Cahers

Cahers are a type of ringfort found in Ireland. The term "caher" comes from the Irish word "cathair," meaning city or fortress. Cahers are typically circular or oval in shape and are characterized by their substantial stone walls. Unlike raths, which are often earthen banks, cahers are constructed entirely of stone.

These structures vary in size, from small enclosures to larger complexes with multiple baileys or internal divisions. The walls of a caher can be dry-stone, meaning they are built without mortar, or sometimes incorporate a lime-based mortar in their construction. They often feature a single entrance, sometimes with a passage. The purpose of cahers is generally believed to have been defensive, serving as homesteads or strongholds for chieftains or prominent families during the Iron Age and early medieval periods.

Archaeological evidence suggests that cahers were inhabited and utilized for various purposes, including domestic living, livestock enclosure, and as a symbol of status and power. The distribution of cahers across Ireland indicates regional preferences in their construction and location. While many are now in ruins, they remain significant archaeological sites, offering insights into Ireland's past and the lives of its ancient inhabitants. They are distinct from promontory forts, which are built on coastal cliffs, and hillforts, which are typically located on hilltops.