Mooghaun Hillfort

A hillfort, less than three km from Newmarket-on-Fergus, with views of the river Fergus and the Shannon estuary. This hillfort dates to the late Bronze Age, with radiocarbon dating of the ramparts dating the final two decades of the 10^th century. The Discovery Programme, in conjunction with the North Munster Project, undertook both a survey and excavation of this site between 1992 and 1994. Over time the rebuilding accounts for differences in construction, especially with the cashel/fort construction.

It is suggested that the inner part of this hillfort, beyond the ramparts, was an area of sacredness where ceremonies and special gatherings took place. This site is also host to numerous other structures including a cairn, cashels/forts, enclosures and unenclosed round houses. The presence of these indicate that Mooghaun held authority and power, which is further reinforced by the gold hoard from this site now in the National Museum of Ireland and the British Museum. The hoard includes plain gold hoops, bracelets, ingots and torcs.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014