Its #HillfortsWednesday & i just got back from doing a lap of Ireland 🇮🇪
& we need to talk about all the ringforts!
a🧵👇
& we need to talk about all the ringforts!
a🧵👇
May 20, 2026 at 6:36 AM
Its #HillfortsWednesday & i just got back from doing a lap of Ireland 🇮🇪
& we need to talk about all the ringforts!
a🧵👇
& we need to talk about all the ringforts!
a🧵👇
Just couldn't contain myself til #HillfortsWednesday to squeeeee about all the ringforts! 😭😭
Ireland is the most ridiculous country & what an incredible wealth of ancient places on its south west coast! Heading out for more today
Ireland is the most ridiculous country & what an incredible wealth of ancient places on its south west coast! Heading out for more today
May 16, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Just couldn't contain myself til #HillfortsWednesday to squeeeee about all the ringforts! 😭😭
Ireland is the most ridiculous country & what an incredible wealth of ancient places on its south west coast! Heading out for more today
Ireland is the most ridiculous country & what an incredible wealth of ancient places on its south west coast! Heading out for more today
And the archaeology of archaeology: notebooks on ringforts, 1911, belonging to Harry Tempest
January 8, 2026 at 8:32 PM
And the archaeology of archaeology: notebooks on ringforts, 1911, belonging to Harry Tempest
Who's ready for Forest Pixie Fall?
We're collecting shiny rocks to spruce up our ringforts, splashing through moonlit puddles, and luring hunters so deep into the woods that they'll never find their way back.
We're collecting shiny rocks to spruce up our ringforts, splashing through moonlit puddles, and luring hunters so deep into the woods that they'll never find their way back.
October 5, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Who's ready for Forest Pixie Fall?
We're collecting shiny rocks to spruce up our ringforts, splashing through moonlit puddles, and luring hunters so deep into the woods that they'll never find their way back.
We're collecting shiny rocks to spruce up our ringforts, splashing through moonlit puddles, and luring hunters so deep into the woods that they'll never find their way back.
Ireland has about 60,000 recorded ringforts.
Archaeology: mostly early medieval farmsteads.
Folklore: homes of the fairies. Disturb one and bad luck may follow.
Did superstition help preserve some archaeological sites?
Possibly.
Either way, I'm not cutting down the tree.
#BookSky
#Ireland
#RingForts
Archaeology: mostly early medieval farmsteads.
Folklore: homes of the fairies. Disturb one and bad luck may follow.
Did superstition help preserve some archaeological sites?
Possibly.
Either way, I'm not cutting down the tree.
#BookSky
#Ireland
#RingForts
September 28, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Ireland has about 60,000 recorded ringforts.
Archaeology: mostly early medieval farmsteads.
Folklore: homes of the fairies. Disturb one and bad luck may follow.
Did superstition help preserve some archaeological sites?
Possibly.
Either way, I'm not cutting down the tree.
#BookSky
#Ireland
#RingForts
Archaeology: mostly early medieval farmsteads.
Folklore: homes of the fairies. Disturb one and bad luck may follow.
Did superstition help preserve some archaeological sites?
Possibly.
Either way, I'm not cutting down the tree.
#BookSky
#Ireland
#RingForts
Chatting to Gemma #WLRFM tomorrow 1.30pm about some of our local Ringforts. There are over 450 recorded #Ringforts in Waterford (National Monuments -Service Sites & Monuments Record) Drone photos from our visit to Ringforts in Kilbrien (1/2) & Middlequarter (3/4) Co #Waterford by John Foley
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December 3, 2024 at 10:48 PM
Chatting to Gemma #WLRFM tomorrow 1.30pm about some of our local Ringforts. There are over 450 recorded #Ringforts in Waterford (National Monuments -Service Sites & Monuments Record) Drone photos from our visit to Ringforts in Kilbrien (1/2) & Middlequarter (3/4) Co #Waterford by John Foley
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Matt Stout's map indicating the widespread distribution of over 47,000 early medieval ringforts - raths, cashels and enclosures throughout Ireland. There are also at least c.2,000 crannógs, and c.5,500 early medieval church sites, and probably 1000s of early medieval burial or cemetery sites)
October 19, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Matt Stout's map indicating the widespread distribution of over 47,000 early medieval ringforts - raths, cashels and enclosures throughout Ireland. There are also at least c.2,000 crannógs, and c.5,500 early medieval church sites, and probably 1000s of early medieval burial or cemetery sites)
Interesting fact? The idea of ringforts being “fairy forts” is a very modern phenomenon, post 1800. People knew well they were Gaelic residences up until 17th century, after which they were “forgotten” (similarly crannogs, used until 1602). Societies actively “forget” no longer useful information.
