Early Medieval Archealogy

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT
Investigating the character of early medieval archaeological excavations, 1970-2002
Aidan O'Sullivan and Lorcan Harney Report for The Heritage Council
January 2008
(Revised Edition)
AN C HOMHAIRLE O IDHREACHTA
T HE H ERITAGE C OUNC IL
UCD School of Archaeology
Early Medieval Archaeology Project: Investigating the character of early medieval archaeological excavations, 19702002
by Aidan OSullivan and Lorcan Harney, UCD School of Archaeology January 2008
Funded by The Heritage Council Archaeological Research Grants 2007 and UCD Seed Funding 2007 Scheme
Edited from Original Report for The Heritage Council
Contents
LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................VIII LIST OF FIGURES.....................................................................................................IX ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................XI PREFACE TO REEDITED EMAP REPORT................................................................ XII EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..........................................................................................XIII
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................. 1
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................1 THE EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT (EMAP).....................................1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF EMAP 1..................................................................2 SCOPE OF EMAP 1 .......................................................................................2 STRUCTURE OF EMAP 1 REPORT.....................................................................3 SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR EMAP1 ..........................................................3
Excavations Bulletin .................................................................................................. 3 Issues with the Excavations Bulletin ........................................................................... 4 Other Published Information ...................................................................................... 4
OTHER USEFUL SOURCES ...............................................................................5 THE LEGACY OF EARLY MEDIEVAL EXCAVATION .................................................5 LEGISLATION AND PROTECTED SITES AND MONUMENTS ......................................6 THE CHARACTER OF EARLY MEDIEVAL EXCAVATIONS ..........................................6
Consequences........................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2. DESIGNING THE EMAP DATABASE ................................. 9

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................9 THE SITE FORM IN THE EMAP 1 DATABASE .....................................................9
The Character of Potential Early Medieval Sites ......................................................... 9 EMAP Site Definition................................................................................................ 10 Early medieval sites in Rural Contexts.................................................................. 10 Early medieval sites in rural towns and villages.................................................... 11 Early medieval sites in HibernoNorse Towns ....................................................... 12 Site Classification: EMAP Class Field ......................................................................... 12 Site Categorisation: Category Field........................................................................... 12 Site Categorisation: Environs of Category Field ......................................................... 13 Locational Information ............................................................................................ 13 SMR Monument Numbers and Classes ...................................................................... 14 Synopsis ............................................................................................................... 14 Other Publications ................................................................................................. 15 Highly Significant ................................................................................................... 15 Significant ............................................................................................................. 15 General .................................................................................................................. 16 Uncertain................................................................................................................ 16 No Significance ....................................................................................................... 16 License Field Information......................................................................................... 16 Tick Boxes .............................................................................................................. 17 Activities................................................................................................................. 18 Monuments, Structures and Artefacts ....................................................................... 18 EMAP Stage 1 Data Collection .................................................................................. 18
SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA ...........................................................................15
LICENSE FORM .........................................................................................16
ASSESSING THE EXCAVATED MATERIAL ..........................................................18
Contents
DATABASE MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS ...........................19

EMAP Stage 1 Data Management ............................................................................. 19 EMAP Stage 1 Data Issues....................................................................................... 20 Potential Solutions .................................................................................................. 21 Locational and Licensespecific details ...................................................................... 22 Archaeological Bibliography ..................................................................................... 22
CHAPTER 3. THE CHARACTER OF EARLY MEDIEVAL EXCAVATIONS IN IRELAND, 19702002........................................................................ 23

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................23 EARLY MEDIEVAL EXCAVATIONS 19702002 .................................................23
THE RATE OF EXCAVATIONS UNDERTAKEN ANNUALLY BY ARCHAEOLOGICAL ORGANISATIONS IN IRELAND .......................................................................30
Early Medieval Excavations Annually 19702002........................................................ 23 Annual Excavations per County ................................................................................ 27 The Character and Scale of Excavations in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland .............................................................................................................................. 29 The Character and Scale of Excavations in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland .............................................................................................................................. 29
EXCAVATION TYPE ......................................................................................35 SIGNIFICANCE OF SITES ..............................................................................42 SCHEMES AND INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS ...................................................49 THE CHANGING CHARACTER OF EARLY MEDIEVAL EXCAVATIONS IN IRELAND, 1970 2002 .......................................................................................................54 WHAT EARLY MEDIEVAL SITES WERE EXCAVATED 19702002? A SUMMARY OF MAIN FINDINGS ..................................................................................................54 SITE CATEGORIES .......................................................................................54 EXCAVATED SITES, MONUMENTS AND STRUCTURES ..........................................57
University Excavations and associated Excavation Licenses........................................ 32 Statefunded Excavations and associated Excavation Licenses ................................... 33 Commercial Excavations and associated Excavation Licenses ..................................... 34 Excavation Types Annually....................................................................................... 36 Excavation Types per County ................................................................................... 40 Excavations Annually and Sites of Different Significance ............................................ 44 Significance of Sites per County ............................................................................... 47 Significance of Sites in which excavations were undertaken along Schemes/Projects ... 50 Excavations Types along Schemes/Projects .............................................................. 52
Excavated Site Categories........................................................................................ 55 Excavations environs of Site Category ...................................................................... 56
CHAPTER 4. EARLY MEDIEVAL DWELLINGS, SETTLEMENTS AND LANDSCAPES..................................................................................... 59

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................59 EARLY MEDIEVAL RURAL SETTLEMENT A.D. 4001170 .....................................59 EARLY MEDIEVAL CASHELS ...........................................................................61 EARLY MEDIEVAL RINGFORTS........................................................................62
Excavated Rural Settlement Sites 19702002 ............................................................ 60 Background ............................................................................................................ 61 EMAP Results.......................................................................................................... 61 Background ............................................................................................................ 62 Definition............................................................................................................ 62 EMAP and Ringforts Excavated 19702002................................................................ 63 Archaeological Significance of Excavated ringforts (incl. Raised and Platform)............. 64 Interpreting the archaeology of early medieval ringforts ............................................ 65 Origins and chronology........................................................................................ 65
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OTHER EARLY MEDIEVAL ENCLOSURES ............................................................75 THE EXCAVATED EVIDENCE FOR THE SOCIAL STATUS OF EARLY MEDIEVAL RINGFORTS ...............................................................................................................76
Morphology and form .......................................................................................... 66 Social and economic function............................................................................... 67 Distribution and siting ......................................................................................... 67 Stouts normative models of ringfort morphology and social hierarchies.................. 68 The Cultural Biographies of ringforts .................................................................... 69 Seeds of Doubt: Noncircular enclosures................................................................... 71 An appraisal of the evidence................................................................................ 72 Chronology and Occupation ................................................................................. 73 The Cultural Biographies of NonCircular Enclosures.............................................. 73 Size.................................................................................................................... 74 Topography ........................................................................................................ 74 Material Culture and Status.................................................................................. 74 A new settlement type or not? ............................................................................. 75
EARLY MEDIEVAL SETTLEMENT/CEMETERY SITES ..............................................78
Ringforts of low status social groups ........................................................................ 76 Ringforts of ordinary farmers ................................................................................... 77 Ringforts of nobility and prosperous farmers............................................................. 77 Early medieval royal sites ........................................................................................ 78 Introduction............................................................................................................ 78 Enclosure size and morphology ................................................................................ 79 The origins of the enclosed cemetery and settlement ................................................ 80 Chronology ............................................................................................................. 81 The Relationship between the Cemetery and Settlement ........................................... 81 Form and extent of settlement................................................................................. 83 The Extent of Burial Evidence .................................................................................. 83 Functions................................................................................................................ 83 Distribution............................................................................................................. 84 Definition................................................................................................................ 84 EMAP Survey and early medieval crannogs excavated 19702002 .............................. 85 Origins and Chronology ........................................................................................... 86 Distribution............................................................................................................. 87 Morphology and Construction .................................................................................. 87 Social and Economic Function .................................................................................. 87 Background ............................................................................................................ 89 EMAP survey and promontory forts excavated 19702002.......................................... 89 The social, economic and ideological role of early medieval promontory forts ............. 89 Background ............................................................................................................ 91 Distribution............................................................................................................. 91 EMAP survey and souterrains excavated 19702002 .................................................. 91 The chronology of souterrains.................................................................................. 92 Radiocarbon dating ............................................................................................. 92 Souterrains and building form: An indicator of possible date .................................. 93 Souterrains and Unenclosed Settlements .................................................................. 93 Souterrains and Ringforts ........................................................................................ 95 Souterrains and other enclosures ............................................................................. 96 Souterrains and cashels........................................................................................... 97 Souterrains and Promontory forts............................................................................. 97 Souterrains and Settlement/Cemetery Sites .............................................................. 97 Souterrains and Ecclesiastical Sites .......................................................................... 97 Associations with other sites .................................................................................... 98 Souterrains and the phasing of early medieval enclosed sites .................................... 99
EARLY MEDIEVAL CRANNOGS ........................................................................84
EARLY MEDIEVAL PROMONTORY FORTS ...........................................................89
EARLY MEDIEVAL SOUTERRAINS ....................................................................91
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EARLY MEDIEVAL UNENCLOSED SETTLEMENTS ................................................100

Background .......................................................................................................... 100 Rural Unenclosed Settlement Souterrains with no associated buildings .................... 100 Rural Unenclosed Settlement Souterrains with associated Buildings ........................ 101 Rural Unenclosed Settlements unenclosed sites with early medieval buildings and objects ................................................................................................................. 102 Rural unenclosed settlements within field systems .................................................. 104 Background .......................................................................................................... 105 EMAP survey and excavations of early medieval shell middens, 19702002 ............... 106 Homes of the Poor or Specialised Craftworking Sites?.............................................. 107 Background .......................................................................................................... 107 EMAP survey and excavated caves, 19702002 ....................................................... 107 Background .......................................................................................................... 108 Discussion and areas for future research ................................................................ 109 Background .......................................................................................................... 110 EMAP and Viking raiding periods: the archaeology of the early Viking Longphort....... 112 EMAP and the archaeology of the Viking/HibernoNorse Towns................................ 113 Viking/HibernoNorse town defences ...................................................................... 113 Viking rural settlements and the archaeology of Dyflinaskiri..................................... 114 Viking Age rural miscellaneous finds 19702002 ...................................................... 115 Other potential Viking/HibernoNorse coastal settlements........................................ 116 Conclusion and Areas of Research.......................................................................... 116 Background .......................................................................................................... 118 EMAP and early medieval rural buildings................................................................. 119 Previous research.............................................................................................. 119 EMAP rural building survey ................................................................................ 119 Early medieval rural buildings form and character ............................................ 120 Early medieval rural buildings shape................................................................... 121 Viking/HibernoNorse Buildings .............................................................................. 122 Previous Surveys............................................................................................... 122 EMAP Survey and Viking/HibernoNorse Buildings ............................................... 122 The character of Viking Type Buildings ............................................................... 123 EMAP Viking Type building results ...................................................................... 123 Conclusions .......................................................................................................... 125
EARLY MEDIEVAL UNENCLOSED COASTAL OCCUPATION SITES (SHELL MIDDENS)...105
EARLY MEDIEVAL OCCUPATION AND USE OF CAVES ..........................................107 THE ENIGMA OF EARLY MEDIEVAL SETTLEMENT AT THE END OF THE PERIOD? .......108 THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF VIKING SETTLEMENT, AD 8001200............................110
EARLY MEDIEVAL BUILDINGS ......................................................................118
CHAPTER 5. THE EARLY MEDIEVAL CHURCH ................................. 128

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................128
Early Ecclesiastical Research .................................................................................. 128 Swans Criteria for identification of early ecclesiastical sites ..................................... 129 Issues with Swans Criteria .................................................................................... 129 Additional Ecclesiastical Criteria.............................................................................. 130 Excavated Ecclesiastical Sites 19702002 ................................................................ 131 Distribution of Excavated Ecclesiastical Sites 19702002 .......................................... 131 Significance of Excavated Ecclesiastical Sites 19702002.......................................... 132 Excavated Ecclesiastical Structures 19702002 ........................................................ 133 The Origins and Location of Ecclesiastical Sites ....................................................... 134 Previous Research and the Development of Ecclesiastical Sites ................................ 135
EMAP SURVEY AND ECCLESIASTICAL ARCHAEOLOGY .......................................131
EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE EARLY IRISH CHURCH (59TH CENTURY A.D.) .....................................................................................................136
Enclosures ............................................................................................................ 136
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THE MONASTIC TOWN DEBATE ...................................................................138 THE EVIDENCE FOR PASTORAL CARE AND AGRICULTURAL ESTATES ...................140
Wooden Churches and Structures .......................................................................... 137 Agriculture, Craftworking and Pottery ..................................................................... 138 Conclusion............................................................................................................ 138 The debate a brief outline................................................................................... 138 How can archaeology contribute?........................................................................... 139 Background .......................................................................................................... 140 Mortared stone churches ....................................................................................... 140 Drystone churches in peninsular Kerry.................................................................... 140
EARLY MEDIEVAL CHURCH ARCHAEOLOGY FUTURE RESEARCH AREAS ................141 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................143 BACKGROUND ..........................................................................................143 BURYING THE DEAD IN EARLY MEDIEVAL IRELAND HOW WAS THE CORPSE TREATED? ...............................................................................................143 EARLY MEDIEVAL BURIAL AND THE USE OF ANNULAR BURIAL ENCLOSURES/RING TH DITCHES (57 CENTURY A.D.) ..................................................................145
CHAPTER 6. EARLY MEDIEVAL BURIALS AND CEMETERIES .......... 143
EARLY MEDIEVAL BURIALS AND STANDING STONES (57TH CENTURIES A.D.) .....149 EARLY MEDIEVAL MOUND BURIALS (57TH CENTURY A.D.) ...............................150
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 145 Early Medieval burial in Penannular Enclosures/RingDitches.................................... 145 Early Medieval Burial in Annular Enclosures/RingDitches......................................... 146 Early Medieval Burial in Ancient RingBarrows ......................................................... 147 The Origins and Chronology of the Iron Age/Early Medieval Annular Burial Enclosure 148 The abandonment of Iron Age/early medieval transition annular enclosures as we move on into the early medieval period ........................................................................... 149 The Evidence for Standing Stones and Iron Age/early medieval transition Burial ....... 149 Continuity of burial on into the early medieval period .............................................. 150 The Evidence for Transitional Mound Burials ........................................................... 150 Ad hoc burial and the concept of the burial mound ................................................ 151 Continuity of burial into the early medieval period................................................... 151
EARLY MEDIEVAL BURIAL AND PREHISTORIC MOUNDS AND CAIRNS (57TH CENTURY A.D.) .....................................................................................................152
ENCLOSURES AS FOCI OF EARLY BURIAL ........................................................153 EARLY MEDIEVAL UNENCLOSED CEMETERIES ..................................................154
The evidence for the reuse of prehistoric monuments by Iron Age/early medieval transition burials ................................................................................................... 152 Continuity into the early medieval period ................................................................ 153 The Evidence ........................................................................................................ 153 The evidence: unenclosed cemeteries .................................................................... 154 The evidence: unenclosed cemeteries located along gravel ridges/mounds ............... 155 Burial across the early medieval period................................................................... 155
UNDATED ENCLOSED CEMETERIES ...............................................................156 ISOLATED UNENCLOSED BURIALS ................................................................156 THE ANCESTRAL DEAD: INTERPRETING IRON AGE/EARLY MEDIEVAL TRANSITIONAL AND EARLY MEDIEVAL BURIAL PRACTICES .....................................................157
EARLY MEDIEVAL SETTLEMENT/CEMETERIES THE ENIGMATIC ROLE OF BURIAL GROUNDS WITHIN SETTLEMENTS .................................................................159
Burials in the landscape: natural landmarks and ferta cemeteries: hilltops, gravel ridges and waterways ..................................................................................................... 157 Who was buried? The burial rite............................................................................. 157 Early medieval AngloSaxon burials and contacts .................................................... 158
Reintroduction settlement/cemeteries size and morphology ................................. 159
Contents
EARLY MEDIEVAL ECCLESIASTICAL BURIAL GROUNDS THE EMERGING ROLE OF CHURCH GRAVEYARDS ...............................................................................162
Chronology ........................................................................................................... 160 The Relationship between the Cemetery and Settlement ......................................... 160 Early medieval settlement/cemeteries some emerging research questions ............. 161
VIKING/NORSE FURNISHED BURIAL PRACTICES .............................................165
Background .......................................................................................................... 162 The origins of Christian ecclesiastical cemeteries and their relationship with earlier ferta cemeteries............................................................................................................ 162 Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Cemeteries ................................................................. 164 EMAP survey and excavated early medieval ecclesiastical cemeteries ....................... 164 Significant Excavated Ecclesiastical Cemeteries ................................................... 164 Ecclesiastical Cemeteries and Burial Rites ........................................................... 165 Background .......................................................................................................... 165 Viking Burials in Viking/HibernoNorse Dyflin .......................................................... 166 Viking/Norse burials in Dyflinarskiri ........................................................................ 166 Viking/Norse burials in coastal and rural Ireland...................................................... 167 Viking/Norse Burial Rite ......................................................................................... 167 Viking Burial and Irish ecclesiastical Sites .............................................................. 167
THE LIVING AND DEAD IN EARLY MEDIEVAL IRELAND: SOME FUTURE RESEARCH AREAS .............................................................................................................168
The people of early medieval Ireland in life and death.......................................... 168
CHAPTER 7. EARLY MEDIEVAL AGRICULTURE AND ECONOMY ..... 170

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................170 SOURCES OF EVIDENCE ..............................................................................170 REINVENTING AGRICULTURE IN EARLY MEDIEVAL IRELAND ............................171
Livestock and Dairying .......................................................................................... 171 Archaeology of crop cultivation .............................................................................. 172 Interpreting early medieval agriculture ................................................................... 172
EMAP AND THE EVIDENCE FOR THE PLOUGH IN EARLY MEDIEVAL IRELAND .........173 EMAP AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION OF RIDGE AND FURROWS ..........174 EARLY MEDIEVAL HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL MILLS ......................................175 EARLY MEDIEVAL CORNDRYING KILNS .........................................................176
Previous Studies ................................................................................................... 174 EMAP survey and ridge and furrows ....................................................................... 174 Previous Studies ................................................................................................... 175 Background .......................................................................................................... 176 Function ............................................................................................................... 176 Kiln Types ............................................................................................................ 176 Early medieval kilns some chronological issues..................................................... 176 EMAP survey and early medieval kiln excavations.................................................... 177 Discussion of EMAP analyses of kilns ...................................................................... 179 Background .......................................................................................................... 180 Upland and Lowland Field Systems......................................................................... 181 EMAP survey and field systems and unenclosed settlements .................................... 181 EMAP survey, field systems/Enclosures and associated monuments ......................... 182 Isolated field systems/enclosures ........................................................................... 182 Previous Studies ................................................................................................... 183 EMAP survey and some potential early medieval burnt mounds................................ 184 Previous Excavations ............................................................................................. 184 EMAP survey and early medieval trackways ............................................................ 185 Research Areas ..................................................................................................... 185
EARLY MEDIEVAL FIELD SYSTEMS AND ENCLOSURES ........................................180
EARLY MEDIEVAL BURNT MOUNDS ..............................................................183 EARLY MEDIEVAL TRACKWAYS IN WETLANDS .................................................184
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EARLY MEDIEVAL COASTAL AND ESTUARINE FISHTRAPS ...................................186

Background .......................................................................................................... 186 Early medieval fishtraps......................................................................................... 186 Early medieval fishtraps on Strangford Lough ......................................................... 187 Early medieval fishtraps on the Shannon estuary .................................................... 188
CONCLUSIONS..........................................................................................188
CHAPTER 8. EARLY MEDIEVAL CRAFTS AND TECHNOLOGY A FOCUS ON IRONWORKING............................................................. 190

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................190 PREVIOUS STUDIES OF EARLY MEDIEVAL IRON WORKING .................................190
EMAP AND EXCAVATED EARLY MEDIEVAL IRONWORKING EVIDENCE ..................191
Background .......................................................................................................... 190 The Technological Process..................................................................................... 191 Sourcing and mining Iron Ore ............................................................................ 191 Charcoal Production .......................................................................................... 191 Smelting........................................................................................................... 191 Smithing........................................................................................................... 191 Excavated Sites..................................................................................................... 191 Excavated charcoal producing pits.......................................................................... 192 The EMAP Survey and Smelting and Smithing ......................................................... 193 Evidence for Smelting and Smithing ....................................................................... 193 Distribution of Excavated Sites............................................................................... 194 The context of early medieval ironworking.............................................................. 195 The economic and political context of early medieval ironworking ............................ 196 Isolated ironworking sites and modest settlements: The ironworking of the lower classes?................................................................................................................ 196 Iron Production and the Wellto do Farmer ............................................................. 197 Specialised iron working: ecclesiastical sites, royal sites and Viking towns ................ 198 The status of the blacksmith in early Irish society ................................................... 199
CHAPTER 9. EARLY MEDIEVAL TRADE AND EXCHANGE A FOCUS ON POTTERY ......................................................................................... 200
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................200 EMAP AND EXCAVATED POTTERY TYPES 19702002 ....................................200 NATIVE SOUTERRAIN WARE .......................................................................201
Background .......................................................................................................... 201 Previous Surveys and EMAP surveys....................................................................... 201 Distribution........................................................................................................... 202 Quantities............................................................................................................. 204 EMAP Results: Imported Ceramics (A.D. 400700) from excavated sites 19702002 as reported in the excavations bulletin........................................................................ 204 Distribution........................................................................................................... 205 High Status Settlements and Imported Wares......................................................... 205 Islands and Imported Ceramics.............................................................................. 206 Other Wares and Vessels....................................................................................... 206
EARLY MEDIEVAL IMPORTED POTTERY C. 400700 A.D. ................................203
CHAPTER 10. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES.............. 207

BACKGROUND ..........................................................................................207 SETTLEMENT AND LANDSCAPE .....................................................................207 CHURCH ..................................................................................................208 BURIAL ...................................................................................................209 AGRICULTURE ..........................................................................................209 CRAFTS AND TRADE & EXCHANGE ................................................................210
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EMAP STAGE 2: CHALLENGES FOR FUTURE DATA ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH ........210
APPENDIX 1: EXCAVATED SITES AND ASSOCIATED LICENSES ..... 212

EXCAVATED SITES AND ASSOCIATED LICENSES ..............................................212
APPENDIX 2: EARLY MEDIEVAL RINGFORTS, UNENCLOSED SETTLEMENTS AND ECCLESIASTICAL SITES .................................. 299
RINGFORT LIST ........................................................................................299 UNENCLOSED HABITATION SITES ................................................................305 EARLY MEDIEVAL ECCLESIASTICAL SITES .....................................................307
APPENDIX 3: GAZETEER OF SETTLEMENT/CEMETERY SITES ........ 318 APPENDIX 4: EXCAVATED EARLY MEDIEVAL BUILDINGS ............. 326
UNIDENTIFIED BUILDING TYPE...................................................................326 BUILDINGS (POST AND WATTLE) ................................................................329 BUILDINGS (SILLBEAM)...........................................................................336 BUILDINGS (SODWALLED) .......................................................................336 BUILDINGS (STONE) .................................................................................337 BUILDINGS (VIKING POST AND WATTLE) .....................................................339 BUILDING TYPE 1 (VIKING POST AND WATTLE) ............................................342 BUILDING TYPE 2 (VIKING POST AND WATTLE) ............................................344 BUILDING TYPE 3 (VIKING POST AND WATTLE) ............................................345 BUILDING TYPE 4 (VIKING SUNKEN FLOORED) .............................................345 BUILDING TYPE 5 (VIKING POST AND WATTLE) ............................................346 BUILDING TYPE 6 (VIKING SILLBEAM).......................................................347 BUILDING TYPE 7 (VIKING STONE) .............................................................347 STRUCTURE .............................................................................................347
APPENDIX 5: CEMETERY AND BURIAL SITES ................................ 351

CEMETERY/BURIAL SITE (57TH CENTURY A.D.)............................................351 CEMETERY OR BURIAL SITE (EARLY MEDIEVAL AND UNDATED) ........................353 ECCLESIASTICAL CEMETERY........................................................................355
BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................... 361 List of Tables

TABLE 1: EARLY MEDIEVAL EXCAVATIONS ANNUALLY 19702002............................................................. 24 TABLE 2: EARLY MEDIEVAL EXCAVATED SITES PER COUNTY 19702002................................................... 26 TABLE 3: EARLY MEDIEVAL EXCAVATIONS ANNUALLY PER COUNTY 19702002 ........................................ 27 TABLE 4: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EXCAVATIONS ANNUALLY 19702002 IN COUNTIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND.............................................................................................. 30 TABLE 5: EXCAVATIONS ANNUALLY PER ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTION 19702002 ................................ 31 TABLE 6: EXCAVATION LICENSES AND SITES EXCAVATED PER UNIVERSITY UNIT 19702002 ..................... 33 TABLE 7: EXCAVATION LICENSES AND SITES EXCAVATED PER GOVERNMENT BODY 19702002 ................. 33 TABLE 8: EXCAVATION LICENSES AND SITES EXCAVATED PER COMMERCIAL COMPANY 19702002............ 34 TABLE 9: ISSUED EXCAVATION LICENSE TYPES 19702002 ...................................................................... 36 TABLE 10: EXCAVATION TYPES ANNUALLY 19702002............................................................................. 37 TABLE 11: EXCAVATION TYPES PER COUNTY 19702002 ......................................................................... 40 TABLE 12: EARLY MEDIEVAL SIGNIFICANCE OF EMAP SITES 19702002 ................................................. 43 TABLE 13: EXCAVATIONS ANNUALLY ON SITES OF DIFFERENT SIGNIFICANCE ............................................. 44 TABLE 14: EARLY MEDIEVAL SIGNIFICANCE OF EXCAVATED SITES ............................................................. 47 TABLE 15: EXCAVATIONS ALONG SCHEMES AND PROJECTS 19702002..................................................... 50
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TABLE 16: SIGNIFICANCE OF SITES EXCAVATED ALONG SCHEMES AND PROJECTS........................................ 51 TABLE 17: EXCAVATION TYPES ALONG SCHEMES AND PROJECTS ................................................................ 52 TABLE 18: EMAP EXCAVATED SITE CATEGORIES ...................................................................................... 55 TABLE 19: EXCAVATION NEAR SITE CATEGORIES 19702002 ................................................................... 57 TABLE 20: EXCAVATED RURAL SETTLEMENTS 19702002 ........................................................................ 60 TABLE 21: EXCAVATED CASHELS 19702002 ........................................................................................... 61 TABLE 22: EXCAVATED RINGFORTS PER COUNTY 19702002................................................................... 64 TABLE 23: ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF EXCAVATED RINGFORTS ........................................... 65 TABLE 25: EXCAVATED CRANNOGS 19702002........................................................................................ 86 TABLE 26 EXCAVATED SOUTERRAIN SITES AND COUNTIES 19702002 ..................................................... 92 TABLE 27: EXCAVATED UNENCLOSED SOUTERRAINS 19702002 .............................................................. 95 TABLE 28: EXCAVATED RINGFORTS CONTAINING SOUTERRAINS 19702002 ............................................. 95 TABLE 29: OTHER EXCAVATED ENCLOSURES CONTAINING SOUTERRAINS 19702002................................. 96 TABLE 30: EXCAVATED CASHELS CONTAINING SOUTERRAINS 19702002 ................................................. 97 TABLE 32: EXCAVATED SETTLEMENT/CEMETERY SITES CONTAINING SOUTERRAINS .................................... 97 TABLE 33: EXCAVATED ECCLESIASTICAL SITES CONTAINING SOUTERRAINS 19702002 ............................ 98 TABLE 34: EXCAVATED SOUTERRAINS (19702002) AND SITE CATEGORIES ............................................. 98 TABLE 35: EXCAVATED VIKING SITES 19702002.................................................................................. 111 TABLE 36: EXCAVATED VIKING TOWN DEFENCES 19702002................................................................. 113 TABLE 37: EXCAVATED RURAL BUILDINGS 19702002 ........................................................................... 120 TABLE 38: EXCAVATED VIKING BUILDINGS 19702002 .......................................................................... 125 TABLE 39: EXCAVATED ECCLESIASTICAL SITES 19702002 .................................................................... 131 TABLE 40: DISTRIBUTION OF EXCAVATED ECCLESIASTICAL SITES 19702002 ........................................ 131 TABLE 41: SIGNIFICANCE OF EXCAVATED EARLY MEDIEVAL ECCLESIASTICAL SITES .................................. 132 TABLE 42: EXCAVATED ECCLESIASTICAL STRUCTURES 19702002.......................................................... 133 TABLE 43: EXCAVATED RIDGE AND FURROW 19702002 ....................................................................... 174 TABLE 44: EXCAVATED CORNDRYING KILN TYPES 19702002............................................................... 177 TABLE 45: EXCAVATED POSSIBLE EARLY MEDIEVAL CORNDRYING KILNS 19702002 ............................. 178 TABLE 46: MONUMENTS WITH ASSOCIATED FIELD DIVISIONS/ENCLOSURES ............................................. 182 TABLE 47: EXCAVATED IRONWORKING EVIDENCE PER COUNTY 19702002............................................ 194 TABLE 48: EXCAVATED IRONWORKING EVIDENCE AND SITE CATEGORIES 19702002 ............................. 195 TABLE 48: LICENSES AND SITES WITH EARLY MEDIEVAL POTTERY WARE 19702002............................. 200 TABLE 49: QUANTITY OF SITES PER COUNTY CONTAINING IDENTIFIED SOUTERRAIN WARE 19702002.. 202 TABLE 50: QUANTITY OF SITES CONTAINING IMPORTED (A.D. 400700) POTTERY WARES ..................... 204
List of Figures
FIGURE 1: EARLY MEDIEVAL EXCAVATIONS ANNUALLY 19702002 ........................................................... 25 FIGURE 2: EARLY MEDIEVAL EXCAVATED SITES PER COUNTY 19702002................................................. 26 FIGURE 3: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EXCAVATIONS ANNUALLY 19702002 IN COUNTIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND.............................................................................................. 30 FIGURE 4: EXCAVATIONS ANNUALLY PER ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTION 19702002 .............................. 32 FIGURE 5: ISSUED EXCAVATION LICENSE TYPES 19702002 .................................................................... 36 FIGURE 6: EXCAVATION TYPES ANNUALLY 19702002 ............................................................................. 38 FIGURE 7: EXCAVATION TYPE PERCENTAGES ANNUALLY 19702002......................................................... 39 FIGURE 8: EXCAVATION TYPES PER COUNTY 19702002 ......................................................................... 41 FIGURE 9: EXCAVATION TYPE PERCENTAGES PER COUNTY 19702002 ..................................................... 42 FIGURE 10: EARLY MEDIEVAL SIGNIFICANCE OF EMAP SITES 19702002................................................ 43 FIGURE 11: EXCAVATIONS ANNUALLY ON SITES OF DIFFERENT SIGNIFICANCE ........................................... 45 FIGURE 12: PERCENTAGES OF EXCAVATIONS ANNUALLY ON SITES OF DIFFERENT SIGNIFICANCE ................ 46 FIGURE 13: EARLY MEDIEVAL SIGNIFICANCE OF EXCAVATED SITES PER COUNTY ....................................... 48 FIGURE 14: SIGNIFICANCE PERCENTAGES OF EXCAVATED SITES PER COUNTY ............................................ 49 FIGURE 15: EXCAVATIONS ALONG SCHEMES AND PROJECTS 19702002 ................................................... 50 FIGURE 16: SIGNIFICANCE OF SITES EXCAVATED ALONG SCHEMES AND PROJECTS ...................................... 51 FIGURE 17: EXCAVATION TYPES ALONG SCHEMES AND PROJECTS .............................................................. 53 FIGURE 18: EMAP EXCAVATED SITE CATEGORIES..................................................................................... 56
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Contents
FIGURE 19: EXCAVATIONS NEAR SITE CATEGORIES 19702002................................................................ 57 FIGURE 20: EXCAVATED RURAL SETTLEMENT TYPES .................................................................................. 60 FIGURE 21: EXCAVATED RINGFORTS PER COUNTY 19702002 ................................................................. 64 FIGURE 22: EXCAVATED SOUTERRAIN SITES AND COUNTIES 19702002 .................................................. 92 FIGURE 23: EXCAVATED SOUTERRAIN(S) AND EMAP SITE CATEGORIES 19702002................................. 99 FIGURE 24: EXCAVATED VIKING SITES 19702002 ................................................................................ 111 FIGURE 25: EXCAVATED VIKING TOWN DEFENCES 19702002............................................................... 114 FIGURE 27: EXCAVATED VIKING TOWN BUILDINGS 19702002.............................................................. 125 FIGURE 28: EXCAVATED EARLY MEDIEVAL ECCLESIASTICAL SITES PER COUNTY 19702002 ................... 131 FIGURE 29: SIGNIFICANCE OF EXCAVATED EARLY MEDIEVAL ECCLESIASTICAL SITES ................................ 133 FIGURE 30: EXCAVATED ECCLESIASTICAL STRUCTURES 19702002........................................................ 134 FIGURE 31: CORNDRYING KILN TYPES 19702002 ............................................................................... 178 FIGURE 32: EXCAVATED POSSIBLE EARLY MEDIEVAL CORNDRYING KILNS 19702002 ........................... 179 FIGURE 33: EXCAVATED IRONWORKING EVIDENCE PER COUNTY 19702002 .......................................... 195 FIGURE 34: EXCAVATED IRONWORKING AND SITE CATEGORIES 19702002 ........................................... 196 FIGURE 35: LICENSES AND SITES WITH EARLY MEDIEVAL POTTERY WARE 19702002 ........................... 201 FIGURE 36: QUANTITY OF SITES PER COUNTY CONTAINING IDENTIFIED SOUTERRAIN WARE 19702002 203 FIGURE 36: QUANTITY OF SITES CONTAINING IMPORTED (A.D. 400700) POTTERY WARES. .................. 205
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
The Early Medieval Archaeology Project (EMAP) has received the welcome support of the archaeologists within UCD School of Archaeology from members of the EMAP international expert panel and colleagues and friends from across the profession. Without this help, advice and encouragement, this initial stage of the project could not have been completed. We would like to acknowledge the support and advice of Robert Sands, Conor McDermott, John Neill, Helen Lewis and Stephen Davis, and the members of the EMAP group Prof Martin Carver (University of York), Dr. Nancy Edwards (University of Wales at Bangor), Dr. Stephen Driscoll (University of Glasgow), Dr David Griffiths (University of Oxford), Dr Finbar McCormick (Queens University Belfast), Dr Mick Monk (UCC), Ronan Swan (NRA), Margaret Gowen (Gowen & Co), Donald Murphy (ACS), Eamonn P Kelly (National Museum of Ireland), John Bradley (NUI Maynooth), Chris Corlett (National Monuments Service), Dr, Niall Brady (The Discovery Programme), Dr Brian Lacey (The Discovery Programme), Dr Elizabeth OBrien (independent scholar), Dr Stephen Mandal (CRDS), Dr. Finola OCarroll (CRDS) and Dr Toms Carragin (UCC). We would like to particularly thank Conor McDermott and Dr. Robert Sands for support and suggestions with all issues concerning the construction of the initial database and the remedying of countless issues about the database through the whole project and all matters relating to Irish archaeology in general. Beyond these people, we would like to thank quite a number of other archaeologists who gave us access to their unpublished reports in the writing of the EMAP report. In this regard, we would particularly like to thank the ACS archaeological researchers Jonathan Kinsella, Niall Kenny and Amy McQuillan as well as Neil Carlin (currently in School of Archaeology, UCD). Their unpublished reports and great advice through the whole project were massively helpful. We would also like to thank a range of other people including Kim Rice, Emmett OKeeffe, Patrizia La Piscopia, Tiernan McGarry (UCD), Matt Seaver (CRDS), Stephen Harrison (TCD) and Ian Doyle for their insights into various issues. The members of UCD School of Archaeologys Early Medieval and Viking Age Research Group also offered many inspiring and useful comments, including Maureen Doyle, Sharon Greene, Triona Nicholl, Rebecca Boyd, Brian Dolan, John Nicholl and Louise Nugent. Several people kindly read the report in draft form and gave detailed comments and advice, including Jonathan Kinsella, Betty OBrien and Toms Carragin. We would like to thank the assistance of the administrative staff of the School of Archaeology, UCD and in particular Angela McAteer. Finally, we would like to acknowledge UCD Research for their provision of a research grant from the UCD Seed Funding 2007 scheme and to thank the members of the Archaeological Standing Committee of the Heritage Council for their generous funding of EMAP from the Archaeological Research Grants 2007 scheme. We hope that this EMAP report makes a contribution to our understanding of early medieval Ireland and that it now enables research across all archaeological sectors museums, state services, the universities and in the professional archaeological sector.
Aidan OSullivan Lorcan Harney UCD School of Archaeology, 28th November 2007.
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Preface to Reedited EMAP Report
Preface to reedited EMAP report

