Fairy forts (also known as lios or raths from the Irish, referring to an earthen mound) are the remains of stone circles, ringforts, hillforts, or other circular prehistoric dwellings in Ireland. [1] From possibly the late Iron Age to early Christian times, people built circular structures with earth banks or ditches.

Jan 6, 2025 · Explore fairy forts, where to find them, and why some people in Ireland – politicians included – still believe in the sites' ancient forces.

2 hours ago · From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, Brian O'Connell takes a tour of fairy forts in west Clare. Ringforts date from a time broadly spanning from the Iron Age to the early medieval period ...

Feb 24, 2024 · Known as fairy forts, these structures are scattered throughout the land and stand as a testament to the enduring power of Celtic mythology.

Aug 9, 2017 · As the 1937-39 Schools' Collection of the National Folkore Archives makes abundantly clear every community in Ireland believed until recently in its local spirits, who lived in the surrounding...

Aug 28, 2024 · Now, if you ever find yourself in Ireland, don’t just skip over a fairy fort thinking it’s a mere ancient ruin. This is sacred ground layered with centuries of stories, from lost magical races to hidden treasures guarded by mischievous sprites.

Nov 15, 2024 · Fairy forts in Ireland, known locally as raths or lios, are ancient, mystical sites scattered across the lush landscapes. These circular earthworks date back to the Iron Age and are steeped in folklore, often linked to the Aos Sí, Ireland's supernatural race. Visitors seek them out for their historical significance and enchanting stories.

Feb 2, 2023 · Built sometime around the sixth or seventh century, this ring fort is tucked between hills and farms in a remote corner of northwestern Ireland. Gareth Wray/CC BY-SA 4.0. Deep in western...

Apr 15, 2024 · Fairy forts, also known as raths, ringforts, or ring forts, are distinctive elements of the Irish landscape steeped in history and mythology. These ancient structures embody a deep connection with Ireland’s past, revealing the craftsmanship and defensive purposes of …

Sep 13, 2017 · Fairy forts, or raths in Gaelic, are the remains of ringforts, hillforts or other circular structures from ancient Celtic Ireland. Historical evidence indicates that the majority of these forts were built between the 6th and 10th centuries.