July 16, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Interesting fact? The idea of ringforts being “fairy forts” is a very modern phenomenon, post 1800. People knew well they were Gaelic residences up until 17th century, after which they were “forgotten” (similarly crannogs, used until 1602). Societies actively “forget” no longer useful information.
The superstitions and mysteries around Ireland's 'fairy forts'.
@marionmcgarry.bsky.social on how many Irish ringforts were associated in the recent past with supernatural happenings www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
@marionmcgarry.bsky.social on how many Irish ringforts were associated in the recent past with supernatural happenings www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
The superstitions and mysteries around Ireland's 'fairy forts'
In the recent past in rural Ireland, many ringforts were associated with fairy activity and supernatural happenings
www.rte.ie
April 16, 2025 at 9:49 AM
The superstitions and mysteries around Ireland's 'fairy forts'.
@marionmcgarry.bsky.social on how many Irish ringforts were associated in the recent past with supernatural happenings www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
@marionmcgarry.bsky.social on how many Irish ringforts were associated in the recent past with supernatural happenings www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
The King's Fort • Derry
This is one of the best preserved ringforts in Ulster.
It likely dates to some time between the 6th-11th century.
It is situated on the southern slopes of Benbradagh, commanding spectacular views over Drumsurn in County Derry.
#SpéirGhorm #Archaeology 🏺
This is one of the best preserved ringforts in Ulster.
It likely dates to some time between the 6th-11th century.
It is situated on the southern slopes of Benbradagh, commanding spectacular views over Drumsurn in County Derry.
#SpéirGhorm #Archaeology 🏺
March 19, 2025 at 7:27 PM
The King's Fort • Derry
This is one of the best preserved ringforts in Ulster.
It likely dates to some time between the 6th-11th century.
It is situated on the southern slopes of Benbradagh, commanding spectacular views over Drumsurn in County Derry.
#SpéirGhorm #Archaeology 🏺
This is one of the best preserved ringforts in Ulster.
It likely dates to some time between the 6th-11th century.
It is situated on the southern slopes of Benbradagh, commanding spectacular views over Drumsurn in County Derry.
#SpéirGhorm #Archaeology 🏺
Eksploracja okolicy.
Irlandzka epoka żelaza to czas, w którym krajobraz wyspy został usiany tysiącami kolistych osad obronnych, znanych jako ráth/ringforts. Nie były to zamki w sensie militarnym, lecz ufortyfikowane gospodarstwa rolne, chroniące to, co dla ówczesnych ludzi było najcenniejsze-bydło.
Irlandzka epoka żelaza to czas, w którym krajobraz wyspy został usiany tysiącami kolistych osad obronnych, znanych jako ráth/ringforts. Nie były to zamki w sensie militarnym, lecz ufortyfikowane gospodarstwa rolne, chroniące to, co dla ówczesnych ludzi było najcenniejsze-bydło.
May 13, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Eksploracja okolicy.
Irlandzka epoka żelaza to czas, w którym krajobraz wyspy został usiany tysiącami kolistych osad obronnych, znanych jako ráth/ringforts. Nie były to zamki w sensie militarnym, lecz ufortyfikowane gospodarstwa rolne, chroniące to, co dla ówczesnych ludzi było najcenniejsze-bydło.
Irlandzka epoka żelaza to czas, w którym krajobraz wyspy został usiany tysiącami kolistych osad obronnych, znanych jako ráth/ringforts. Nie były to zamki w sensie militarnym, lecz ufortyfikowane gospodarstwa rolne, chroniące to, co dla ówczesnych ludzi było najcenniejsze-bydło.
Many ringforts still exist today, thanks to the care of so many landowners across the island.
In some cases, ringforts have been preserved due to their association with the fairies, and the fear that ill-luck would befall anyone who damaged a monument.
In some cases, ringforts have been preserved due to their association with the fairies, and the fear that ill-luck would befall anyone who damaged a monument.
July 16, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Many ringforts still exist today, thanks to the care of so many landowners across the island.
In some cases, ringforts have been preserved due to their association with the fairies, and the fear that ill-luck would befall anyone who damaged a monument.
In some cases, ringforts have been preserved due to their association with the fairies, and the fear that ill-luck would befall anyone who damaged a monument.