This is a reedited version of the original EMAP report OSullivan, A. and Harney, L. 2007 Early Medieval Archaeology Project: Investigating the character of early medieval archaeological excavations, 19702002 previously submitted in November 2007 to the Heritage Council and then subsequently circulated to the members of the EMAP International Expert Panel. We gratefully acknowledge the various supportive comments and encouraging advice from many Irish and UK archaeologists since the original report was completed. We have now taken the opportunity to reedit the EMAP report and to correct various spelling and grammatical errors in the original text (some of them winceinducing, e.g. Vikin?). More importantly, we have substantially rewritten Chapter 6, which describes and analyses the fascinating and increasingly complex evidence from early medieval burials and cemeteries and we gratefully acknowledge here the generous and detailed comments provided by Dr. Elizabeth OBrien on the original chapter. We have also taken this opportunity to introduce a new and hopefully useful section in that chapter describing the treatment of the corpse in early medieval burial ceremonies and rites (i.e. the use of kerbstones and lintels, earmuffs, occasional finds, etc). Obviously, all remaining mistakes and errors in this report are our own. We intend this EMAP report and all the projects research to be useful to all interested in early medieval Ireland and consequently it is now available as a PDF to download, along with other news from the EMAP research, on the projects website. Hopefully, the next stage of EMAPs research can build on this initial review and help support research and publication on this fascinating period in Irelands past.
Aidan OSullivan Lorcan Harney UCD School of Archaeology and somewhere in Australia January 31st 2008.
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Executive Summary
Executive Summary
! The Early Medieval Archaeology Project (EMAP) was established in April 2007 with the support of a Heritage Council Archaeological Research Grant (2007) and UCD Seed Funding support (2007). EMAPs stage 1 database analysis has revealed that 1,397 early medieval sites were excavated (using 1,968 licenses) between 19702002. EMAP has shown that there has been immense research capacity building in the commercial sector, although the resources devoted to research and interpretation of this data in the Universities, Museum and State sectors have not seen a similar expansion. However, despite a general perception of a crisis of nonpublication in Irish archaeology, EMAP has shown that the problem may not be quite of the scale hitherto believed. EMAP suggests that of the 1,397 early sites excavated 19702002 only 74 would be considered to be Highly Significant 202 Significant 325 General Significant, 190 Uncertain while 606 site excavations were of No Archaeological Significance. Irish archaeology, through wellfunded collaborative research programmes such as EMAP (and other projects for other periods) could easily cope with the publication and dissemination of this new archaeological evidence. EMAP has demonstrated that a wide range of new early medieval settlement types have been identified, with significant insights available into the wider settlement landscape. Of the EMAP site categories investigated, a total of 224 sites were settlement enclosures 266 were settlement landscapes 65 were unenclosed and 7 were settlement/cemeteries (the Appendix on settlement/cemeteries also lists sites investigated since 2002). A total of 86 sites were in Viking/HibernoNorse towns. EMAP has demonstrated that an increasing range of evidence has been uncovered for the role of the church in the Irish landscape. Of EMAPs site categories, a total of 218 sites excavated were Church/Ecclesiastical. This can be used to trace the function of ecclesiastical sites and how they related to settlement/cemetery sites, unenclosed cemeteries, ecclesiastical cemeteries and to settlement, travel and the economy. EMAP has shown that there is significant diversity and variety in burial rites and contexts in early medieval Ireland, AD 4001200. Of EMAPs site categories, 49 were Cemetery/Burial 7 were Settlement/Cemetery and 218 were Church/Ecclesiastical. EMAP has revealed that there has been a significant amount of discoveries of archaeological evidence for agriculture in early medieval Ireland. Of EMAPs site categories, a total of 43 were Agricultural (mills, kilns, fields) while much of the other site categories had evidence for agricultural activities. This EMAP report concludes with a preliminary outline of future research challenges and opportunities.
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Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1. Introduction
Introduction
The Early Medieval Archaeology Project (EMAP) was established in UCD School of Archaeology through Heritage Council funding from the Archaeological Research Grants Scheme 2007 and through support from UCD Seed Funding 2006. The Early Medieval Archaeology Project (EMAP) aims to investigate one of the most significant periods of social, ideological, environmental and economic change in Ireland (c.A.D. 4001200), when the landscape of Ireland went through a series of extraordinary changes. This included population growth and social and demographic developments that saw the expansion and intensification of settlements and dwellings radical innovations in agricultural practices (i.e. new plough technology and the earliest horizontal water mill technology in medieval Europe) in crop production and in livestock management (i.e. introduction of dairying). Early medieval society changed radically too, as developments in political power and territorial organisation led to transitions from tribalbased chiefdoms and local kinbased social polities to regional dynastic lordships. A socioeconomic system that was based on reciprocity and clientship was gradually transformed into one that was based on feudal labour services to a lord. Emerging urban markets (both monastic and HibernoNorse) and expanding networks of redistribution brought an increase in international trade and exchange with Britain, Scandinavia, western Europe and beyond. In Ireland, the slow conversion from paganism to Christianity transformed peoples religious beliefs, ideologies of personhood and burial practices and saw significant developments in the landscape (e.g. in cemetery organisation and the growth of monastic centres and estates).
The Early Medieval Archaeology Project (EMAP)

In recent years, an extraordinary range of entirely new, and still largely untapped, archaeological evidence has been uncovered for all these changes, thus presenting an unparalleled opportunity to create new understandings of the dynamics of historical change as experienced by the early medieval peoples of Ireland, within their wider European context. Entirely new types of sites have emerged that do not fit with traditional explanatory models (e.g. settlement/burial complexes nonringfort type enclosures industrial ironworking sites unenclosed dwellings complexes of fieldsystems and enigmaticallyisolated corndrying kilns and mills). The excavation of both rural and urban classic early medieval settlements and burial grounds has produced vast amounts of objects, plant and animal remains and human skeletons. Unfortunately, the Irish professional archaeological community understandably focused mostly on the imperatives of rescue and developmentlead excavations has been largely unable to develop research opportunities offered by these new sites and landscapes. Most recent Irish archaeological policy statements (by the UCD Foresight group the Royal Irish Academy vision for Irish archaeology seminar and the Heritage Councils research frameworks) recognise that the failure to transform data into knowledge is the singlemost problematic issue in modern Irish archaeology, almost unique in European terms. What Irish archaeology needs are good examples of collaborative research between the academy and the commercial archaeological sector, and more importantly, works of academic synthesis and publication that begin to interpret this new data. In the early medieval period, this is particularly so as the most recent works of synthesis are either out of date or have not sufficiently considered the newly discovered material (e.g. Edwards 1990, 2005 Laing 2006).
Aims and objectives of EMAP 1

The Heritage Council Archaeological Research Grants 2007 and UCD Seed Funding Scheme 2007 provided generous funding to establish a pilot project to review the potential of the early medieval archaeological material. The report of this project is provided here. The pilot phase of the EMAP project involved the employment of a researcher under the supervision of Aidan OSullivan between 1st April9th November 2007. The main aim of EMAP Stage 1 was to construct and compile an initial database that could usefully and rapidly quantify and synthesise the number, type, form, character, significance and results of excavations of early medieval (c. A.D. 4001200) sites, structures and artefacts between 19702002. The principal resource for the compilation of this database was to be the online published excavation bulletin reports (19702002) located at excavations.ie and a review of selected relevant published monographs and articles. The objective of EMAP Stage 1 was to write a detailed report, based on the characterisation and analyses of the provisional initial results, to discuss the implications, identify important research areas and devise a future research strategy for EMAP.
Scope of EMAP 1
The scope of EMAP 1 was wideranging as it involved reviewing all forms of excavated early medieval settlement, ecclesiastical, industrial, agricultural and burial evidence in both rural and urban contexts excavated from 1970 through to 2002. The accession to the EU, the redevelopment of urban centres, the construction of an extensive infrastructural network of road and pipeline schemes and the urban sprawl of Irish towns and cities across the Irish landscape has had a profound effect on the legislative framework protecting the Irish landscape, has transformed the face of Irish archaeology and had led to the wellknown expansion of excavations annually. However, as is wellknown, infrastructural and residential developments, particularly since the latter phases of the Celtic Tiger years, have placed a serious strain on Irish archaeological organizations with the effect that most resources have been devoted singly towards field recording rather than research. This imbalance between excavated information and the resources available to access this data has raised a number of critical issues which are essential to understanding both a) the nature and practice of early medieval archaeological research and discovery today and b) the character of early medieval Ireland in the past. This EMAP report will initially examine a number of key issues concerning the character and practice of early medieval archaeological excavations from 19702002. They comprise: ! What is the approximate number of annual excavations between 19702002 that concern early medievalrelated material? ! What is the distribution of these excavations and excavated sites across the country? ! Who has been responsible for these excavations (e.g. University units, government and commercial sectors) and how has patterns changed over time? ! What is the balance of types of excavation between 19702002 carried out across the country (e.g. testing, rescue, research) and how has the character of these changed over time? ! How significant is the early medieval archaeological evidence recovered from these excavation types and how have patterns changed over time? ! Why have excavations been undertaken and what has been the impact of different infrastructural and development schemes and projects on the early medieval archaeological resource? The EMAP report will then analyse and discuss the character of the archaeological evidence recovered from excavations from 19702002, although use will also be made of available published or emerging archaeological evidence discovered prior to (e.g. 19301970) or after these dates (20022007). It is hoped that this information can be used by scholars to further
understand and examine early medieval landscape and society in the past. It will also seek to identify potential research areas in early medieval archaeology. The report will review key themes such as: ! Early medieval Rural Settlement (Enclosed and Unenclosed Sites A.D. 4001170) ! Viking/HibernoNorse Settlement ! Early Medieval Buildings ! Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Sites ! Early Medieval Burial ! Early Medieval Agriculture and Landscape ! Early Medieval Ironworking ! Early Medieval Pottery Production
Structure of EMAP 1 Report

The Sources used in this project are first mentioned and appraised to outline the range of resources consulted and the problems and quality of the data. An overview of Irish planning legislation and the transforming character of early medieval archaeological excavations from 19302002 is then outlined to highlight the factors that have affected the form and character of the Irish excavations over time. This review served to highlight the complexity of the archaeological evidence when a database had to be designed. An outline of the decisionmaking criteria employed when designing the database structure is then given to give greater clarity about how the data was collected. Issues and problems are also identified. The character and scope of early medieval excavations 19702002 is then outlined in Chapter 2. The character of the archaeological evidence recovered from excavations is then appraised and discussed based on the identified themes above. Excavated material both prior to 1970 and after 2002 are also discussed. Potential research areas concerning each theme are also outlined. The conclusions of EMAP 1 are then outlined. Finally, a number of appendices are provided.
Sources of information for EMAP1

EMAPs longterm principal objective is to establish an online database containing excavated early medieval evidence that can be used by scholars and the interested public alike. Stray finds, metaldetecting discoveries, survey work and evidence from antiquarian investigations were excluded from this project and are beyond the immediate focus of the EMAP project. Ultimately it is intended that every scientifically undertaken excavation since 1930 that been accorded an excavation license or emergency license across Ireland will be examined by EMAP. Excavations Bulletin The objectives of EMAP Stage 1 were a rapid quantification and synthesis of excavated early medieval monuments, structures and artefacts across the Island. The Excavations Bulletin www.excavations.ie was singled out as the important resource to achieve this immediate aim. Excavations.ie provides succinct reports about every single excavation undertaken across the island from 19702002. EMAP Stage 1 decided to focus on excavated material from 19702002, as this was the only complete material available on the online bulletin when data was being collected in mid2007. Archaeological excavations from the period 19301970 were also excluded for this immediate EMAP Stage 1 task not because they are unimportant or relatively few in number (i.e. less than 50), but because they are relatively well published in such journals as PRIA, JRSAI, the
Ulster Journal of Archaeology and other regiona/local publications (e.g. the Hencken excavations at Lagore, Balllinderry crannog No. 1, Ballinderry crannog No. 2 Rordins excavations at Garranes, Ballycatteen etc OKellys excavations at Church Island, etc). It is envisaged that an EMAP stage 2 will place these earlier early medieval excavations on the EMAP database. Excavation bulletin reports from excavations from 20032007 are not currently available for review (although 2003 and 2004 have been published in hard copy). It was felt that the task of collating data from the published (as opposed to online) Excavations 2003 and 2004 editions was beyond the task of the first stage of EMAP. The archives of the relevant development (e.g. the NRA), governmental, academic and Museum authorities were also not examined by EMAP and will form part of a later phase of the EMAP project (an EMAP stage 2, with funding to be sought from various sources). Issues with the Excavations Bulletin It is well known that the excavations bulletin is an extremely valuable database in itself for early medieval archaeology. The excavations bulletin reports are however also provisional by nature often written only some months after excavations and also often represent reports which are submitted when excavation is still ongoing. It is likely then in some cases that interpretations of the sites and other data may have changed subsequently. As these reports are interim by nature, radiocarbon determinations are often pending for undated archaeology such as ironworking furnaces or kilns and specialist reports may not have been received. This was a major issue for the EMAP database. It was decided to be cautious and include those undated sites that were described as uncertain in terms of their significance and dating within the EMAP database. The quality of the information itself within the bulletin reports also varies quite extraordinarily due to the fact that the findings in many of the reports are provisional and also because different archaeologists are responsible for writing them. In some cases, detailed information can be supplied about the number, type and character of monuments and structures like buildings for example while in other instances no such data is forthcoming. There can also be lack of consistency in including information such as SMR numbers or excavation license numbers within the reports. The other issue with the excavations bulletin is that there is no standardization of terminology employed in the site type or site name descriptions. It is then difficult to search for site types because they can be described in multiple ways such as ecclesiastical, ecclesiastical enclosure, ecclesiastical site and ecclesiastical remains etc. Similarly, there is no standardisation in terms of townland or place names. The excavations bulletin is then principally a database of excavation reports written by numerous different archaeologists rather than one of discrete entities of information compiled and organized through a central authority. It is however the most significant archaeological resource in Ireland whose shortcomings are only described here to highlight the issues with the dataset that the EMAP Stage 1 project was working with. The best is the enemy of the good and it is considered here that Excavations bulletins, despite their limitations, are the source that can be most rapidly assessed to consider the character of excavated early medieval archaeological evidence in Ireland. Undoubtedly future EMAP research can make better use of unpublished excavations reports, journal articles and monographs to build on this preliminary picture. Other Published Information Published material concerning excavations of early medieval evidence from 19702002 was another important resource consulted for compiling the database. The Excavations Bulletin was incorporated into the Irish Journal of Archaeology between the years 19771984. Excavations bulletin reports for those years in particular often only contained the name of the
published article associated with the excavation. The associated published article was tracked down in these instances to discover information about the excavations at these sites.
Medieval Archaeology also contains concise yearly synopses written by various authors about important excavations undertaken in Ireland over several years. This source was also consulted when no information could be established from the excavation bulletin report about an excavated early medieval site.
Particular journals that were consulted when compiling the database included the Ulster Journal of Archaeology, Journal of Irish Archaeology, Medieval Archaeology, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy and Journal Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. Published monographs were also a valuable source of information particularly for the significant archaeological excavations that have been conducted in Cork. Of particular importance were works by Rose Cleary and Maurice Hurley for urban excavations in Cork (1997 & 2003), by Hurley, Scully and McCutcheon (1997) for urban excavations in Waterford and Heather Kings (1994 & 1998) edited Clonmacnoise Studies monographs. A wide range of other sources was consulted such as, for example, Wallaces (1992) publication on Viking Buildings in Dublin when dealing with specific monuments or structures for the EMAP database. The Unpublished Archaeological Excavations Survey (Doyle et. al 2002) commissioned for the Heritage Council is undoubtedly the most comprehensive review of the unpublished and published archaeological reports from 19301997 in the Republic of Ireland. It provided additional important information about the changing character of excavations in this period while its appendixes of unpublished sites were invaluable as a source of information for locating previously unknown sites and identifying excavation license numbers. Other useful Sources The Internet proved to be a valuable resource for this project. It was often necessary to consult online maps to establish the location of townlands and excavated sites along urban streets. Both online and published national maps provided valuable information in tracking down excavations along road schemes. The NRA (NRA.ie) and Bord Gis websites were particularly valuable in this regard. Information about archaeological projects was also often made available on web pages such as the NRAs Archaeology Leaflets and Poster Series. Commercial archaeological company websites like that, for example, hosted by Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd. also proved very useful as they contained information about excavations and projects conducted by companies. EMAP also decided that historical research of ecclesiastical sites was also required to identify the early medieval origins of these sites. It was hard to sometimes establish which ecclesiastical sites could have an early medieval origin as the excavation bulletin often described these sites under multiple ecclesiastical terms including ecclesiastical site, ecclesiastical enclosure church and graveyard, burialground and cemetery etc. with no information given or provided about their dates or origin. A number of sources particularly Gwynn & Hadcocks (1970) comprehensive study of Irish Religious Houses as well as local historical books and articles, local web pages and County Library web sites were consulted in order to try to establish the antiquity of these ecclesiastical sites. The information allowed the database to collect information about ecclesiastical sites with known early medieval historical origins medieval ecclesiastical sites whose early medieval origins could not be established and undated ecclesiastical sites.
The Legacy of Early Medieval Excavation

It is evident that before one can begin to design a preliminary database that could be used to rapidly quantify the quantity and character of excavated early medieval archaeology 1970 2002, that consideration must first be given to the legacy and practice of early medieval excavations and the type of questions and issues that one envisages asking the database. 5
The excavated archaeological data that we deal with today is primarily a legacy of how, why and where archaeological excavations have been undertaken since the early part of the twentieth century. To understand this, we must first succinctly appraise the historiography of archaeological legislative protection and early medieval excavation. Legislation and Protected Sites and Monuments Archaeological monuments have been accorded protection by the state on the island of Ireland through a whole string of enactments dating back to the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland in 1869. It was not till the early 20th century that records or Schedules, in the case of Northern Ireland, began to be compiled of archaeological monuments in private ownership across the island. The National Monuments Act 1930 was the first enactment to truly make provision for the protection of archaeological monuments and objects in Saorstt Eireann. Not only did it create a forum for archaeological excavation but it also established the Archaeological Survey of Ireland, which set up the Sites and Monuments Record in the 1980s. A similar SMR record exists in Northern Ireland. Archaeologists in both jurisdictions have continuously updated these two inventories since then. The great majority of protected SMR sites in both jurisdictions encompass traditional easily identifiable monuments like ringforts, cashels and ecclesiastical sites that have been the focus of antiquarian and archaeological surveyors since the early twentieth century. Since then both lists have grown incrementally over time as new monument classes have been discovered and more importantly recorded over the history of the archaeological surveys See http://www.archaeology.ie/ArchaeologicalSurveyofIreland/#d.en.87. To date, the Sites and Monuments Record has established a list of over approximately 120,000 monuments while a further 800 major archaeological sites are in state care in the Republic. Approximately a further 15,000 sites are recorded in the Northern Ireland SMR. In total then, at least 135,000 monuments are listed in the records of archaeological authorities in Ireland. As discussed below, some of these protected monuments were the focus of salvage excavations in the 1970s and 1980s due to farm improvement schemes or residential developments. In more recent years, both the National Monuments Amendment Act 1994 in the Republic as well other enacted legislation such as the EU Valletta Convention 1992 have introduced new forms of archaeological investigation such as environmental impact statements (EIS), testing and monitoring which have provided further protection of archaeological landscapes and monuments across the island. The Urban Archaeological Survey of Ireland has also delineated areas of archaeological potential in the historic cores of Irish towns and cities further protecting the archaeological resource in these areas. It is evident then that both these baseline inventories of Irish monuments, compiled by surveyors with vastly different methods and interests since the early 20th century as well as transforming legislative protection of Irish archaeological sites and monuments have informed the origins, quality and quantity of excavations over different periods of time since the early 20th century. The Character of Early Medieval Excavations It is evident then that the character of early medieval excavations has been informed by archaeological legislation protecting state surveyed sites and monuments across the island. Many early excavations of early medieval monuments in the Ireland, as elsewhere, were undertaken under the auspices of research bodies, often sponsored by the state sector. The Harvard Archaeological Mission excavation in the 1930s at significant crannogs at Ballinderry crannog No. I, Co. Westmeath Ballinderry crannog No. II, Co.Offaly and Lagore crannog, Co. Meath as well as Sean P. Rordins excavations of a series of ringforts in the Cork/Limerick area in the 1940/50s were the principal highlights of this formative period.
Up until the 1960s, in the public imagination and in the planners minds, archaeology was about the significant monuments of mythical or real kings and the monastic treasures of the Saints and Scholars. There were very few excavations of less impressive and identifiable monuments like unenclosed settlements or agricultural and industrial sites as these sites tended not to have the aura of extraordinary wealth and quality of evidence which royal sites like Lagore or Garranes had to offer to the under equipped archaeological community. Most importantly however, they were no real reason for these sites to be excavated, as no legislation existed to protect and test for archaeology beyond the bounds of identified archaeological monuments. An increasing number of rescue excavations were undertaken particularly from the 196080s across the island in advance of EUgrant inspired farm improvement initiatives and developmentled excavations in both rural and urban contexts. Archaeologists from the Northern Ireland Historic Monuments Branch including A.E.P. Collins, David Waterman, Chris Lynn and Brian Williams undertook a series of important excavations of ringforts and raised ringforts. State bodies in the Republic such as the National Museum and OPW also continued to provide the initiative and were involved in significant excavations in Viking Dublin although there were a series of important research excavations undertaken by University academics at sites like Lisleagh ringfort, Co. Cork and Knowth, Co. Meath. The effects of EEC (subsequently EU) membership had a significant impact on the island from the 1980s onwards in particular. European funding provided the financial support for a number of important largescale infrastructural projects such as the Bord Gis CorkDublin Gas Pipeline and more recent NRA roadway development schemes. Along with excavations in advance of largescale urban and rural development projects, a whole collection of previously unknown archaeological evidence has been discovered beyond the bounds of the cartographic circles protecting SMR and Scheduled monuments. The most important effects of this is the shift away from excavations focused on traditional surveyed monuments such as ringforts and ecclesiastical sites towards new forms of archaeological evidence such as isolated ironworking hearths, unenclosed settlements and settlement/cemetery sites. The emergence of a large independent commercial sector of archaeologists to cope with the increasing demands of these largescale redevelopment projects has been a parallel phenomenon in this later period. EU membership also placed the Irish archaeological resource under the protection of tighter planning legislation. During the 1990s, new forms of archaeological investigation have required excavations to be undertaken both on and significantly near protected SMR and Scheduled monuments in advance of any form of development initiative. Archaeological Surveys have also delineated the boundaries of areas of archaeological potential within the historic core of urban towns and cities while the protection of archaeological landscapes has also received some recognition. These tighter planning requirements have increased the number of excavations being undertaken on or near particular protected SMR monuments. To conclude then, both tighter legislation as well as a simultaneous massive increase in developmentled excavation has transformed the character of Irish archaeological excavations in recent years. Consequences ! In the formative years of Irish archaeology, excavations were few in number and focused on significant early medieval monuments/sites. Excavations in the early years were largely undertaken as part of research projects with the intention of maximizing the generation of knowledge of early medieval landscape and society. From the mid twentieth century onwards, increasing number of excavations were also undertaken as part of rescue/salvage operations of important recorded monuments and also tended to generate significant archaeological knowledge.
During the 1980s and 1990s and early twenty first century, largescale development led rescue projects and EU funded infrastructural schemes have revealed a whole new character of previously unidentified archaeological evidence as excavations have moved beyond the boundaries of protected SMR and Scheduled sites/monuments towards the investigation of entire landscapes. Simultaneously, the rights of archaeological SMR monuments, landscapes and areas of archaeological potential have been accorded extra protection through the introduction of new types of archaeological excavations which are more about complying with tighter planning requirements than generating meaningful knowledge about past landscapes and societies. Finally, it is also clearly evident that a number of excavations can be undertaken near or on archaeological sites due both to tighter legislation and developmentled excavation pressures. This last piece of detail highlights the importance of distinguishing between sites and excavations within the design of any database.
Chapter 2: Designing the EMAP Database
Chapter 2. Designing the EMAP Database

Introduction
The EMAP Stage 1 Microsoft Access database currently holds data on archaeological excavations carried out on 1,397 early medieval sites in Ireland, between 19702002 amounting to a total of 1,968 archaeological excavation licenses. The EMAP 1 database design phase had to consider a wide range of issues such as the rapidly changing character of the recognised archaeological resource and the changes in the practice of archaeological excavations from 19702002. These issues were not readily apparent when first attempts at designing the database was made. It is evident that only through the experimental use of different sets of archaeological evidence, that these issues could be encountered and possible solutions devised to these problems and all of this completed over the relatively few months of this pilot study. It was decided early on that some distinction should be made in the database between excavation licenses and archaeological sites which are often the focus and setting of multiples of the former. The first part of the database design then involved working out the diverse character of the archaeological resource and archaeological excavations on the definition of an EMAP site and their relationship with associated excavation licenses.
The Site Form in the EMAP 1 database

The Character of Potential Early Medieval Sites An archaeological site is something that does not exist externally in the physical world but is instead construed and perceived through the modern archaeological identification and classification of various criteria and defined attributes. Thus, the typical or idealised early medieval site would usually be the single ringfort or crannog both distinctive and well known monuments in the Irish landscape and often the sole focus of one or a number of different excavations. While there many examples of such sites, the above review has highlighted as is wellknown in archaeological debates that no perfect example of an early medieval site existed, so that the scope, character and significance of sites (and archaeological licenses) can vary to a significant level. The scope and character of excavation licenses can include isolated ironworking hearths, large enclosed settlements, and entire local landscapes comprising a number of protected SMR monuments and previously unidentified structures, as well as excavations of no significance near SMR and Scheduled monuments. As sites provide the setting for one or a number of excavation licenses, it is clear that their scope and form must be flexible enough to deal with these ranges of potential scenarios. Possible scenarios, which the design of the EMAP 1 database had to consider, included: ! How should the site be defined when excavations are undertaken near one or a number of protected SMR or Scheduled monuments? Should the site be described by the archaeology discovered within the excavated area, though many examples of these excavations (See Below) reveal no archaeology of any significance or should the excavation be described under the heading of the nearby protected site/monument? How should a site be defined when a number of excavations are undertaken both on and near a protected SMR or Scheduled monument?
! !
How should a site be defined when one or a number of excavations are undertaken near a number of separate SMR and Scheduled monuments. How should a site be defined and described when one or a number of excavation licenses comprise a number of SMR/Scheduled monuments as well as previously unidentified sites? What happens if a further or subsequent excavation is undertaken in a particular area of this excavation license? How should a site be defined when a number of separate and unrelated phases of early medieval activity take place on the same excavated area? How should a site be defined in an urban context today? Should excavations near early medieval sites and monuments such as churches and cemeteries in urban contexts be considered as valid sites for the database though in fact they may reveal archaeology of no related early medieval significance? How do you define the character and scope of a previously unidentified urban settlement sites in the five Viking/HibernoNorse towns in Ireland? Should the excavated area, the associated street or a region within the towns constitute the geographical area of the site?
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EMAP Site Definition The EMAP database, as discussed above, made a distinction between an archaeological site and an archaeological excavation though the differences between both are not always that different if only one excavation has been undertaken. The excavation license form was then embedded within the site form in the database allowing the opportunity to have one or multiple licenses associated with a particular site. The basic criterion governing the definition of a site for EMAP Stage 1 was that it contains early medieval archaeological evidence that is spatially distinct to other early medieval archaeology beyond the area of the excavation. The definition of a site is governed by its archaeological evidence revealed within the excavated area firstly and then secondly in the absence of any early medieval evidence, by its location or proximity to the nearby early medieval protected Site or Monument. A number of decisions were reached for EMAP Stage 1 about the issues identified above in defining sites in different contexts. They are outlined below.
Early medieval sites in Rural Contexts Protected SMR and Scheduled monuments like ringforts, cashels or ecclesiastical sites with early medieval origins can be defined as sites as they are easily morphologicallydefined by enclosures in particular and prove often the setting for a number of separate excavations.
! In cases where an excavation has taken place at a site that is not at a protected SMR monument or is easily morphologically identifiable, the site is defined by the early medieval archaeological evidence uncovered. The excavation of an isolated metalworking site along a road scheme is a good example of this type of Site. The vast majority of these sites are fully excavated the first time and are likely to contain only one associated excavation license. In time, these sites may be accorded protection under the SMR. An excavation that occurs at a site that reveals early medieval evidence like ironworking a distance from a protected monument or important early medieval settlement will be defined by the activities taking place at its site. If these activities are immediately adjacent to the protected monument or early medieval settlement and appear to be related to it, then the excavated evidence will be described as part of this associated monument.
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Excavations that take place near protected monuments or early medieval sites identified in the excavations bulletin but reveal no early medieval archaeological evidence will nevertheless be described as part of the protected monument. A typical example is a testing excavation undertaken near a ringfort in advance of a residential development. The scale of excavations in recent years has dramatically increased due to the construction of large residential and infrastructural projects. Many excavations now encompass protected monuments as well as the landscapes around these settlements. Testing and Monitoring are usually undertaken across the entire area to establish the archaeological evidence of the landscape. Both they and the excavation licenses for the rescue excavations of SMR Sites and monuments or previously undiscovered areas of early medieval archaeology are compiled together under the one site. In cases where an entire area containing a number of early medieval monuments are excavated under only one license, the definition of the site in these cases is governed by the size of the area and the nature of the archaeological evidence within the excavation license, not by the individual monuments like ringforts revealed or excavated within its area of investigation. If a subsequent excavation occurs within the bond of this area, it will also be incorporated into the same Site form within the database.
Early medieval sites in rural towns and villages It proved more difficult to define an early medieval site in a modern urban context. The Urban Archaeological Survey was established in 1982 and set about defining areas of archaeological potential in the historic core of certain Irish Towns and villages that were known to have had borough status prior to A.D. 1700 (http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/publications/archresearch/11.html). In contrast to an excavation near a rural protected SMR ecclesiastical site, archaeological investigations were undertaken in many cases because of their location within an area of archaeological potential rather than simply their proximity to an early medieval monument.
! It is evident that many rural Irish towns like Kildare, Kilkenny, Kells, Trim or Killaloe have early medieval origins. The EMAP survey identified ecclesiastical sites with known early medieval origins as potential sites or zones of archaeology within these modern urban contexts. Excavations, which were undertaken on these ecclesiastical sites regardless of whether they revealed archaeological evidence, were considered as a site in the EMAP database. The scale of excavations within the historic cores of these towns adjacent to these early ecclesiastical sites raised questions about the usefulness in collecting this form of data. It became evident that many of these excavations contained little or no early medieval archaeology, which had often nothing to do with the ecclesiastical sites either. It was decided that only excavations which could be identified as immediately adjacent to historically known early medieval ecclesiastical sites would be collected within urban towns and villages would be collected within the EMAP database. It was also decided to collect information about excavations on or immediately adjacent to ecclesiastical sites whose early medieval origins were not established. These sites have been described as possible ecclesiastical sites within the EMAP Stage 1 database. Excavations finally that uncovered evidence for early medieval settlement, industry or agriculture within modern urban towns and villages and were spatially independent from ecclesiastical sites were described as a separate site within the EMAP database.
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Early medieval sites in HibernoNorse Towns The HibernoNorse towns of Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Wexford brought new sets of requirements to defining a site. With the exception of Wexford, these areas form part of significant modern Irish cities today and have undergone largescale urban redevelopment in recent years. The other significant feature of these sites was that they were also urban centres in the early medieval period in contrast to evidence from rural towns and villages described above that may have evolved from an ecclesiastical site. These HibernoNorse towns then revealed a different set of archaeological evidence, which was primarily settlement, related.
It was decided to only collect excavations that were undertaken on historically known early medieval ecclesiastical sites and monuments within the HibernoNorse towns. This was due both to the scale of the excavations in the HibernoNorse towns and the presence of settlement evidence around these ecclesiastical sites that dated to the early medieval period. The archaeology of HibernoNorse towns will obviously also be considered in the EMAP 1 study. Defining the size and character of previously unidentified settlement/industrial sites within the HibernoNorse towns proved another issue. It was not immediately clear if the site should be defined by the area of excavation within the particular license or the street or Ward the excavation was undertaken within. It was felt that to identify the site by the street or district area would prove problematical, as excavations tend to front onto or be located on the boundaries of streets and districts. It was decided to define a site by the area of excavation within a particular license. The site could constitute an area along a street, a spot fronting onto two streets in which case it was identified by the name of either streets or a whole block of land between a number of streets. The site often encompassed an area like 912 High Street and contained both the testing and rescue excavation licenses of one particular project. Subsequent excavations within this defined area would also be incorporated into this Site rather than constitute in themselves a separate site. Site Classification: EMAP Class Field The criteria used to define an EMAP site has been outlined above. A range of fields was created in the site form to collect basic information about the site. An EMAP drop down Class field was constructed to describe the type of archaeology excavated within the site in which a number of excavations had taken place on or immediately adjacent to. A number of archaeological monuments and other site classes were listed in a drop down box. A ringfort for instance can be listed in the EMAP class field and refers to excavations at one ringfort that contained only archaeological evidence concerning that class of site. However, excavations at ringforts might not always necessarily be described as ringforts within the EMAP Class. One example is the excavations at Ninch, Co. Meath which revealed a possible ringfort that was replaced by a cemetery site during the later early medieval period (Cia McConway 2000 & 2001, Excavations Bulletin 98E0501). This site was described in the EMAP Class field as a MultiPhase Settlement instead of a Ringfort. A site that comprised one or a number of excavations of early medieval structures and monuments like ringforts within a landscape was described as an early medieval settlement landscape in the EMAP Class field. The EMAP Class field was then designed to reflect the complete archaeological evidence contained within the excavation licenses that constituted that site. The total amount of excavated monuments or structures was collected within the license form as outlined below. Site Categorisation: Category Field A Category field was created within the Site form whose function was to group excavated site types into broader categories concerning their site form and range of activities. The list comprised: ! Settlement Enclosure
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Settlement Landscape Settlement/Cemetery Unenclosed settlement Ecclesiastical Cemetery/Burial Agricultural Industrial Routeway Viking/HibernoNorse town Miscellaneous
The term settlement enclosure refers to those settlement sites like ringforts, cashels and crannogs that were enclosed by banks or palisades. The term settlement landscape refers to those sites that comprise a number of early medieval monuments including ringforts, ecclesiastical sites and industrial sites for instance. It also refers to multiphase sites in which a number of different phases of early medieval activity were uncovered. The other categories terms are selfexplanatory. Site Categorisation: Environs of Category Field An environs of Category field was also created to group excavations which were undertaken near or on early medieval protected SMR and Scheduled monuments. The environs of category terms were the same as those employed for the category section. As legislation demanded testing and monitoring in the environs of protected monuments, this issue was specifically concerned with rural ecclesiastical and settlement enclosure sites. In cases where excavations were undertaken near a range of protected monuments including cashels and ecclesiastical sites, the site was categorized under the term settlement landscape. This issue did not affect the other terms such as cemetery/burial, settlement/cemetery and industrial or agricultural sites to any great extent as they are not traditional forms of monuments accorded protection within the Sites and Monuments Record and the Scheduled list of Historic Monuments in Northern Ireland. Perhaps in time as the sites are updated onto the SMR files, excavations may be undertaken because they are in the proximity to these monuments. It also did not affect excavation near SMR sites within Hibernonorse towns as only excavations which derived early medieval evidence in these contexts was included in the database, as discussed above. Locational Information With the identification of the criteria concerning the definition, classification and categorisation of a site complete, the next stage involved establishing what information was necessary to collect about each site. It was decided that this information would be primarily locational and would collect data about the name, townland, parish, barony and county in which the site was located. SMR, 6inch map data and the Eastings and Northings would also be collected. ! The site name could often be the same as the townland. The name of the street and street number (if given) was mentioned for excavations in urban contexts. The name of the Saint reputedly responsible for founding early medieval ecclesiastical sites was also given when could be established, as for instance St. Ciaran, Clonmacnoise. The excavations bulletin provided information about the townland or townlands that an excavation was located within. The online Irish townland atlas was then used to provide information about the parish and barony the townland or townlands were situated inside. The fields were not filled when there was some doubt about the accuracy of the information or some difficulty in establishing which parish and barony a townland belonged to. 6 inch map details and easting and northing information was also collected when provided by the excavations bulletin. No data was again filled into the EMAP fields
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when this data was not provided by the bulletin reports. It is evident that there could be problems with the accuracy of this information that will need to be rechecked in subsequent stages of EMAP. SMR Monument Numbers and Classes It has been noted above how the SMR files in both the Republic and Northern Ireland originated in the early 20th century. There are hundreds of monument classes (See http://www.archaeology.ie/smrmapviewer/mapviewer.aspx) in the SMR files in the Republic of Ireland that have been added incrementally over time as new monument classes have been discovered by archaeological surveyors. A broadly similar picture is evident for the Northern Ireland SMR files. These classes can range from enclosures and crannogs to a Holy Stone or cross slab and therefore constitute monuments as well as a range of structures and artefacts. It is evident that an SMR site can contain a whole number of associated SMR numbers. One extreme case in point is the ecclesiastical site at Glendalough, which has both an SMR number as a complex and also contains SMR numbers for a whole range of crosses and crossslabs. The Archaeological Survey of Ireland, in the Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government is currently embarking on an ambitious project of upgrading and reestablishing these SMR numbers with the intention of according a unique SMR associated number to every artefact, structure or monument on a protected SMR site. In the EMAP database, a field was also created for the SMR numbers of excavated monuments within the Site form of the EMAP database. The field was left blank when no information was provided by the excavation bulletin reports. A potential field for excavated SMR Class monuments were also constructed though has been currently left blank. It is currently being explored whether it could be possible to link the SMR number and classes of excavated SMR monuments such as enclosure, ringfort, cemetery or even cross with the EMAP database. It could be possible to create a multicolumn box that could contain one or a number of excavated SMR Classes within its field. It may be relatively straightforward for instance to link excavated SMR classes and numbers in the SMR files with fields in the EMAP database for an isolated ironworking site. However, it may prove trickier and potentially quite time consuming to do a similar feat at a site like Clonmacnoise with all its excavated evidence for churches, crosses, high crosses, burial and industrial evidence etc. Excavations were also undertaken adjacent to SMR monument classes such as ringforts, souterrains and ecclesiastical sites as discussed above. In contrast to excavated SMR sites, a restricted range of these monument classes were collected within the database. It was a relatively straightforward task as the SMR number and the class of monument was often only required. In some cases, only the SMR number and not the SMR monument class was provided in the excavation bulletin reports. Further research will also be required in this field in the EMAP database. It is evident then that further discussion and research, perhaps in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of Ireland, will now be required to examine the archaeological potential and possibilities of constructing fields of information for excavated early medieval SMR numbers and associated classes. Synopsis In the EMAP 1 database, a memo box was created at the bottom of the Site form. The purpose of this field was to describe the conditions and reasons for the excavation or excavations at a site and enumerate and briefly synthesise what was discovered within the associated excavation or excavations licenses. It was particularly useful for longterm projects conducted over a number of years, like the archaeological excavations at Knowth by George Eogan or those at Moynagh Lough crannog by John Bradley, for example.
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Other Publications A field was created within the Site form to list relevant archaeological publications for the site in question and source quoted information if used within the archaeological synopsis.
Significance Criteria
As EMAP was concerned with the potential contribution of past excavations to our knowledge of early medieval Ireland, the significance of any site had to be assessed primarily on the basis of excavated material (as described in Excavations bulletins) and not by extant structural early medieval evidence. For instance Glendalough could be described as a highly significant ecclesiastical landscape with few archaeological parallels across the country. However in terms of excavated archaeological material, it has so far been largely insignificant in generating knowledge about the early medieval church. There were a number of ways in which the significance of an excavated site could be assessed. One means of calculating the significance of a site was to assess it in terms of their importance in relation to its class of monument. For instance, the excavation of a ringfort would be assessed in relation to finds from other excavated ringforts, Iron Age/early medieval transitional cemeteries in relation to other Iron Age/early medieval transitional cemeteries or metal/ironworking sites in relation to other metal/ironworking sites etc. In the end, it was decided that the quantity and quality of early medieval archaeological evidence uncovered on any given site should be the basic criterion governing the assessment of the significance of a site. The five terms of No Significance, Uncertain, General, Significant and Highly Significant were created within a drop down list to categorise the evidence. It should be emphasized that this grading system does not presuppose that sites may or may not in the future be regraded, or indeed that this EMAP grade outweighs other forms of archaeological significance (i.e. an intact PreRomanesque church that has never been excavated), but at least these criteria will help future decisions on more focused research on unpublished excavation reports, for example. Highly Significant A Site was described as Highly Significant when excavations uncovered evidence for an extensive range of buildings, structures, environmental materials and associated material or artefacts. These sites had often been the subject of largescale excavation projects that revealed complex levels of stratigraphy and phases of activity. Typical sites in an urban HibernoNorse town context included those that revealed highly significant amounts of occupation and industrial archaeology as well as evidence for property divisions and defensive banks/ditches or walls constructed over a period of time. Wellknown examples of a highly significant site may also include the ecclesiastical sites of Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly (where recent excavations have uncovered evidence for monastic settlement, crafts and economy) or the raised rath at Deer Park Farms, Co. Antrim where a sequence of early medieval occupation between AD 7001000 produced houses, workshops, evidence for crafts, technology and economy. That said, other sites unlike these were also ascribed to the Highly Significant class. Significant A site was described as Significant when excavations uncovered good evidence for a number of buildings, structures and artefacts and/or for some amount of domestic, industrial and agricultural activities. Significant Sites included important excavations at ringforts, crannogs, cashels, souterrains and ecclesiastical sites which uncovered a number of buildings, structures and industrial/agricultural activity as well as an increasing body of burial evidence, within a local landscape as well as important transitional Iron Age/early medieval burial grounds, unenclosed cemeteries and unenclosed habitation sites.
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General A site was ascribed a General significance when excavations uncovered a moderate or low amount of archaeological evidence that could be dated to the early medieval period. Such Sites could include excavations at ringforts, crannogs, cashels, souterrains and ecclesiastical sites that uncovered evidence for some domestic artefacts, hearths, enclosing features, possible structures, animal bone and limited burial evidence in a specifically ecclesiastical context. It also concerned excavations at unenclosed sites that revealed scatters of early medieval archaeological evidence as well as sites with limited ironworking and cereal cultivation evidence. Excavations at sites in HibernoNorse towns that revealed banks and ditches in isolated contexts as well as limited pottery and domestic/industrial artefacts could also be described as General. Uncertain A sites significance was described as Uncertain when excavations uncovered archaeology of uncertain date which it was felt possible could well belong to the early medieval period (recognising that many excavations bulletins reports were completed before radiocarbon or other dating evidence had been obtained by the excavator). Typical sites described as of uncertain significance were undated ecclesiastical sites, habitation sites, field systems, kilns, charcoal pits, ironworking evidence, trackways and isolated burials. These excavations will have to be tracked down at a later stage of the EMAP project. It is very likely that some sites of uncertain significance in the EMAP database will be found to be not early medieval in date (i.e. many ironworking sites could be Iron Age or Late Medieval, or even Post Medieval in date). No Significance Excavations undertaken on or immediately adjacent to a site that revealed no archaeology of early medieval significance were described of no significance (this, of course, does not mean they were of no significance in prehistoric, late medieval or postmedieval terms). The great majority of No Significance Sites dealt with testing excavations near protected monuments like ringforts and ecclesiastical sites in both rural and urban contexts. It should be noted that the bulk, perhaps up to half of all archaeological excavations are deemed to be of no archaeological significance a potentially troubling issue for Irish archaeology that needs to be resolved (i.e. it could reasonably be asked if public and private expenditure should continue be devoted to such a quantity of excavations, while other areas of archaeology remain hopelessly understaffed and under funded?)
License Form
License Field Information The database embedded the license form within the site form. The license form was concerned with excavationspecific information. The source of this excavation material was the excavations bulletin as outlined above. ! The first field was the excavations license No. that in many cases was supplied by the excavations bulletin reports. An appendix within the Unpublished Excavations Survey 19301997 (Doyle et. al 2002) also supplied a number of excavation license numbers for the EMAP database. Two other fields contained within the license form were the excavations Bulletin No. and excavations Bulletin name. They were typically in the form of 1973:0034 & Crannogs. Fields in the EMAP database were created to help establish a link between
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the numbers and names employed by both the excavation bulletin database and the EMAP database. ! An Area field specific to the excavation license was also created. It was found that urban sites often encompassed a whole area or number of streets. This field was used in urban excavations to contain location information about excavations in different streets adjacent to or immediately on Sites like churches and cemeteries or HibernoNorse settlement plots etc. The year or years, which an excavation license was used, was also contained within a year field. Drop down lists were created to store information about either the commercial company or archaeological institution involved in the excavation and the report writer as mentioned in the excavations bulletin reports. In the great majority of cases, the report writer appears to have been synonymous with the director of the excavation. Drop down lists were constructed to store Information about the excavation type (Testing, Monitoring, Research, Conservation, Rescue & Non Excavation) and about the development schemes undertaken, if any (e.g. Bord Gis Schemes, Road Scheme, Sewerage Schemes, Development, Residential Development or Farm Improvement Schemes etc.). A Drop down list was provided to contain information about the early medieval dates of the archaeology. It gave a list of options including early medieval, None, Uncertain and 7th century, 7/8th centuries etc. The term early medieval was used when the excavation only revealed archaeological evidence that could be generally dated to this period or if the evidence dated to a number of centuries across the early medieval period. None was employed when the excavation revealed no early medieval evidence, as was often the case at excavations on or near protected monuments. Uncertain referred to those excavations whose date was currently uncertain but who were deemed necessary to be described as such as they could potentially date to the early medieval period. The Drop down list then contained a number of options particular to the century or group of centuries through the early medieval period. For instance, an excavation which only revealed a horizontal mill that was dated to the 8th century would be listed as 8th century in this field. Two fields were finally created to contain early medieval radiocarbon and dendrochronological dates.
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Tick Boxes ! It was important to establish if the excavation undertaken on a site was of archaeological significance. This task has already been completed by a team of archaeologists working for the unpublished excavations Survey 19301997 (Doyle et al 2002). commissioned by the Heritage Council who dealt with licenses from all periods. It was decided not to categorise the excavations in terms of their importance at this Stage of EMAP but to simply state whether they were considered to be of early medieval archaeological or nonarchaeological significance. A tick box was employed in this instance. A tick box was also used to describe an excavation near or on a site. Excavations that were undertaken near protected monuments like ringforts or ecclesiastical sites received a tick. A tick box was also used to describe excavation reports in the excavations bulletin that contained no information. It appears that no excavation report was submitted to the excavations bulletin in these instances. Excavations of potential early medieval
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sites were listed in the database and will need to be checked at a later stage. They were described as uncertain in terms of their archaeological significance and dating, as discussed above. Activities There are problems in using the excavation bulletin as a source of information to reconstruct evidence for different settlement, industrial and agricultural activities as different report writers are likely to give more detail than others about these practices. Information was collected for a range of activities. It was decided to make the below visible only as there still exists issues with the quality of the data currently available. Tick boxes were used to identify different activities uncovered within different excavations. It must be said that the same excavation can contain a number of different activities while different excavations within a site form can contain the same activities. Tick boxes for metal/ironworking, cereal cultivation and animal husbandry as well as burial evidence were recorded. Burial activities were also collected within the excavation form. They were subdivided into the three groups of Transitional Iron Age/early medieval burial, Formal Christian Burial and Miscellaneous/Viking Burial. Evidence for any form of burial outside an ecclesiastical context from the 57th century A.D. was classified as Transitional Iron Age/early medieval burial. Evidence for formal Christian burial practices in ecclesiastical contexts was collected under the term Formal Christian Burial. Miscellaneous/Viking Burials referred to those excavations which revealed evidence for unenclosed cemeteries/burials as well as burials on settlement /cemetery sites. It was entirely plausible for a license to evidence for two or even three of these different burial categories.
Assessing the Excavated Material

