Lisnabreeny Rath Castlereagh

This well preserved rath, or ring fort, is thought to have been built in the early Christian period between 500 and 1000 AD. The rath is the highest point in the Castlereagh Hills. Raths served as homesteads, providing protection for family and livestock from wild animals and warring neighbours. This fort would probably have had a simple dwelling within the protected area. The Lisnabreeny Rath gives the townland its name: in Irish ‘Lis’ means fort and ‘breeny’ means fairy, therefore ‘Lisnabreeny’ is said to mean ‘Fort of the fairy dwelling’.