Ringforts or Raths are perhaps the most numerous archaelogical monuments in Ireland. There are well over 30,000 shown on the ordnance survey maps. They consisted of a circular earthwork of vallum, sizes varied from c 65ft to c.200ft. (20m-63m) in diameter and occasionally there were two or even three concentric rings. From teh few excavated sites (c150 sites in all), it can be established that most were the farmsteads of early Christian times, though some were earlier and some continued to be occupied as late the 17th century.
The smaller enclosures would have accomodated a single family with its farm animals and out buildings and the earthworks would have given protection for the animals during the frequent inter-family cattle raids. The larger enclosures could well have accommodated family kindered groups (fine) which formed the basic unit of early Irish society. Only excavation of the site will give specific information on its use date.
Ringforts were built in the 7th and 8th centuries by the Danes with two or three circles of banks and ditches made of stone. Within these enclosures stood the ancient farmsteads of early Christian times. Lisnaraha (located 3 miles from Blarney) is one of the largest surviving Christian farmsteads in Ireland. Ballynaraha (located 5 miles from the village) is another ringfort. Please seek the permission of the landowner before entering lands.