Monuments, Structures and Artefacts It was necessary to assess the nature of the archaeological evidence when basic data about the site and the excavation license had been collected. It is axiomatic that the excavated archaeological evidence is of variable character and can comprise monuments, structures and artefacts. The objective of this initial phase of EMAP was a rapid quantification of the excavated early medieval archaeological evidence. This evidence could comprise a wide spectrum of excavated monuments, structures and artefacts including field systems, ringforts/enclosures, souterrains, mills, kilns, hearths, slag and ironworking debris, domestic artefacts and animal bone. EMAP Stage 1 Data Collection ! The principal objective of EMAP Stage 1 was a rapid quantification of the excavated archaeological evidence reported in the excavations bulletin reports 19702002. It was decided to collect all forms of excavated monuments, structures and artefacts within the same multichoice box for this stage of the project. This multichoice column was embedded inside the excavation license and contained all the excavated material belonging to that license. Each excavated monument, structure and artefact are best viewed as constituent parts of an excavated site found during a particular excavation. The multichoice column contained a whole range of monuments including enclosure, ringfort, ecclesiastical site and souterrain (See Appendix 1). It also gathered data about different types of burials, buildings, structures and churches, mills, kilns, trackways and town defences as well as a range of other evidence including property divisions, holy wells, ogham stones, pilgrimage sites, hearths, slag & metalworking
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debris, pottery, field systems/enclosures and banks/ditches etc. Excavations of enclosing features of settlement and ecclesiastical enclosure sites were also collected. ! It is evident that the excavation bulletin reports do not provide specific detail about artefacts discovered during excavations. The study of artefacts, for this stage of EMAP, was gathered into a number of groups that comprised domestic artefacts, bodily artefacts (i.e. clothing, brooches, etc), agricultural artefacts, military artefacts, recreational artefacts, religious artefacts and commercial artefacts. A related column was created known as type and it contained fields for the different types of pottery, coins and bullion and other materialculture. It is envisioned that these multicolumn fields will be expanded and reorganised at a later stage in the project when accurate information can be provided in excavation reports and published journals/monograms. Another associated multicolumn box collected information about the shape of monuments and structures. It contained a whole list of options to deal with the shapes of enclosures, field systems, kilns and buildings. The multichoice column is again in its infancy and information was not always provided about the shape of ecclesiastical enclosures or cashel enclosures for instance. Excavation reports will have to be consulted at a later stage to fill and expand this field. Two other associated multichoice columns were also created and were known as the quantity and range fields. The Quantity field gave accurate information about the amounts of excavated monuments, structures or artefacts. This quality of information was not always provided in the excavations bulletin however. In cases where an indeterminate number of monuments, structures and artefacts were excavated, it contained a number of ranges that could be used (e.g. 110, 1150 & 51300). It was particular useful for dealing with artefacts. One issue arose when a number of excavations were undertaken on a monument like an ecclesiastical site. The ecclesiastical site obviously encompassed the whole monument yet it was also listed in the multichoice column within the license form as an excavated feature of the site. Each license had obviously excavated the ecclesiastical site but the term could only be contained within one license, as it would otherwise distort the amount of excavated ecclesiastical sites if a query were made. This problem included monuments like ringforts, cashels, souterrains, enclosures and ecclesiastical sites. It was decided to contain the excavated monument within one license form of the site. This method did not affect the accuracy of the data collected though it did make for an untidy current data model. In retrospect, it would have been perhaps wiser to collect excavated monuments within the separate associated license forms and devise another way of establishing accurate figures for excavated sites like ringforts within the database.
Database Management Issues and Potential Solutions There is a wide range of issues with the current EMAP database which concern how the data is presented, organized and managed. It is envisaged that these issues can be resolved during a period in EMAP Stage 2 when the database is reorganised. The principal issue with the database concerns the management and organization of the excavated archaeological evidence. This issue will involve a good deal of thought and testing as the archaeological evidence by its character is quite diverse and complex. Two other issues relate to locational and licensespecific details and the construction of an archaeological bibliography. EMAP Stage 1 Data Management Data about the types of monuments, structures and artefacts are collected at two levels within the present EMAP database. The EMAP Class field was located within the site form. It designed to reflect the complete archaeological evidence contained within the excavation licenses that constituted that site. The EMAP Class field would be described as a ringfort if
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only that one ringfort was excavated by one or a number of excavation licenses. The same could be said for excavated crannogs, enclosures, ecclesiastical sites, ironworking sites and even bullaun stones. The site was described as early medieval settlement landscape if a number of monuments were excavated within one or a number of associated excavation licenses. The site was described as a multiphase settlement if it contained evidence for a number of discrete phases of early medieval activity containing different monument types such as ringforts or unenclosed settlements. The EMAP Class field did not contain then a completely accurate figure of excavated ringforts for instance but instead reflected the scope of the associated excavated licenses. A category field also grouped these EMAP Class site into broader terms as discussed above. Excavated monuments, structures and artefacts were contained within a multicolumn box embedded within the associated excavation licenses, as outlined above. Accurate Quantities or ranges of Quantities of these excavated monuments, structures and artefacts were also provided in a linked multicolumn box. It was observed that excavated monuments like cashels, crannogs or even structures like buildings and kilns which were the focus of more than one excavation license within the associated site form were only listed in one excavation license. This, perhaps, unwise method was utilised to establish accurate figures for the amount of excavated monuments such as ringforts or structures such as buildings. The database cannot currently provide accurate information about the amount of excavation licenses in which a monument or structure such as a building was excavated. The figure is likely to be slightly larger than the figures for excavated monuments and structures outlined in the results section. The database finally toyed with the idea of creating an SMR Class field within the Site form. It was speculated whether it could be possible to collect data about the number and classes of excavated SMR monuments and structures such as enclosure, ringfort, cemetery, kiln and building within a multicolumn box in the site form of the EMAP database. No decisions were reached about this field and no data was collected for excavated SMR Classes though excavations near SMR monument Classes such as ecclesiastical sites were collected in a separate field in the Site form. Other than the tick boxes used to describe evidence for activities within the separate excavation licenses, that then is the current standing of how archaeological data is gathered within the EMAP database. EMAP Stage 1 Data Issues The method outlined above proved a useful preliminary way of establishing figures for the type, shape and number of excavated early medieval monuments, structures and artefacts. The EMAP Class field described the complete archaeological evidence of the defined site while the multicolumn box in the license forms contained information about the constituent parts, be they a ringfort or artefact. However there are a number of problems with such a way of collecting such diverse forms of excavated data. There are cases, as outlined above, in which large monuments like ringforts could potentially represent only one constituent part of an EMAP Site. However, it is evident that monuments such as ringforts, enclosures, ecclesiastical sites and souterrains are significant morphological features that should be distinguished in some way from artefacts or structures. It is evident that a single multi column box is unsuitable for collecting accurate and detailed information about this diverse set of evidence. This list will then have to be broken up into discrete sets of evidence dealing with different monuments, structures, artefacts and activities, as discussed below. Another problem with the database is that it can only extract information about the number of excavated ringfort monuments/structures and not the number of excavation licenses that contain excavated monuments/structures. If the cathedral at Glendalough was excavated by a number of different archaeologists with different licenses, the present database could only provide information that a church at Glendalough was excavated in one associated license in
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the site form. It is evident that a potential database needs to be able to be able to distinguish between monuments, structures and artefacts and that it should be able to extract accurate information about the number of excavated monuments, structures and artefacts and the number of excavation licenses that contain monuments, structures and artefacts. Potential Solutions One potential solution could be to create three tiers or levels in which data was gathered about these archaeological features. The first and ultimate level of description is the EMAP Class which provides a complete description of the archaeological evidence on the EMAP defined site. It can comprise such classes as promontory fort hillfort settlement/cemetery site transitional Iron Age/early medieval cemetery unenclosed settlement ironworking sites to other sites like bullaun stones. Sites that comprise a number of monuments either spatially or vertically can be described as early medieval settlement landscapes and multiphase settlement. Perhaps more discriminatory terms can be suggested for the EMAP Class field but is must be said that the concept of an overarching EMAP Class, particular to the database, does appear attractive. The broader category field also appears to be workable. The next level of data gathering could comprise a monuments/structures Class List situated within a separate multicolumn box within the site form. The Class terms would be based on the SMR Class list that comprises hundreds of terms describing monuments and structures. EMAP could review these terms and use a restricted range of these classes such as ringfort, enclosure, Building, cemetery, Church, field system, high cross, Kiln corn drying, souterrain, promontory fort & Town defences etc. These excavated monuments, as well as some structures would be situated in a multicolumn field in the Site form. The SMR number, if any, of these restricted ranges of early medieval monuments/structures could also be collected in the Site form. This field could importantly provide information about the number of relevant early medieval SMR Classes excavated and would provide an important link between excavated early medieval SMR monuments/structures and the EMAP database. In broader terms, it would be able to extract accurate information about the number of excavated important monuments and structures at EMAP defined sites. A further multicolumn field will collect data about excavations undertaken adjacent to SMR Sites and Monuments. A field with a list of drop down options for a restricted range of SMR sites such as ringforts, cashels, ecclesiastical sites, crannogs and cemetery site are present within the site form in the present database. This field would have to be transformed into a multicolumn box in phase 2 of EMAP. This multicolumn box could provide information about excavations near protected SMR sites. The next tier of data gathering would be at the level of the excavation license form. Information from the single multicolumn box on the current EMAP database would be re organised into discrete tables of information concerning monuments, structures, morphological features, artefacts and activities. A unique table would be created for monuments/sites (e.g. Cashels, crannogs, unenclosed site, souterrains). A range of separate tables would also be created for the morphological features (e.g. enclosing features like Banks and ditches), structures including buildings, Town defences, Kilns, Mills and agricultural features (field systems etc.). Discrete tables would be created for activities including iron/metalworking and burial practices as well as artefacts (domestic, agricultural and items of adornment etc.). Further tables collecting data about the shape, quantity, type and size of these monuments, structures, artefacts and activities could be created within these discrete tables of information. These discrete tables would contain further detailed information about early medieval excavated monuments, structures, artefacts and activities. They could provide information about the number of excavation licenses that contain monuments, structures, artefacts and activities.
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Locational and Licensespecific details Another issue of the database relates to the presentation and organization of locational and license specific details. Fields within the Site and License table were created to contain information about locational and license specific detail including the name of the archaeological community, the year(s), the report writer, the excavation bulletin and the scheme or project the archaeological excavation was undertaken along. These last few examples with the exception of the excavations bulletin number all contained drop down lists. Data gathering soon revealed that licenses may contain more than one report writer, excavation bulletin number, year and even company while sites maybe located in more than one townland or even barony. All the necessary evidence was collected within the fields through using a semicolon to distinguish between sets of different data (e.g. Forthill Ballycarry). The use of the semicolon did not affect the accuracy of the data and wild card querying (e.g. *Forthill*) could establish accurate information about this locational and licensespecific details. It is evident however that discrete tables linked to the site table will have to be created for these fields in EMAP Stage2. This will not involve retyping all this information as Microsoft Excel enables one to translate rows of data that are systematically subdivided by symbols into columns of data. These columns can then be used to create tables of information. Further tables concerning details about archaeological companies and schemes/projects could then be linked to the primary table. This would provide an improved data model that could deal with the complexity of the archaeological evidence. Archaeological Bibliography A memo field was created at the bottom of the site form to list relevant archaeological publications for the site in question and source quoted information if used within the archaeological synopsis. It is not possible however to currently create an archive of archaeological publications within the database as it only exists as a field within the site form. It is envisaged that a discrete table linked to the site form will be created for an archaeological bibliography of titles. Separate tables for the author, the publication year and the archaeological subject (e.g. Settlement, ecclesiastical, burial) will be linked to this table and will enable one to search for publications by title, year, author or subject. A small bibliography is currently available on the EMAP web page that has been broken into a number of themes including settlement, industry, buildings, ecclesiastical archaeology etc. http://www.ucd.ie/archaeology/research/emap/documents/EMAP_Bibliography_Oct_2007.pdf It is hoped that this bibliography will eventually develop into a major archive of early medieval excavation publications that can be accessed on the EMAP database.
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Chapter 3: The Character of Early Medieval Excavations in Ireland, 19702002
Chapter 3. The Character of Early Medieval Excavations in Ireland, 19702002
Introduction
There is a range of questions that need to be clearly established involving the background to, the practice of, and the character of early medieval related excavations over time. It is well known that archaeological excavations have increased dramatically in Ireland in recent years. Major infrastructural schemes, urban and rural developmentled projects and new planning legislation have all transformed the sheer number and character of excavations undertaken annually. They have also dramatically altered the shape, face and makeup of the Irish archaeological organisations dealing with these recent spectacular changes. Furthermore and perhaps most importantly, they have radically changed the character of archaeological evidence recovered in recent years. These developments have yet to be fully worked out to understand their implications and potential in transforming our knowledge of past societies in Ireland. EMAP Stage 1 sought to examine some of these key developments through a rapid assessment of the excavated evidence available principally on the online excavations bulletin (19702002). The EMAP database includes data on 1,397 sites at the present, containing information about excavations on, and near, early medieval or potentially early medieval sites, monuments and structures. A total of 1,968 excavation licenses were used for excavating those 1,397 sites. Most sites typically contain only one excavation license, a good example being an excavation of an isolated ironworking site discovered along a road scheme. It is also unlikely that further excavation will be undertaken at such sites. However, there is always the potential that a number of different excavation licenses may be undertaken on a large monument such as a ringfort or ecclesiastical site. An extreme example is Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly where over 27 excavation licenses were issued for that site from 19702002. Key research questions of this chapters assessment of the character of early medieval excavations in Ireland include those aiming to establish: ! ! ! ! ! ! What is the approximate number of annual excavations from 19702002 that concern early medievalrelated material? What is the distribution of these excavations and excavated sites across the country? Who has been responsible for these excavations (i.e. Universities, government and commercial sectors) and how have patterns changed over time? What is the approximate number of excavation types (e.g. Testing, rescue, research) and how has the character of these excavation types changed over time? How significant is the early medieval archaeological evidence recovered from these excavation types and how has patterns changed over time? Why have excavations been undertaken and what have been the impacts of different infrastructural and development schemes and projects?
Early Medieval Excavations 19702002

Early Medieval Excavations Annually 19702002 Under Irish system of licensing, a site excavation can often continue from one year to the next. This was particularly the case in the 1970s and 1980s when excavations, often researchbased, may have been undertaken at the same site over a number of seasons. To describe an extreme example, the same excavation license was used for excavations at
23
Knowth, Co. Meath for 32 years from 19702002. In more recent years, new excavation licenses tend to be issued more frequently. As excavation licenses can continue from one year to the next, it is then evident that the number of excavations licenses (a total of 1,968 on early medieval sites) is likely to be less than the number of excavations undertaken annually. Table 1 and Figure 1 below describe the amount of excavations undertaken annually from 19702002, not the number of excavation licenses issued from 19702002, which dealt with early medieval or potential early medieval archaeological evidence. It was felt that examining the amount of excavations undertaken annually rather than the amount of excavations licenses issued each year would better demonstrates the increase in excavation activity from 19702002. The graphics illustrate in particular the huge increase in excavations undertaken annually, particularly from 1993/1994 onwards. The exponential increase in archaeological excavations in the late 20th century/early 21st century can also be clearly seen. No data is currently available on excavations carried out 20032007, but there is no reason to suppose that the increase rate has changed. Table 1: Early Medieval Excavations Annually 19702002 Year 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 Total 14 18 19 19 16 18 14 15 16 17 18 22 24 26 19 25 28 Year 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Total 22 31 38 55 51 66 73 74 83 105 131 172 239 253 286 385
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Excavations Annually 1970-2002

450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0
19 70 19 72 19 74 19 76 19 78 19 80 19 82 19 84 19 86 19 88 19 90 19 92 19 94 19 96 19 98 20 00 20 02
Number of Excavations
Year
Figure 1: Early Medieval Excavations Annually 19702002 Excavated Sites per County The database contained entries for 1,397 sites. Table 2 and Figure 2 illustrate the results of where these excavations took place. The highest number of sites was found to be in Dublin, followed closely by Cork. It is clear that the counties of Meath, Louth and Dublin county also have a high proportion of the excavations, undoubtedly because of their proximity to Dublin city today, with all its development pressures. To this area, we could perhaps add Co. Kildare that has also witnessed a large amount of excavations in recent years near or on early medieval sites. It is instructive to note that relatively few excavations on or near early medieval sites have been undertaken across the rest of Leinster with the exception perhaps of Westmeath. Elsewhere, Antrim has been the principal focus in the northeast, while relatively few excavations have been undertaken in the northwest and west while parts of Munster, particularly Kerry and areas of Cork have received some attention between 1970 2002.
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Table 2: Early Medieval Excavated Sites Per County 19702002 County Antrim Armagh Carlow Cavan Clare Cork Derry Donegal Down Dublin Fermanagh Galway Kerry Kildare Kilkenny Laois Exc. Site 64 17 5 15 61 117 18 28 39 132 14 66 96 74 26 11 County Leitrim Limerick Longford Louth Mayo Meath Monaghan Offaly Roscommon Sligo Tipperary Tyrone Waterford Westmeath Wexford Wicklow Exc. Site 10 61 7 68 53 90 11 25 34 49 53 19 36 46 29 23
Excavated Sites Per County 1970-2002

Wicklow Wexford Westmeath Waterford Tyrone Tipperary Sligo Roscommon Offaly Monaghan Meath Mayo Louth Longford Limerick Leitrim Laois Kilkenny Kildare Kerry Galway Fermanagh Dublin Down Donegal Derry Cork Clare Cavan Carlow Armagh Antrim
C ounty
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Excavated Sites
Figure 2: Early Medieval Excavated Sites Per County 19702002

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Annual Excavations per County These geographical results can be analysed further. It is possible to study the amount of excavations being undertaken annually at different sites across the country to further analyse the factors behind the changing distribution of excavations across the island. As excavations can continue from year to year, the figures are greater again for the amount of excavation licenses issued for each county. Table 3 illustrates the results. Table 3: Early Medieval Excavations Annually Per County 19702002
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1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
Year
Total 84 45 8 17 4 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 1 0 1 1 1 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 2 2 0 1 0 0 1 2 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 0 1 0 1 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 7 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 4 1 1 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 2 0 0 1 0 4 5 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 0 3 0 2 1 2 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 5 5 0 4 1 0 2 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 2 2 6 0 5 2 1 2 0 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 1 1 0 1 2 2 2 0 5 2 4 0 6 3 2 1 0 0 0 4 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 2 1 2 4 0 6 1 1 0 2 0 8 4 6 0 4 1 3 3 1 0 2 2 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 3 3 1 2 2 7 6 7 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 3 4 5 3 2 5 5 8 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 8 1 2 3 3 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 2 4 8 9 1 1 0 0 1 1 3 1 2 1 5 1 0 1 2 0 1 2 1 2 1 1 0 1 5 3 6 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 4 4 6 4 16 5 6 2 1 1 3 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 3 3 2 3 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 3 2 3 3 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 4 4 6 5 5 6 4 15 12 30 35 158 37 46 60 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 0 2 5 3 7 12 18 18 20 99 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 4 3 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 1 2 0 0 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 0 2 0 1 1 0 1 3 1 4 3 2 1 1 1 0 2 1 4 3 2 3 3 2 0 2 2 0 1 2 3 2 3 2 5 1 0 0 1 4 0 3 2 3 4 3 5 4 7 3 4
10 11 16 14 12 22 15 15 30 30 22 41 297 1 8 4 2 1 16 14 11 14 96 16 15 21 26 169 7 1 3 0 6 0 9 4 5 0 4 2 3 2 0 1 0 2 2 8 2 1 0 7 0 3 9 6 0 6 3 3 9 0 7 1 5 2 14 18 14 16 41 149 6 3 0 8 2 7 1 0 4 3 1 7 2 7 6 1 4 44 20 14 12 11 17 25 102 1 0 0 3 9 13 21 12 11 19 115 6 10 6 14 13 79 11 19 11 15 35 186 5 7 4 5 5 0 7 2 6 5 3 6 7 7 1 10 6 13 3 12 9 3 0 4 3 3 3 8 1 3 9 6 7 9 0 9 7 16 77 52 13 69 11 13 79 1 9 0 5 33 60 12 14 67 7 5 8 7 49 41
10 10 9
28
Y e a r i mAntrim g h Armagh o w Carlow a n Cavan r e Clare r k Cork r y Derry a l Donegal w n Down i n Dublin g h Fermanag ah y Galway r y Kerry r e Kildare n y Kilkenny i s Laois i mLeitrim c k Limerick r d Longford t h Louth y o Mayo t h Meath a n Monagha l n y Offaly o n Roscomm g on o Sligo r y Tipperary n e Tyrone r d Waterford t h Westmeat r h d Wexford o w Wicklow a l Total
14 18 19 19 16 18 14 15 16 17 18 22 25 26 19 25 28 22 31 38 55 51 66 73 74 83 105 131 172 239 253 286 385 2393
The Character and Scale of Excavations in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland Different jurisdictions on the island of Ireland have traditionally approached archaeology in different ways whether it has been archaeological survey, museums collections or excavation. EMAP statistics indicate that the Northern Ireland Historic Monuments Branch was at the forefront of rescue and research excavations in the 1970s and 1980s, many of which proved to be very significant. EMAP also shows that there has been a sizeable increase in excavations in the Republic of Ireland in recent years due to new protective legislation and the Celtic Tiger phenomenon. The table and graph below comparatively illustrates the difference in the amount of excavations undertaken annually in two counties in the Republic of Ireland (Donegal and Clare) and two counties (Tyrone and Antrim) in Northern Ireland. They reveal that the amount of excavations being undertaken at or near early medieval or potential early medieval sites has remained generally consistent across Northern Ireland from 19702002, while excavations in both urban and rural areas in counties like Clare and Donegal within the Republic have increased dramatically in recent years.
Year 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Antrim 2 4 4 3 3 2 0 2 2 0 1 2 3 2 3 2 5 1 0 0 1 4 0 3 2 3 4 3 5 4
Tyrone 1 2 1 2 2 1 0 1 1 1 5 2 3 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Clare 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 0 2 5 3 7 12
Donegal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 4 4 6
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2000 2001 2002 Total (County)
7 3 4 84
1 1 0 33
18 18 20 99
4 16 5 46
Table 4: Comparative Analysis of Excavations Annually 19702002 in counties in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
Excavations Annually in R.O.I. and N.I. 1970-2002

40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
1970
Excations Per County
Donegal Clare Tryone Antrim
1972
1974
1976
1978
1980
1982
1984
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
Year
Figure 3: Comparative Analysis of Excavations Annually 19702002 in counties in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
Elsewhere, the amount of excavations in recent years in eastern counties like Kildare, Louth, Meath and Dublin is unparalleled across the island. This fact is of particular importance when we compare the geographical size of these counties, in particular Louth or Dublin, to that from large western and Northern counties like Tipperary, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Tyrone or even Antrim who have fewer excavations in comparison to their size. The rate of excavations undertaken annually by Archaeological Organisations in Ireland The excavations undertaken annually by different governmental, academic and commercial organizations were next established. The figures clearly reveal that the rate of excavations undertaken by both university and governmental companies remained relatively constant throughout the period. It also clearly illustrates the huge increase in excavations undertaken annually by commercial companies. The number of excavations undertaken annually by the Universities amounted to 245 with those by government and commercial organizations numbering 535 and 1597 respectively. There were 15 excavations whose affiliated company could not be established and they were excluded from this graph. The figures for the universities included that of the Archaeological Services Unit in UCC.
2002
30
1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Total
University 6 4 5 6 6 6 3 4 1 3 4 10 8 5 5 3 4 6 4 7 8 7 9 11 13 7 8 14 11 14 9 15 19 245
Government 8 14 14 13 10 12 11 11 15 13 13 9 14 20 12 19 17 13 16 19 31 25 28 31 22 19 16 19 19 11 11 13 17 535
Commercial 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 2 1 2 3 7 3 11 12 15 19 28 29 38 57 81 96 141 213 230 256 348 1597
Table 5: Excavations Annually Per Archaeological Institution 19702002
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Excavations Annually Per Institution 1970-2002

450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0
Commercial Government University
University Excavations and associated Excavation Licenses The EMAP database then reviewed the number of excavation licenses that were issued to university, governmental and commercial organizations. It established that in 19702002, there were 20 excavations undertaken by staff from a range of universities including those of Glasgow, Birmingham, Stockholm, York, Manchester and Cambridge from Britain, Cornell University, Ithaca (New York), City University of New York (CUNY), University of California (Berkeley) and University of Pennsylvania. Excavations by Irish Universities included five excavations by University of Ulster and its associated Center for Maritime Archaeology at 2 sites, one excavation undertaken by Leo Swan then of St. Patricks College, Drumcondra at Corbetstown in Westmeath and one excavation by Prof. Terry Barry of Trinity College Dublin at Dunbeg Promontory Fort, Co. Kerry. Staff at Queens University Belfast conducted 19 excavations at 17 sites. The Dept. of Archaeology at University College Galway (then UCG, now NUIG) undertook 7 excavations at 7 sites. The Dept. of Archaeology (now UCD School of Archaeology) at University College Dublin (UCD) undertook 10 excavations at 9 sites. The UCD based and National Monuments servicefunded Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (IAWU), also conducted 8 excavations at 8 early medieval wetland archaeology sites. The Dept. of Archaeology at University College Cork (UCC) accounted for the largest number of excavations totaling 33 excavations at 31 sites (most of these undertaken by the staff of the Archaeological Services Unit, then based in UCC, amounting to 49 excavations at 46 sites).
19 70 19 72 19 74 19 76 19 78 19 80 19 82 19 84 19 86 19 88 19 90 19 92 19 94 19 96 19 98 20 00 20 02
Year
Figure 4: Excavations Annually Per Archaeological Institution 19702002
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University University College Cork University College Dublin University College Galway Queen's University Belfast University of Ulster St. Patrick's College Drumcondra Trinity College Dublin British & European Universities American Universities Total
Excavation Licenses 82 18 7 19 5 1 1 13 7 145
Sites 77 17 7 17 3 1 1 13 7 135
Table 6: Excavation Licenses and Sites Excavated Per University unit 19702002 The EMAP survey revealed that approximately 135 sites containing early medieval and potential early medieval evidence has been excavated by archaeologists in the university sector, of which 145 excavation licenses were issued for this purpose. The number of seasons of excavations undertaken annually by the University sector amounted to 245 indicating that a large number of these excavations licenses were issued for longterm research projects, as was the case at Knowth, Co. Meath or Lisleagh ringfort, Co. Cork. Statefunded Excavations and associated Excavation Licenses EMAP established that 331 sites were excavated by state or governmental organizations, with a total of 361 excavation licenses were issued for this purpose. The Northern Ireland Historic Monuments Branch appears to have undertaken a particularly high number of excavations at early medieval sites, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. Many of these were subsequently published in UJA and other journals. Government Organisation Urban Archaeological Survey of Ireland OPW National Monuments and Historic Properties, Dchas OPW and Dchas FS Schemes N. Ireland Historic Monuments Branch Environment & Heritage Service, Belfast Cork Corporation Dublin Corporation Galway Corporation Waterford Corporation Wexford Corporation Discovery Programme Fermanagh County Museum National Museum of Ireland Ulster Museum Kerry County Museum Total Exc. License 1 91 32 7 98 14 8 5 2 17 1 8 1 34 13 6 338 Sites 1 109 33 7 86 12 7 4 1 13 1 8 1 34 10 6 333
Table 7: Excavation Licenses and Sites Excavated Per Government Body 19702002 The number of excavations undertaken annually by different government bodies amounted to 535 from 19702002. The number of excavation licenses issued was however 338 for the same time frame that also indicates that a sizeable number of these excavations were undertaken over a number of years.
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Commercial Excavations and associated Excavation Licenses However, as is well known (see Fig. 4 above), the great majority of the archaeological excavations undertaken on or near potential early medieval sites or monuments in 19702002, were carried out by commercial archaeological companies and consultancies. Beginning in the early 1990s, both urban development and rural infrastructural development begain in earnest, as the Irish economy began to be transformed. Archaeological companies were being established (although some, such as Valerie J. Keeley Ltd, Margaret Gowen & Co Ltd and Archaeological Development Services were companies already operating at the time) and these began to carry out more and more excavations as part of mitigation of archaeological disturbance as required by the planning process. By the late 1990s, these developments were in full flood, codes of practice were being established with the NRA, Bord Gis and other state agencies and a growing number of commercial archaeological companies and individuals were active in the field. By 2002, Irish archaeological practice had been utterly transformed. The table below comprises the number of excavation licenses in ascending order associated with different commercial archaeological companies from 19702002. In a number of rare cases, two companies appear to have been associated with the same excavation license and in these cases, a number was added to both companies. The figures below therefore do not reflect then an accurate number of excavation licenses issued but the number of excavation licenses associated with different companies. Table 8: Excavation Licenses and Sites Excavated Per Commercial Company 19702002
Associated Excavation Licenses in EMAP Database (19702002) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 8 9 14 17 18 19 22 24
Commercial Archaeological Company Achill Archaeological Summer School AOC Archaeology Group Archaeological Diving Company Archaeology Underwater Ltd. Carlingford Lough Heritage Trust CFA Archaeology, East Lothian Dagda Archaeological Projects Dublin Archaeological Research Team GeoArc Neil OFlanagan Rathmichael Historical Society Roscrea Archaeological Survey Team South Eastern Archaeology Underwater Archaeological Unit, Dchas ArchCor IUART ArchaeoGrafix GAC Ltd. Waterford Archaeological Excavations Dublin Corporation Stafford McLoughlin Archaeology Discovery Programme John Channing Environment & Heritage Service, Belfast Dominic Delany Archaeological Projects Judith Carroll Archaeological Consultancy Ltd. ArchTech
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Moore Archaeological and Environmental Services Northern Archaeological Consultancy CRDS Mary Henry Archaeological Services IAC Aegis Archaeology Sheila Lane North West Archaeological Services Archaeological Services Unit, Oranmore Eachtra Valerie J Keeley ADS ACS Margaret Gowen Freelance Total
24 24 28 34 36 37 44 45 51 86 88 140 141 200 319 1515
The principal single archaeological companies responsible for excavations of early medieval sites are: ! Margaret Gowen (200 sites) ! ACS (141 sites) ! ADS (140 sites) ! Valerie J Keeley Ltd (88 sites) ! Eachtra (86 sites) Undoubtedly, these companys archives and expert archaeologists comprise potentially the greatest resource for research and publication on early medieval archaeology. However, it is interesting that Freelance excavations (i.e. completed by site directors not explicitly linked with an institution or company) were in fact responsible for the most excavations undertaken. These excavations typically involved testing near or on an archaeological monument and rarely revealed any early medieval archaeology of any significance. The total number of excavation licenses associated with different commercial companies then amounted to 1,466. The total number of excavations undertaken annually by commercial companies was approximately 1,597. The comparison of both figures indicates that excavation licenses issued to commercial archaeological companies tended to be only used for one year typically. The provisional EMAP survey then identified that ! 145 excavation licenses (7%) associated with Universities ! 336 excavation licenses (17%) associated with government bodies ! 1515 excavation licenses (75%) associated with commercial companies. ! Unidentified (1%) These numbers total 1,947 and refer to the number of excavation licenses associated with different university, government and commercial bodies. The body responsible for a further 15 excavation licenses could also not be established.
Excavation Type
There are 1,397 defined sites and 1,968 excavation licenses from 19702002 within the EMAP database. The table and graph illustrate the excavation types.
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Table 9: Issued Excavation License Types 19702002 Exc. Type Conservation Monitoring Non Excavation Rescue Research Testing Uncertain Total Number 106 394 19 526 78 836 9 1968 Percent 5 20 1 27 4 43 0 100
Early Medieval Excavation License Types 1970-2002
9, 0% 106, 5% 394, 20% 836, 43% 19, 1% Conservation Monitoring Non Excavation Rescue Research 78, 4% 526, 27% Testing Uncertain
Figure 5: Issued Excavation License Types 19702002 As was the case with the Heritage Councils unpublished excavations survey, testing was found to be the dominant type of excavation. Rescue and monitoring type excavations followed it. The excavation bulletin reports typically provided the information for the type of excavation that was undertaken. It is evident then that there is undoubtedly a small error in the actual amount of excavation types. Recently Archaeology.ie has been launched with the expectation to eventually put up online excavation reports. These reports contain information about the type of excavation that was undertaken at sites. EMAP should, at a later stage in the project, be able to establish more figures for the number of different excavation types that were undertaken on and near early medieval monuments and structures. Excavation Types Annually It was decided to establish the amount of different excavation types undertaken annually from 19702002. As excavation licenses can continue from year to year, these figures revealed the amount of the excavations types undertaken annually and not the number of issued excavation
36
license types. The figures then total more than the 1,968 excavation licenses whose types are listed and graphically represented immediately above.
Table 10: Excavation Types Annually 19702002

