List of hillforts in Ireland
The landscape of Ireland is dotted with many hillforts. These are classically defined as small hilltop settlements fortified with earthworks, but many are not located on hills, and probably did not function as forts. Their function is unclear; although conventionally interpreted as defensive fortifications and centres of economic political power, there is little evidence that they were ever attacked, and more recent scholarship has suggested that they may be better interpreted as monuments. Many of Ireland's hillforts are promontory forts on the coasts.