After our explorations at Coolavin House (see previous post) we decided to visit Clogher Stone Fort. Just down the road it is on the lands of the Coolavin Estate.
The entrance is under the stone arch and through this lovely iron gate. I believe this is called a kissing gate.
A short walk through an area with some lovely trees…mostly Beeches…brings one to the fort.
Sitting atop the hill in all it’s glory is the ancient fort.
The walls are 15 feet thick and about 10 feet high. It would have taken a lot of labour to build this so it would have belonged to a fairly wealthy family. It is estimated to have been built about 2,000 years ago.
It would have been built for defensive purposes. ..the family living in huts within the compound. Amazing to think that 2,000 years ago our ancestors would have been climbing these steps to survey the countryside for friend or foe on the horizon.
There are 2 souterrains within the fort. Souterrains are believed to have been used to store perishable foodstuffs and as hiding places during raids. These ones are also said to lead on to tunnels which emerge about a mile away.
We really had a lovely time here amongst the trees and the stones…two of my favourite things.
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