Yea r 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Conservation 3 1 4 3 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 3 2 1 3 6 2 4 9 10 6 8 8 4 8 9 8 8 11 7 8 14 Monitoring 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 4 4 4 7 5 9 10 25 33 67 62 85 115 Rescue 5 12 11 12 9 10 10 10 10 12 6 11 11 13 9 13 16 13 20 7 25 17 20 22 19 10 21 25 28 42 45 59 87 Testing 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 2 0 3 2 3 0 0 2 7 9 15 20 25 31 38 56 60 92 110 129 128 162 Research 6 5 4 4 5 5 3 3 3 4 7 8 9 7 7 6 6 7 4 8 7 5 11 10 14 16 9 12 9 8 7 3 5 Non Excavation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 1 1 1 2 0 1 2 1 3 3 2 Uncertain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
37
Early Medieval Excavation Types Annually 1970-2002

450 400
Uncertain Non Excavation Research Testing Rescue Monitoring Conservation
Excavation Type
350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0
Nondestructive methods like geophysical survey or underwater diving for survey purposes (a licensed activity) which received excavation licenses were listed under the Non Excavation heading. An excavation whose status was unclear was listed under the heading Uncertain. In the 1970s, the results reveal that both research and conservation work were very significant causes of excavation, along with rescue excavations. These excavations were generally undertaken by governmental bodies like the OPW in the Republic of Ireland the Northern Ireland Historic Monuments Branch the National Museum of Ireland and the Ulster Museum and by the university sector typically as longterm research projects. There was no tradition of testing or monitoring during this period as legislation did not demand these forms of excavation. When rescue excavations tended to occur, they were usually undertaken by government bodies, typically in advance of a farm improvement initiative that had supported by EEC agricultural funding. Farm improvement schemes were particularly responsible for the large number of excavations on ringforts across the island but with an unusually high number in the North of Ireland. Conservation projects equally tended to be undertaken by governmental organizations and were often ran as FAS employment schemes on ecclesiastical sites in particular. By the early 1990s, testing, monitoring and rescue excavations tended to increase in number both due to the Valetta Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (1992) and the surge in developmentled projects. Testing excavation became the dominant form of excavation by 1994 reflecting the impact of stricter legislation. The surge has remained constant throughout the 1990s and 2001/2002 with Testing, Monitoring and Rescue excavations constituting the vast majority of excavations today. The number of conservation and research projects has increased very slightly in recent years with the latter perhaps reflecting the emerging role of new centres for archaeology such as the Centre for Maritime Archaeology at the University of Ulster at Coleraine (UUC). Research excavations constituted 2540% of excavations undertaken annually in the 1970s (See Graph Below) with the figures reflecting the fact that these types of excavations tended to be undertaken on a seasonal basis over a number of years. Research excavations amounted to 9 out of 172 excavations undertaken in 1998 that worked out as 5.2%. In 2002, research excavations constituted only 5/385 or 1.3 % of excavations undertaken during that particular year. In other words, the proportion of excavations carried out for archaeological research has fallen from 5.2% in 1998
19 70 19 72 19 74 19 76 19 78 19 80 19 82 19 84 19 86 19 88 19 90 19 92 19 94 19 96 19 98 20 00 20 02
Year
Figure 6: Excavation Types Annually 19702002
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to 1.3% in 2002. These figures do not suggest any decrease in research excavations undertaken annually but simply reflect the disproportionate amount of excavations undertaken in advance of developmentled projects in more recent years.
Excavation Type Percentages Annually 1970-2002

2002 2000 1998 1996 1994 1992 1990 1988
Year 1986
1984 1982 1980 1978 1976 1974 1972 1970 Conservation Monitoring Rescue Testing Research Non Excavation Uncertain
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Excavation Type Percentages

Figure 7: Excavation Type Percentages Annually 19702002
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Excavation Types per County The type of excavations undertaken in different counties across the island varies. It is evident that there have been fewer testing or monitoring excavations in Northern Ireland, perhaps reflecting the application of different planning legislation. In contrast these counties have had a high percentage of rescue excavations. Table 8 and Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the results. Table 11: Excavation Types Per County 19702002
County Antrim Armagh Carlow Cavan Clare Cork Derry Donegal Down Dublin Fermanagh Galway Kerry Kildare Kilkenny Laois Leitrim Limerick Longford Louth Mayo Meath Monaghan Offaly Roscommon Sligo Tipperary Tyrone Waterford Westmeath Wexford Wicklow Total (Exc. Type) Conservation 6 0 1 0 7 9 3 0 3 6 1 14 11 6 2 2 0 3 0 1 5 5 0 1 5 1 5 1 4 1 1 2 106 Monitoring 9 3 3 9 19 26 4 12 8 40 3 15 29 22 12 3 6 23 0 23 10 24 3 12 7 14 18 1 7 13 5 11 394 Rescue 34 13 0 1 18 28 13 3 28 79 5 13 19 27 10 1 0 26 2 24 9 53 0 20 2 14 25 7 25 16 5 6 526 Testing 14 8 4 7 39 62 9 23 10 116 3 35 44 71 13 7 8 24 3 60 40 42 12 23 28 28 15 2 14 22 32 17 835 Research 5 1 0 0 2 8 3 1 5 2 2 4 13 2 1 1 0 3 2 0 3 3 0 0 4 2 3 4 0 3 0 1 78 Non Excavation 2 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 19 Uncertain 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 1 0 0 10 Total (County) 71 31 8 17 85 134 32 39 55 243 15 82 116 129 38 14 14 80 9 108 67 127 15 58 48 59 67 20 50 57 43 37 1968
40
Excavation Types Per County 1970-2002

Wicklow Wexford Westmeath Waterford Tyrone Tipperary Sligo Roscommon Offaly Monaghan Meath Mayo Louth Longford Limerick Leitrim Laois Kilkenny Kildare Kerry Galway Fermanagh Dublin Down Donegal Derry Cork Clare Cavan Carlow Armagh Antrim Conservation Monitoring Rescue Testing Research Non Excavation Uncertain
County
50
100
150
200
250
300
Excavation Types Per County
Figure 8: Excavation Types Per County 19702002
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Excavation Type Percentages Per County 1970-2002

County
Conservation Monitoring Rescue Testing Research Non Excavation Uncertain
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Excavation Type Percentage Per County
Figure 9: Excavation Type Percentages Per County 19702002
Significance of Sites
The criteria concerning how a site was described in terms of its archaeological significance is outlined in the methodology. A total of 44% of the excavated sites near or on early medieval monuments and structures were designated as of no early medieval archaeological significance. Testing and monitoring excavations are the principal excavation types that are proving to produce a result of no archaeological significance. A high proportion of sites (14%) were classified as Uncertain. These sites are of archaeological significance but it is often not clear if the archaeology dates to the early medieval period. Typical site examples include undated ironworking or kilns sites that could conceivably date to between the Iron Age and the PostMedieval periods. It is interesting and important then, that only 19% of the sites within the database could be considered as significant or highly significant. In a sense, this is encouraging as it shows that the crisis in Irish archaeology viz. the nonpublication of excavations is not as serious as suspected, and that a wellstructured programme of research and publication could easily make a very significant contribution.
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Significance Uncertain No Significance General Significant Highly Significant Total
Number 190 606 325 202 74 1,397
Percent 14% 44% 23% 14% 5% 100%
Table 12: Early Medieval Significance of EMAP Sites 19702002
Early Medieval Significance of EMAP Sites 1970-2002
74, 5% 202, 14%
190, 14%
Uncertain No Significance 325, 23% 606, 44% General Significant Highly Significant
Figure 10: Early Medieval Significance of EMAP Sites 19702002
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Excavations Annually and Sites of Different Significance Sites were graded in terms of Significance as described above. Excavation information was contained within the excavation form which itself was embedded inside the site form. The excavations were not graded into categories of significance. A tick box was simply created to describe whether the excavation was of significance or not. In retrospect, it would have been useful to have been able to grade excavation licenses in terms of their archaeological significance and thus establish the amount of excavations of varying significance annually. What this database can tell is the amount of excavations of some form of significance or no archaeological significance at all as well as the amount of excavations annually occurring on Sites of different significance. The figures and graphs below contain information about the amount of excavations being undertaken on Sites of different Significance annually.
Year Uncertain 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Total 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 5 8 3 2 0 1 3 1 3 3 7 5 1 7 5 4 14 9 21 28 35 43 73 287 No Significance 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 8 9 15 9 19 32 35 49 73 100 120 148 188 815 General 4 11 6 10 5 3 2 4 7 6 1 1 7 10 4 9 7 7 4 18 14 17 20 24 14 16 24 31 41 56 44 44 48 519 Significant 5 2 3 2 2 6 3 5 3 5 5 6 10 9 7 9 10 8 10 7 16 12 21 20 20 20 23 30 20 33 38 35 52 457 Highly Significant 4 5 8 5 8 9 6 6 5 6 7 7 5 5 8 6 7 5 12 8 10 8 9 13 16 11 9 12 17 22 16 16 24 315 Total 14 18 19 19 16 18 14 15 16 17 18 22 25 26 19 25 28 22 31 38 55 51 66 73 74 83 105 131 172 239 253 286 385 2393
Table 13: Excavations Annually on Sites of Different Significance
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Excavations Annually on Sites of Different Significance

450
Significance of Excavations
400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0
Highly Significant Significant General No Significance Uncertain
Table 13 and Figure 11 show that a large proportion of excavations in the 1970s and 1980s were being undertaken on Sites of High archaeological significance. Long term research excavation projects at Clogher, Co. Tyrone Knowth, Co. Meath Deer Park Farms, Co. Antrim Lisleagh, Co. Cork Iniscealtra, Co. Tipperary and Kilpatrick, Co. Westmeath revealed vast quantities of archaeological evidence that transformed peoples understandings of early medieval Ireland in this period. These projects were also complemented by important rescue excavations undertaken both in advance of farm improvement schemes and urban redevelopment projects in the major cities. Important excavations were undertaken on rural ringforts like Tully, Seacash, Ballyhenry, Dunsilly and Ballywee, Co.Antrim, Ballylessant, Crossnacreevy, Gransha and Rathmullan Lower, Co. Down, Big Glebe, Bowling Green, Co. Tipperary, Dunbell Big 6, Co. Kilkenny, Sluggary, Co. Limerick, Simonstown, Co. Meath, Millockstown, Co. Westmeath and Lisduggan North, Co. Cork. Important urban redevelopment projects in the medieval cores of cities in the 1970s and 1980s also had the effect of revealing significant archaeological evidence in the HibernoNorse towns of Dublin and Waterford in particular as well as at ecclesiastical sites such as Armagh and Downpatrick, Co. Down. Excavations tended then to be researchdriven and located on important archaeologically sensitive areas with the consequence that there were few excavations of no significance in this period. The advent of stricter legislation protecting the archaeological heritage and the Celtic Tiger economic boom had the effect of shifting this relationship from one being formerly of a large amount of excavations being undertaken annually on significant sites towards a disproportionate number of excavations revealing no archaeological evidence on or near early medieval sites in the 1990s. These figures are illustrated in the percentage graph in Figure 12 that reveals how excavations on significant sites constituted between 2550% of total excavations annually in the 1970s. This percentage gradually declined to 25/385 excavations (6.5%) in 2002 although in fact the number of excavations on significant sites was far greater in 2002 than any year in the 1970s. The graph also illustrates the growth in excavations at sites described as No Significance from 1990 onwards. Excavations at No Significance Sites constituted 188/385 or 49% of the total excavations in 2002. As is well known, there is then a
19 70 19 72 19 74 19 76 19 78 19 80 19 82 19 84 19 86 19 88 19 90 19 92 19 94 19 96 19 98 20 00 20 02
Year
Figure 11: Excavations Annually on Sites of Different Significance
45
strong relationship between the growth of testing and monitoring as forms of archaeological excavations and the increase in the number of excavations at or near site that are revealing no archaeological evidence. This is an issue that should perhaps be debated by professional archaeology in Ireland.
Percentages Of Excavations Annually on Sites of Different Significance

2002 2000 1998 1996 1994 1992 1990 1988
Year 1986
1984 1982 1980 1978 1976 1974 1972 1970 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Uncertain No Significance General Significant Highly Significant
Percentages of Excavations Annually

Figure 12: Percentages of Excavations Annually on Sites of Different Significance
46
Significance of Sites per County The 1397 defined sites in the different counties were next analyzed in terms of their significance. Table 14 and Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the results. Table 14: Early Medieval Significance of Excavated Sites
County Antrim Armagh Carlow Cavan Clare Cork Derry Donegal Down Dublin Fermanagh Galway Kerry Kildare Kilkenny Laois Leitrim Limerick Longford Louth Mayo Meath Monaghan Offaly Roscommon Sligo Tipperary Tyrone Waterford Westmeath Wexford Wicklow Total (Significance) Uncertain 8 0 1 0 13 13 0 3 3 21 0 11 8 14 5 1 0 19 0 4 7 15 1 3 2 5 12 5 3 4 4 7 192 No Significance 9 2 4 13 30 59 4 19 8 25 5 35 53 40 12 7 10 27 3 33 29 32 9 10 22 26 17 0 10 24 18 11 606 General 26 11 0 2 10 25 10 4 19 36 4 9 15 10 6 0 0 8 3 16 11 17 1 9 6 13 14 8 11 12 3 4 323 Significant 19 3 0 0 6 18 3 1 5 31 5 9 16 8 3 3 0 6 0 12 6 16 0 2 3 4 8 4 9 2 3 1 206 Highly Significant 2 1 0 0 2 2 1 1 4 19 0 2 4 2 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 10 0 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 1 0 70 Total (County) 64 17 5 15 61 117 18 28 39 132 14 66 96 74 26 11 10 61 7 68 53 90 11 25 34 49 53 19 36 46 29 23 1397
47
Significance of Excavated Sites Per County 1970-2002

Uncertain No Significance General Significant Highly Significant
County
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Significance of Excavated Sites Per County
Figure 13: Early Medieval Significance of Excavated Sites Per County
Northern Counties like Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone as well as the Leinster counties of Dublin, Meath, Louth and Longford contained high percentages of sites described as general, significant and Highly Significant. These counties in Northern Ireland have also relatively few sites of No Significance. It has been noted above that the Northern Ireland Historic Monuments Branch was at the forefront of rescue and research excavations in the 1970s and 1980s, many of which proved to be very significant. It is clear that Northern Ireland undertook a disproportionate number of excavations in terms of its geographical size in this period. In more recent years however, this ratio has shifted dramatically as the amount of excavations annually within the majority of the counties from the Republic has continued to surpass that of the six counties. It is instructive to note that counties across the west and northwest region of Ireland like Cavan, Leitrim, Donegal, Monaghan, Roscommon, Galway and Mayo have a high proportion of No significance sites. These counties have witnessed dramatic increases in the amount of excavations being undertaken annually (See Table Below) and it is very likely that these excavations of No Significance are related to tighter legislation concerning development, particularly in rural contexts in recent years.
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Significance Percentages of Excavated Sites Per County

County
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Significance Percentages
Figure 14: Significance Percentages of Excavated Sites Per County
Schemes and Infrastructural Projects

The above graphs have illustrated the changing character and scale of excavations across the island from 19702002. To further comprehend the changing distribution and character of excavations across the island, it was necessary to consider the role of developmentled schemes and projects within these trends. There are currently 1397 sites and 1968 accompanying excavation licenses within the database. A total of 1643 or 83% of licenses issued for excavations on or near early medieval sites or structures from 19702002 were in advance of infrastructural, development and rural schemes/projects.
Exc. No. 43 18 502 83 551 82 4 243 42 23 52 License Percentage 2% 1% 26% 4% 28% 4% 0% 12% 2.00% 1% 3%
Scheme/Project Farm Improvement Peat Production Development Sewerage & Water Supply Residential Development Gas Scheme Tram & Rail Road Scheme Drainage/Dredging Scheme Electrical Quarry/Mine/Landfill
Total Exc. Licenses
1643
83%
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Other Excavation Reasons Cemetery Extension Coastal Erosion Golf Course Unidentified Service Pipeline Uncertain None 19 20 14 8 51 213 1% 1% 1.00% 0% 3.00% 11%
Total Exc. Licenses

Total Exc. Licenses
325
1,968
17%
100%
Table 15: Excavations along Schemes and Projects 19702002
Excavations along Schemes and Projects 1970-2002 600

Development Drainage/Dredging Electrical Farm Improvement Gas Scheme Peat Production Quarry/Mine/Landfill Residential Development Road Scheme Tram & Rail Sewerage & Water
500 400 300 200 100 0

Scheme or Project
Figure 15: Excavations along Schemes and Projects 19702002
Residential developments were responsible for 551 (28%) of the total excavations within the database. It was followed by 502 (26%) on quarries/mines/landfills of total excavations. These together constitute 54% of total excavations within the database. 1,643 excavations were issued in advance of schemes or projects. The remaining 325 excavation licenses were issued for a number of different reasons. The heading None referred to those which were issued for conservation or research purposes as well as other miscellaneous forms of excavation which were not part of a development scheme or any of the headings listed below. It constituted 213 or 11% of total excavations. Significance of Sites in which excavations were undertaken along Schemes/Projects The database, as described above, graded excavated sites in terms of their early medieval archaeological significance. The criteria used to interpret the significance of a site are outlined
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in the methodology. The individual excavation licenses were not graded in terms of their archaeological significance. At this stage of the project, the EMAP database can only appraise the significance of excavated sites in which excavation licenses were issued for different schemes and Projects.
Total (Scheme/ Project) 43 18 502 83 551 82 4 243 42 23 52 1643
Scheme/Project Farm Improvement Peat Production Development Sewerage & Supply Residential Development Gas Scheme Tram & Rail Road Scheme Drainage/Dredging Scheme Electrical Quarry/Mine/Landfill Total (Significance) Water
Uncertain 1 0 52 20 39 42 0 59 9 5 10 237
No Significance 5 0 183 40 404 11 1 41 13 14 11 723
General 19 12 108 18 58 7 3 74 13 2 16 330
Significant 14 6 96 4 40 11 0 47 7 2 10 237
Highly Significant 4 0 63 1 10 11 0 22 0 0 5 116
Table 16: Significance of Sites excavated along Schemes and Projects
Significance of Excavated Sites along Schemes and Projects

Tram & Rail Sewerage/Water Road Scheme Residential Development Quarry/Mine/Landfill
County
Peat Production Gas Scheme Farm Improvement Electrical Drainage/Dredging Development
100
200
300
400
500
600
Significance of Sites
Figure 16: Significance of Sites excavated along Schemes and Projects
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Some interesting patterns do emerge from the data gathered. It is instructive to note that excavations in advance of residential developments had a tendency to be described as Sites of No archaeological Significance. It was found that these excavations were usually undertaken near an early medieval monument (e.g. ringfort) in advance of the construction of a dwelling house. Excavations in advance of large commercial/infrastructural developments and road schemes tended to reveal a higher proportion of important, highly important and significant sites. This was likely due to the scale of excavations undertaken along these projects. It was also likely due to the fact that excavations tended to be undertaken on early medieval monuments or areas with the intention of complete excavation in contrast to testing excavations being undertaken near an early medieval monument to comply with planning legislation for an isolated dwelling. Both farm improvement schemes and excavations in advance of quarry/mining or landfill activities also contained a higher proportion of sites of importance. These excavations were typically undertaken in the 1970s and 1980s through EEC funded grants. It is also instructive to note that sites excavated along road and Gas schemes projects contained a higher proportion of sites described at this stage as Uncertain. These sites typically took the form of ironworking hearths or agricultural features whose radiocarbon dates were still pending when submitted to the excavation bulletin reports. Excavations Types along Schemes/Projects These characteristics of the archaeological excavations undertaken along the different schemes or projects supports the trends outlined above.
Scheme/Project Farm Improvement Peat Production Development Sewerage & Water Supply Residential Development Gas Scheme Tram & Rail Road Scheme Drainage/Dredging Scheme Electrical Quarry/Mine/Landfill Total (Excavation Type) Conservation 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 Monitoring 0 0 86 36 160 24 2 41 14 11 7 381 Non Excavation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 Rescue 37 18 138 14 41 51 2 113 9 5 35 463 Research 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Testing 6 0 276 33 349 7 0 89 9 6 9 784 Uncertain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Total 43 18 502 83 551 82 4 243 42 23 52 1643
Table 17: Excavation Types along Schemes and Projects
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Excavation Types along Schemes and Projects 1970-2002

Quarry/Mine/Landfill Electrical Drainage/Dredging Uncertain Non Excavation Rescue Monitoring Testing Conservation Research
Schemes and Projects
Road Scheme Tram & Rail Gas Scheme Resident Development Sewerage/Water Development Peat Production Farm Scheme
100
200
300
400
500
600
Excavation Types
Figure 17: Excavation Types along Schemes and Projects Farm Improvement schemes, as mentioned above, were particularly influential in the 1970s and 1980s when the EEC agricultural grants were readily available. With the advent of CAP and the large Butter and Cereal Mountains in Brussels, EU agricultural policy shifted from maximisation to diversification. The archaeological heritage also secured important protection in this period at the EU Valletta Convention 1992 whose acts were subsequently ratified by Ireland in 1997. These developments have ensured that few farm improvement schemes date to this later period under study. It is interesting to note that excavations in advance of farm improvement schemes have tended to be rescue in form. This was due to the fact that testing excavations were not a legislative requirement in the 1970s and 1980s. It was also the case that these excavations tended to be undertaken on early medieval rural sites with the intention of their complete destruction. As noted previously, the vast majority of rescue excavations in advance of farm improvement schemes were undertaken in Northern Ireland in the 1970s and 1980s. It is clear that testing and monitoring licenses comprise a higher proportion of excavations in advance of residential developments. These excavations comprise a major proportion of excavations undertaken over the last few years and as discussed above, have a tendency to reveal no archaeology of any significance. In most cases, they reflect planning legislation for the increased construction of single houses in the Irish countryside in recent years. A minority dealt with the construction of housing estates a type of excavation which contains a higher probability of rescue excavations of early medieval significance. Rescue licenses however comprise a higher percentage of excavations of recent road schemes, development projects and quarrying/mining or landfill activities highlighting the different character, scope and function of these excavations. These excavations were typically undertaken over a large area of land with the intention of complete excavation if any archaeology of any significance was uncovered.
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The changing character of early medieval excavations in Ireland, 19702002

It is therefore very clear that the character of early medieval excavations has been transformed in recent years due both to stronger legislative protection of the archaeological heritage and the consequent emergence of developmentled archaeology. The database confirmed, what is already well known, about a dramatic shift in the massive growth in the number of excavations undertaken annually from the early 1990s due to developmentled projects and schemes. It also illustrated the wellknown shift from excavations undertaken by state and university bodies in the 1970/80s towards one in which the commercial archaeological sector is predominant by the 1990s. It also confirmed a dramatic transformation in the character of early medieval excavations from one in which research and rescue excavations were dominant towards one in which testing/monitoring excavations prevailed from the 1990s. It was found that this shift in the character of the excavations due to tighter planning legislation had the effect of dramatically increasing the number of archaeological excavations of no significance particularly within the Republic of Ireland. The review also revealed some interesting information about the extent and character of excavations across the island from 19702002. It revealed that a high proportion of the excavations were undertaken in the counties of Louth, Meath, Kildare and particularly Dublin reflecting the effects of developmentled archaeology within the greater Dublin area. Other areas that have seen relatively high numbers of early medieval excavations include the southwestern counties of Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Clare as well as Antrim in Northern Ireland. Elsewhere excavations have been generally fewer in number. The review also revealed subtle differences and variations in the character and number of excavations between those undertaken within the Republic of Ireland and those in Northern Ireland. It revealed that the Northern Ireland Historic Monuments Branch was at the forefront of many significant rescue and research excavations in the 1970s and 1980s. It is evident that in more recent years excavations undertaken at or near early medieval or potential early medieval sites has remained generally consistent across Northern Ireland from 19702002 while excavations in both urban and rural counties within the Republic have increased dramatically. This might both reflect the Celtic Tiger Phenomenon in the Republic and different planning legislation in both jurisdictions concerning testing and monitoring excavations. It is obvious that this change in the scope, type and location of excavations has transformed the character of early medieval material being revealed. The next section will analyse and discuss the character of this early medieval excavated evidence across the island.
What early medieval sites were excavated 19702002? A summary of main findings
There are a total of 1,397 sites in the EMAP database comprising both excavations on and near early medieval sites, monuments and structures. There are 1,996 excavation licenses that are embedded inside these site forms that contain data about excavated monuments, structures and artefacts. These sites and license are described in total in Appendix 1. Site Categories Two category fields were constructed in the Site form as discussed in the methodology. A Category field grouped together excavations on early medieval monuments and structures into broader descriptions. An Environs of Site Category was also constructed which grouped together excavations near early medieval monuments and structures into the same broader descriptions. The category descriptions include: ! ! Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape
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! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Settlement/Cemetery Unenclosed Ecclesiastical Cemetery/Burial Agriculture Industrial Routeway Viking/HibernoNorse Viking/HibernoNorse Viking/HibernoNorse Viking/HibernoNorse Viking/HibernoNorse Miscellaneous
Dublin Waterford Cork Limerick Wexford
Excavated Site Categories There were 871 sites recorded in the excavated site category field. A total of 26% of excavated sites can be described as settlement enclosures (e.g. ringforts, cashels, enclosures). A total of 25% or 218 of all excavated sites were found to be ecclesiastical sites. The actual number of ecclesiastical sites is actually greater (see below) as this figure excludes those from within the Viking/HibernoNorse towns as well as those excavations in which an ecclesiastical site was only found to represent one phase or one area of the total excavated site. Excavations at the Viking towns constituted 10% of the total excavated sites. A site was described as a Settlement landscape when the site was comprised of a number of different monuments spatially or chronologically. This type of excavated EMAP site constituted 8% of the total sites within the database.
Site Category Agricultural Cemetery/Burial Ecclesiastical Industrial Miscellaneous Routeway Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Settlement/Cemetery Unenclosed Viking/HibernoNorse Town Total (Excavated Site Categories)
Count Of Category 43 49 218 69 24 19 224 67 7 65 86 871
Percent 5% 5.5% 25% 8% 2.5% 2% 26% 8% 1% 7% 10% 100%
Table 18: EMAP Excavated Site Categories
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Excavated Early Medieval Site Categories

Viking Town Unenclosed Settlement/Cemetery
Excavated Site Categories
Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure Routeway Miscellaneous Industrial Ecclesiastical Cemetery/Burial Agricultural
50
100
150
200
250
Number of Sites
Figure 18: EMAP Excavated Site Categories
Excavations environs of Site Category The Environs of Site category was designed to collect information about excavations near protected SMR monuments. This field was particularly concerned with excavations near rural settlement sites like ringforts or cashels, rural ecclesiastical sites like monasteries or churches and wetland sites in the form of crannogs. Excavations did not tend to be undertaken near isolated industrial and agricultural sites, as theses are not generally protected SMR monuments. Excavations that were undertaken near a number of settlement and ecclesiastical sites were grouped under the term settlement landscape. It was found that 573/1,397 or 41% of excavated sites were undertaken near early medieval monuments and structures. Theses excavations typically revealed nothing and were undertaken under testing licenses principally near an early medieval protected monument like a ringfort or ecclesiastical site. The table below illustrates that the vast majority were undertaken near settlement enclosure and ecclesiastical sites.
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Environs of Category Count Of Environs of Category Cemetery/Burial 1 Ecclesiastical 250 Miscellaneous 5 Settlement Enclosure 266 Settlement Landscape 28 Unenclosed 23 Total 573 Table 19: Excavation near Site Categories 19702002
Excavations near Early Medieval Site Categories
44% 0% 4% 5% 1%
Cemetery/Burial Ecclesiastical Miscellaneous Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape

46%
Unenclosed
Figure 19: Excavations near Site Categories 19702002 The EMAP database also contains 871 excavated early medieval or potentially early medieval sites that took the form of monuments, structures and entire landscapes. It also, as discussed above, contains 573 sites that were undertaken near early medieval monuments and structures. These numbers totalled 1444 sites. As there are only 1399 sites within the database, the overlap of 47 sites comprised excavations both on and near early medieval or potentially early medieval monuments and structures. Excavated Sites, Monuments and Structures The EMAP Database comprises 871 sites that contain early medieval or potential early medieval archaeological evidence. It was decided at this initial stage of the project, to contain information about excavated monuments, structures and artefacts within a multicolumn field within the individual excavation licenses associated with the site (See Methodology). It is evident that a ringfort, souterrain or unenclosed habitation site could be excavated within the single site. Like the data provided by the Unpublished Excavations Summary (2001), the survey provides information about the amount of instances a specific artefact/site type was excavated. The figures then do not give accurate information about the absolute number of EMAP sites.
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The following chapters comprise descriptions and analysis of the excavated monuments, structures and artefacts recorded in the EMAP database. They also engage in broader discussions of topics concerning early medieval settlement, industry, agriculture, the Vikings in Ireland and the early medieval church. These discussion sections review the themes of early medieval ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Rural Settlement (Enclosed and Unenclosed Sites A.D. 4001170) Viking/HibernoNorse Settlement Early Medieval Buildings Early Medieval Church Early Medieval Burial Early Medieval Agriculture and Landscape Early Medieval Ironworking Early Medieval Pottery Production
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Chapter 4: Early Medieval Dwellings, Settlements and Landscapes
Chapter 4. Early Medieval dwellings, settlements and landscapes

Introduction
Archaeological, historical and palaeoenvironmental evidence all indicates that the early medieval Irish landscape was intensively settled, appropriated and managed. It was a wellpopulated landscape, with numerous settlements and dwellings, roadways and fields scattered through a land that was by now largely cleared of woodlands. Early medieval agriculture was organized and intensive, involving both livestock management and crop cultivation, with a seasonal rhythm of labour and toil in the fields. To get an image of how that landscape might once have appeared, we can look today at places like Ballykinvarga, in the Burren, Co. Clare, where an early medieval stone cashel is surrounded today by fields and trackways, probably of early medieval date. In recent years, similar early medieval settlement landscapes have been excavated elsewhere in Ireland, particularly in advance of large roadway developments. There has been a shift in the questions being asked of these settlement landscapes. Traditional approaches to early medieval ringfort studies, such as those done by Rordin, OKelly and others at sites like Garranes, Garryduff and others emphasised the investigation of internal lay out of sites, the types of enclosing defences, the location and form of structures and most importantly the types of objects recovered. Traditionally, archaeologists used ringforts as a general means of reconstructing the crafts, technology and economy of early medieval Ireland, being taken to be representative of all forms of dwelling activity. More recent studies, particularly those by Matthew Stout and more recently by Thomas Kerr, have concentrated on role of ringforts within their social and economic landscapes, tracing social hierarchy and ranking in variations in morphology and distribution. However, even these studies continue to focus on one type of settlement. It is true to say, that in recent years particularly with the largescale roadway developments, early medieval archaeology has been reinvigorated by a renewed interest in the settlement landscape (and the more diverse forms of evidence for enclosed and unenclosed settlements that they have brought), but also by the discovery of types of archaeological features testifying to the intensity of landuse such as fields, pits, kilns, mills, ironworking sites and other features. Before we rush to categorise this evidence, there should at least be a period of reflection on the new social, ideological and chronological questions that we can now start to pose.
Early medieval rural settlement A.D. 4001170

Ireland was an essentially rural country throughout the early medieval period, with dispersed rural farmsteads the main settlement form. The archaeological record for early medieval rural settlement is dominated by enclosed settlement sites such as ringforts, cashels, promontory forts, settlement/cemetery sites and noncircular shaped enclosures though there is emerging evidence for unenclosed sites in the form of isolated souterrains, unenclosed settlements, coastal occupation sites and cave dwellings. This chapter will appraise the evidence for both enclosed and unenclosed settlement during this period. It will explore the origins and chronology of the different monument to understand continuity and change in settlement and social organization during the early medieval period. Enclosed settlement sites will be first examined and will be followed by the unenclosed evidence. Areas of potential research will finally be outlined.
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Excavated Rural Settlement Sites 19702002 Ringforts and enclosures remain the dominant settlement type in the excavated archaeological record. There is also a growing corpus of evidence for settlement/cemetery sites and unenclosed sites. Table 20 and Figure 20 illustrate the results.
Excavated Rural Settlement Type Hillfort Promontory Fort Cashel Crannog Enclosure Noncircular Shaped Enclosure Settlement/Cemetery Site Ringfort Raised/Platform Ringfort Souterrain Unenclosed Habitation Coastal Habitation Cave Longport EMAP Sites 3 3 16 14 53 16 16 146 23 97 32 5 2 1 Total 3 3 16 17 65 18 16 154 23 140 33 5 2 1
Table 20: Excavated Rural Settlements 19702002
Excavated Rural Settlement Types

Longport Cave Coastal Habitation Unenclosed Habitation
Total Type EMAP Site
Rural Settlement Types
Souterrain Raised/Platform Ringfort Ringfort Settlement/Cemetery Site Non-circular Enclosure Enclosure Crannog Cashel Promontory Fort Hillfort
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Quantity (Settlement Type & EMAP Sites)
Figure 20: Excavated Rural Settlement Types
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Early medieval cashels

Background Early medieval cashels (from the old Irish caisel) are the stonewalled equivalents of earthen banked and ditched ringforts and are generally viewed as representing the homesteads of the free social classes as recorded in the 7th/8th century law tracts in early medieval Ireland. Upon archaeological excavation, they have generally been dated to the second half of the first millennium A.D. The majority are located in western Ireland where stone was abundant as a resource. Generally, cashels appear to have had a smaller diameter that earthen ringforts, typically measuring 1525m in diameter. The typically cited examples of high status cashels include the Grianan of Aileach, Co. Donegal and Cahercommaun, Co. Clare, although these sites are quite unusual. Excavations at early medieval cashels have a long history of research. Hencken (1938) undertook a significant excavation at a cashel at Cahercommaun, Co. Clare. Further work was undertaken at an early medieval stone fort or cashel at Leacanabuaile, Co. Kerry and at two sites at Carraig Aille, Co. Limerick ( Rordin & Foy 1941 Rordin 1949). These excavations established that cashels were indeed an early medieval monument. EMAP Results The EMAP survey has found that 16 Cashels were excavated from 19702002. They were excavated in the counties of Clare, Cork, Down, Donegal, Fermanagh, Galway, Kerry and Mayo. Table 21 lists these cashels and their archaeological significance.
NAME Carn Kildreenagh, Loher Ryan Rinnaraw Ballyegan Cathair Fionnrach, Ballynavenoor Barnaderg North Carrowdotia Cahergal Cathair BallyCarnlabban Kilcashel Cahirvagliair, Cappeen West Barrees Valley Ballyhannan South Carrowdotia (AR27) Dn Eoghanachta, Eoghanacht, Inishmore Mor,
County Fermanagh Kerry Down Donegal Kerry Kerry Galway Clare Kerry Clare Mayo Cork Cork Clare Clare
EMAP Class Cashel Cashel & Souterrain Cashel Cashel Cashel & Souterrain Cashel & Souterrain Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Early Medieval Landscape Cashel Cashel Settlement
Monument Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel Cashel
Significance General Significant No significance Significant Significant Significant No significance General Significant General General General Significant No significance No significance
Galway
Cashel
Cashel
Significant
Table 21: Excavated Cashels 19702002 Seven cashels were excavated which revealed significant archaeological evidence. They comprise the sites of Barrees, Co. Cork (William OBrien 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0914), Rinnaraw, Co. Donegal (Thomas Fanning 198792, Excavations Bulletin), Loher (Brendan OFlaherty 198285, Excavations Bulletin E840), Cathair Fionnrach (Erin Gibbons 1994, Excavations Bulletin 94E005), Cahergal (Manning 1986, 1990 & 1991, Excavations Bulletin) and
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Ballyegan (Martin Byrne 1991, Excavations Bulletin) in Co. Kerry and Dn Eoghanachta, Co. Galway (Claire Cotter, 1995, Excavations Bulletin 95E0136). These sites typically revealed evidence for some domestic, agricultural and personal items of adornment, metal/ironworking. Excavations also revealed evidence for a stone clochan at Cahergal, three stonebuildings at Dn Eoghanachta on the Aran Islands, a potential VikingAge rectangular stone house at Rinnaraw, three buildings at Ballyegan and four stone and two postandwattle buildings at Kildreenagh, Loher. Souterrains were also a feature of Loher and Ballyegan. A corndrying kiln was excavated at Ballegan while quern stone stones were a frequent discovery on several sites. Associated field systems were also found as illustrated at Ballyegan. Archaeological excavations at four of these sites revealed little archaeology of any significant though this does not prove that they were not important in the early medieval period. A further five sites revealed only limited early medieval archaeological evidence on excavation. The fort at Cahirvagliair was undoubtedly though a significant settlement site in the early medieval period. It consists of a large inner bank surrounded by a small ditch, a small bank and a large outer ditch. The internal diameter from the two crests of the small inner measures 42m while the total external diameter amounts to 75m. The inner bank was originally stone faced on both sides and measures up to 5m in width. The outermost ditch measured 7m across the top and 2.5m in depth. The entrance passage was 7.70m in length and c. 2m wide. The walls consisted of dry built roughly coursed large stone. The objective of the excavation was to restore the stone walled entrance and entranceway (Manning 198788). Limited archaeological evidence in the form of scraps of iron, animal bone and perforated disc were found although the focus of the excavation was the focus of the excavation was on the restoration of the stone built enclosing wall and passageway. These Cashels can be dated to the second half of the first millennium A.D and are broadly contemporary with the use of ringforts in early medieval Ireland. Some sites like Rinnaraw revealed evidence from the 7th12th century A.D. suggesting that some may have continued to be used until or after the arrival of the AngloNormans.
Early medieval ringforts

