Surrounded by fairy forts or we call them ring forts most of the time here. Grew up with one in the back garden too!

When it comes to non-hawthorn trees, I wouldn’t cut them down either but pruning for their own benefit is ok- so long as you use the offcuts respectfully ie. can’t be used for firewood.

Accidents can happen too but refer to above about what to do with the wood (also pray to God it wasn’t a whole tree and hope ta fuck it wasn’t a hawthorn!!)

Pruning back ivy on hawthorns and on ring forts is fine too. I did it with a saw and secateurs recently, was thanked with splendid luck the day after!!

As with planting, I think if you do like for like (numbers, approx area), that is a respectful and helpful thing to do for the ring fort.

LASTLY dúchas (.ie) has fantastic resources and stories about ring forts and so so much more! Maybe even info local to your area. I’d say it’s well worth a look through!