Cahercommaun Triple Ringfort
Cahercommane · Cahercommaun Cashel
Early Medieval (8th–14th century CE) over Late Neolithic traces·Gaelic Early Medieval (Eoghanacht / Dalcassian)·🇮🇪 County Clare, The Burren (Kilnaboy), Ireland
About
About Cahercommaun Triple Ringfort
Massive triple-ring stone cashel perched on inland cliff spur at southeast edge of the Burren limestone plateau near Kilnaboy, Co. Clare. Three concentric limestone walls (inner 5 m high) enclose 8th–10th century CE settlement with 13 house platforms, souterrain and annexes, overlying Late Neolithic deposits. Excavated 1934 by Hugh O'Neill Hencken revealing bone, ironwork, pottery and silver brooches indicating high-status Early Medieval (Eoghanacht) residence. Later re-fortified in 14th century O'Brien period. Dramatic scree slope below cliff face contains collapsed wall debris.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why triple walls on seemingly impregnable cliff site
- 02Extent and nature of Neolithic activity sealed beneath Medieval layers
Theories
- 01Cahercommaun as royal site of Burren kingship before O'Brien takeover
- 02Triple enclosure reflects status layering — inner chiefly core, outer client shelters
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Primary triple rampart c. 830–900 CE; Neolithic activity c.3000 BCE
- Period
- Early Medieval (8th–14th century CE) over Late Neolithic traces
- Culture
- Gaelic Early Medieval (Eoghanacht / Dalcassian)
- Purpose
- Elite ringfort settlement; tribal chieftain residence controlling Burren passes
- Excavation
- Excavated
Primary triple rampart c. 830–900 CE; Neolithic activity c.3000 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1391 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
53.0147° N · 9.0706° W · 280 m · 3 mapped features
Inner Cashel Wall
wallInnermost 5.4 m high drystone cashel enclosing house platforms and souterrain entrance
53.0147° N · 9.0706° WSouterrain
souterrainUnderground stone-lined passage within cashel for refuge/storage
53.0147° N · 9.0706° WOuter Second and Third Ramparts
rampartTwo outer concentric walls stepping down cliff spur
53.0146° N · 9.0707° W
Gallery