Background Ringforts or raths have been the focus of much archaeological attention and excavation since the first half of the 20th century. Ubiquitously recorded on the early editions of the O.S. maps and locally acknowledged as fairy forts, they were recognised since the origins of Irish archaeology as relict features of a long forgotten chapter of the Irish landscape. It was not until excavations by Rordin at places like Garranes (1942), Ballycatteen Fort (1943) and Letterkeen, Co. Mayo (1952) that they were recognised as the homesteads of people during the years of Irelands Saints and Scholars. These homesteads somewhere and sometime became known as ringforts or the Irish term rath.
Definition Rordins first publication of his Antiquities of the Irish Countryside in 1942 described the ringfort in its simplest form as a space most frequently circular, surrounded by a bank and fosse or simply by a rampart of stone. When Edwards (1990) wrote her archaeology of early medieval Ireland, she described raths as generally circular but that examples of oval and rectilinear sites were also known. Circularity was then not an essential characteristic feature of ringforts. More recently, Kinsella (2007a, 2) examining the debate surrounding noncircular enclosures, has noted that circularity emerged as a defining feature of Stouts (1997) interpretation of the monument in his major publication The Irish Ringfort. In fact, there is emerging evidence from excavations that a range of enclosed raths are known, variously circular, oval even squarish and rectilinear.
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Ringforts can be defined as generally small circular enclosures, enclosed within a single earthen bank and ditch, or stonewall. Most ringforts are simple univallate enclosures, with a bank and ditch, occasionally with a slight counterscarp bank on the outside. Larger, more complex sites (bivallate and trivallate) sites are also known, and as we shall see, imply a social hierarchy, as more energy and labour would have been invested in their construction. In terms of size, ringforts typically measure between 1535m in diameter, with most examples measuring about 30m in diameter. However, there are broad variations and some ringforts range in diameter between 2044m. The banks and ditches of ringforts also vary in size. Most measure only tens of cm in depth, while some large sites like those at Garranes measured up to 4m in depth. EMAP and Ringforts Excavated 19702002 It is interesting that few recent ringfort studies have actually engaged with the excavated archaeological evidence from these sites, as opposed to the landscape archaeological evidence of form and distribution. This EMAP review will not focus on this evidence. The EMAP survey has established that 180 ringforts were excavated within 169 EMAP defined sites between 19702002. They were discovered within 27 counties in Ireland. The most ringforts excavated were in Antrim (26) followed by Cork (22). Others notable areas include Kerry, Tipperary and Limerick in Munster, Down and Tyrone in Ulster, Mayo over in Connacht and Westmeath, Dublin, Louth, Meath and Kildare in North Leinster. The excavated ringfort sites from 19702002 are listed in Appendix 2. A long tradition of the excavation of ringforts has seen a large number being excavated in the 1950/60s and early 1970s in the northeast by a number of archaeologists including A.E.P. Collins, C. Warhurst and David Waterman for the Northern Ireland Historic Monuments Branch. By this stage Proudfoot (1961, 94) felt confident enough to describe these sites as spaces most frequently circular that were surrounded by a bank and fosse or simply by a rampart of stone. He also stated that the enclosed spaces of raths or cashels were generally circular although oval or rectilinear examples are also found. It was not long until variants of ringforts were also proved to date to the early medieval period. Excavations at a whole number of raised mounds in advance of farm improvement schemes in the 1960s and 1970s at places like Tully (Alan Harper 1970, Excavations Bulletin), Ballylessant, Co. Down (A.E.P. Collins 1970, Excavations Bulletin), Ballygortgarve, Co. Antrim (Chris Lynn 1971, Excavations Bulletin), Crossnacreevy, Co. Down (Alan Harper 1971, Excavations Bulletin), Gransha, Co. Down (Chris Lynn 1972 7 198084, Excavations Bulletin Lynn 1985), Big Glebe, Co. Derry (A. Bratt and Chris Lynn 1976, Excavations Bulletin) and Rathmullan, Co. Down (Chris Lynn 197779, Excavations Bulletin Lynn 1982) were not long in establishing that other settlement types were also built during the early medieval period. Large flattopped mound raised above the ground were termed platform ringforts while those artificially heightened flat topped examples that contained an encircling perimeter were described as raised ringforts. Excavations in the 1980s continued apace and revealed significant platform ringforts like Deer Parks Farms (Lynn 1985) and ringforts like Lisleagh 1 (Monk 198084, Excavations Bulletin E218). Excavations in recent years have revealed a further number of other important ringforts sites. Examples include Aghadegnan, Co. Longford (Judith Carroll 1991, Excavations Bulletin 91E0055), Killanully, Co. Cork (Charles Mount 1992, Excavations Bulletin, Meadowbank, Jordanstown, Co. Antrim (Eoin Halpin & Norman Crothers 1995, Excavations Bulletin), Carrowkeel, Co. Mayo (Suzanne Zajac 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0598) and most recently Leggetsrath West, Co. Kilkenny (Anne Marie Lennon 2005, 4361). County Armagh Cavan Cork Quantity 5 2 22 County Longford Louth Mayo Quantity 1 7 6
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Derry Donegal Down Dublin Fermanagh Galway Kerry Kildare Kilkenny Leitrim Limerick
4 1 10 8 4 3 12 8 3 1 8
Meath Offaly Roscommon Antrim Sligo Tipperary Tyrone Westmeath Wexford Wicklow
5 1 3 26 5 8 8 6 1 1
Table 22: Excavated Ringforts Per County 19702002
Excavated Ringforts 1970-2002

Wicklow Wexford Westm eath Tyrone Tipperary Sligo Roscomm on Offaly Meath Mayo Louth Longford Lim erick Leitrim Kilkenny Kildare Kerry Galw ay Fermanagh Dublin Dow n Donegal Derry Cork Cavan Arm agh Antrim
County
10
15
20
25
30
Excavated Ringfort
Figure 21: Excavated Ringforts Per County 19702002
Archaeological Significance of Excavated ringforts (incl. Raised and Platform) EMAP survey has assessed these sites in terms of their significance grading. A total of 86/169 sites, or 51% of excavated ringforts were graded as general in terms of significance. These excavations typically uncovered a limited quantity of artefacts and associated early medieval material. Sites of uncertain or no significance amounted to 18% of the total number of excavated features described as ringforts in the bulletin reports. 23% of sites were described as significant. Excavations on these sites typically revealed ringforts of some status with evidence
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for industrial activity and settlement evidence. 8% of sites, which contained ringforts, were described as highly significant.
Significance of Ringfort No Significance Uncertain General Significant Highly Significant Total Quantity 21 9 86 40 13 169 Percentage 12.5 5.5 51 23 8 100
Table 23: Archaeological Significance of Excavated Ringforts Interpreting the archaeology of early medieval ringforts
Origins and chronology The origins and chronology of ringforts has long been a subject of debate. Formerly, Seamus Caulfield and other suggested that ringforts were ultimately of Iron Age origins. Caulfied suggested ringforts may have developed in the Iron Age and that the expansion of the monument across the island coincided with the political upheavals of the 4/5th century A.D when the U Nill influence spread northwards and eastwards (cited in Edwards 1990, 17). This is also a model more recently adopted by Darren Limbert. The view that the ringfort may also have an Iron Age origins has also been supported recently by Limbert (1996). He (1996, 243) has sought to explain the hiatus in settlement activity in the Iron Age by suggesting that ringforts may have first been constructed in this period and cited the recent excavation of a potential Iron Age ringfort containing three round houses at Lislackagh, Co. Mayo (Gerry Walsh 1992, Excavations Bulletin 92E0152) to bolster his case. However, at this stage it has to be said that there is little good evidence for their use in the late Iron Age, although enclosed dwellings are known from the Bronze Age and Late Neolithic. By the 1980s, in rejecting these arguments, archaeologists like Chris Lynn and Harold Mytum suggested that ringforts were almost entirely of early medieval date and were introduced into Ireland through contacts with Roman Britain in the early centuries AD (where rounds are known in the southwest and Wales). Mytum also suggesting that ringforts were occupied by upper echelons of society, used for only a generation before being abandoned. Ringforts were not contemporary.
However, Stouts (1997) study of ringforts found that radiocarbon dates generally supported their use between the early seventh century until the late ninth centuries AD. Stout (1997) carried out a careful analysis of c14 dates, dendrochronological dates and artefact evidence from Irish ringforts. He proposed that the vast majority of Irish ringforts were constructed and occupied over a relatively brief 300 year period, between 540 884 AD, or between the late 6th and 9th century AD (and certainly not into prehistory). Furthermore, detailed appraisal of occupation evidence from most ringforts indicated that many were used over at least 23 hundred years. The implications of both sets of evidence are that ringforts were contemporary. Supported by the presence of approximately 45,000 extant or nonextant ringforts in the Irish landscape, he developed a model which explicitly linked the distribution of different morphological forms of ringforts with the spatial patterning of a hierarchical society unequivocally expressed in the seventh and eighth century historical tracts. The idea that the ringfort represented a new form of monument which emerged in the 6/7th century A.D. was supported by McCormick (1995) who argued that ringforts were intimately related to the development of a cattlebased dairying economy in this period and indeed that their primary role was for the protection of livestock particularly from night time cattle raids. Agriculture, economy and the construction of the defended enclosed ringfort were then intimately related and as seen as vital ingredients in the organization of a unique hierarchical society between the 7th and 9t centuries. Another problem with the chronology of ringforts is that they appear to go out of use by the 10th century. Between c.10001200, we have little evidence for the forms of rural settlement.
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Evidence suggests that they were replaced with some other settlement form historians propose that this involved nucleated settlement around lordly sites although no clear evidence for this has yet emerged. Recently, Kerr (2007) has developed this notion that monument form can be used as an indicator for the economy of the later period. He has noted that platform ringforts have a tendency to date to the mid eighth mid tenth centuries A.D. which is slightly later than the dates proposed by Stout (1997) for the traditional univallate ringfort. Kerr has argued that the construction of platform ringforts may attest to the increasing importance of an arable orientated economy in the later part of early medieval period. The decline in the use of traditional ringforts is then seen as a product of the development of an arableorientated economy in the later early medieval period. The idea remains quite interesting though it is still debatable if this evidence can be used to indicate a transformation in the economy of the early medieval period across the island. However, ringforts are now generally considered to be an early medieval settlement type, dated to the 7th to 9th century AD. This should mean that many are contemporary, and that we can use this to reconstruct the settlement landscape. Finally, it has been suggested that the density of ringforts in Gaelic controlled areas in the medieval period can be used as evidence to support the idea that they continued to be reused at this late stage Barrett & Graham (1975). It is evident however that this theory remains controversial and has yet to be properly demonstrated. The only possible site that could be used to support this view was excavated by Rynne (1963) at Thadys Fort, Co. Clare. A house dating to A.D. 1600 was excavated inside a ringfort type monument which Rynne suggested was contemporary with the building, a view since challenged by Edwards (1990, 19). The evidence for later medieval reoccupation or construction of ringforts is gaining strength with more recent studies in the west of Ireland.
Morphology and form It is now broadly accepted that ringforts were enclosed domestic dwellings, not military fortifications, so the bank or wall was not intended as a defensive feature. Ringfort entrances are usually poorly defended, fences are not always found on top of the banks and the ditches were usually left to silt up. At Seacash, Co, Antrim, palaeobotanical studies indicate that the ditch quickly became filled with nettles, shrubs and bushes. The lack of effort in maintaining banks and ditches raises the first evidence for social status. In most cases, it seems likely that the importance of the bank was that it defined a domestic space, by enclosing it it did not seek to defend it. In fact, the main aspect of the bank was the building of it, and on highstatus sites, large banks and ditches were intended to signal the wealth or status of the owner. Ringfort entrances typically face towards the east or southeast, being usually simple gaps in banks and ditches. At some sites, entrances can be more complex, with cobbled pathways, substantial wooden gates, towers, etc. However, generally entrances are simple, undefended features.
Ringforts were constructed in a range of sizes and forms. This was usually accomplished by the design of the main defining element the enclosing banks. These vary in size, shape and number. While most ringforts are simple enclosures, there are also numerous sites with more than one bank examples such as Garranes, Co. Cork, Rathra, Co. Roscommon or the trivallate fort at Rathealy, Co. Kilkenny. In regional studies, it has been shown that about 20% of ringforts were multivallate indicating an emerging pattern. These multivallate ringforts (two banks bivallate and three banks trivallate) are more complex sites, with a series of banks and ditches enclosing the dwelling space. However, despite this use of banks, multivallate ringforts frequently have the same enclosed space as univallate forts. The use of multivallate banks seems then not to be about size of internal settlement space, but about the scale and impressiveness of the defences. The banks are being used to signal wealth and status. It is likely that many of these multivallate ringforts are royal sites or at least lordly sites. The early Irish law tract Crith Gablach tells us that the king or lord would have derived authority from his ability to marshal a large labour force, of hereditary serfs and vassals, and also tenant farmers. The larger the banks and ditches, the more labour has to be invested in their construction, and consequently, the higher the status of the lord.
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In a similar way, the construction of large raised raths may also have been a symbol of authority. Some ringforts are actually large flattopped mounds, known as raised raths, such as at Rathmullan, Big Glebe and Deer Park Farms. It has also been suggested that by the 10th century, some of these sites are being constructed as lordly dwellings with the lords residence literally raised above the landscape. Thus, some raised raths were deliberate constructions, possibly for reasons of status and prestige. Raised raths may also be the result of occupation over long periods of time, as internal surfaces became waterlogged and the inhabitants attempted to raise the surface above the water table. This occurred at Deer Park Farms, Co. Antrim, where waterlogging caused inhabitants to build up the site. However, by far and away, the commonest type of ringfort is the simple univallate enclosure.
Social and economic function The interpretation of ringforts has shifted across the years. However, since at least the 1950s, they have tended to be interpreted as domestic farmsteads of reasonably prosperous farmers. The structural and artefactual evidence emphasises their use as dwellings for selfsufficient groups, with crafts and industry practiced on a smallscale basis, economy overwhelmingly dominated by agriculture, and few weapons indicating their lack of a military function
Intriguingly, there is also a hint that some ringforts were not used as dwellings, but as temporary enclosures for cattle, as has been suggested by Finbar McCormick. In recent years, many ringforts being excavated during rescue projects are producing less structures and artefacts than might be expected. In earlier investigations, sites like Garryduff II, Co. Cork produced no evidence for settlement at all. The question of whether raths were used as cattle enclosures has yet to be confirmed. At Deer Park Farms, palaeoecological analyses produced lice from cattle, sheep and pigs, also beetles from dung suggesting that cattle were certainly kept within enclosures was it more like a farmyard? However, there is abundant evidence from numerous other examples for longterm occupation. Thus Deer Park Farms was occupied between 7th and the 10th century AD, and produced evidence for houses, workshops, middens, etc, etc.
Distribution and siting The Archaeological Survey of Ireland and the surveys of the Environment and Heritage Service now indicate that there were at least 45,000 ringforts in Ireland. They were widely distributed across Ireland, indicating the widespread settlement of the island.
Ringforts are most densely found in north Connacht (Sligo and Roscommon), and in north Munster (Clare and Limerick) less dense in midlands (where ecclesiastical sites are common). Ringforts are typically found in hilly terrain, in the drumlins of the northwest, in rolling topography. They tend to avoid lowlying, level lands. They only avoid uplands above 335m (mountains) they also avoid bogs and lowlying riverine wetlands. In terms of local terrain, ringforts are typically sited with farming, travel and status in mind. Ringforts are usually found on good quality soils, suitable for agriculture. They avoid heavy lowland clays (difficult to plough), in preference for sands and gravels. A prominent siting also gave ringfort dwellers a good view over the landscape, for safety and access to neighbours. Ringforts were primarily rural dispersed dwellings of farming communities. Ringforts also tend to be found in dense clusters. It has been suggested that ringforts were clustered together to provide defence in depth, with views between ringforts providing safety and mutual defence. Although individual sites did not have a panoramic view, being oriented in one direction, the location of forts meant that some ringforts could have had a view of as many as 17 other forts. In fact, ringforts have to be seen within a settlement system. Most studies have shown that within local distributions there tends to be a range of different types in terms of size, morphology and siting, ranging from large multivallate enclosures in prominent locations, to larger raised raths and well defended forts in strategic locations, to smaller univallate forts either clustered around the large sites or located in isolated places.
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The archaeological evidence suggests that ringforts tend to be grouped together, and that within these groups, insignificant looking forts, the simple, small univallate forts, tend to be clustered around the most spectacular multivallate examples. Is this evidence for a social hierarchy? Clearly, the morphology, distribution and siting of ringforts has potential to provide us with a good deal of information on early Irish society. But can we move towards a more sophisticated understanding of the organisation of the settlement landscape?
Stouts normative models of ringfort morphology and social hierarchies In recent years, Matthew Stouts (1997) studies of morphology and distribution of ringforts in southwest midlands, have done exactly that, and have enabled a potentially fascinating insight into society in early medieval Ireland. Stout looked at 300 ringforts in two baronies in the southwest midlands (Tipperary/Offaly), using the multivariate classification system known as cluster analysis, to define ringfort groupings. These groupings or statistical clusters, are based on differences in ringfort morphology and distribution. The clusters of forts correspond closely with descriptions of forts in early Irish law tracts, where lords and farmers were described as having forts of particular size and layout.
Stout investigated ringforts by looking at certain variables which included internal diameter overall diameter number of banks number of fosses slope index (distance between 31m contours, 100ft) altitude ringforts within 0.7km ringforts within 3.5km ringforts within 7.3km distance to nearest ecclesiastical site. He identified six clusters or statistical types of fort. ! ! ! ! ! ! Cluster 1, small univallate forts, at distance from ecclesiastical sites lowstatus sites Cluster 2, smaller univallate forts, closer to ecclesiastical sites also low status sites Cluster 3, bivallate forts, large overall diameter, low internal diameter, possible royal sites, found in association with lowstatus sites Cluster 4, large univallate forts, low altitude, near boundaries, strategic forts? Cluster 5, univallate forts, low density, medium social status Cluster 6, univallate forts, on level ground, medium social status
Stout interpreted these clusters in the following way. The Cluster 3 bivallate forts were high status or royal sites the Cluster 4 forts were strategic or military in nature, while the other forts range from lowstatus to mediumstatus sites. Stout used this distribution and clustering of ringforts to propose a model for how the early medieval landscape may have been structured. ! Large, multivallate ringforts (cluster 3)(multiple banks, small enclosed areas, prominent siting with good views and close to road) tend to be in a central location within townlands. This type of site would seem to be central to settlement system, and correspond closely to descriptions of forts of lords and kings. These bivallate forts may have been the dwellings of the typical aire forgill or lord. Small, simple ringforts tend to be found in close proximity to highstatus sites. These are poorly defended, with a small internal area. These forts may have been the settlements of the ocaire sons of nobility or landless farmers who rented land from the lord. Large welldefended, univallate ringforts (cluster 4) are located in strategically significant places such as near barony or townland boundaries. These may have been the settlements of the aire deso a lower grade of lord, whose forts may have had an interterritorial military function. Communitys cattle or wealth could have gathered into these places at times of danger. There are also univallate ringforts with internal diameters of av. 30m, situated on good agricultural land, but in less strategic locations. They tend to be situated at some distance from the lords sites. These may have been the dwellings of boaire lowest
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grade of free farmers, whose families owned their own land outright, but rented cattle from the lord. Their farms may be similar to modern townland boundaries. The distribution and siting of ringforts also tends to be influenced by other factors. Proximity to a routeway seems to have been of significance. Ringforts also tend to have a distribution that is complementary to ecclesiastical sites, such as churches and monasteries. However, ecclesiastical sites tend to be found near routeways, rivers, bog islands and borders, suggesting their role in the political landscape. Stouts model has suggested that large multivallate ringforts, potentially representing the forts or dwellings of the aire forgill who were militarytype lords, were located in a centrally prominent location within the political unit or tath. He also suggested that large welldefended ringforts situated in strategic military positions along political borders might represent a lower class of nobleman known as the aire deso. Medium status univallate ringforts situated on good agricultural land, in less prominent positions at some distance from the lords multivallate settlement, may represent the lowest independent farmer known as the Boaire. Smaller low status ringforts, located in close proximity to lordly ringforts, could represent the homesteads of the semifree ocaire, who undoubtedly constituted the majority of the population (Stout 1997 OSullivan & Downey, 2007, 32). Stout (1997) applied this model in the southwest midlands of Ireland where ringforts were relatively well present. However, it has been noted by many archaeologists including OSullivan and Downey (2007, 35) most recently that the density of ringforts is relatively low in most of Leinster, northwest Ulster and the western extremities of Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry and Cork. Stouts normative model is attractive because it explains differences in ringfort morphology and siting on the basis of social organisation and interprets the settlement landscape on the basis of interaction between different social groups. However, there are some problems with the model. The model fits well with the southwest midlands, Roscommon, but not with other parts of Ireland, such as Co. Clare. It is also true that the model must assume contemporaneity of sites, if sites were not occupied at the same time, different processes could have lead to these distributions. The model therefore deliberately ignores the very real evidence that the occupation of ringforts over a few generations (i.e. 250 years) could lead to radical reworking of banks and ditches and that no one period is representative of the lives and social experience of the ringforts inhabitants across time. But the model is useful it certainly presents archaeologists with a challenge to test.
The Cultural Biographies of ringforts However, while ringforts can be interpreted as having a principal phase of occupation from A.D. 600900, we yet have little understanding about the longevity of use at individual monuments and how different sites were transformed and remodelled over this period of time. It is undoubtedly the case that the households and social groups that inhabited ringforts experienced a waxing and waning of fortune, family history, prosperity and difficulty so we should expect their settlements to change across time. The social and ideological aspects of change are what create the cultural biographies of such settlements.
The excavated evidence from the majority of ringforts is limited in nature and supports Monks (1995) assertion that most ringforts were occupied for only one or two centuries. Mytum (1992, 123) has also claimed that the banks of most ringforts were not substantial and usually only constructed once. He also has observed that only four of 16 excavated ringforts from Co. Antrim revealed evidence for more than one phase of enclosure bank while 12 of 21 sites from Co. Down and all nine excavated ringforts at Cush, Co. Limerick showed similar results (Kinsella 2007a, 3). While the majority of ringforts appear to have been only constructed once, with perhaps some limited morphological additions, some sites clearly display evidence for multi phase activity. At more recently discovered early medieval enclosures, such as at Roestown and Castlefarm, Co. Meath there is a strong sense of dynamic change being the norm, rather than stability across centuries.
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It has been observed by Limbert (1996, 278) that a large number of ringforts have been found to have evidence for preenclosure activity. He has cited evidence for multiphase activity at a number of raised ringfort sites at Glenarm, Dunsilly and Big Glebe. A charcoal spread beneath a stone at Big Glebe returned a date of c.260 B.C. while prehistoric phases were also found at Glenarm, Co. Antrim. Excavations at a highly significant ringfort at Lisleagh 1 from 198185 (Monk 1995 E218) revealed extensive settlement and industrial evidence as well as imported Eware dating the site from the early 7th century to the late 9th/early 10th centuries. Evidence for preringfort activity was also revealed in the form of hearths, stakehole alignments, artefacts, pottery and stone, possibly dating to the Bronze Age. The first ringfort was then constructed in the early medieval period and was 38 meters in diameter. The ringfort was levelled and soon replaced by a bivallate ringfort 63 m in diameter with a crowning palisade. A number of ringforts however also appear to have been built on preceding Iron Age and Bronze Age funerary and settlement sites though it has not been clearly established if there was continuity of settlement between the ringfort and the Iron Age occupation or if the location of the ringfort at this site was simply coincidental. The most obvious example was at Clogher Demesne (Warner 1988) where a ringfort which later succeeded a prehistoric hillfort. A Late Bronze Age hillfort at Mooghaun, Co. Clare also saw the construction of two cashels and associated house sites on its ramparts in the early medieval period. Excavations at Carrowkeel, Co. Mayo (Susanne Zajac 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0598) revealed the presence of a ditched enclosure that preceded a ringfort. The fill of the ditch contained charcoal inclusions. A series of cylindrical pits were also uncovered in the north and east quadrants of the enclosure. Several shards of coarseware were found in one pit. The date of the feature was not mentioned but could possibly be prehistoric. Excavations at Carraigaline Middle, Co. Cork revealed an enclosure measuring approximately 37.5m by 31m, whose ditch had been truncated by a later ringfort ditch (Sherlock 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E1148). Postholes, pits, cremation burials and possible funerary pyres lay to the north and northwest of the ditches and indicate both early medieval and prehistoric activity. No date was provided for the earlier enclosure predating the ringfort. Excavations at Cloongownagh, Co. Roscommon in advance of the N4 RockinghamCortober Road Project (Deirdre Murphy 1998, Excavations Bulletin) revealed evidence for an unenclosed Iron Age settlement dating to the 14th centuries A.D. The site was then enclosed and developed into a ringfort before it was completely backfilled by the 10th century A.D. A small fulacht fiadh dating to the fourth century A.D. was discovered close by near a boggy area. Excavations at a growing number of ringforts are also revealing evidence for multiphase activity dating to the early medieval period. A good example of a possible early unenclosed settlement being later enclosed by a ringfort was found at Ballykennedy, Co. Antrim (Brannon 1980). Here, a substantial preringfort phase of probably circular structures was later replaced by a ringfort (45m in diameter) with occupation centred on a house platform. A small penannular brooch, dated to the 9th century, was also discovered and may represent evidence for the commencement of the phase of the ringfort. Good examples of ringforts being reused and redesigned in the early medieval period can be found at a number of sites. At Millockstown, Co. Louth, (See Cemetery/Settlement Section), lintel cemeteries were found to date to a slightly later period of construction than a ringfort. Excavations at Ninch, Co. Meath, revealed a complicated site history that saw a trivallate ringfort being succeeded by an unenclosed settlement of circular buildings before a large number of enclosures and a lintel cemetery came into use. The final phase of the sites history consisted of the construction of a number of large subrectangular enclosures dating to the 10th/11th century A.D. (Eogan & Reid 2000 7 2001, Excavations Bulletin 98E0501). A more recent example includes Dowdstown 2, Co. Meath, in which a circular ringfort was remodifed and expanded into a larger Dshaped enclosure (Jonathan Kinsella pers comm.). Excavations at Lougboy, Co. Kilkenny (Keeley 1998, Excavations Bulletin 98E0219) revealed a small cemetery interred within both the southeast quadrant and fosse of an early ringfort. Another ringfort was situated close by. An example of a possible ringfort being superseded by a
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definite ecclesiastical site can be found at Moyne, Co. Mayo. Manning (1987) observed that a faint circle (40m in diameter) in the northern half of the large ecclesiastical enclosure (135 x 125m) may represent possible evidence for a preceding ringfort. Many other examples of ringforts appear to have had their defences remodelled or had extra banks added over a period of time. Excavations at a ringfort with associated souterrain at Whiterath, Co. Louth in advance of the M1 DunleerDundalk Motorway revealed that the doublebanked enclosures were constructed over two separate phases (Ciln 'Drisceoil 1999, Excavations Bulletin 99E0485). The outer enclosure was 41m in diameter. It had evidence for ironworking and was evidently a place of some status. A number of ringforts finally display evidence for being converted into later AngloNorman mottes in the late 12th century A.D. OKelly (1962) has noted how a ringfort at Beal Boru was later remodelled by the AngloNormans around A.D. 1200. Beal Boru was a defended settlement that is historically recorded as being destroyed by Toirdelbach Ua Conchobair in A.D. 1116 (OKeeffe 2000, 21) supporting the idea that this ringfort site continued to be used at a late stage in the early medieval period. Excavations at Dunsilly, Co. Antrim (Tom McNeill 1974 & 1975, Excavations Bulletin) evidence for a preringfort phase, a ringfort phase a phase in which the ringfort was converted into a motte. The preringfort phase revealed a palisade trench, annular gullies, three external hearths and a stone revetted oval house platform. The motte appears to have been constructed on a simple traditional form of ringfort. Excavations at Rathmullan Lower, Co. Down revealed an important high status settlement that dated from the 6/7th century A.D, based on Eware pottery, until the 12th century when the motte was constructed. It appears to have originally been an unenclosed settlement before an enclosed raised ringfort, with associated settlement, was constructed. The mound was further raised when the motte was constructed. Excavations at Antrim, Co. Antrim focused on a ringfort, 21m in diameter that also had later been converted into a motte (J. McSparron 1998, Excavations Bulletin) while limited testing was undertaken on a ringfort that had been converted into a motte along the Killybegs Road, Antrim (J. McSparron 1998, Excavations Bulletin). The small number of excavated ringforts in comparison to the approximate number of surveyed sites (c.45,000) illustrates why we should be wary of making definite judgements about the chronological and morphological developments of ringforts over time. However, the above example does suggest that many high status examples in particular, many of which were raised ringforts, had complicated site origins and histories. Seeds of Doubt: Noncircular enclosures In 2001, excavations uncovered a plectrumshaped early medieval enclosure with an associated enclosure at Newtown (A & E), Co. Limerick (Avril Hayes 2001, Excavations Bulletin 00E0853) Coyne & Collins 2003, 17 Coyne 2005). The centre of the plectrumshaped enclosure contained a figure of eight building as well as a small number of beads, knives and domestic items. Radiocarbon determinations found that the site was principally in use from the 811th centuries A.D. Coyne & Collins (2003) and Coyne (2005) have suggested that this plectrumshaped enclosure may represent one example of a distinct settlement type in early medieval Ireland. It was noted that these type of sites have been present but hidden in the archaeological record, as in the absence of a clearly defined typology, they have been labelled either ringfort or, more frustratingly, enclosure (Coyne & Collins 2003, 18). It was observed by Coyne and Collins (2003) that two other examples of plectrum shaped enclosures at Lahinch, Co. Clare and Tralee, Co. Kerry were located, like Newtown, on the summit of low hills. Although it was noted that few definite examples of plectrumshaped enclosures were known, it was suggested tentatively that these highstatus sites had a tendency to be located on hilltops while ringforts generally favoured a midslope location (Coyne & Collins 2003, 19). It was also observed that apparently similar sites had been excavated at Killickaweeny, Co. Kildare and Balriggan, Co. Louth and that recent analysis of aerial photographs had uncovered a large number of roughly plectrum shaped enclosures that did not conform to a circular shape. The debate about a new settlement type distinct to that of Stouts circular ringforts had begun.
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An appraisal of the evidence Further examples of plectrum and noncircular enclosures were not long emerging. Archaeologists were now conscious that a distinct settlement type may have existed in early medieval Ireland. Developmentled excavations were revealing a number of sites that archaeologist were now interpreting as potential noncircular settlement sites. Kinsella (2007a) has listed a total of these 15 noncircular enclosures. Nine are mentioned in the table below and the remainder are discussed in the settlement/cemetery section. The other sites have been recovered from a review of the sites described in the excavation bulletin reports as enclosures. The sites described below are likely to represent the tip of the iceberg of noncircular sites as it is very likely, as (Coyne & Collins 2003) have pointed out, that these sites were often labelled as ringforts or enclosures in the past. A thorough review of the sites described as ringforts (above) then is likely to find that some could be brought into this potential category. This is not surprising as the noncircularity of the ringfort/rath was not a major issue for archaeologists like Proudfoot and Edwards in the past and, most likely, the people who constructed and resided within them throughout the early medieval period who probably conceived these as raths rather than our ringfort term.
Table 24 below illustrates the range of shapes and contexts in which enclosure sites have been excavated in recent years mostly. Plectrumshaped, Dshaped, quadrangular shaped, square shaped and rectangular shaped enclosures have been excavated, some of which were associated with other conjoined enclosures.
Examples of Non Circular Shaped Enclosures Name Sluggary Newtown Lusk Rosepark, Balrothery Cahircalla More Ballycasey Beg Ballyconneely Roestown Gortatlea Ballynqe Ballynacarriga Killickaweeny Conva Curraheen 1 Ballywee Ballycasey More Dowdstown Castlefarm Corrstown Balgatheran 1 Sheephouse Derry Louth Louth County Limerick Limerick Dublin Dublin Clare Clare Clare Meath Kerry Antrim Cork Kildare Cork Cork Antrim Clare Meath Report Writer Elizabeth Shee Avril Hayes A. Giacometti Christine Baker Carroll Kate Taylor Anne Carey Thaddeus Breen O'Hara forthcoming Michael Connolly Chris Lynn Daniel Noonan Fintan Walsh Martin Doody Edward Danaher Chris Lynn Deirdre Murphy ONeill Cagney forthcoming O'Connell forthcoming Malachy Conway Robert Chapple Declan Moore & Tara 2002 2005/2006 2005/2006 2002/2003 2000 2000/2001 Judith 1999/2000 2005 1999/2000 2000 2005/2006 2000 1973 2001 2002 1992 2001/2002 1974/1980 84 Multivallate site (irregular form) DShaped enclosure N/A Subrectangular Oval and later Subrectangular enclosure N/A Quadrangular Square with rectangular enclosure SubOval/HeartShaped with enclosure Bivallate enclosure with rectangular enclosure Conjoined enclosures Conjoined enclosures Subrectangular & 2 conjoined rectangular enclosures Rectangular field system attached to enclosure Annexe attached to outer enclosure 'Enclosure' 'Enclosure' 'Enclosure' Year 1973 1974 2001 Shape & Polygonal PlectrumShaped SubSquare/Dshaped
Table 24: Examples of NonCircular Shaped Enclosures
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It is clear that our definition of a ringfort is at the heart of how we view and understand these noncircular shaped sites. If we understand, like Stout (1997), that circularity is a crucial characteristic of the Irish ringfort, then we may be speaking of a new settlement type. However, if we understand that ringforts/raths can have a number of different shapes, then there is no need to create a different early medieval settlement type classified as the non circular enclosure. Other factors that need to be considered are dating and chronology, size, multiphase activity, landscape context and associated materialculture a number of themes have been examined in a preliminary unpublished report by Jonathan Kinsella (2007a). Kinsellas (2007a) unpublished report for ACS, carried out as research for the M3 archaeological programme, is one the few studies to examine this research question and his findings play an important part in this discussion. He has appraised both ringforts/raths and noncircular enclosures in terms of their dating and chronological sequence, size, landscape and topography and materialculture.
Chronology and Occupation It has been suggested that the great majority of sites date to the later half of the second millennium A.D. conforming to Stouts dating scheme for ringforts (Kinsella 2007a). A number of sites including Killickaweeny (Clarke & Carlin forthcoming) and Ballycasey More (Deirdre Murphy & Tara ONeill, 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E002601E0026) have been found, through radiocarbon dating, to have been in use between the 7/8th10th centuries. The vast majority of the other sites including Cahircalla More (Kinsella 2007a), Ballyconneely (Thaddeus Breen, 2000, Excavations Bulletin 00E0284), Sheephouse (Declan Moore 2000, Excavations Bulletin 00E0810) and potentially Ballynqe, Co. Antrim (Chris Lynn 1973, Excavations Bulletin) appear to date similarly to the second half of the first millennium A.D. based on materialculture evidence.
A small number of sites like Roestown, Castlefarm (Kinsella 2007a) and Balgatheran 1 (Robert Chapple 2000, Excavations Bulletin 00E0477) appear to have been reused in the later medieval period while it appears that the ditches at Newtown (Coyne & Collins 2003) may not have been completely in filled until the thirteenth century. Radiocarbon dates from a small number of other noncircular settlement sites at Ballynacarriga, Co. Cork (Danile Noonan 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E0224) found that the site was occupied approximately from the early 5thearly 11th century A.D. Like Settlement/Cemetery sites, the main enclosure was found to be one of the earliest features on the site. Excavations at Conva, Co. Cork (Martin. Doody 1992, Excavations Bulletin) revealed a bivallate site with an associated rectangular enclosure which was dated by the director to the Late Iron Age/early Christian period. This overall provisional dating evidence tends to suggest that the majority of noncircular sites were constructed within a similar chronological timeframe as the ringfort dated by Stout to c. 600900 A.D, but that a certain number (Roestown, Castlefarm, Raystown, Laytown and Ballynacarriga were used into the 10th and 11th century AD.
The Cultural Biographies of NonCircular Enclosures The majority of noncircular enclosures have revealed evidence for multiphase activity. Excavations at Killickaweeny, Co. Kildare revealed two phases of occupation. The first involved the construction of a primary enclosure. Another enclosure was later added to the site and was used for possibly containing livestock (Walsh & Carlin forthcoming). Excavations at a site at Ballynacarriga, Co. Cork also found that a rectangular enclosure situated on the slopes of a gentle hill was a later extension of a square enclosure located in the valley floor. Evidence for a rectangular house succeeding a round house was also discovered within the interior of the main square enclosure. (Daniel Noonan 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E0224). Evidence for phases in the development of the enclosures were also discovered at other enclosures with associated enclosures/annexes at Ballycasey More, Dowdstown and Castlefarm (OConnell 2006). Roestown also revealed evidence for multiphase occupational activity between approximately the 6th and 11th centuries while a small rectangular enclosure to the east of the settlement was used during the 13th century (OHara 2007). Excavations finally at Rosepark, Balrothery revealed a high status multiditched site of a number of different phases which the excavator
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noted did not fall into any known category Judith Carroll 1999 & 2000, Excavations Bulletin 99E0155). It consisted of a complex of curvilinear and linear ditches of unknown parallel. The evidence from the archaeology that included Eware, souterrains and milling activity also suggests that the site was used for a long period of time. The site at Newtown was found to have only one principal phase of occupation. Other sites including Ballynqe contained no evidence for phases of activity within the excavation reports although this cannot exclude them having existed. Finally no data was also available for a number of sites including Cahircalla More, Co. Clare. (Kinsella 2007a). One striking feature of the review of the evidence is that many noncircular sites described have evidence for associated enclosures that were added to the settlement during the early medieval period. This may be indicative of upward social mobility, as settlements expanded in size, so rather than the enclosure shape representing a different settlement type, their remodelling was the outcome of various and changing social, domestic, industrial and agricultural needs. The presence of souterrains at a large number of these sites including Roestown, Ballynacarriga, Ballywee, Gortatlea and Rosepark is another interesting feature. The overall evidence suggests that the majority of identified noncircular enclosures appear to contain a number of phases of activity that principally date to the second half of the first millennium A.D. It would then make them contemporary with ringforts, which as discussed previously, have also tended to revealed evidence for a number of phases of activity not just over one generation but over a few centuries in the second half of the first millennium A.D.
Size Kinsella (2007a) has also examined the size of these noncircular enclosures in comparision to ringforts. He has found that the majority are generally larger than ringforts/raths. Sites like Killickaweeny (90m by 70m), Ballyconneely (70 by 32m), Balgatheran 1 (c. 70m) and Castlefarm (90m by 70m inner outer 120m by 100m (Kinsella 2007a) in particular all contained enclosures a lot larger than typical ringforts. Sites at the lower scale included Newtown (max width 50m) while the Dshaped enclosure at Cahircalla More, Co. Clare was quite small measuring only 38m wide (Hull & Taylor 2005). Topography The topographical location of the noncircular enclosures is another criteria that needs to be examined to establish if these indeed represent a new site type. Coyne and Collins (2003, 18 & 19) have noted that plectrum shaped enclosures at Lahinch, Co. Clare and Tralee, Co. Kerry were located on the summits of hills. This view was challenged by Walsh and Delaney (2004) who argued that the shape of the enclosure at Newtown was the result of topographical constraints. Other sites such as Ballynacarriga, Co. Cork were located along a valley floor as well as the slopes of a gentle hill while the multivallate settlement at Rosepark was situated principally on a hillslope. Kinsellas (2007a) survey has also found that noncircular enclosures displayed a considerable amount of variation in their location with a number including Roestown, Killickaweeny, Co. Kildare and Ballycasey More, Co. Clare being found in proximity to bog or marsh land which would undoubtedly have affected the topographical layout of the enclosures. Topography then must also be considered as a factor when establishing if builders deliberately sough to create different site type based on preconceived ideas of shape. Material Culture and Status Kinsella (2007a, 15) has noted that the quantity and quality of materialculture at his surveyed noncircular enclosures varied upon excavation. He has noted that some sites like Roestown revealed a wide range of personal items indicative of a high status site with contacts beyond the shores of Ireland. Evidence for smallscale ferrous and nonferrous metalworking was also recovered indicating limited specialized activities on site. Castlefarm was probably a high status site, as indicated by the discovery of brooches, pins and a shield boss. At Killickaweeny, the inhabitants were engaged in both ironworking and domestic and agricultural activities. Both appear to have been settlements of some status with contemporary industrial and agricultural activity as also found at another enclosure site at Balgatheran 1, Co. Louth. The multiphase concentric enclosure at Rosepark, Balrothery was also likely to have been the site of a high
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status settlement. It revealed evidence for kilns, souterrains and a wide range of personal and domestic items, Eware pottery and glassbeads. Excavations at a noncircular enclosures site at Ballyconneely, Co. Clare discovered a wide range of personal and domestic items indicative of a people of some status as well as milling and other agricultural evidence. It is evident however that not all noncircular enclosure sites produced the range and quantity of high status items as well as agricultural and industrial evidence recovered on the above sites. Excavations at the two adjacent noncircular enclosures at Ballynacarriga, Co. Cork have revealed evidence for souterrains as well as structural, industrial and milling evidence yet in terms of personal and domestic items indicative of status was quite poor. Sites like Dowdstown, Co. Meath, Newtown, Co. Limerick (Coyne & Collins 2003 Coyne 2006), Lusk, Co. Dublin (Giacometti 2006), and Cahircalla More, Co. Clare (Hull & Taylor 2005), have produced very few artefacts, both personal and functional and high status in nature (Kinsella 2007a, 17). Like Ballynacarriga however, these sites have produced agricultural, industrial and structural evidence to indicate the homesteads of a relatively prosperous farm although Newtown is an unusual site and its function remains difficult to interpret. Excavations at a polygonal shaped enclosure at Sluggary (Elizabeth Shee 1973 & 1974, Excavations Bulletin) have also revealed a wattle structure, a stonelined hearth, a number of nails, iron knives, slag, furnace bottoms, bronzering headed pin, bone comb and clay moulds suggestive of nonferrous metalworking were found along this internal bank that might indicate a farmer of modest means. Other sites such as Gortatlea, Co. Kerry (Michael Connolly 2000, Excavations Bulletin 00E0660) and Ballynqe (Chris Lynn 1973, Excavations Bulletin) revealed limited archaeological evidence, perhaps indicating that some noncircular sites may have also been the dwelling places of the lower free classes of men.
A new settlement type or not? The archaeology from the majority of noncircular enclosures suggests that these were the sites of relatively wealthy people in the second half of the first millennium A.D. Many of them have revealed a number of phases of activity that testify to their expansion during the period. The evidence for a new form of settlement type is still tentative. What then is the evidence for a new settlement type!
Kinsella (2007a) has demonstrated that no correlation can be made between noncircular sites and hilltop summit locations as Coyne and Collins (2003) has suggested. He has also demonstrated that topography is likely to have had an important role in the shape of these enclosures. A review of the evidence also suggests that the longevity of sites and their remodelling, including additional annexes, was the result of a variety of factors involving the changing needs and requirements of the occupants over time. Kinsella (2007, 18) has then suggested that noncircular enclosures sites discussed above do not represent a new early medieval settlement type but that they mirror the range and hierarchical evidence for raths, from the homes of low status farmers to the dwelling places of wealthy farmers and lords (Kinsella 2007, 1). It could be finally concluded that the archaeological term ringfort is misleading as it fails to adequately take into account those noncircular enclosures that are now, and have previously been, discovered in the archaeological record. Instead, as archaeologists have tended to do, the more neutral term of rath should be employed to convey information about early medieval enclosed settlement sites that come in a variety of shapes and forms.
Other early medieval enclosures

