South Barrule Celtic Hillfort

South Barrule Celtic Iron Age Hillfort is the largest and thought to be earliest hillfort on the Isle of Man. It stands on the summit of South Barrule (Baarool Jiass) which at its highest point is 1,585 feet above sea level. Enclosed within an inner stone faced rampart were enclosed some 85 or more huts. The site is enclosed by an outer rampart around the summit. Although there have been limited excavations of the site a radiocarbon date of a hearth in one hut gave a date of around 524 BC.

The site is very exposed and some bleak weather conditions must have been experienced by the occupants. However, the forts defensive position cannot be questioned. It also has commanding views of the whole of the south of the Island. The smaller hillfort of Cronk Sumark in the north of the Isle of Man also has a strong strategic position with commanding views. Forts such as these demonstrate the need for protection against a real threat that must have been present during their occupation.

Our Visit

After driving north from Port St Mary and Port Erin we took the A36 (Sloc Road) at Ballagawne. We continued north to where the road crosses the A27 at what is known locally as the Round Table. Just a short distance south along the A27 there is a path to the summit of South Barrule. We undertook the steep climb to the site in early November 2012. It was late afternoon and dark threatening storm clouds rolled in from the Irish coast and across the smaller peak of Cronk-ny-Arrey-Lhaa to the southwest. However, the summit, which can often be shrouded in mist, remained clear. The views were spectacular. A cold strong wind made it difficult to stand upright. This ancient Celtic Iron Age Hillfort and South Barrule on which it stands is the subject of many Manx legends. It was said to be the stronghold of Manannán, the Celtic Sea God and ruler of the Isle of Man. Manx people paid homage to him on this site on Midsummers Day and some still do.

There is a particular feel about this site. We were the only people on the summit and it was getting dark as we picked our way down the hill side. At the bottom of the hill we turned to look back and were surprised to see a lone figure on the hilltop silhouetted against the sky. A mystery.