ráth

Ráth is an Irish word that has had significant historical and archaeological meaning. It is commonly translated as "fort" or "enclosure" and typically refers to a type of Iron Age or early medieval defensive settlement found throughout Ireland. These structures are characterized by one or more concentric earthen ramparts and ditches. The area enclosed by these ramparts could vary considerably in size, from small domestic enclosures to larger, more prominent strongholds.

The term ráth is often used interchangeably with other related terms like lios, caiseal, and dún, although subtle distinctions in their construction and purpose may exist. Ráths were typically built on hilltops or elevated ground to provide a strategic advantage. They served as residences for chieftains and their retinues, as well as defensive fortifications against rival clans or invaders. Within the ráth, various structures would have existed, including houses, workshops, and storage facilities.

Archaeological excavations of ráths have revealed a wealth of information about the daily lives, social structures, and technological capabilities of the people who inhabited them. Evidence of agriculture, metalworking, and pottery production has been found, painting a picture of self-sufficient communities. The distribution of ráths across the landscape provides insights into patterns of settlement and territorial control in pre-Christian and early Christian Ireland. Many townlands in Ireland retain names derived from ráths, such as Rathfarnham or Rathmines, attesting to their enduring presence in the historical record and the cultural landscape.