The survey identified approximately a further 70 enclosures from 53 other EMAP defined sites. These sites were described as enclosures by the authors of the excavations bulletin reports. The morphology of many of these sites could not be established so it was not possible to describe these sites as raths, cashels, noncircular shaped or other forms of enclosure. Many of them were excavated beside ringfort sites and could have been associated with these places as fields, lanes or other features, while others were revealed during largescale development
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projects that created open spaces that enable archaeologists to see beyond the boundaries of individual ringforts or raths. We will need to reassess how we define a ringfort/rath as well as noncircular shaped enclosures to help address the growing complexity of the early medieval settlement enclosure dataset.
The excavated evidence for the social status of early medieval ringforts
Early medieval society was stratified and unequal and an array of old Irish terms indicate that existence of various social classes, ranging from kings and nobles, to prosperous free farmers, to lowstatus commoners, to the unfree and dependent labours. Early medieval archaeology can be used to some extent to identify the social status and role of the inhabitants of settlements. Ringforts of low status social groups The early medieval material culture recovered from most univallate ringforts tends to be sparse and restricted to basic utilitarian objects such as iron knives, needles, nails and occasional evidence for slag is often recovered as well as rotary querns, hone stones, flint and chert debitage, spindle whorls and needles. Personal and dress items are generally restricted to copperalloy and iron ringed pins, glass beads and bracelets, lignite bracelets and bone combs and pins. Kinsella (2005) has suggested that some of these ringforts may have served as the occupation places of the semifree and impoverished. He has observed that many ringforts at Inchigaggin, Co. Cork, Lackan, Boho, Co. Fermanagh and Ballykennedy, Co. Antrim shared similar characteristics in that they were all small univallate enclosures, they were located in bogland, that was unsuitable for agriculture, and, finally, that each produced a meagre collection of artefacts. A total of 86 ringforts were excavated from 19702002 that typically only revealed very small quantities of occasional domestic/agricultural or bodily functional items, animal bone and iron slag. A limited amount of souterrain ware was recovered from ringforts in the northeast of Ireland as well as occasional gullies and features which could be suggestive of possible structures (See Appendix for list). It is likely that some of these sites may indeed represent high status settlements where only partial excavation has taken place. It is also likely that many others may have been used for the corralling of animals principally. Examples of these sites may include a ringfort 33m in diameter at Magheraboy (Frank Ryan 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E1063). The site was excavated in advance of the Sligo Inner Relief Road and revealed nothing except a small sub oval feature, measuring 1.08m by 0.6m by 0.2m in depth, which contained heated stones, flecks of charcoal and fragments of burnt bone. Excavations were undertaken at a univallate ringfort measuring 30m in diameter at Shewis, Co. Armagh (Brannon 1980). One shard of souterrain ware and a small number of scattered postholes were discovered at the site. The site did not appear to have been occupied for any great period and the excavator suggested that it may represent an animal enclosure like that excavated at Garryduff I, Co. Cork by OKelly (1962). It is also possible that a number of excavated sites like Croom East (E. Shee 1974) that revealed a number of domestic artefacts, some slag and postholes may also represent ringforts for the lowly status. Other potential sites include a univallate ringfort at Drumbroneth, Co. Down which contained a single phase of activity that contained souterrain ware and small number of items. Preringfort activity in the form of gullies was also revealed though there function is unclear (Brannon 1980) Excavations at Deerfin Lower, Co. Antrim (A. Bratt 1975) also revealed a site that was originally a cashel and then was converted into an earthen fort. A wooden structure, a number of industrial hearths, ringheaded pins and domestic items were recovered. It is also possible that the quadrangular shaped enclosure at Ballynqe that revealed only a limited number of souterrainware shards (Chris Lynn 1973, Excavations Bulletin) might belong to this type of settlement. There are likely to be many more examples which appear to represent evidence for animal corrals and ringforts of lowly status. They all have a number of
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characteristics in common including evidence for a relative short period of occupation as well as materialculture of lowly quality and quantity. Ringforts of ordinary farmers A further 40 ringfort sites were excavated which could be described as significant in terms of excavated material. Items of personal adornment as well as domestic/agricultural functional artefacts were more prevalent at these sites. Approximately 50% of these sites also contained evidence for hearths/furnaces and industrial artefacts used for iron and metal production. Over 50% of these sites revealed evidence for post and wattle, sodwalled and stone buildings while souterrains were found in a number of places. Souterrain ware pottery was also a frequent occurrence at many of these sites while a small number of ringforts revealed evidence for corn drying kilns and gatehouses. Metalled/cobbled or paves surfaces were finally another archaeological feature revealed at these sites. Important sites in this category include Dunsilly, Co. Antrim (MacNeil, Tom 1974 & 1975, Excavations Bulletin), Lisnagun, Co. Cork (OSullivan, Jerry 1987, 1988 & 1989, Excavations Bulletin OSullivan et al. 1998) and Dunbell Big 5 & 6, Co. Kilkenny (Cassidy, Beth, 1990, Excavations Bulletin E571) (See Appendix for List). It is also possible that some of the noncircular shaped enclosures at Lusk and Cahircalla More were of this status but in the absence of published material it is hard to establish. These sites could represent the homes of the lower social grades of freemen described in the seventh and eighth century historical sources. Kinsella (2007a) has suggested that Lisnagun, Co. Cork may typify this class of farmer of limited wealth. The univallate enclosure at Lisnagun had a diameter of 35m and enclosed a central round house, outbuildings and three souterrains. The quantity of domestic/agricultural and personal times as well as animal bone was limited leading the excavator to suggest that Lisnagun was typical of the majority of univallate raths. It is possible then that many of these sites represent the homesteads of ocaire and boaire farmers. The evidence from the polygonal shape enclosure at Sluggary (Shee 1973 & 1974, Excavations Bulletin) might also indicate a farmer of modest means. Ringforts of nobility and prosperous farmers The lawtracts describe the baire as a prosperous farmer. It also contains information about a hierarchy of noblemen and lords where the aire dso was situated at the bottom with the aire forgill at the summit of this hierarchy (Kelly 1988 1997Kinsella 2007a). Kinsella (2007a, 10) has examined the materialculture evidence for these wealthy groups of people. He has suggested that the artefacts, discovered at these sites are often similar to those from the caire and semifree settlements but tend to occur in greater quantities and varieties. He has noted that finds, indicative of status, such as brooches and decorated ringed pins are usually found at these sites. Items also indicative of foreign contacts or suggestive of gift exchange, possibly related to free client relationships, are represented by the presence of imported pottery such as B and E wares. Some copperalloy and/or glass working can also be uncovered (Kinsella 2007, 10). He has further suggested that these sites tend to be occupied for a longer period of time than the ringforts of lesser status. Some obvious candidates can be suggested for the homesteads of the nobility and prosperous farmers. Kinsella (2007a, 11) has suggested that a number of raised ringforts such as Gransha, Co. Down and Deer Parks Farms, Co. Antrim should be considered as part of this category. Both sites revealed extensive settlement evidence, high status metalworking, and evidence for widespread agricultural and industrial activities dating from the sixth to tenth centuries A.D. Imported Eware pottery, typically datable to the sixth to seventh century AD, was also recovered from Gransha. Other raised and platform ringfort examples include Big Glebe, Co. Derry (Bratt, A & Lynn, Chris 1976, Excavations Bulletin) and Rathmullan Lower, Co. Down (Lynn 1982). Other candidates may also include Aghadegnan, Co. Louth (Judith Carroll 1991, Excavations Bulletin 91E0055), Inch & Ballyrenan, Co. Down (Ciara MacManus 1997, Excavations Bulletin), Glebe, Site 43 in Tully, Co Dublin (Seaver 2000 & 2001, Excavations Bulletin 00E0758) and the recently excavated site at Leggetsrath West, Co. Kilkenny (Lennon 2006).
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It could be suggested that excavations at Cashels like Kildreenagh, Loher (Brendan O'Flaherty 198084, 1985, Excavations Bulletin), Ballyegan (Martin Byrne 1991, Excavations Bulletin), Rinnarraw (Thomas Fanning 198792, Excavations Bulletin) and Cathair Fionnrach, Ballynavenoor (Erin Gibbons 1994, Excavations Bulletin 94E005) point to the settlements of relatively wealthy Baire farmers. The site at Ballynavenoor also revealed evidence for B and E ware pottery that could indicate potential contacts and trading activities. Evidence for field systems, souterrains, kilns, ferrous and nonferrous metalworking and Eware was recovered at Roestown indicating a site of potential lordly status. The multivallate enclosure at Rosepark, Balrothery is likely to be of similar highstatus as it displayed a similar set of archaeological evidence. Early medieval royal sites Early medieval royal sites are well known, including Lagore crannog (Hencken 1950), Knowth (Eogan, 1974 1977) and Clogher, Co. Tyrone (Warner 1988). Excavations at Knowth, Co. Meath were undertaken by George Eogan as part of the passage tomb excavations from the late 1960s to the early 1990s under the license E70. Similarly, Richard Warner conducted extensive excavations at Clogher, Co. Tyrone from 1969 to the mid 1980s. This site revealed evidence for a ringfort that later succeeded a prehistoric hillfort. Extensive evidence for high status metalworking, foreign imported pottery, glass working and industrial and agricultural evidence and settlement activity were uncovered at the site. Like Knowth, this site appears to have been understood as an important place within the regional landscape. It is perhaps this association with the past that enriched the political importance of this site through the early medieval period. The range of activities and the quantity of archaeological evidence far exceeds that of found at the homesteads of the wealthy farmers and noblemen.
Early medieval settlement/cemetery sites

Introduction There is a growing body of evidence for EMAP has termed settlement/cemetery sites, often noncircular shaped, and which are found to have no known historical origins. A descriptive list of settlement/cemetery sites are listed in appendix 3. To properly understand the importance of these sites, we first need to reassess how we have interpreted burial evidence within the early medieval archaeological record previously. It was once believed that the presence of an enclosure containing early medieval burials was indicative of an ecclesiastical site. It could not be construed that settlement/cemetery sites could have existed during the years of Irelands Saints and Scholars. Sites that revealed evidence for formal eastwest burials including Millockstown, Co. Louth (Manning 1986) were interpreted as ecclesiastical sites. Swan (1983) was the first archaeologist to establish a set of criteria used to identify the presence of an ecclesiastical site. It was evident that the growing number of settlement/cemetery sites with no known ecclesiastical placename, historical or archaeological associations did not easily conform to Swans (1983) criteria for identifying an ecclesiastical site. The choices were now clear, either Swans criteria used to identify ecclesiastical sites needed to be revised or we were now dealing with a new set of early medieval burial evidence. The first substantial historical evidence for early medieval burial grounds external to ecclesiastical cemeteries was mooted by OBrien (1992). She suggested that the majority of people were be buried outside ecclesiastical grounds, in ancestral burialgrounds known as ferta, until the late 7th and early 8th centuries A.D. when, thereafter, Church legislation required that people were to be in consecrated ground. While it is recognized that these sites may have served as the burial places of communities, who continued to remain outside the realms of ecclesiastical influence, there is still very little known about their origins, enclosure shape, chronology and phasing, function(s) and variety of 78
form. Did all enclosed settlement/cemeteries have the same origin and function(s) and what was the relationship of these sites to ringforts/raths and noncircular enclosures. What then is the defining characteristic of these settlement/cemetery sites which distinguishes them from other potential site types like ringforts/raths and noncircular shaped enclosures? It is felt that a possible answer to the last question may lie in the association of many of these settlement/cemetery sites with Iron Age and other prehistoric funerary monuments. It is becoming apparent that the vast majority of these sites emerged from Late Iron Age funerary sites that appear to have provided continued ancestral burial foci for the local populace. Yet the developmental sequence of such sites after the 5/6th centuries A.D. varies dramatically in their scale of burial and settlement and their longevity of use. It is clear that many of these Late Iron Age/early medieval transitional sites (See Burial Section) developed into cemeteries with/without accompanying settlement evidence and continued to be used up to the 12th century and beyond. Others however appear to have only been used for a short period of time as attested by the limited settlement and burial evidence uncovered at these sites. It is not clear why some continued to remain focal points of burial and settlement activity while other disappeared from use. In fact, the best explanation may be the messiness of life, the way that people buried their dead according to the experiences and histories of their communities rather than some rigid archaeological categories. The public impression of these sites today is that of the image of a bustling agricultural complex as at Raystown, Co. Meath, yet a cursory review of the evidence has highlighted the diversity and complexity of this archaeological evidence which dates from the 5th century onwards (See Burial Section). It is not yet clear whether these early medieval cemeteries with/without settlement evidence of varying quality, quantity and chronologies of use can justifiably constitute a single site type which dealt principally with a form of burial interment external to ecclesiastical sites! Can Raystown, a potentially specialized milling centre with associated burial and settlement evidence, be compared for instance to the settlement evidence uncovered on other cemetery sites such as Coldwinters, Co. Dublin, or is it justifiable to associate Mount Offaly, Cabinteely with its 1,553 burials those at a noncircular shaped enclosure at Corbally, Co. Kildare which contained only 8. Did all these sites enjoy the same principal function, that of secular burial outside ecclesiastical contexts, or did others develop different agricultural, industrial or commercial functions serving as a location for the oenach or market? Finally, were these the burial sites of local families (familial) or did they have a communal function for the whole local populace. It is only early days in establishing some understanding about what was happening at these different sites so the ideas described below are provisional and were written with the principal intention of provoking debate and discussion over this new exciting research problem in early medieval Irish archaeology. Enclosure size and morphology The size of settlement/cemetery enclosures ranges from 40100 m in diameter. The average diameter of these sites range from 5070m making them approximately similar in size to many noncircular shaped enclosures. Examples of such settlement/cemetery sites with similar diameters include Gallanstown, Co. Dublin, Augherskea, Co. Westmeath, Treenbaun, Co. Galway, Corbally, Co. Kildare, Raystown, Co. Meath, Marlinstown, Co. Westmeath, Parknahown, Co. Laois and Castlefarm, Co. Meath. A number of sites appear to have constructed larger enclosures during the early medieval period as attested by a massive cashel wall at Lismore/Bushfields, Co. Laois (75m x 93m), Millockstown, Co. Meath (100m x 40m), Mount Offaly, Cabinteely, Co. Dublin (95m x 75m), the large cashel wall (80m approx.) at Faughart Lower, Co. Louth and the second massive enclosure at Castlefarm, Co. Meath (120m x 100m). The enclosures, like noncircular shaped sites, also appear to have been quite irregular in form and were often influenced by the topography of the landscape as at Marlinstown where it was located along a natural shelf of land.
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Ecclesiastical sites in contrast typically measure on average c.90120m and contain one enclosing element (Swan 1983, 274) though they are examples present that measure from 140 400m in size. The average size of these enclosure sizes is then a good deal less than that on ecclesiastical sites. The majority of ringforts have a diameter of 30m. Bivallate and multivallate examples comprise only a small percentage of the number of ringforts and tend to enclose a space of approximately 35m in diameter on average although larger examples are known (Kinsella 2007a). It therefore also appears that the enclosed space of cemetery/settlement sites are on average slightly greater than that of the typical ringfort in the Irish landscape. In terms of enclosing size, the closest parallels with noncircular shaped settlements, with no burial evidence, are Killickaweeny, Co. Kildare and Ballyconneely, Co. Clare. The origins of the enclosed cemetery and settlement Burial practices in the transitional Iron Age/early medieval period (fifth to seventh centuries) were quite diverse in form and landscape context (See Burial Section). Ringditches, standing stones, other prehistoric funerary monuments and low mounds appear to have provided the focal points of burials for an often small number of potentially high status individuals. Many of these sites appear to have not been used for burial purposes after this period undoubtedly due to different religious and political changes happening across Ireland in this period. Examples of transitional burial sites at ringditches which only appear to have been used for a short period of time in this period include Templepatrick, Co. Antrim, Mell 2, Co. Meath, Claristown, Co. Meath or Greenhills, Co. Kildare. In most cases 57th century A.D. burials beside Standing Stones, with exception of Millockstown do not appear to have developed into enclosed cemeteries and settlement sites. Mound Burials also largely appear to have been a distinct phenomenon of the 57th centuries A.D. There is a growing body of evidence however to suggest that many prehistoric funerary monuments and ancestral places continued to remain foci for burial and subsequent settlement activity in the early medieval period. Excavations at Westereave and Colp West (see Burial Section) revealed ringditches that became the focal point of early medieval unenclosed cemeteries that continued to be used into the 8/9th century A.D. A review of the evidence also suggests that the enclosed settlement/cemetery site type had their origins in the late Iron Age. It has been noted that many sites, including Castlefarm, are situated near ringditches. Ring ditches at Raystown, Corbally and Coldwinters also appear to have developed as the focal points for enclosed cemetery and settlement sites (See Burial Section). Other sites such as Gneevebeg, Co. Westmeath and Cherrywood, Dublin were located adjacent to significant Bronze Age cemetery sites while Knoxspark was adjacent to two cairns. Johnstown 1 also appears to represent a unique example where an enclosed settlement/cemetery site emerged around transitional Iron Age/early medieval burials inside a low mound. While ringditches appear to have provided the focal point at many sites, others like Faughart Lower, Cherrywood, Parknahown and Balriggan appear to have witnessed the construction of early enclosures dating to approximately the 46th centuries A.D. Phase 1 at Millockstown is likely to date to the same period and is represented by an enclosure measuring 60m in diameter which was in turn succeeded by a ringfort and cemetery site. They therefore appear to have been built around the same time in which ringditches, standing stones and low mounds were the location places for various burials. Some enclosures appear to have been deliberately located beside or around ringditches or standing stones while in other cases like Aughserskea and Gracedieu, no prehistoric monument, to the knowledge of the writer, was located near or within these sites. A continuing strong local attachment to ancestral places within the landscape is however likely to be responsible for the location of many of these enclosures beside or within Late Iron Age and prehistoric funerary monuments. It is then evident that burial rites and forms were fluid and variable from the 57/8th century A.D. when pagan tendencies continued to remain strong while the authority of the church was beginning to make itself felt. Enclosed settlement and cemeteries appear to have evolved from this maelstrom of burial practices and represent the continuing importance of ancestral burial
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places in the early medieval period. Enclosed settlement/cemetery sites appear to have evolved from different religious contexts in this period. In many cases, an early enclosure, often associated with prehistoric monuments appears to have been built which then provided the foci for burial and oftenlater settlement. In other cases, enclosed settlement/cemetery sites evolved from prehistoric funerary monuments, mounds and ringditches. It is not yet clear whether all enclosed cemeteries and settlements, which evolved from enclosures, ringditches, burialmounds or other prehistoric monuments, had the same particular origins or should be considered as part of the one site type. However, all these enclosed settlement/cemetery sites appear to share one common denominator that being that they are generally associated with early funerary monuments and appear to have emerged in the Late Iron Age period. Chronology Enclosed settlement/cemetery sites then appear to have emerged in the Late Iron Age principally through the construction of an early enclosure or the reuse of a ringditch in which a later larger enclosure was built around. It is still early days in understanding how long many of these sites remained in use, when they flourished and what factors influenced their decline! A review of the transitional Iron Age/early medieval burial evidence (See Burial Section) has suggested that most of these sites fell out of use by the 7th century A.D. during the growth of the cult of relics. Unenclosed cemeteries, with no associated settlement evidence, like Westereave and Colp West also evolved from ringditches and continued to provide a foci for burial until approximately the 8th century A.D. Other early medieval unenclosed cemeteries, with no settlement evidence, and historical associations with ecclesiastical sites have been discovered at Kilshane, Co. Dublin, Ardnagross, Co. Westmeath and Betaghstown, Co. Meath (See Burial Section) appear to date roughly from the 5/6th centuries9th centuries A.D. although a further example at Mount Gamble continued to be used till the 12th century A.D. Many of these unenclosed cemeteries are likely to have originated in the transitional period (57th centuries A.D) though their relationship with enclosed settlement/cemetery sites have yet to be established. It is still not clear whether unenclosed cemetery sites like Westereave or Mount Gamble should be considered as part of the same phenomenon as settlement/cemeterys sites or if the apparent lack of enclosures and settlement evidence can be used to justify making a distinction between both. Enclosed settlement/cemetery sites appear to have had a broadly similar chronology to that of many of these unenclosed cemetery sites. The dating provided so far from enclosed cemetery and settlement sites suggest that they were also largely occupied between the 5/6th 9/10th century A.D. though a number of sites remained in use until the 11/12th century and even beyond. The length of occupation varies. Johnstown 1 for example was dated between the 4 16th century A.D. while most of the other significant cemetery and settlement sites like Faughart Lower, Millockstown, Corbally, Mount Offaly and Raystown tend to date from around the 4/5th 10/11th century. Some of the less significant sites were found to have an even shorter lifespan as illustrated at Cherrywood where an early 6/7th century cemetery appears to have given way to a subsequent Viking settlement. A number of sites, including Johnstown 1 and Gneevebeg, also appear to have been reused as cillin sites in the post medieval period indicating that the sites continued to be understood as sacred places within the landscape. It is likely that different local religious, political and economic factors affected and influenced the subsequent biographical development of settlement/cemetery sites which first evolved in the Late Iron Age period. The Relationship between the Cemetery and Settlement It is often presumed that because these sites contain both settlement and cemetery evidence that both activities are then contemporary with each other. Yet the amount of burial and settlement evidence uncovered at many of these sites makes it likely that these activities took place either intermittently or at different times during the early medieval period. Johnstown 1 revealed burial evidence from the 416th century A.D. while Mount Gamble and Faughart Lower also revealed extensive cemeteries that are likely to have been used throughout the early
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medieval period. Burial however appears to only represent one phase or part of a history of some of these cemetery/settlement sites. A number of the sites including Marlinstown, Balriggan, Corkagh Demesne, Gallanstown, Cherrywood, Corbally and Coldwinters have revealed often a lot less than fifty burials at each site. While this could be due to the fact that only parts of the site were excavated, it could also suggest that burial was very intermittent or only represented one phase of these enclosures histories. On the other hand, radiocarbon dates will be needed to clarify this in all cases. At both Raystown and Castlefarm indicates burial across the chronologies of the sites. It could be suggested that the main period of burial at some of these cemetery/settlements took place approximately from the 69th century A.D. OBrien (2003, 67) has suggested that lintel type burial became an important form of burial from the 7/8th century A.D. She has noted that a lintel cemetery excavated during Phase 3 at Millockstown returned dates of A.D. 660960 Cal. (Manning 1986, 13581). She has also noted that lintel burials were excavated during Phase 6 at Mount Offaly as well as seventhtenth century contexts at the ecclesiastical site of Moyne, Co. Mayo and Reask, Co. Kerry. Similarly excavations at Ninch have revealed a large number of lintel burials which appears to have succeeded a ringfort and which date to roughly the same period while lintelled burials have been dated to the final phase of the cemetery at Balriggan. It is likely then that a number of these sites with a complex phasing of settlement and burial evidence saw cemeteries being constructed during the latter history of these sites. While sites like Ninch and Millockstown do appear to have had early origins, burial does not appear to have been undertaken until around the 7/8th century A.D. Earmuffs and pillow stones have also been recovered at a number of sites including Mount Offaly and Cherrywood while one single example was found at Lismore/Bushfields and a number were recovered at the unenclosed cemetery at Kilshane, Co. Dublin. OBrien (1993, 98) has suggested that those recovered from Kilshane attest to 7th century AngloSaxon influences at the site. Earmuffs however can date from all periods of the early medieval period as attested at Mount Offaly where all phases of the cemetery revealed evidence for them. 76% of the 38 burials at Cherrywood contained earmuffs. The cemetery was contained within an enclosure 43m in diameter and was dated by ONeill (1999, Excavations Bulletin) to approximately the 6/7th century A.D. The earliest burials at Faughart Lower were inserted into an area 15 m by 15 m in diameter and contained a large number of stone lined and capped long cist burials. The later burials were however all interred within simple unprotected burials. Like the simpleunlined graves excavated from beneath the burial mound at Johnstown 1 or the burials interred within the ringditches at Corbally and Raystown, these stonelined examples are likely to be early in date. There is then great variation in the extent and longevity of burial at these settlement/cemeteries. Some sites like Cherrywood appear to be early in date and have only been used for a short period of time (6/7th centuries). Cemeteries containing lintelled cemeteries at a number of sites may date principally to the 710th century however while burial grounds at a few sites including Mount Offaly and Johnstown were used throughout the early medieval period. It appears that a cemetery succeeded a phase of earlier settlement at a number of sites including Millockstown, Ninch and Faughart Lower while periods of settlement succeeded earlier cemeteries at Ninch and Cherrywood. The phase of milling at Raystown was largely dated to the 710th century while burial evidence had a longer period of use dating from the 510th century A.D. suggesting that agricultural activity increased in importance in the latter history of the site. Souterrains are also a feature of the later phases of a number of sites including Mount Offaly, Ninch, Millockstown, Raystown and Faughart Lower suggesting further evidence for settlement activity in the 9/10/11th centuries A.D. It is clear then that a detailed examination of the chronologies of the individual sites will be required to fully understand how each site developed over time and when did different forms of settlement and burial activity take place. It is also evident that we need to appreciate the complexity and diversity in the chronology and character of these sites which we have dubbed settlement/cemetery sites.
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Form and extent of settlement The length of occupation and the extent of settlement and burial evidence can be used as indicators for the possible roles that these cemetery/settlements played within early medieval society. Some sites like Raystown, Corbally, Faughart Lower have revealed vast quantities of evidence for associated settlement and agricultural activities. Excavations at Corbally revealed extensive agricultural evidence comprising a large number of undated figure of eight corn drying kilns, enclosures, field systems, industrial activity, butchered animal bone and barley and oats indicative of malting. It is possible that some of these kilns could be late Iron Age in date. Excavations at Raystown revealed a stonebuilt corndrying kiln, animal corrals, eight horizontal mills and six corn drying kilns. The milling activity was found to date to between 653 A.D. and 1170 A.D. Two souterrains were constructed at the end of the sites use. Milling evidence was revealed at a number of sites including Mount Offaly, Millockstown, Gneevebeg, Parkhnahown, Lismore/Bushfields while butchered bone has been recovered in the ditches of all. Nine wells were excavated at Castlefarm. Metalworking evidence is a feature of all sites but was particularly prevalent at Lismore/Bushfields, Marlinstown, Johnstown and Balriggan. Dye extraction evidence was recovered from Faughart Lower while massive quantities of souterrain ware as well as imported E and B ware pottery has been recovered from Faughart Lower, Ninch, Johnstown 1, Balriggan, Mount Offaly and Balriggan. High status items of personal adornment are also a feature of these sites. The Extent of Burial Evidence The number of burials excavated at these different cemetery/settlement sites differs quite remarkably supporting the idea that they played different roles within the local community over time. Excavations at Mount Offaly have revealed 1,553 burials dating from 5/6th century11/12th century A.D. Johnstown 1 contained c.400 burials dating from the 4th16th century A.D. Faughart Lower revealed 872 burials dating from the 5/6th century to c.11th century A.D. and Parknahown contained a burial site of c.600 skeletons that was used for a number of centuries from c.5th century. A whole number of sites including Gracedieu (65 burials), Augherskea (187 burials), Knoxspark (185), Millockstown (57), Ninch (150 burials, Raystown (133 burials), Gneevebeg (135 burials) and Lismore/Bushfields (80) have revealed approximately between 50 200 burials. It is clear, from a number of excavations, that only part of the site was investigated so these figures could be greater. A plethora of sites including Caherabbey Lower, Murphystown, Rathmiles, Coldwinters, Corkagh Demesne, Gallanstown, Harristown, Corbally, Marlinstown, Castlefarm and Cherrywood have revealed between 840 burials at each site though again the total figures could be actually greater. It can be suggested then that sites like Mount Offaly, Faughart Lower and Parknahown contained communal cemeteries used by the local population for a number of centuries. It is also likely that cemeteries at a number of sites containing a moderate number of burials (60200 so far) that could have been used as the burialplace of small communities for a period of time during the early medieval period. The burialgrounds at Ninch and Millockstown appear for instance to have been in use from around the 710th centuries A.D. Finally, a whole number of sites contained limited burial evidence that may suggest that they were familial in function or used for a short period of time. A number of these sites like Cherrywood (6/7th century37 inhumations) may have only been used for a limited period of time while evidence at significant settlement centres like Corbally (8 burials so far) and Castlefarm (11) might suggest that they represent ad hoc internments carried out at principally secular settlement sites. Functions Carragin (2003, 149) has noted that the swearing of oaths and other legal activities were undertaken at cemeteries in the early medieval period over the remains of the dead and has suggested that the saints grave in ecclesiastical sites appropriated the legal functions of the ancestral burial grounds over time. Nevertheless, it is quite clear that these ancestral burial grounds may have continued to have provided a focal point for legal activity as well as serving as potential fairs or assemblies (Oenacha) at a number of the larger examples including Raystown and Corbally. Some of these sites like Raystown, situated along the border of the 83
Southern U Nill in Meath and the U Dunlainge (Laigin Provincial Kings) in Kildare were located along contested political boundaries and may have indeed been used for trade and commerce in this period. It is possible that these sites were generally understood and perceived as being the locations of ancestral burialplaces in which a whole range of social, economic and political activities were preformed in close proximity to these sites (Kinsella 2007a, 29). It is possible then that they could have been understood as neutral places outside the authority of the local church in which decisions could be reached between local people living within neighbouring ringforts/raths and noncircular enclosures. Metalworking appears to have been an important activity at many of these sites, such as Johnstown 1 suggesting that there may be some association between this activity and ancient cemeteries in this period. There seems to increasing archaeological evidence whereby industrial activities, ironworking for example, was conducted on/near this burial ground. It may be that early medieval people living with death all the time did not particular sense a need to separate the dead from the work of living like modern society does. On the other hand, it may have been that early medieval people saw ironworking as a dangerous, liminal and transformative process best kept to places at the edge of the settlement landscape. The magical and mythical qualities of the blacksmith are well known in early Irish literature and an otherworldly association between smiths and cemeteries may have been a factor. Agriculture appears to have been the primary function of a number of other sites. Many sites such as Raystown, Ninch and Balriggan, Corbally and Augherskea have revealed evidence for field systems, enclosure annexes, corndrying kilns and mills suggesting that their function may instead have been primarily agricultural. It is still early days in establishing the various functions of different sites. What can be said at the moment is that all revealed burial evidence, the majority evolved from Late Iron Age contexts and many have displayed evidence for early medieval settlement, industry and agriculture of different quantities and qualities! Distribution The geographical distribution of cemetery/settlement sites is firmly based in northeast Leinster in the counties of Meath, Dublin and Louth. It could be suggested that this concentration provides evidence for regionality of settlement and burial practices across Ireland in the early medieval period. Large milling centres like Corbally, Co. Kildare and Raystown, Co. Meath might be used as evidence for the presence of significant agricultural estates within the eastern counties of Ireland. The concentration of significant settlement/cemetery sites in Meath, North Dublin and Louth might attest to the political and economic power of the Southern U Nill in the early medieval period. However, excavations along the M7/M8 and N6 have recently thrown up other significant sites in Counties Laois and Galway (See Gazzeterr). Like the majority of their counterparts in Meath, Louth and north Dublin, they were discovered along NRA road schemes supporting the idea that cemetery/settlement sites are likely to have an islandwide distribution.
Early medieval crannogs

