Discover Barroe: Ringfort and Historic Traces

Barroe is a destination whose character is shaped by archaeological evidence and historic map entries. Its main features are ringfort SLO15-002, enclosure SLO14-026 and the historic traces of Barroe House. For regional orientation, Barroe lies northeast of Sligo City on the N16 National Primary Route.

Ringfort and Enclosure in the Landscape

Barroe Ringfort SLO15-002 lies at the northeastern end of a broad ridge running from northeast to southwest. The slope there descends gently to the north-northwest; the surrounding area is undulating pastureland. The ringfort has a raised circular area measuring 32 metres in diameter. It is enclosed by a broad, low, flattened bank of earth and stone. The ridge, slope direction and pastureland describe the landscape setting; the area and bank define the monument’s form.

Enclosure SLO14-026 is a separate historic feature. It was shown as an oval enclosure on the 1837 OS six-inch map, but was no longer marked on the 1940 edition. No remains are visible above ground. For the enclosure, the differing map editions and the absence of visible remains are therefore the main points, while the ringfort’s distinctive features are its raised area and bank.

Historic Traces of Barroe House

Barroe House also appears on historic maps: the two-storey dwelling was originally shown on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey map of 1837. Barroe House had an outbuilding, which was shown on that first edition and noted on the third edition of 1909–1912. The map references relate to two different structures: the dwelling and its outbuilding. Together with the ringfort and enclosure, they offer insight into different kinds of historic traces in Barroe.

Barroe is part of a concentration of ringforts and enclosures across several townlands in the study area. The archaeological theme therefore extends beyond a single monument: ringforts and enclosures are also found in the wider landscape.

More to Explore in County Sligo

County Sligo offers additional cultural themes in its own regional context. Carrowmore is Ireland’s largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs; more than 30 surviving monuments are almost 6,000 years old. Sligo Abbey is a Dominican friary with extensive surviving medieval remains of the church, sacristy and chapter house. At Streedagh Beach, the Spanish Armada Visitor Centre presents recovered artefacts and immersive exhibitions about the wreck and its sole survivor. Check the Visitor Centre’s current opening arrangements before travelling. At the Carrowkeel megalithic complex, visitors may explore the tombs, which are more than 5,000 years old, but must not climb on or damage them. These examples span Neolithic monuments, medieval architectural history and exhibitions about the Armada.

Coast and Landscape in County Sligo

The landscape has plenty of variety too. Streedagh Beach is a 3 km-long sandy beach connecting Streedagh Point with Connor’s Island. Its dunes and estuary support a rich variety of flora and fauna. Surfing and windsurfing are possible in the coastal waters; stand-up paddleboarding takes place in the sheltered estuary. Check sea conditions before taking part in activities. Mullaghmore Head is a well-known surf spot in County Sligo and also has a coastal walking route; local conditions should be considered here too. Coney Island requires a different kind of planning: at low tide, a 5 km causeway leads there from Rosses Point by car or on foot. As access depends on the tide, it is advisable to check conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Tobercurry, Curry, Ballygawley, Derry, Derrybeg, Drumcliff, Aclare, Carney

For the wider travel overview: County Sligo.