The superstitions and mysteries around Ireland's 'fairy forts'. Many ringforts in rural Ireland were associated with fairy activity and supernatural happenings in the recent past, writes @marionmcgarry.bsky.social ATU www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2... #Halloween
October 29, 2025 at 12:31 PM
The superstitions and mysteries around Ireland's 'fairy forts'. Many ringforts in rural Ireland were associated with fairy activity and supernatural happenings in the recent past, writes @marionmcgarry.bsky.social ATU www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2... #Halloween
The King's Fort • Derry
This is one of the best preserved ringforts in Ulster. It likely dates to some time between the 6th—12th century.
It is situated on the southern slopes of Benbradagh, commanding spectacular views over Drumsurn in County Derry.
#SpéirGhorm #Ireland #Archaeology #Derry
This is one of the best preserved ringforts in Ulster. It likely dates to some time between the 6th—12th century.
It is situated on the southern slopes of Benbradagh, commanding spectacular views over Drumsurn in County Derry.
#SpéirGhorm #Ireland #Archaeology #Derry
February 18, 2026 at 6:34 PM
The King's Fort • Derry
This is one of the best preserved ringforts in Ulster. It likely dates to some time between the 6th—12th century.
It is situated on the southern slopes of Benbradagh, commanding spectacular views over Drumsurn in County Derry.
#SpéirGhorm #Ireland #Archaeology #Derry
This is one of the best preserved ringforts in Ulster. It likely dates to some time between the 6th—12th century.
It is situated on the southern slopes of Benbradagh, commanding spectacular views over Drumsurn in County Derry.
#SpéirGhorm #Ireland #Archaeology #Derry
Excellent in principle but with mild Ivereagh Peninsula denialism. Don't miss Cahersiveen (fish and chips at QCs, ringforts 2 miles from town), or the food at Renards Point). Drive to Valentia to see the first transatlantic cable. Skelligs chocolate for the kids and island itself (beware heavy seas)
New, from me:
Everything seems awful, but Co. Kerry, Ireland is great. A photo essay on what to do if you visit (especially for Killarney and Dingle). Replies are open, so please add your own suggestions.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/welcome-to...
Everything seems awful, but Co. Kerry, Ireland is great. A photo essay on what to do if you visit (especially for Killarney and Dingle). Replies are open, so please add your own suggestions.
donmoynihan.substack.com/p/welcome-to...
Welcome to Kerry
Why you should visit the best county in Ireland
donmoynihan.substack.com
August 23, 2026 at 1:14 PM
Excellent in principle but with mild Ivereagh Peninsula denialism. Don't miss Cahersiveen (fish and chips at QCs, ringforts 2 miles from town), or the food at Renards Point). Drive to Valentia to see the first transatlantic cable. Skelligs chocolate for the kids and island itself (beware heavy seas)
This week on the podcast! Thanks so much to @shazarch.bsky.social for chatting to us about the importance of historians and archaeologists working together to fully understand the medieval world. Ringforts, Killeen Cormac, cattle, sheep, pollen, 'remote' islands etc! open.spotify.com/episode/2xtM...
The Material World of Medieval Ireland with Dr Sharon Greene
open.spotify.com
December 6, 2024 at 10:17 AM
This week on the podcast! Thanks so much to @shazarch.bsky.social for chatting to us about the importance of historians and archaeologists working together to fully understand the medieval world. Ringforts, Killeen Cormac, cattle, sheep, pollen, 'remote' islands etc! open.spotify.com/episode/2xtM...
A doorway into our past.
An Cathair Mór, the Big Fort.
#history #archeology #irishhistory #ringforts #theburren #clare #Ireland.
An Cathair Mór, the Big Fort.
#history #archeology #irishhistory #ringforts #theburren #clare #Ireland.
February 11, 2026 at 3:38 AM
A doorway into our past.
An Cathair Mór, the Big Fort.
#history #archeology #irishhistory #ringforts #theburren #clare #Ireland.
An Cathair Mór, the Big Fort.
#history #archeology #irishhistory #ringforts #theburren #clare #Ireland.
We learned about Beehive Huts and Fairy Ringforts
July 17, 2023 at 11:01 PM
We learned about Beehive Huts and Fairy Ringforts
imagine the catastrophic levels of narcissistic ignorance you'd need to believe, and assert, that only Irish people have ever interpreted ancient ruins as folkloric objects
August 22, 2026 at 2:20 PM
imagine the catastrophic levels of narcissistic ignorance you'd need to believe, and assert, that only Irish people have ever interpreted ancient ruins as folkloric objects
#HillfortsWednesday Ringforts are so bizarrely circular they almost don't seem real to me...
