Mooghaun is one of the largest and most impressive hillforts in Ireland. It's in County Clare and is a great example of a multiple enclosure hillfort. Imagine how much work it took to build all those layers of defenses!
Dun Aengus, County Galway
Dun Aengus (pronounced "Doon ANG-gus") is a very famous promontory fort located on Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands off the coast of County Galway. It sits dramatically on a cliff edge, with the Atlantic Ocean crashing below. It's an incredible place to visit and imagine what life was like there thousands of years ago.
Dún Ailinne, County Kildare
Dún Ailinne (pronounced "Doon AL-in-yeh") in County Kildare is another important hillfort. It was likely a very significant ceremonial site, perhaps where important events or gatherings took place. It shows that hillforts were not just about defense.
Grianán of Aileach, County Donegal
Grianán of Aileach (pronounced "GREE-uh-nawn of AL-yakh") in County Donegal is a fantastic example of a multiple enclosure hillfort. It's been rebuilt, but its history goes back a very long time. It offers amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
Rathgall Hillfort, County Wicklow
Rathgall Hillfort in County Wicklow is a large and complex site. It's another multiple enclosure hillfort, showing how people built strong and impressive structures to protect their communities or mark important places.
Why Are Hillforts Important?
Hillforts give us clues about how people lived in ancient Ireland. They show us how communities organized themselves, how they might have defended their land, and where they held important ceremonies or meetings. Even though their exact purpose is still a bit of a mystery, they are amazing reminders of Ireland's rich history.
Images for kids
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Mooghaun is a very large and impressive hillfort in County Clare.
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Dun Aengus is a famous promontory fort on the Aran Islands.
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Dún Ailinne in County Kildare was an important ancient site.
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Rathgall hillfort in County Wicklow.
