Rath

/ræð/ noun

Definition

An ancient Irish hill fort or fortified residence, usually circular and surrounded by earthen or stone walls.

Etymology

From Irish 'rath' or 'ráthi,' describing specific Iron Age defensive structures unique to Ireland. The word is used in place names throughout Ireland like Rathnew and Rathmore.

Kelly Says

Raths are real archaeological sites—hundreds still exist in Ireland, and they're time capsules of Iron Age life. The circular earth ramparts are so distinctive that you can spot them from satellite photos, making them Ireland's hidden archaeological signature!

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