I think this one shows what I mean... Chûn Castle near Penzance in #Cornwall
📸 By user Horatio on Megalithic Portal
🏺 #archaeology #aerialarchaeology #photooftheday
I think this one shows what I mean... Chûn Castle near Penzance in #Cornwall
📸 By user Horatio on Megalithic Portal
🏺 #archaeology #aerialarchaeology #photooftheday
September 10, 2025 at 9:27 AM
#HillfortsWednesday Ringforts are so bizarrely circular they almost don't seem real to me...
I think this one shows what I mean... Chûn Castle near Penzance in #Cornwall
📸 By user Horatio on Megalithic Portal
🏺 #archaeology #aerialarchaeology #photooftheday
I think this one shows what I mean... Chûn Castle near Penzance in #Cornwall
📸 By user Horatio on Megalithic Portal
🏺 #archaeology #aerialarchaeology #photooftheday
Today is something of a landmark for us, as it is our 4th anniversary of our Monument Monday newsletter.
Over the 208(!) editions we've included monuments from all over the island of Ireland. Covering everything from megalithic tombs, ringforts, monasteries, castles, and more!
#SpéirGhorm #Ireland
Over the 208(!) editions we've included monuments from all over the island of Ireland. Covering everything from megalithic tombs, ringforts, monasteries, castles, and more!
#SpéirGhorm #Ireland
March 24, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Today is something of a landmark for us, as it is our 4th anniversary of our Monument Monday newsletter.
Over the 208(!) editions we've included monuments from all over the island of Ireland. Covering everything from megalithic tombs, ringforts, monasteries, castles, and more!
#SpéirGhorm #Ireland
Over the 208(!) editions we've included monuments from all over the island of Ireland. Covering everything from megalithic tombs, ringforts, monasteries, castles, and more!
#SpéirGhorm #Ireland
🧵/8
...and Leacanabuaile Ringforts, only a couple of hundred yards from each other
also, an unusually plentiful supply of hares here, which sadly I didn't have the zoom to capture properly
#HillfortsWednesday
...and Leacanabuaile Ringforts, only a couple of hundred yards from each other
also, an unusually plentiful supply of hares here, which sadly I didn't have the zoom to capture properly
#HillfortsWednesday
May 20, 2026 at 8:07 AM
🧵/8
...and Leacanabuaile Ringforts, only a couple of hundred yards from each other
also, an unusually plentiful supply of hares here, which sadly I didn't have the zoom to capture properly
#HillfortsWednesday
...and Leacanabuaile Ringforts, only a couple of hundred yards from each other
also, an unusually plentiful supply of hares here, which sadly I didn't have the zoom to capture properly
#HillfortsWednesday
Ringforts which were once the site of human homes are now inhabited by fairies and some are used as entrance points to The Otherworld🧚🏻
It takes nothing for an excavator to destroy these magical pieces of Ireland's history and it is only the lingering sense of fear of repercussion that protects them
It takes nothing for an excavator to destroy these magical pieces of Ireland's history and it is only the lingering sense of fear of repercussion that protects them
November 10, 2024 at 1:30 PM
Ringforts which were once the site of human homes are now inhabited by fairies and some are used as entrance points to The Otherworld🧚🏻
It takes nothing for an excavator to destroy these magical pieces of Ireland's history and it is only the lingering sense of fear of repercussion that protects them
It takes nothing for an excavator to destroy these magical pieces of Ireland's history and it is only the lingering sense of fear of repercussion that protects them
“Danes’ Forts” is similar “forgetting” Ringforts were enclosed farmsteads dating to 6th-12th cent. AD. Cambrensis reported them abandoned in 13th, BUT in Gaelic west/NW, occupied throughout Middle Ages up to 17th cent. Irish people chose to “forget” them; post-1800 started to imagine “Danes’ Forts”
July 16, 2026 at 5:43 PM
“Danes’ Forts” is similar “forgetting” Ringforts were enclosed farmsteads dating to 6th-12th cent. AD. Cambrensis reported them abandoned in 13th, BUT in Gaelic west/NW, occupied throughout Middle Ages up to 17th cent. Irish people chose to “forget” them; post-1800 started to imagine “Danes’ Forts”
this is why i said NO ringforts. this is what Always happens. the fae come and they take the grain. they take the cooking oil. We are without sustinence once again due to your rampart fixation
July 4, 2023 at 6:09 PM
this is why i said NO ringforts. this is what Always happens. the fae come and they take the grain. they take the cooking oil. We are without sustinence once again due to your rampart fixation