Definition In terms of definition or categorisation as monument types, crannogs have traditionally been defined as artificial islets of stone, timber and soil, usually circular or oval in plan, enclosed within a wooden palisade (see OSullivan 1998, 2001, 2004 OSullivan, Sands and Kelly 2007 Fredengren 2001, 2002). However, recognising that modern archaeological classifications are more about the ordering of information in the present than the reality of life in the past, it is probably now useful to adopt, as Fredengren (2002) suggested, a broader definition of the term crannog and consider those stone cairns without palisades, deliberately enhanced natural islands, as well as cairns, mounds and rock platforms situated along lakeshore edges (i.e. not necessarily surrounded by water). It is also the case that modern archaeological classifications and semantic debates on the topic what is a crannog ignore the fact that we investigate a range of constructed island sites that have experienced a thousand years of building, 84
occupation, abandonment, erosion and conflation of deposits resulting in rocky islets that look much the same as each other today (i.e. the archaeological monument we call crannogs). EMAP Survey and early medieval crannogs excavated 19702002 The EMAP survey established that 14 sites were excavated between 19702002. They were excavated within the counties of Longford, Mayo, Tyrone, Westmeath, Meath and Sligo. This included excavations of the early medieval crannog at Moynagh Lough, Co. Meath, with its houses, workshops, palisades and metalworking areas. The early medieval crannog at Sroove, Co. Sligo was significant in that it revealed that not all crannogs were of high social status. The early medieval crannog at Bofeenaun, Co. Mayo revealed evidence for a focus on ironworking on this remote island. In more recent years, the Discovery Programmes lake settlement project has been investigating crannogs on Lough Kinale, Co. Longford, including the early medieval sites at Ballywillin, Derragh following on from the National Museum of Irelands investigations of a crannog at Tonymore North.
Excavated Crannogs 19702002

NAME Ballywillin Lough Kinale Bofeenaun CroInis Derragh, Lough Kinale French grove County Longford Year 2002 Report writer Christina Fredengren EMAP Class Crannog Monume nt Crannog Significance General Quantit y 1
Mayo Westmeath Longford
1992 1989 2002
Aonghus Moloney & Margaret Keane Robert Farrell Christina Fredengren
Crannog Crannog Crannog
Significant General General
1 1 1
Mayo
1998
Conor McDermott
Crannog
Crannog
General
Island MacHugh, Baronscourt Lough Eskragh Moynagh Lough
Tyrone
1985/1 986
R. Ivens, D. Simpson & D. Brown
Crannog
Crannog
Significant
Tyrone Meath
1973 1980 1989/1 994/19 95/199 7 1984/1 985/19 86 2002 2001
Brian Williams John Bradley
Crannog Crannog
Crannog Crannog
General Highly Significant
3 1
Newtownlo w Rathroeen Lough Relough, Tullyleek Lough Robinstown I, Lough Ennell
Westmeath Mayo Tyrone
Cormac Bourke Richard Gillespie Liam McQuillan
1 1 1
Westmeath
1990/1 991/19 92
Niall Brady
Crannog
Crannog
Significant
85
Sroove
Sligo
1997/1 998/19 99 1987
Christina Fredengren
Crannog
Crannog
Highly Significant
Tonymore North, Lough Kinale
Longford
Eamonn Kelly Nessa O'Connor
&
Crannog
Crannog
General
Table 25: Excavated Crannogs 19702002
Origins and Chronology The origins and chronology of crannogs has largely been understood through the use of archaeological excavations, artefactual studies and latterly, radiocarbon and dendrochronological dating. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the use of crannogs in Ireland was usually seen as a longlived phenomenon (dating back to prehistory) but with a particularly intensive phase of activity in the early medieval period. In the 1980s, emerging dendrochronological dates from crannogs in Ulster and Chris Lynns influential paper on early crannogs led to the widespread view that crannogs, in the narrow definition of palisaded islets of stone, earth and timber, were only first constructed in the early medieval period. At the time, Lynn saw these early medieval crannogs as quite different from Bronze Age lake dwellings, which were seen to be lakeedge marshland enclosures rather than artificial islets. However, OSullivan also noted that this distinction between Bronze Age lake dwellings and early medieval crannogs was not always apparent in the archaeological evidence. However, Christina Fredengrens, and other, recent studies have clearly confirmed that classic crannogs small palisaded islets in openwater were also being built in the Late Bronze Age, early Iron Age, the early Middle Ages and late medieval period. Indeed, recent archaeological discoveries also indicate that Mesolithic and Neolithic wetland occupation mounds essentially small unpalisaded crannogs were also built of stone, peat and wood and placed at the edges of midlands lakes such as at Moynagh Lough, Co. Meath Lough Kinale, Co. Longford and at Clowanstown, Co. Meath. It is also clear that Late Bronze Age and early Iron Age palisaded islands that we more confidently term crannogs, were being built and used between the ninth and fourth centuries BC. Although there remains a substantial hiatus of evidence between the early Iron Age and the early medieval period (e.g. c. 300 BC AD 400), recent exciting discoveries on Coolure Demesne crannog, on Lough Derravaragh, Co. Westmeath have revealed a multiperiod crannog on which an oak palisade was constructed at c.AD 402, in the Iron Age/early Christian transition (OSullivan, Sands and Kelly 2007). It is clear from a wide range of archaeological, artefactual and dendrochronological evidence that the most intensive phases of crannog building, occupation and abandonment were within the early medieval period, particularly between the sixth and the eleventh centuries AD. This has been confirmed by virtually every Irish crannog excavation (and some recent excavations in Scotland), by most scientific dating programmes and by the generally early medieval date of stray finds recovered from numerous crannogs across the north midlands, north and the northwest of this island. It is now also clear that crannogs were built or certainly reoccupied in the later Middle Ages, variously being used as Gaelic lordly sites, prisons, ammunition stores and as places to keep silver and gold plate. Some smaller late medieval crannog islets and platforms may have been peasant seasonal dwellings or refuges for the poor or hideouts for outlaws, some being used as late as the eighteenth century. However, this simple recitation of sequences or periods of intensity hardly begins to explore the dynamic histories of these monuments and their role in past societies.
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Distribution The geographical distribution of Irish crannogs is now broadly understood. Since the pioneering crannog surveys of William Wakeman in the northwest, George Kinahan in the west, and Oliver Davies in south Ulster, the more recent work of the Archaeological Survey of Ireland in the Republic (conducted by National Monuments Section) and the county surveys (conducted by the Environment and Heritage Service) in Northern Ireland have established that there are at the very least, 1200 registered sites. However, this figure must be seen as a conservatively low estimate given the lack of dedicated archaeological surveys (crannogs can easily be obscured by wetland vegetation, reeds, carr woodland or by even shallow depths of water). Unsurprisingly, given the fact that they are by definition, lake dwellings, they tend to be found in those regions of Ireland where there are lakes. Crannogs are widely distributed across the midlands, northwest, west and north of Ireland. They are particularly concentrated in the drumlin lakes of Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Roscommon and Fermanagh. Crannogs are more dispersed across the west and northeast, although concentrations can be identified, such as in Lough Conn, Lough Cullin and around Castlebar Lough, Co. Mayo. Crannogs are known in every county of Northern Ireland, in a belt stretching from Fermanagh, through south Tyrone and Armagh to midDown, with particular concentrations in Monaghan and Cavan. Other regions have smaller numbers widely dispersed, but a few crannogs have been identified in the south and east. Crannogs tend to be found on the smaller lakes, being infrequent or rare on large midland lakes of the River Shannon system (e.g. Lough Ree and Lough Derg), while there are also few on Lower Lough Erne and Lough Neagh. There are particular concentrations of crannogs on Lough Carra and Lough Conn, Co. Mayo, Lough Gara, Co. Sligo, Drumhallow Lough, Co. Roscommon and Lough Oughter, Co. Cavan. Smaller lakes can have either one crannog or a small group of them, such as on Lough Eyes and Drumgay Lough, Co. Fermanagh. On some larger lakes, such as Lough Derravaragh, Co. Westmeath and Lough Sheelin, Co. Cavan, they are distributed along the shoreline at regular intervals. Crannogs are situated in various different types of modern environment, both deep and shallow lakewaters, lakeshore and peatlands. A smaller number of crannogs have been found in rivers, estuaries and in coastal wetlands. Morphology and Construction Recent archaeological surveys indicate that crannogs vary widely in morphology and construction, ranging in size from relatively large sites 1825m in diameter, to smaller mounds 810m in diameter. Crannogs of various sizes and types can be located in close proximity, suggesting variously, sequences of development or contemporaneity of usage. There appears to be both regional and local variations in construction, but most appear to have been built of layers of stone boulders, small to mediumsized cobble stones, branches and timber, lakemarl and other organic debris. Crannogs also produce evidence, from both archaeological survey and excavation, for a wide range of other structures, such as cairns, level upper platforms, houses, working spaces, middens, wooden revetments, palisades, and stone walls, defined entrances, jetties, pathways and stone causeways. Crannogs have also produced large assemblages of artefacts, both as a result of archaeological excavation and as discoveries made both accidentally or by design (e.g. treasure hunters in the 1980s). These material assemblages have included items of clothing (shoes, textiles), personal adornment (brooches, pins, rings), weaponry (swords, spearheads, axes, shields), domestic equipment (knives, chisels, axes). Social and Economic Function Traditionally, scholars have interpreted the social and economic function of crannogs from what might be called a commonsense reading of what is deemed to be the essential properties of a crannog (i.e. high visibility, difficulty of access, laboriousness of construction, etc). Thence, they have often been seen as island strongholds or defensive refuges, providing a secure residence to be occupied at times of conflict and danger, and there is certainly plenty of early medieval (and later) historical evidence that many were attacked and burned during raids and warfare. Indeed, there are hints from the historical sources that some were aggressive island 87
fortresses situated on political boundaries. This location may also have been used to negotiate political treaties on islands that were between political territories. In any case, when these conflict and political oriented historical references are combined with the occasional archaeological evidence for weaponry and the impressive scale of their timber and roundwood palisades, then it is easy to see why scholars have often suggested a military or fortress role for them. Both archaeology and early Irish historical sources also suggest that at least some crannogs were highstatus or even royal sites, used for feasting, as redistribution centres for the patronage of crafts and industry, and the projection through their size and impressive architecture the social and ideological power and status of their owners. Early medieval crannogs such as Lagore, Co. Meath and Island MacHugh, Co. Tyrone certainly could be interpreted as the island residences of kings or nobles, perhaps being used as summer lodges, public assembly places and as places for recreation and the strengthening of social ties through feasting, drinking and gift giving. For similar social and economic reasons, early medieval crannogs have also been associated with the patronage and control of craft production (typically fine metalworking). For instance, Moynagh Lough, Co. Meath, a probable lordly crannog, particularly during its mideighth century occupation phase, was clearly a place where various specialist craft workers resided and worked, while Bofeenaun crannog, on Lough More, Co. Mayo appears to have been devoted to the processing of iron ore by specialist blacksmiths. The early medieval church was undoubtedly embroiled in the same social and economic relationships performed and expressed through architecture and material goods. Although, early medieval crannogs are usually only thought of as secular dwellings, given the significant role of the church in the early medieval settlement landscape, it is also likely that many were used by ecclesiastical communities. Indeed, some early medieval crannogs are situated suspiciously close to monasteries and churches and it is possible that the discoveries in recent decades of early medieval ecclesiastical metalwork (e.g. hand bells, crosses and book shrines) on some midlands crannogs that were occupied in proximity to actual church sites and monasteries) suggests their use as safe or restricted storage places for relics or perhaps even as island hermitages. On the other hand, it is clear from archaeological surveys that most crannogs were essentially small island or lakeshore dwellings, occupied at various times by different people, not necessarily of high social status. Recent archaeological excavations at Sroove, on Lough Gara, Co. Sligo have suggested that some small crannogs were the habitations of social groups or households who had little wealth or political power. In this and other archaeological surveys around Ireland, it has also been demonstrated that many crannogs were small islets situated in shallow water, quite unlike the classic image presented by the larger early medieval royal sites. Indeed, several crannogs have produced relatively modest material assemblages and could be interpreted as the island homesteads of the middle classes or perhaps even the poor. These may have been essentially farmsteads, located close to grazing lands and arable fields, and used for the seasonal storage of plough implements, quern stones, grain and flour and other agricultural produce. They were certainly places, separated from the shoreline that would have been relatively safe from predatory vermin and wolves. In other words, different types of crannogs were built, used and occupied by various social classes in early medieval Ireland. Others may have been fishing or industrial platforms, used periodically, seasonally or for particular specific tasks. Finally, it should be allowed that some early medieval crannogs might not have been dwellings at all. Some may have been boundary or routeway markers, denoting the edges of political territories. Some may have been cairns or mounds known in early medieval Ireland as fertae to commemorate ancestral burials, battles, persons or significant events, or even byproducts of other activities (e.g. temporary heaps of building stone, field clearance cairns, etc). On the other hand, virtually every detailed site investigation of an Irish early medieval crannog has revealed at least some evidence for what might be called dwelling activity. In other words, while there are several traditional and useful explanations of the uses of early medieval crannogs, largely revolving around ideas of island refuges, the social display
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of power and of island dwellings, it is likely that depending on their size, location and history of use, different crannogs were used in different ways.
Early medieval promontory forts

Background Raftery (1994, 48) has suggested that there are approximately 250 promontory forts around the coastline of Ireland with the largest concentration in the west and east. Few of these have been excavated, but most that have been investigated have revealed some early medieval activity and settlement evidence. There is still some uncertainty about the origins and developmental histories of this site type as well as the character of early medieval settlement and activity at these sites. These sites are generally regarded as originating in the Iron Age or even earlier (Edwards 1990, 41). Important sites include Dubh Cathair on Inishmore, Co. Galway, Larrybane, Co. Antrim, Dalkey Island, Dunseverick, Co, Antrim, Dunluce, Co. Antrim and Dooneendermotmore, Co. Cork (Edwards 1990, 41). A further site at Drumanagh, Co. Dublin may have also witnessed some early medieval activity as a domeheaded bronze pin dated to the tenth and eleventh centuries A.D. was found amongst the Iron Age objects (OSullivan & Breen 2007, 111). EMAP survey and promontory forts excavated 19702002 The EMAP survey has revealed that excavations were undertaken on three promontory forts in the period 19702002. Excavations at Dunbeg promontory fort, Co. Kerry were undertaken in 1977 (Barry, 1981) and revealed a complicated defensive promontory whose earliest banks may date to the Late Bronze Age. One ditch was radiocarbon dated to A.D. 6801020 indicating that a remodelled promontory fort was in use in the early medieval period. A large circular clochan situated inside the fort also produced a calibrated date of A.D. 8701260. It is likely then that this promontory fort was remodelled and reused in the early medieval period. A promontory fort (or more accurately a clifftop fort) at Dn Aonghusa, Inishmore, Co. Galway was excavated by Claire Cotter from 199294 (92E0102), as part of the Discovery Programmes Western Stone Forts Project. This site also originated in the Middle to Late Bronze Age. However, the final phase of the site and potentially the massive stone walls was dated to the later first millennium A.D. The early medieval period certainly saw the inner wall reinforced and heightened. Some occupation levels were also found but do not appear to represent a major settlement. The burial of a child may date to this period (Clare Cotter 1992 92E0102). An inland promontory fort was excavated at Knoxspark, Co. Sligo by Charles Mount (1994 94E060). It is enclosed on three sides by the Ballysadare river and on the other by a silted marshy lake. The promontory fort was rectangular in shape and measured 23m northsouth by 19m eastwest. The bank was constructed with an external stone facing. The bank overlay the cemetery surface and cut into two burials that predated the enclosure. The cemetery was located around two adjacent cairns inside the promontory fort and contained a number of cremations as well as a large early medieval cemetery (with some evidence for occupation in the 8th10th century AD). As the promontory fort bank appears to cut the cemetery, it is likely then to have been constructed sometime in the early medieval period or shortly after.
The social, economic and ideological role of early medieval promontory forts Early medieval promontory forts are typically defined by earthen banks and ditches or stone walls cutting off a headland or cliff top. It is known that some promontory forts were occupied in the Bronze Age and Iron Age. However, there is also good archaeological evidence for their occupation in the early medieval period, including the sites at Larrybane, Co. Antrim, Dunbeg, Co. Kerry and Dalkey Island, Co. Dublin. Indeed, Drumanagh, Co. Dublin, the promontory fort as mentioned above, may also have been occupied in the early medieval period, as amongst the
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Iron Age objects recovered there was a domeheaded bronze pin dated to the tenth to eleventh century AD. Promontory forts have traditionally been interpreted as refuges or strongholds although this seems unlikely or at least oversimplistic and is probably largely based on our traditional perception of coastal sites as being at the edge. However, if we shift our perspective around to consider these promontory forts as places within seascapes, other interesting insights emerge. It is possible that some promontory forts were deliberately placed in prominent positions along coastlines and were intended to be seen from the sea, while they also provided their inhabitants with views across sailing routes. In particular, with the development of fleets and trading routes around the island, promontory forts established by local kingdoms could have both monitored and controlled aspects of sea traffic. At Dunseverick, Co. Antrim, there is an impressive promontory fort that is known to have been an early medieval royal site of the Dl Riada, an extended tribal grouping with strong maritime connections between northeast Ireland and southwest Scotland. There are annalistic references to both Dun Sobhairce itself and to the maritime fleets of the Dl Riada throughout the seventh and eighth centuries AD. Dunseverick is located on a headland on high clifftops. Although there would have been few landing places in the vicinity, it provides excellent views across the sea towards Rathlin Island and the southwest coast of Scotland in the distance. The tides, currents and winds along the north coast also mean that it was sited on a significant maritime routeway across the sea. In Adomnns seventhcentury Vita Sancti Columbae (hereafter Life of Columba) there is a mention of a dangerous whirlpool at a place known as Coire Breccin, off Rathlin Island, understood to be on the sea route between Ireland and Scotland. In Cormacs Glossary, dated to c. AD 900, there is a description of this eponymous Breccn, a merchant of the U Nill who used to trade with fifty currachs between Ireland and Scotland and whose fleet was lost in these dangerous seas. The clifftop also was fortified at later stages. It was used as a manorial centre by the earls of Ulster in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, and was taken from the OCahans by McDonnells in the sixteenth century (OSullivan and Breen 2007). At Dunbeg, Co. Kerry, a promontory fort is dramatically situated on a cliff top on the steeply sloping, south side of the Dingle Peninsula. The site was clearly occupied over several phases, perhaps as early as the Bronze Age. It is defined by four closely spaced banks and ditches, with a stone house and souterrain in the small, enclosed interior. Radiocarbon dates from the occupation deposits suggest that the site was inhabited from the ninth to the thirteenth century AD. Interestingly, most of the animal bone from the site was identified as cattle, sheep, pig, with small amounts of goose and cod. Dunbeg is placed at a location providing extensive views across Dingle Bay, and its inhabitants could have watched any coastal traffic moving around the Kerry coast. The site would also have been high visible to maritime travellers, dominating entry into the bay itself. That the Dingle Peninsula had long seen coastal traders from far flung ports can be seen by the fact that the early medieval monastic site of Reask at the end of the peninsula has produced imported Eware pottery, probably brought by Gaulish winetraders. Dunbeg promontory fort, occupied slightly later than that, also probably observed the sailing routes between Viking Cork and Limerick in the tenth and eleventh centuries AD (OSullivan and Breen 2007). In any case, despite their coastal location, these promontory forts often produce relatively little evidence for the exploitation of coastal resources. At Larrybane, Co. Antrim, an early medieval promontory fort was situated at the edge of good agricultural land and its economy was mostly devoted to sheep rearing in particular, as well as cattle herding. Here was some evidence for hearths and large amounts of souterrain ware. However, there were also bones of cormorant, shag, puffin, curlew and merlin, fish bones of cod, saithe, pollock, whiting and wrasse, along with limpets, winkles and oysters. The impression gained is of an essentially agricultural community, who occasionally may have trapped birds and collected eggs on the cliffs, and caught fish in the sea below. The presence of cod might also suggest that use of oceangoing craft fishing offshore (OSullivan and Breen 2007).
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Early medieval souterrains

Background Souterrains are humanlymade underground or semisubterranean passages and chambers. The great majority of souterrains are drystonebuilt although earthcut and rockcut examples are also known. Earthcut souterrains have nearly all been discovered in the Cork region while rock cut souterrains are found in both in the Cork area as well as North Antrim. Woodenlined souterrains are also known but less prevalent again (Clinton 2001, 2 & 5). Drystone built souterrains are found in clustered areas across the island and comprise over 95% of the known total (Clinton 2001, 37). It has been suggested that there are approximately 3,500 souterrain in Ireland (Clinton 2001, 33). Distribution The distribution of souterrains across the island is very uneven. Regions such as North Antrim, West Cork and parts of Kerry, South Galway and North Louth contain vast amount of souterrains. The northern counties of Leinster as well as eastern Galway, Mayo and Roscommon as well as areas of Kerry, Waterford and east Cork would fall into a middle ground. Souterrains are however nearly completely absent in the old Leinster region, central and northern Munster, great swathes of central and northwest Ulster as well as long the western coastal border (Clinton 2001, 34). Clinton (2000, 275) has noted that some political kingdoms like Leinster are completely devoid of souterrains. EMAP survey and souterrains excavated 19702002 The EMAP survey identified 97 sites that contained one or a number of souterrains. The character of these sites was often defined by the size and scope of the excavation licenses. The total number of excavated souterrains however amounted to 140 souterrains excavated in the period 19702002. The vast majority of excavated souterrains were found within the counties of Louth, Meath, Kerry and Antrim followed by Cork and Down. This largely corresponds with known areas of souterrain density. Souterrains have been discovered in a whole range of contexts including open settlements, enclosed sites, ecclesiastical sites, promontory forts and medieval sites (Clinton 2001, 45). It has been long accepted that the discovery of an unassociated souterrain is indicative of an unenclosed settlement. Both research undertaken by Clinton and Gosling has illustrated variations in the numbers of isolated souterrains. Approximately 6575% of ringforts in Co. Meath were found appear to have been unenclosed while only 13% of examples examined by Gosling in South Galway could be described as such (Clinton 2001, 45). It has been suggested by Buckley (19989, 64) that c. 60% of ringforts were associated with unenclosed settlements across the island (Clinton 2001, 46). It is evident however that only excavation can establish if enclosures were associated with this field monument in the early medieval period.
County Antrim Armagh Cork Derry Donegal Down Dublin Fermanagh Galway Kerry
EMAP Sites and Souterrains 13 1 8 5 2 7 1 1 1 13
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Louth Mayo Meath Roscommon Sligo Tipperary Tyrone Westmeath Total EMAP Sites
18 3 15 2 1 2 1 3 97
Table 26 Excavated Souterrain Sites and Counties 19702002
Excavated Souterrain 'Sites' 1970-2002

Westmeath Tyrone Tipperary Sligo Roscommon Meath Mayo Louth Kerry Galway Fermanagh Dublin Down Donegal Derry Cork Armagh Antrim
0 5 10 15 20
County
Excavated Souterrain Sites
Figure 22: Excavated Souterrain Sites and Counties 19702002
The chronology of souterrains
Radiocarbon dating Clinton (2001, 89) has catalogued a number of scientific dates for souterrains. A woodenlined souterrain at Coolcran, Co. Fermanagh (Williams 1985, 75) was dendrochronologically dated to A.D. 8229. The backfill of a souterrain at Marshes Upper, Co. Louth (Mossop 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0008) returned a very early radiocarbon date of AD 405690 in 2002. A sample from charcoal in an area of burning to the south of the souterrain at Slievemore, Achill, Co. Mayo returned a radiocarbon date of A.D. 65080 (Theresa McDonald 1995, 1998 & 1999, Excavations Bulletin 91E0047). Cattle bone recovered in 2000 from the backfilled souterrain at Staad Abbey, Agharow, Co. Sligo yielded a date of AD 10101155 (UB4575) (Jerry O'Sullivan & Catherine Dunne 2000 & 2001, Excavations Bulletin 00E0235).
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A number of souterrains at other sites including at a ringfort at Raheenamadra, Co. Limerick (A.D. 649938), a circular enclosure at Kill, Co. Kerry (A.D. 688998 Mary Cahill 1989, Excavations Bulletin), at a ringfort at Killanully, Co. Cork (A.D. 8801260 Mount 1995), a souterrain at Farrandreg, Co. Louth (A.D. 8881027 Murphy 1998, 269) and at a stone hut site with souterrain at Cool West, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry (A.D. 13051529 OSullivan & Sheehan 1996, 398) suggest a wide time frame from the later first millennium into the second millennium A.D. Taking into account a number of early dated sites like Marshes Upper, it is still likely that souterrains were used and constructed principally between the last quarter of the first millennium A.D. and the first quarter of the second millennium A.D as purposed by Clinton (2001, 92).
Souterrains and building form: An indicator of possible date It has been noted that souterrains tend to be associated with rectangular houses which might suggest a date towards the end of the early medieval period when this type of architecture starts to predominate (Edwards 1990, 46). Clinton (2001, 54) has noted similar occurrences at Ballywee, Co. Antrim (Lynn 1975, 4) Knowth, Co. Meath (Eogan 1986, 24 1991, 120) and possibly Rathmullan, Co. Down (Lynn 19812, 65). However, Clinton (2001, 5557) has found examples of circular houses associated with souterrains. Examples include Leacanabuaile, Co. Kerry Loher, Co. Kerry (OFlaherty 1986, Excavations Bulletin), Raheenamadra, Co. Limerick (Stenberger 1966, 37) Underhill, Co. Cork (OKelly) Shee 1968, 40) Ballyjennings, Co. Mayo (Lavelle et al 1994, 41) and Downpatrick, Co. Down (Brannon 1988).
Excavations at Bray Head, Valentia, Co. Kerry led to the discovery of approximately 7 round houses and 5 rectangular stone built houses (Alan Hayden 1993, Excavations Bulletin 93E0121, 94E119, 97E278 & 01E0814 Claire Walsh 95E166, Excavations Bulletin). Charcoal from a hearth inside a circular hut (3.5m in diameter) was dated to the late 8/early 9th centuries A.D. One large, rectangular, drystonewalled house was radiocarbon dated previously dated to the later 9th to early 11th century. One souterrain was found to be associated with a circular building. A figureofeight building was excavated at a cashel site at Cathair Fionnrach, Ballynavenoor, Co. Kerry (Erin Gibbons 199497, Excavations Bulletin 94E005). The smaller annexe of the figure of eight building was found to contain a souterrain entrance. Clinton (2001, 58) has concluded that there is good evidence to suggest that souterrains, particularly in southern Ireland, were associated with round buildings. Taking into account Lynns (1978) persuasive argument that rectangular houses succeeded circular buildings during around the 9th century A.D., it then appears, as he notes, that many souterrains in the south and west could slightly predate those in the north. Souterrains and Unenclosed Settlements The EMAP survey revealed that 97 sites were excavated from 19702002 that contained evidence for souterrains, amounting to 140 souterrains. The EMAP survey found that 45 of these sites comprised excavations where one or a number of souterrains were found with no associated settlement although they were often found in association with limited domestic artefacts and industrial, agricultural and occupation evidence. Agricultural evidence typically took the form of field banks, agricultural artefacts and very occasionally, corn drying kilns. The majority only revealed a souterrain with limited other archaeological evidence found during the excavation. Isolated souterrains found with limited evidence for occupation then constitute 45/97 examples or 46% of the excavated sites total. Excavations at Boolies Little revealed a souterrain that was constructed after an early medieval stone/slablined cemetery fell out of use (Sweetman 1982 83). The size and character of excavations at souterrain sites must also be understood as a factor when deciding if a souterrain associated with an enclosure or not. It is clear that limited excavation may have been undertaken at a number of these sites thus leaving open the possibility that enclosures may still be present outside the excavated area.
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NAME Spittle Quarter Bonfire Hill, Bishops Court Binders Cove, Finnis Randalstown Beaufort Sarsfieldstown Marshes Upper Ballynee, Spiddal Marshes Upper Ballymacpeake Upper Strandsend Ballyhealy Delvin Ballyginny Ballygalley 'The Deserted Village', Slievemore (Toir), Achill Island Ballyboley Balrenny Knock North Aghnaskeagh Graigue Garryntemple Gallarus Kill Farrandreg Eleven Ballyboes Kilcarn Drumilly Loughgall Knockmant Magheramenagh Cloughorr Castlemagner Carrownamaddy Mell 3 Demesne, Road,
County Down Down Down Meath Kerry Meath Louth Meath Louth Derry Kerry Westmeath Down Antrim Mayo
EMAP Class Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain
Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain
Significance General General General General General General Uncertain General General General General General General Significant General
Antrim Meath Mayo Louth Galway Tipperary Kerry Kerry Louth Donegal Meath Armagh Westmeath Derry Antrim Cork Donegal Louth
Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape
Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain
General General No significance General General Uncertain General General General General General General General General General General General Significant
Dromiskin
Louth
Souterrain
Significant
Magheramenagh Kilcarn, Athlumney
Derry Meath
Souterrain Souterrain
Significant General
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Marshes Upper
Louth
Sheepland Chapeltown Marshes Upper Farrandreg Markstown, Cullybackey Tullygarley Randalstown Smithstown Boolies Little
Mor,
Down Louth Louth Antrim Antrim Meath Meath Meath
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site MultiPhase settlement
Souterrain
Highly Significant
Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain
General Significant General Significant General General Highly Significant Significant
Table 27: Excavated Unenclosed Souterrains 19702002 Souterrains and Ringforts A total of 23 ringforts were excavated from 19702002 that contained one or a number of souterrains. Four were raised or platform ringforts while the other 19 were traditional forms of ringforts found associated with souterrains. 6 of these sites could be described as highly significant in terms of archaeological material.
Name Deer Park Farms Big Glebe Rathmullan Lower Meadowsbank, Jordanstown Coolcran Castlegar Ballywee Ballymascanlan Cormeen Ballyhill Lower Emlagh West Turnarobert Haggardstown Haggardstown Killanully Killyliss 'Lisnagun', Darrary Lisleagh II Liscahane Lackan, Multyfarnham Leyland Road Industrial Estate Colp West Carrigaline Middle County Antrim Derry Down Down Fermanagh Mayo Antrim Louth Meath Antrim Kerry Antrim Louth Louth Cork Tyrone Cork Cork Cork Westmeath Antrim Meath Cork EMAP Class Raised Ringfort & Souterrain Raised Ringfort & Souterrain Raised Ringfort & Souterrain Raised Ringfort & Souterrain Raised Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Early Medeival Landscape MultiPhase Settlement MultiPhase settlement Settlement Monument Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Significance Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant General Highly Significant General Significant Significant Significant Significant General General Significant Significant Significant Significant Significant General General Highly Singificant General
Table 28: Excavated Ringforts containing Souterrains 19702002
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Souterrains and other enclosures A further 11 places revealed souterrains in other enclosure contexts. Some of these sites like Rosepark and Corrstown were significant settlement complexes. Both the souterrains at Nevinstown and Mullagharlin/Haggardstown were situated short distance from an enclosed site. This group can be broadly associated with the ringfort list.
NAME Ferganstown & Ballymackon Haggardstown Rosepark, Balrothery Gortatlea Corrstown, Hopefield Portrush Ballynacarriga 1 & 2 Farrandreg Knowth Road,
County Meath Louth Dublin Kerry Derry Cork Louth Meath
EMAP Class Enclosure Enclosure NonCircular Shaped Enclosure NonCircular Shaped Enclosures NonCircular Shaped Enclosure NonCircular Shaped Enclosure Enclosure MultiPhase Settlement
Monument Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain
Significance Significant Significant Highly Significant General Highly Significant Highly Significant General Highly Significant
Bray Head, Valentia Nevinstown Mullagharlin & Haggardstown
Kerry Meath Louth
MultiPhase Settlement Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape
Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain
Highly Significant Significant Significant
Table 29: Other excavated enclosures containing Souterrains 19702002
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Souterrains and cashels Three cashels were excavated from 19702002 that revealed evidence for souterrains and could all be described as sites of significance.
NAME Cathair Fionnrach, Ballynavenoor Ballyegan Kildreenagh, Loher County Kerry Kerry Kerry EMAP Class Cashel & Souterrain Cashel & Souterrain Cashel & Souterrain Monument Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Significance Significant Significant Significant
Table 30: Excavated Cashels containing Souterrains 19702002
Souterrains and Promontory forts One promontory fort at Dunbeg was excavated from 19702002 that revealed evidence for a souterrain.
NAME Dunbeg Promontory Fort, Dingle County Kerry EMAP Class Promontory Fort Monument Souterrain Significance Highly Significant
Table 31: Excavated Promontory Forts containing Souterrains
Souterrains and Settlement/Cemetery Sites A further 3 sites, described as settlement/cemeteries, were found to contain souterrains upon excavation.
NAME Balriggan Ninch, Laytown Millockstown
County Louth Meath Louth
EMAP Class Cemetery & Settlement Site MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement
Monum ent Souterrai n Souterrai n Souterrai n
Significance Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant
Table 32: Excavated Settlement/Cemetery Sites containing Souterrains
Souterrains and Ecclesiastical Sites Souterrains have also been associated with ecclesiastical sites. Clinton (2001, 48, 49 & 50) has noted that souterrains have been discovered at a number of sites including Templebryan North, Co. Cork, Meelick, Co., Mayo (Raftery, Joseph 1967) and Kiltiernan East, Co. Galway (Westropp 1919, 178). The survey found that 11 ecclesiastical sites excavated between 19702002, revealed evidence for souterrains upon excavation. The most notable sites included the possible ecclesiastical site at Lackenavorna, Co. Tipperary, Downpatrick, Co. Down and Reask, Co. Kerry.
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NAME Grange of Mallusk Turraloskin Moore Cemetery, Loughlackagh Templenadriney, Erris
County Antrim Antrim Roscommon Roscommon
EMAP Class Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Monument Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain
Significance General General General Significant
Lackenavorna, Killederdadrum Kilmore St. Patrick, Downpatrick Ballybarrack An Raingilis, church Reask Ballywiheen
Tipperary Cork Down Louth Kerry Sligo
Enclosed site Enclosed site Enclosed site Enclosed site Enclosed site
ecclesiastical ecclesiastical ecclesiastical ecclesiastical ecclesiastical
Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain Souterrain
Highly Significant General Highly Significant Significant General General Highly Significant
Staad Abbey, Agharow
Pilgrimage Hostel MultiPhase Settlement
Table 33: Excavated Ecclesiastical Sites containing Souterrains 19702002
Associations with other sites A total of 97 defined sites were found to contain or be located immediately adjacent to one or a number of excavated souterrains. ! ! 45 (47%) excavated sites revealed one or a number of adjacent souterrains with no associated early medieval enclosure. The breakdowns of the results of souterrains with enclosed sites are ringforts (23) sites, other enclosures (11), cashels (3), promontory forts (1) and settlement/cemeteries (3). These settlement enclosure sites then totalled 41 sites constituting 42% of excavated sites. 11 sites contained excavations of ecclesiastical complexes that also revealed excavated souterrains within or immediately outside the settlements. They constituted 11% of excavated sites. These figures give information about the contexts in which one or a number of souterrains were excavated within EMAP defined sites. They do not give the total number of excavated souterrains.
Site Category Unenclosed Souterrain(s) Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastical Total (Site Categories Quantity 45 41 11 97
Table 34: Excavated Souterrains (19702002) and Site Categories
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Excavated Souterrain(s) and EMAP Site Categories (1970-2002)
11, 11%
45, 47% 41, 42%
UnenclosedSouterrain(s) Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastical
Figure 23: Excavated Souterrain(s) and EMAP Site Categories 19702002
Souterrains and the phasing of early medieval enclosed sites Clinton (2001, 94) has noted that souterrains are very likely to appear late in the history of known multiphase sites. Souterrains occurred at a late stage in the history of a number of multiphase raised ringforts and noncircular shape enclosures including Deer Park Farms and Rathmullan, Co. Down. Excavations at Letterkeen, Co. Mayo (S.P. Rordin & McDermott 19512, 100) has also revealed that the souterrains postdated the initial settlement phase (Clinton 2001, 47). Further examples can be found at Millockstown, Co. Louth (Manning 1986), Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath (Eogan & Reid (2000, 2001 & 2002, Excavations Bulletin) and Raystown (Seaver 2006) where the souterrains date to the later stages of the settlement. Excavations also at the highly significant multi enclosed settlement at Rosepark, Balrothery, Co. Dublin also revealed that the great majority of the seven souterrains excavated dated to later than the enclosing ditches (Rnn Swan & Judith Carroll 1999 & 2000, Excavations Bulletin 99E0155). Souterrains then appear to date to the latest phases of highly significant enclosed settlement sites. It is likely that many more will display a similar chronology when further details are given in reports about the relationship between souterrains and the associated ringfort. What is not clear is, if this later evidence is evidence for a subsequent unenclosed settlement of souterrains and structures or if they were constructed during the twilight years of important ringfort sites. Clinton (2001, 46 & 203) has noted that the souterrains at Knowth dating to the 9th and 10th centuries A.D., postdated the enclosed phase of the early medieval settlement at Knowth. The 9th and 10th century settlement at this royal site produced nine souterrains, all associated with rectangular houses, was described by George Eogan as an unenclosed village. The seven souterrains at Rosepark, Co. Dublin that also postdated the ditches may possibly be further evidence for another such site. There were similar developments at Kitale ringfort, Co. Meath (Rynne 1974, 267) and Togherstown ringfort, Co. Westmeath (Macalister and Praeger 192931, 75) and Clinton (2001, 203) has concluded that there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that many souterrains located within a ringfort were associated with a subsequent and later open settlement site. These questions will only be further understood when detailed information is given about the chronology and stratigraphy of multiphase ringfort settlements.
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Early medieval unenclosed settlements

