Mullaghreelan Rath facts for kids
Ráth Mhullach Raoileann
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Alternative name | Mullachreelan |
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Location | Mullaghreelan, Kilkea, County Kildare, Ireland |
Coordinates | 52°56′09″N 6°52′24″W / 52.935953°N 6.873419°W |
Type | rath |
Area | 6,600 m2 (1.6 acre) |
Diameter | 92 m (100 yd) |
History | |
Material | earth |
Periods | Bronze Age |
Designation | National Monument |
Mullaghreelan Rath (which means 'Rath of Mullaghreelan' in Irish) is an ancient circular fort. These forts are also called ringforts or raths. It is a special place in County Kildare, Ireland, and is protected as a National Monument.
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Where is Mullaghreelan Rath?
Mullaghreelan Rath sits high up, about 170 meters (558 feet) above sea level. From here, you can see the River Greese flowing below. The fort is surrounded by Mullaghreelan Woods, which is a forest managed by Coillte.
History of Mullaghreelan Rath
This ancient fort is very old and has an interesting past.
What the Old Books Say
Mullaghreelan Rath is mentioned in old Irish writings. These old books talk about the "Kings of Reelan." This shows that the fort was an important place long ago. It might have been home to powerful leaders.
Discoveries at the Rath
Archaeologists have found some cool things near the fort.
- In 1854, a celt was found. A celt is an ancient tool, often shaped like an axe head. It was used for cutting or farming.
- In 1861, a burial urn from the Bronze Age was discovered nearby. A burial urn is a special pot used to hold the ashes of someone who died. This tells us people lived and were buried in this area thousands of years ago.