Knock Rath

Just back from a fab day out in the field with R & F and the weather was kind, the hail holding off until we were on our way home. As always, a strong coffee and large scone before we headed off towards Cappeen and a look at a trivalleted ringfort - pretty impressive, the banks were huge and rather nicely covered in bluebells and primroses.  On to Rossmore where a towerhouse beckoned but first a quick leap out to inspect a smaller ringfort or rath at the side of the road. A rather nice one, very picturesque with hawthorns and an old rusty bit farm of farm machinery. Those large stones in the background are three boulder burials, and the stones were colossal. In the centre was a blocked up souterrain - underground chamber.
Next stop, an old church and interesting graveyard - disappointingly no sign of the holy well which had once been just outside the walls. A quick look in Rossmore itself - not much happening but this huge and slightly dilapidated grotto and an enormous peach coloured church. Back in the car and we ended up down a tiny track wondering how to get to the towerhouse which looked to be across several fields, the route pretty bramble-filled. We persevered and saw a hare and a frog. The towerhouse was a fine one but the entrance was barred. A great spot though, built onto a rocky pinnacle, thick walls, spy holes and murder holes galore. Great day.