South Armagh ancient boundary preserved by agri-environment schemes

Situated in the drumlins of South Armagh near Silverbridge lies a man-made boundary estimated to be over 2000 years old. This ancient boundary is called the Dorsey, which is the name given to two parallel lines of large trench like earthworks running east to west about 4000 metres in length and 300 metres apart with sections flanking either end.  

The name Dorsey comes from the Irish dorsa” meaning doors or gates and refers to the passes through the earthworks.  It is thought they were constructed to protect the important ancient routeway leading from the Plain of Louth to Armagh by people who regarded Navan Fort as their capital.

Two sections of the southern trenches have survived particularly well. One farmer who owns part of it is Mr Michael Hanratty. Michael joined the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme over 10 years ago and is managing this important archaeological feature as part of his agreement. This involved fencing it off to control grazing and removing any scrub or unstable trees to prevent damage.  

With the assistance of agri-environment schemes, this site along with another 1300 various types of archaeological features are being preserved for future generations.

Further information on agri-environment schemes can be obtained from Countryside Management staff at local DARD offices.