Ballyallaban ringfort

Ballyallaban is a circular earthen fort near Ballyvaughan in County Clare with a surrounding water-filled moat. The inner enclosure spans roughly 30 meters across, while the outer edge including the moat extends to approximately 60 meters in diameter.

The ringfort dates to the medieval period when such fortified settlements were common across Ireland. The earth ramparts were built using soil and stone extracted from the surrounding moat.

The ringfort shows how medieval Irish communities organized their living spaces and defended themselves from threats. Visitors can observe how inhabitants adapted their settlement to the surrounding landscape and local conditions.

The site sits alongside the R480 road between Ballyvaughan and Leamaneh Castle and welcomes visitors year-round without restrictions. The ground around the ramparts can become muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is advisable when exploring.

Trees and shrubs now grow across much of the ramparts, softening the earthen structure with vegetation. The moat fills with rainwater, revealing how water management played a role in the original design.