Ringfort

By Crusader1307

An early Middle Ages fortified settlement, they developed up to 1000 A.D. - when Castle development began in earnest. Primarily a large, circular (concurrent) wall, it had only one entrance in and out. Often without walkways, ladders had to be used to access the high walls (which had no protection for defenders there). Often supported by an earthen embankment or palisades encircling the Ringfort. Made of stone, some Ringforts had reinforced wooden timber on the inside (as braces). Although whole settlements could be built inside, some only had one or two structures built inside. These were used as military structures (armory, supply stores etc). Although not many examples survive, one fine example is The Greenan Ely Ringfort, County Donegal, Ireland.