The Burren: Forts of the Burren

There must have been a great concentration of habitation in the Burren as the 1500 or so stone forts (cahers and cashels) and a couple of earthen raths scattered throughout the area can testify. Most of these are obviously of a domestic nature but some such as Ballykinvarga with its defensive surrounding 'chevaux de frise' must have been extremely important as was Cahercommane, a triple-ramparted fort sited on the edge of a vertical cliff. The fort at Cahermacnaghten has a diameter of 100 ft and was one of Ireland's most famous law schools, run by the O'Davoren family where the old Irish Brehon Laws were taught.

The Burren: Forts of the Burren
Ballykinvarga Cahercommane There must have been a great concentration of habitation in the Burren as the 1500 or so stone forts (cahers and cashels) and a couple of earthen raths scattered throughout the area can testify. Most of these are obviously of a domestic nature but some such as Ballykinvarga with its defensive surrounding 'chevaux de frise' must have been extremely important as was Cahercommane, a triple-ramparted fort sited on the edge of a vertical cliff. The fort at Cahermacnaghten has a diameter of 100 ft and was one of Ireland's most famous law schools, run by the O'Davoren family where the old Irish Brehon Laws were taught.		An Rath, Ballyallaban
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