Background The early medieval period dates approximately from the 5th12th centuries A.D. The extent, character and scale of unenclosed settlement during these centuries are likely to have varied due to different political, industrial, economic, agricultural and social developments. Our present understandings of early medieval unenclosed settlement are still very poor and partial and have been clouded by the pervasiveness of the ringfort in the early medieval archaeological narrative as well as the lack of wellinvestigated or surviving evidence for unenclosed sites. Only the chance discovery of an isolated souterrain is often the only evidence for a possible early medieval unenclosed settlement (Edwards 1990, 46). Early medieval settlement studies (e.g. Stout 1997) then have generally focused upon examining the distribution of ringforts in order to reconstruct a hierarchical model of settlement across regional landscapes. These models have however never completely factored in the role of unenclosed settlement sites in the character of early medieval settlement patterns. Kinsella (2007a) has noted that archaeologists (Edwards 1990 Mallory & McNeil 1991 Mytum 1992 Seaver 2005), historical geographers (Graham 1993 Stout 1997) and historians (CharlesEdwards 2000) have all asserted that ringforts were occupied only by the free classes. In that case, the poor and unfree, undoubtedly a sizeable proportion perhaps even a majority of the population of early medieval Ireland has been ignored in this narrative. One recurrent idea proposed by scholars is that the mass of the population lived in small nucleated settlements somewhat similar to the clachans that survived in many parts of western Ireland until the twentieth century (Edwards 1990, 47). Yet many of these are postmedieval in date and are products of very particular social, demographic and agricultural forces (i.e. a population explosion based on crop cultivation of potatoes and barley) that were affecting Ireland in the 18th and early 19th century. Kinsella instead (2005, 2007a) has suggested that many small univallate ringforts, situated in unproductive or marginal lands, may have instead been used for the impoverished and semi free social classes. The extent, character and role of unenclosed settlement in the period when the ringfort was the predominant form of settlement monument (A.D. 500900) then is still not clear. If enclosed settlements were the defining hallmark of a freeman, was then the unenclosed site the mark of the servile or did these sites play a different and perhaps more important role which has not been up till now not acknowledged? Furthermore, what was the extent and character of unenclosed settlement immediately prior to and after the main phase of ringfort use from A.D. 600900 and what role did the souterrain play in this process, particularly in the later centuries of the early medieval period? The evidence for unenclosed settlement evidence principally comes in the form of isolated souterrains, souterrains with associated structures, unenclosed settlement sites with no associated souterrains, unenclosed settlement sites within field systems and coastal habitations sites. A list of unenclosed settlement sites is given within appendix 2. A total of 45 isolated souterrain sites, 32 unenclosed habitation sites and 5 coastal habitation sites were found in a variety of contexts and are listed in the appendixes for excavated sites 19702002. What follows below is both a description and discussion of these results as well as some discussion of those sites that were revealed prior to 1970 or after 2002. Rural Unenclosed Settlement Souterrains with no associated buildings Evidence for early medieval unenclosed settlement principally comes in the form of the discovery of isolated souterrains (See Appendix on Souterrains). 45/97 or 47% of excavated sites from 19702002 revealed souterrains with no associated enclosure and have been listed above. 7/45 sites revealed potential associated structures/buildings therefore reducing this figure to 39 site excavations that revealed only isolated souterrains. Excavations at the majority of these identified sites revealed simply a souterrain with perhaps very limited quantities of souterrain ware, animal bone and domestic or personal items. 100
Excavations at Ballyboley, Co. Antrim (Lynn 197779, Excavations Bulletin) revealed large quantities of souterrain ware as well as a scatter of cobbling, occupation material and a hearth. No definite pattern for any structures could be discerned. Excavations at Kill, Co. Kerry (Mary Cahill 1988, Excavations Bulletin) revealed a souterrain which contained an eastwest orientated burial as well as a quern stone. Excavations at Ballyknee, Spiddal, Co. Meath (George Eogan 1988, Excavations Bulletin) revealed two souterrains which produced a bronze mount, a single edged comb, piece of iron, bronze pin and a quern stone that dated to the 8th century A.D. Excavations at Mell 3 (Thaddeus Breen 2000, Excavations Bulletin 00E0631) exposed a bronze mount with openwork interlace. A gully which may have served as a drain preventing water running into the souterrain as well as two possible contemporary downhill were also discovered which contained iron slag, animal bone, spindle whorl, lignite bracelet, blue glass bead. A hearth was excavated outside a souterrain at Dromiskin, Co. Louth (Eoin Halpin 1988, Excavations Bulletin E461). Iron slag, souterrain ware, bone combs as well as pits and post for a souterrain door were found at Magheramenagh, Co. Derry (Alan Reilly, Excavations Bulletin). A large number of these isolated souterrains have been found with quern stones including Spittle Quarter, Co. Antrim (Brannon 1990, Excavations Bulletin), Ballyknee, Spiddal, Co. Meath (George Eogan 1988, Excavations Bulletin), Kill, Co. Kerry (Mary Cahill 1988, Excavations Bulletin), Randalstown, Co. Meath (Kieran Campbell 1986, Excavations Bulletin), Bishops Court, Co. Down (Chris Lynn 1973, Excavations Bulletin), Farrandreg, Co. Louth (Deirdre Murphy 1998, Excavations Bulletin 95E0109), An early medieval sickle was excavated at an isolated souterrain at Beaufort, Co. Kerry (Michael Connolly 1995, Excavations Bulletin 95E217) while an undated iron plough share was found at Boolies Little, Co. Meath (Sweetman 198283). More recently, excavations at Faughart Lower, Co. Louth produced a ploughshare and coulter in a souterrain, apparently deliberately deposited near the entrance (Niall Roycroft pers comm.). Excavations at Slievemore, Achill have also exposed an undated corndrying kiln and souterrain (Theresa McDonald 1995, 1998 & 1999, Excavations Bulletin 91E0047) while a souterrain discovered at Ballygalley, Co. Antrim (Christopher Farrimond 2002, Excavations Bulletin AE/02/40) revealed an adjacent souterrain and corndrying kiln which maybe early medieval in date. While this is only a very preliminary sketch of the associated materialculture found at souterrains, it nevertheless suggests that crop cultivation and cereal storage may have been an important activity at these sites. Rural Unenclosed Settlement Souterrains with associated Buildings Many early medieval souterrains have been found adjacent to early medieval buildings. Edwards (1990, 31) has discussed a number of sites such as Craig Hill, Co. Antrim (Waterman 1956, 87) and Antiville, Co. Antrim (Waterman 1971, 65). The site at Craig Hill consisted of a single rectangular house and souterrain with an associated paved entrance and central hearth. The site at Antiville was located at a marshy spot beside a tributary of the River Larne. It contained a rectangular house and souterrain that were partially enclosed by a shallow cut that was likely used to drain excess water from the site (Edwards 1990, 46). The EMAP survey revealed seven examples where souterrains, not associated with any enclosures, appear to have been located adjacent to potential early medieval buildings. Excavations at Smithstown, Co. Meath (Margaret Gowen 1988, Excavations Bulletin E463) revealed four souterrains to the south of a series of gullies suggestive of buildings. A possible keyhole kiln was excavated nearby. Excavations at other sites at Farrandreg, Co. Louth (Teresa Bolger 2000, Excavations Bulletin 00E0082), Randalstown, Co. Meath (Kieran Campbell 1985, Excavations Bulletin), Sheepland Mor, Co. Down (S.G. ReesJones 1971, Excavations Bulletin), Marshes Upper (Gosling 1984 & 1985, Excavations Bulletin), Tullygarley, Co. Antrim (Liam McQuillan & Chris Long1999, Excavations Bulletin) and Markstown, Co. Antrim (Cormac McSparron 2001 AE/01/17) revealed possible structures outside or near souterrain entrances. The shape of the structures could not be established from the excavations bulletin reports. Further research will be required in this area.
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Rural Unenclosed Settlements unenclosed sites with early medieval buildings and objects A large number of sites have been excavated in recent years that have revealed evidence for unenclosed buildings with some associated materialculture (See Appendix Unenclosed Settlement Sites), but with no evidence for souterrains. Excavations at Platin, Co. Meath in advance of the M1 GormanstonMonasterboice Motorway Scheme revealed two circular unenclosed buildings (Robert Lynch 2001 & 2001, Excavations Bulletin 00E0822). Two circular structures 10m in diameter were revealed in the eastern half of the site. Foundation trenches of the later structure yielded glass beads, crucible fragments, tuyre fragments and iron objects. Two parallel gullies also revealed burning and iron slag and may have formed the industrial centre associated with the occupation site. The earliest circular structure was 15m in diameter so it is not clear if it represents a building. A pit containing animal bone was contemporary with the later building. Excavations at Ballycullen/Oldcourt, Co. Dublin (Elinior Larsson 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0190) exposed a semicircular ditch measuring 10.2m eastwest by 4.5m which was interpreted as a possible slottrench of a house. The fills of the ditch contained bone, burnt and unburnt and charcoal. An internal hearth was also identified. A metalled surface containing six post and stake holes on the eastern terminal was interpreted as a possible entranceway for the semicircular shaped site. Two pieces of corroded iron were discovered from the eastern terminal and flint flakes were recovered from the metalled surface. Excavations were undertaken at Cloghlucas South, Co. Cork (Margaret Gowen 1986, Excavations Bulletin Gowen 1988) in advance of the Bord Gis CorkDublin Pipeline 1986. An unenclosed round house (9.5m in diameter) was excavated which contained two phases of activity and was defined by a shallow external gully with evidence for burning. The site appears to be an unusual doubleringed house. A rotary quern stone was discovered at the site while a hearth and a furnace bottom was found a short distance away. The site appears to date to the early medieval period as rotary querns do not usually date to the prehistoric period. A site was discovered at Blackhills Lower, Co. Cavan (Lucia McConway 1992, Excavations Bulletin 92E0058) in advance of the Bord Gis Northeastern Pipeline (DunleerMullagh Phase 3). Excavations revealed two curving gullies, one of which was Gully 2 was13.2m x 10.6m in diameter. Four pits were also discovered, two of which revealed evidence for in situ burning and could represent hearths. Flint scrapers were recovered from the topsoil while Bronze Age shards were recovered from one of the pits. C14 dates from one of the charcoal filled gullies however returned dates around A.D. 1000 for occupation (AD 890895 and AD 12781294) so it appears that the building maybe early medieval. A site was excavated at Moorgate, Co. Tipperary in advance of a development (Brian Hodkinson & Tony Cummins 1999, Excavations Bulletin 97E0026). A small circular hut, 4m in diameter was located in the northeast corner of a field away an early ecclesiastical site. A hearth was located in the centre of the hut. Post holes and stakeholes were located inside the hut. Two shallow pits were located in the NE corner and one contained a jet/lignite bracelet. A circular/oval structure composed of a number of post holes, stakeholes and pits was discovered at Rossbeg (II) by Richard Gillespie (2001, Excavations Bulletin 00E0774). No hearths were discovered in or near the structure. Some rough flints and bone and a decorated stone spindle whorl that consists of a perforated stone disc 40mm in diameter by 10mm thick was discovered. It was decorated with incised concentric circles around the central perforation. Excavations at Drumadonnell, Co. Down revealed a house 9m in diameter (Cormac McSparron 1999, Excavations Bulletin). A central stonelined hearth and a subcircular setting of postholes around it were excavated. A second hearth was found nearby. No evidence for an enclosure was discovered. Souterrain ware pottery and burnt bone were discovered. Bone fragments, seeds and grains were recovered from the hearths and a pit to the north. Cattle and sheep
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bone dominated the animal bone assemblage while oats, barley and a much smaller amount of wheat were the types of seeds and grains discovered. The two hearths returned dates of AD 705 to 1005 and AD 680 to 980. Excavations at Kilkenny Castle as part of the conservation of the site revealed a twelfth century precastle level (Ben Murtagh 1991 & 1992, Excavations Bulletin E627). It was found that the precastle ground level as up to 3.6m below the modern ground floor. A sod built structure dating to the 12th century was found beneath the castle. It consisted of three low walls whose west wall was destroyed by the batter of the northwest 13th century curtain wall. The house measured internally 4.2m northsouth by at least 4.6m eastwest. It contained a central hearth and the remains of a small furnace to the west. Iron and bronze working and local cooking ware shards were found associated with the house. The building had a short life and was destroyed by the large late 12th century earthwork castle. Excavations were undertaken at Maynooth Castle, Co. Kildare as part of the conservation of the site (Alan Hayden 1996 & 1999, Excavations Bulletin). 7 phases of activity were discovered in 1999. The first phase consisted of a prehistoric rectangular building. The next phase was represented by two small post and wattle round houses, c. 5m in diameter, which were interpreted as dating to the early medieval period. The two buildings contained hearths from which radiocarbon samples were taken but were not available at the time the report was submitted. The latest round house appears to have had a curving wooden stockade added to one side. The house appears to have been contemporary with the beginning of cultivation that was revealed in the form of regularly spaced furrows. The cultivation was found also over the house and continued till the AngloNorman phase. Excavation was conducted on an early medieval conjoined clochan at Coarha Beg, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry (Alan Hayden 1994, Excavations Bulletin 94E120). A trapezoidal stonewalled structure with a long stonelined and originally stoneroofed entrance passage was uncovered. The site was 3.4m x2.8m internally. Two further rectangular stonewalled cells were annexed to it. A stonelined hearth was excavated in the interior. Blue glass beads, stone spindle whorls and rubbing stones were found within the structure. A date between 562 and 758 AD was returned. A research project was undertaken along the Barrees Valley, Co. Cork (William O'Brien 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0914). Excavations focused on an early medieval cashel. Two hut sites recorded along the valley were also early medieval in date. A circular hut defined by a 0.8 1.4mwide collapsed wall of rough fieldstones was excavated. No interior features were found and the only find consisted of early medieval multicoloured bead. Two small charcoal deposits were found underneath the wall stones and were radiocarbon dated to 138040 BP (GrN 28303), consistent with a 6th8thcentury AD date range for the bead. A Dshaped stone wall structure measuring 4.8m by 2.7m internally and defined by a single narrow wall of rough field stones was also excavated. A spread of charcoal returned dated the site to the 11/12th centuries A.D. (89520 BP (GrN28304)). Excavations were conducted on two hut sites at Carrignamuck on the west sides of the Wicklow mountains (Anna Brindley 197779, Excavations Bulletin). Site A consisted of two circular, conjoined structures (Al, A2) each with an entrance in its west side measuring l0m. Traces of a possible third hut were found to the southeast. No evidence of habitation was uncovered except for a horse scapula. Site B lay a quarter of a mile to the east of Site A. It consisted of a level platform and a semicircle of drystone wall. No occupation evidence was found. Other hut sites have also been found within the King's River Valley in West Wicklow in the townland of Garryknock near the church of Templeteenaun and the St. Kevin's pilgrim road. These may well be later medieval or post medieval sites. Excavations were undertaken on a clochan situated near the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula, on the southern slopes of Mt Eagle. No early finds were discovered (Isabel Bennett 1989, Excavations Bulletin).
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A possible building was excavated at Balgeen 4, Co. Meath in advance of the M1 Gormanston Monasterboice Motorway (Helen Kehoe & Robert O'Hara 2001 & 2002, Excavations Bulletin 01E0742). A hearth and a number of pits containing animal bone were also excavated. One pit was dated to the early medieval period. A possible unenclosed structure was excavated at the Leyland Road Industrial Estate, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim (Audrey Gahan 2001, Excavations Bulletin AE/01/65). It was revealed in the form of post pits, post holes and gullies. The date of the possible structure is uncertain. Rural unenclosed settlements within field systems There is also evidence for early medieval unenclosed or partially unenclosed settlements that were situated within field systems. A number of clochans, some conjoined and associated with souterrains were discovered at Ballynaveooragh within an elaborated system of fields on the uncultivated slopes of Mount Brandon, Co. Kerry. A complex of round houses belonging to a possible early medieval transhumance village was excavated at Aughnabrack, Ballyutoag was recorded and excavated on the northwest slopes of the Belfast mountains (Williams 1984). The site consisted of two large conjoined curvilinear enclosures with a group of circular hut platforms around the perimeter, a series of adjacent fields and a third smaller enclosure to the north (Edwards 1990, 46). Upwards of 23 hut sites were surveyed during the study. The excavated huts largely date to around the 8th century A.D. They could have housed upwards of 100 people. Comparable upland sites in Antrim have also been discovered at Browndod, Killylane and Tildarg (Williams 1983, 239245). A complex of fields with eight houses dated to two phases was excavated at Beginish Island, Co. Kerry (Kelly, 1956). One house dated to the second phase contained a stonelined passage roofed with lintels, one of which turned out to be reused and contained a runic inscription suggesting it dated to a period after the coming of the Vikings (Edwards 1990. 47). A further significant field system with associated settlements was excavated on a terrace at The Spectacles over looking Lough Gur in Co. Limerick (ORiordain 1949). Two early medieval roundhouses (one relatively substantial and built of stone walls with a paved doorway and porch feature) and a rectangular house were located within four small rectangular fields that may have been used as gardens. A system of larger field systems and a semicircular enclosure was located further up the hillside and may have been the location where the livestock was pastured. Excavations since the early 1980s have revealed an extensive early medieval and prehistoric landscape at Marshes Upper, Co. Louth. A number of souterrains have been discovered in the area. Excavations by Paul Gosling (19804, Excavations Bulletin) exposed a souterrain a U shaped hut, two pits, a field boundary and a souterrain discovered with the souterrain. 50 shards of souterrain ware, iron belt buckle, plain bronze strap end, flint flakes, a whetstone and a shalebracelet were discovered. A hoard of 8 HibernoNorse coins with a deposition date of AD. 9951000 (M. Kenny, NMI) was recovered from the fill of the souterrain entrance. Further excavations in 2002 exposed a whole early medieval archaeological landscape (Matt Mossop & Robert OHara 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0008, 02E0233, 02E0234 & 02E0201) comprising corndrying kilns, hearths, unenclosed structures, enclosures, ironworking evidence, rectangular field systems and a souterrain dating to the Late Iron Age and early medieval period. Area 7 revealed a possible souterrain, four possible hearths, circular pit/hearth, a small burnt spread and a field boundary. The backfill of the souterrain returned a radiocarbon date of AD 405690 (Matt Mossop 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0008). Excavations at Carrigoran, Site 18 (100x110m) Co. Clare in advance of the construction of the N18/19 BallycaseyDromoland Bypass (Fiona Reilly, Thaddeus Breen & Billy Quinn, Excavations Bulletin 19982000 98E0337, 98E0426 and 98E0338) have also identified early medieval settlement within field systems. Site 18 was described as a field system in the SMR. The final season of excavation by Fiona Reilly in 2000 98E0337 saw many details clarified. Six main
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phases were identified. Phase 1 was early medieval in date. It consisted of a series of pits, posts and stakeholes, some of which potentially indicate the remains of a hipped roof building cut into the ground. Another structure was oval and supported centrally by a post. Another structure possibly indicated by the presence of a curvilinear gully was identified. 8 pits were identified containing charred remains. They may have been used as storage or waste pits for cereal grain. A fragment of a rotary quern was also discovered. Three separate pits also indicate potential hearths. Two inhumations were also discovered and date to this phase. Phase 2 saw a natural build up material as the site went temporarily out of use in the early medieval period. Phase 3 saw a further phase of early medieval activity that witnessed the construction of several small stonewalls and ditched fields. Evidence for smelting and smithing was uncovered as many hearths/furnaces and pieces of slag were revealed. Evidence for cereal cultivation was also found. A Class E bone comb artefact was found dating to the 9/10th century A.D. The site then went out of use and the field systems being destroyed in the medieval period. Excavations were undertaken at Kilcarn, Athlumney, Co. Meath in advance of an industrial estate (Eoin Sullivan 1997, Excavations Bulletin 97E322). Four souterrains were examined in the area. Large quantities of animal bone, two hearths, two bone pins, glass bead, lignite bracelet fragment, bone bead, lithics and metal finds were found as well as field banks of several phases. Excavations were undertaken at Bray Head, Valentia Island from 19932001 (Alan Hayden 1993, Excavations Bulletin 93E0121, 94E119, 97E278 & 01E0814Claire Walsh 95E166, Excavations Bulletin). Approximately 7 round houses and 5 rectangular stone built houses were excavated during these years. A further subrectangular, bowsided building with Scandinavian associations was found overlying a circular stone building. Charcoal from a hearth inside a circular hut (3.5m in diameter) was dated to the late 8/early 9th centuries A.D. One large, rectangular, drystonewalled house was radiocarbon dated previously dated to the later 9th to early 11th century. Two corndrying kilns were also excavated, one of which was dated to 934110 AD and appears to be of similar size and shape to the probably 10thcentury AD example excavated previously. The buildings appear to have been generally unenclosed in the early medieval period until it was replaced by field systems and cultivation activity dating to the late medieval period. Excavations were undertaken at Ballygeale 1, Co. Limerick in advance of the N20/N21 Adare to Annacotty Bypass (James Eogan & Sinclair Turrell 1999, Excavations Bulletin 99E0341). A possible circular building, c. 10m in diameter, a well and a number of hearths were excavated. An undated field system was excavated 200m away from this settlement in 1999 99E0342. A number of pits and ditches were excavated. A number of hearths were also excavated and the pits contained charcoal suggesting industrial activity in the area. The date of the circular building is uncertain.
Early medieval unenclosed coastal occupation sites (shell middens)

Background There is emerging evidence for early medieval settlement and industrial evidence in coastal and riverine locations. Some of these sites are clearly associated with shell middens situated along the dunes at the edge of the sea shore (OSullivan & Breen 2007, 116). There is currently a lack of understanding about the character and role of these coastal habitation sites as they were used by the people outside history (OSullivan 8 Breen 2007, 116). Excavations in recent years have examined a number of shell middens and have found that many contain early medieval evidence often in the form of surfaces, hearths, middens and occasionally structures. These attest to the continued economic and social importance of the coast in the wellbeing of many communities on this island.
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EMAP survey and excavations of early medieval shell middens, 19702002 The EMAP survey has recorded 27 sites that have revealed shell middens within its database. All these sites were located in some proximity to coast or river. The majority of these middens are undated and some are likely not to be early medieval in date. A coastal habitation site was excavated at shell and Rabbit Valley, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry. Excavations exposed extensive shell middens in the former valley while a stone pavement, hearth and line of stakeholes was discovered at the latter. The author suggested that the former might have been associated with the nearby early medieval monastery while the latter could date to the Iron Age/early medieval period (Adelaide McCarthy 1986, Excavations Bulletin). Two early medieval sites were also examined at Doonloughan shore, Ballyconneely, Co. Galway as part of a QUB research project (Finbar McCormick & Emily Murray 1997, Excavations Bulletin 97E0197). The first site was dated to AD 723889. An eroding horizon of interwoven charred wood and straw was identified and was suggestive of a wickerwork structure nearby. Two pits containing a vertical burnt post were also uncovered. An unidentifiable oxidised iron object and a copper penannular brooch were discovered. The second site was an incomplete circular stone hut. A broken blue glass bead, two worked bone pins, broken blue bead and fish bone were recovered. Broken dog whelp shells were also discovered suggesting the production of purple dye at the site. Excavations in the townlands of Truska, Manninmore and Manninbeg at False Bay to the northwest of Ballyconneely revealed further shell middens which predominantly dated to the Bronze Age although some examples did date to later (potential early medieval) periods (Finbar McCormick 1992, Excavations Bulletin). Early medieval shell midden excavations include a site at Grange West, Carrowkeel, Co. Sligo that was excavated as part of a research project into the megalithic landscape (Goran Burenhult 1988, Excavations Bulletin). The site consisted of a platform site that was adjacent to the coast and returned a date of A.D. 790900. It had an associated midden. Excavations were also undertaken on an early medieval midden at Minnis North, Co. Antrim as the site was in danger of being completely eroded away (D. Simpson & Malachy Conway 1991, Excavations Bulletin). An initial survey by Chris Lynn and Brian Williams yielded three early medieval pottery shards (two souterrain ware and one everted rim). The midden dated from the Neolithic to early medieval period. A weathered bone pin was found. The pelvis and legs of a female were also found. The skeleton produced a radiocarbon date of 1244 plus or minus b.p. (c. A.D. 681826). The bone pin was not found associated with the skeleton although its type has been found in a number of sites including Lagore Crannog. An early medieval shell midden was excavated at Oughtymore, Co. Derry (Mallory and Woodman, 1984). The excavation revealed a huge quantity of shells, mammal bones, fish and bird bones as souterrain ware shards, two fragments of a decorated bone comb, a portion of an antler ring, an antler spindle whorl, one fragment of a blue glass bracelet and one fragment of a lignite bracelet. The midden was dated to 665 plus or minus 45. A number of other middens have been recorded in the Magilligan peninsula. A series of animal bone deriving from red deer in Lower Drummans nearby as also importantly associated with a 7th century A.D. peat horizon. An important early medieval coastal habitation site was excavated at Dooey, Co. Donegal (ORiordain, B & Rynne 1961Edwards 1990, 46 OSullivan & Breen 2007, 119). The earliest phase revealed habitation evidence and fireplaces. The site was the defined by a shallow curvilinear ditch. Iron objects, cast bronze brooches, pins and worked bone and antler were recovered in phase 3 suggesting that forging may have been taking place during this period. The site was reused as a burial ground in the eleventh century A.D. The site has been interpreted as the location place of a high status smith that may have been served as potential beach marked located along the North Atlantic seaways (OSullivan & Breen 2007, 119).
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Homes of the Poor or Specialised Craftworking Sites? OSullivan & Breen (2007, 118) have noted that there can be a temptation to interpret these sites as the location place of the homes of the poor and landless. It has been noted by Emily Murray that early medieval shell middens tend to peak in the 7th century A.D. She has suggested that rising population during this period in which crannogs and ringforts were occupied may have forced some communities to the margins along the coast (OSullivan & Breen 2007, 118). It has also been noted that dog whelk is a frequent discovery at these sites such as Dooey, Co. Donegal and Doonloughan, Co. Galway supporting the idea that dye production may have an important function of these sites (OSullivan & Breen 2007, 119). It is clear however that other sites like Dooey which revealed extensive evidence for metalworking might indicate that some of these marginal sites may have been indeed places of high status and some importance (OSullivan & Breen 2007, 119).
Early medieval occupation and use of caves

Background There is a large corpus of evidence to suggest that caves were used and inhabited either by the poor and socially marginalized, or on a seasonal basis for the undertaking of a range of agricultural, domestic or even ritual tasks. A survey of the artefactual evidence from caves was first undertaken by Coleman (1947). Early medieval artefacts were recovered from a number of sites including Kilgreany, Co. Waterford, Edenvale, Co. Clare, Keshcorran, Co. Sligo, Cushendall, Co. Sligo and potentially Carrigagour, Co. Cork. Excavations at a site at Carrigmurrish, Co. Waterford were undertaken on a cave beneath a limestone knoll that was crowned by a site described as a Bronze Age fort (ringfort?). Finds from the cave included combs, whorls, whetstones, jet and iron fragments. It is possible that they are early medieval. Excavations at a cave at Middleton by Coleman in 1943 also revealed an early medieval habitation layer. Charcoal and artefacts of bone, metal and stone were recorded. Bone spindle whorls, beads, pins, iron artefacts, needles and other domestic items were the principal objects recovered from these sites attesting to some form of early medieval activity at these sites. Excavations were also undertaken by Hallam Movies at Kilgreany Cave, Co. Waterford in 1928 and 1934 as part of the Harvard Archaeological Expedition to Ireland. The material discovered by Movius at Kilgreany was reexamined by Marion Dowd (2002). She revealed a sequence of activity from the Neolithic to post medieval period. Phase IV was represented by the early medieval period. Evidence for hearths, whetstones, spindle whorls, tanged iron knife, bone points, worked bone, rotary quern and a bone needle were recovered. A number of personal items including a bronze balusterheaded ringed pin, a bone pin with a decorated bead and a ringed pin, lignite bracelet and a double edged bone combs and an 11/12th century gaming piece was also found. Similar bone combs that can be dated from the 510th century A.D. were found in nearby caves at Carrigmurrish and Ballynameelagh. A possible 8th century bellshrine fragment was also recovered. A large collection of periwinkle, cockle, mussel, oyster and scallop shells were found inside the cave that was situated 10km from the coast. It appears that this food was collected from the seas hore and consumed inside the cave. It was suggested by Dowd (2002) that the evidence was not indicative of a person of low status. She suggested that the presence of three hearths indicated that people were actually living in the cave on a seasonal basis in the early medieval period. The artefactual evidence suggests that a range of activities were undertaken at the site including the sharpening of tools, textile manufacture and food preparation. EMAP survey and excavated caves, 19702002 The EMAP survey has found only one definite cave sites excavated 19702002 which contained early medieval evidence. This was an important excavation was undertaken on a cave whose
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entrance was situated inside a Dshaped enclosure at Cloghermore, Co. Kerry (Michael Connolly, Excavations Bulletin99E0431). Large quantities of disarticulated human bone and animal bone as well as amber beads, ringpins, spindle whorls, bone gaming pieces, iron fragments, worked bone, whetstones, pieces of bone combs and a loop headed ring pin were discovered. The disarticulated remains of a child and female were also discovered near the entrance inside the cave. It is possible that the Dshaped enclosure was contemporary with the early medieval occupation of the cave and that the latter was used as some for of souterrain in this period.
The enigma of early medieval settlement at the end of the period?

Background We know, or think we know, some basic things about phases in early medieval settlement. We know that we know little about the transitional Iron Age/early medieval period (57th centuries A.D.), although an increasing number of sites have been discovered from this period (particularly of early burials). The early medieval period between the sixth and the ninth centuries AD is probably one of the most researched phases, and we have a good understanding of the character and organisation of houses, dwellings, settlement enclosures (including ringforts and crannogs), churches and ecclesiastical sites and are relatively familiar with crafts and economy (i.e. a cattlebased economy with a social organisation based around reciprocity and clientship). However, between the tenth and the twelfth century, our knowledge about early medieval settlement and landscape is a bit more hazy. Although we have an excellent view of Hiberno Norse towns, our understanding of the rural Irish landscape is less clear although it should be admitted that an increasing number of settlement enclosures have produced radiocarbon dated evidence from this period. Various archaeolgists and historians have suggested that there was a shift at about AD 800 from a social organization based around clientship to a system of labour services to a lord indicative of feudalism (e.g. OKeeffe 2000, 26). It has also been suggested that many ringforts may have been abandoned due to actual population relocation within new territorial frameworks under lordship control (OKeeffe 2000, 26). It has been noted by Graham (1993, 44) that if the gestation of lordship, vassalage and the emergence of feudal polities were all characteristic features of Irish society in the period after c. 800, the evolution of the fortress must have been an inevitable corollary. Where are these fortresses then? OKeeffe (2000, 2629) has hypothesed that a dispersed settlement pattern in the form of ringforts gave way to a pattern of nucleation around sites which are interchangeably mentioned in the historical sources in this latter period as caislean, longphort or dun. A number of potential sites such as Caistel Duin Leodha at Ballinasloe and Dun Echdach (Duneight), Co. Down and the English Mount, Downpatrick as well as preNorman fortification at Limerick and Dunamase and the destroyed fort at Dun Mor, Galway have been mooted as potential caislen sites. Both Duneight and Dun Mor existed as large flattopped mounds the site at Donwpatrick consists of a raised central mound enclosed by a large bank. It is likely that some of these monuments like Duneight were remodeled by the AngloNorman period. These sites can be paralled with raised and platform ringforts. A large number of sites have been excavated in the northeast of the country where they are particularly prevalent. A number of these sites, as discussed above, were also reused by the AngloNormans subsequently. It has been suggested that the interiors of these sites may have been raised to differentiate themselves from the conventional ringfort of the prefeudal age (OKeeffe 2000, 29). There is therefore a potential link between raised ringforts and the emergence of a feudal society in this period. Kerrs (1997) recent study has found that platform ringforts have a tendency to date to the mideighth to midtenth centuries A.D. which is slightly later than the dates proposed by Stout (1997) for the typical ringfort. The evidence for the reuse of these monuments by the AngloNormans could also be used to indicate that these monuments may
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have been constructed due to slightly different political and economic forces than the traditional ringfort. Kerr (2007) has used this evidence to further suggest that this slight shift may represent evidence for a shift from a cattlebased economy to an arableorientated economy in the tenth to eleventh centuries A.D. He has argued that the emergence of an arableorientated economy may have caused the decline of the ringfort, as there was no need to construct these monuments anymore. It could then be argued that there is a potential link between these political developments and the emergence of a new form of economy in the later early medieval period. The evidence for these theories is still very limited. Raised ringforts are monuments that are only predominantly found in the northern part of Ireland. This begs the question how was feudal status displayed in areas where the raised and platform ringfort were absent? Equally there had been no archaeological identification of a nucleated caislen settlement thus far. It is however likely that unenclosed sites emerged as the principal form of settlement in this period although recent development archaeology has definitely not uncovered evidence for largescale, nucleated settlements. One problem with identifying unenclosed nucleated settlement sites belonging to this period is that many of the sites mentioned above are undated. A number of examples only exist and they include Blackhills Lower, Co. Cavan, and Kilkenny Castle as well the later open settlement at Knowth (see above). It has been noted by Clinton 2001, 204) that the souterrain appear to have survived the apparent decline of the ringfort and continued to be used into the early second millennium A.D. Souterrains have also been found to often date to the final phases of many ringforts and enclosure sites further supporting this notion. Previous surveys by (Buckley 1988), Clinton (2001, 45) as well as the EMAP survey has found that isolated souterrain sites often constituted over 50% of the total number of excavated sites. It is likely that souterrain can then be understood as an independent form of monument whose role was redefined following the possible decline of enclosed settlements. Clinton (2001, 204) has noted that many souterrains in open settlement sites in eastern and northern counties were found associated with rectangular houses which Lynn (1978 see below) has proposed dates for after the 9th century A.D. He has also suggested that these souterrains in open settlement sites may have also been linked to the growth of a tillage economy in this period. The EMAP survey has indicated that a number of open settlement sites have been found associated with souterrains further supporting this notion. It is clear that a lot of these theories need to be further examined particularly in the light of a thorough review of excavated evidence in more recent years (i.e. 20032007). There is growing evidence to support the notion that unenclosed sites may have been the predominant form of settlement in this later period though the exact character of this whether dispersed or nucleated needs still to be established. The role of the souterrain in this period also needs to be appraised to further understand its links with unenclosed settlement in this period. An archaeology of preNorman feudalism also continues to elude us at present. Many theories have been advanced to support this proposition, yet it is not clear presently how we can locate evidence for these changes in social organization and settlement pattern. Discussion and areas for future research There is now a large corpus of evidence available for both enclosed and unenclosed early medieval rural settlement sites. Potential new sites have emerged in the archaeological record further highlighting the complicated and diverse nature of settlement across the island during this period. It is evident that we still do not have a clear picture about continuity and change in the settlement pattern and organization of rural society from A.D. 4001170. One major issue is the extent of continuity and change in settlement between the Iron Age and early medieval period. Previously the Iron Age was viewed as a black hole in Irish archaeology though this is beginning to at last change due to developmentled excavations in recent years. There is no strong evidence for continuity between ringforts and other noncircular shaped enclosures with that of the Iron Age. Can we potentially trace some form of continuity as
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Limbert (1996) proposed or was the emergence of the ringfort and the noncircular shaped enclosure a product of other economic and agricultural forces in the 6/7th century A.D. as McCormick (1995) has proposed. There is also emerging evidence to suggest settlement/cemeteries may have originated in the Iron Age/Early Christian transition. While many may have originated in this period, we do not yet completely understand the chronological development of these sites. How were these sites reused and remodelled over time what was the extent of settlement and burial evidence at these sites and how did their function change during the early medieval period? Finally can we describe all these sites as settlement/cemeteries and what was their relationship with ringforts and morphologically similar noncircular shaped enclosures! We have seen how noncircular shaped enclosures dating to the second half of the first millennium A.D. have been identified in increasing numbers within the archaeological record. It is still not completely clear if they can be described as a new settlement type with their own unique origin or if instead only represent a different way of building a rath or ringfort? It is evident that we may need to systematically reevaluate and reexamine previous noncircular shaped enclosures which have been previously described as ringforts in the archaeological record to understand how prevalent these shaped sites are and do they exhibit a particular range of materialculture or convey any distinct preferences for topographical location. There is also an exciting body of evidence for unenclosed settlement in early medieval Ireland. A large corpus of sites include coastal, upland and rural unenclosed sites highlighting the problems in restricting ourselves to constructing models of society based on enclosed sites like ringforts to interpret early medieval settlement landscapes. We then need to understand how people worked and exploited the upland, lowlands and coasts and to write about those marginal places and the people often neglected in the dominant narratives of early medieval settlement. We need to understand who lived in these places and what activities took place there. Is there wider evidence, for instance of communities living together either seasonally or annually in the uplands or even the coast? We also need to examine the extent of unenclosed rural settlement during the principal occupation of ringforts and other enclosed sites c. 600900 A.D. to establish if they were indeed the homes of the servile or is something else going on? The final great unknown is what happened when ringforts and other enclosed settlement sites appear to have fallen out of use from the 10th century onwards? It has been suggested that there was a shift from a dispersed form of settlement based around ringfort towards a more nucleated form of social organization indicative of the emergence of a pseudofeudal society from the 9/10th century onwards (OKeeffe 2000, 26), but this remains a large theoretical proposal not particularly supported by the archaeological evidence. Did new pseudofeudal defended sites develop in this period and what character did these places take archaeologically? Furthermore, what was the character of unenclosed settlement immediately prior to the coming of the Normans and is there evidence for continuity of enclosed sites in this period?
The archaeology of Viking settlement, AD 8001200

Background The Vikings are first reported in the annals as making a violent appearance off the Irish coast in A.D. 795. From then till the late 12th century, they played a significant role in shaping the ethnic, political, economic, social and military development of Ireland. The peoples of Scandinavian origin that lived in the 9th and 10th century are generally known as Vikings while those who lived after in the 11/12th centuries have generally been given the description of the HibernoIrish because they had gradually blended into the Irish political landscape and had converted from pagan to Christian burial and religious practices. In perhaps the single major contribution of archaeology to the modern Irish sense of identity, the last 20 years has seen the invention and widespread public dissemination of the concept of
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Vikings in Ireland. Urban renewal developments, particularly in the 1980/1990s have transformed our understanding of urban Viking/HibernoNorse settlement and burial practices in the towns of Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Wexford. In recent years, excavations have also begun to throw up some interesting candidates for Viking rural settlements outside the major towns though the extent and character of Viking rural and coastal settlement is still something of a debate.
Viking Regions Urban Cork Urban Waterford Urban Wexford Urban Dublin Urban Limerick Burial Longport Dyflinarskiri Coastal Settlement Miscellaneous Total
Quantity 12 19 6 45 5 3 1 3 3 5 102
Table 35: Excavated Viking Sites 19702002
Excavated Viking Sites 1970-2002

Urban Wexford Urban Waterford Urban Limerick
Viking Region
Urban Dublin Urban Cork Miscellaneous Longport Dyflinarskiri Coastal Settlement Burial
10
20
30
40
50
Excavated Viking Sites
Figure 24: Excavated Viking Sites 19702002 Urban renewal developments have transformed our understanding of the origins, character and development of the five Viking towns in Ireland. They have revealed vast quantities of information about craftworking, woodworking, industry, trade and commerce, buildings, house
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plots, town defences and waterfront revetments. We now have an emerging understanding about the environment, landscape and topography of the developing towns and their hinterlands. We also recognize the role that these towns played within as hubs of trade and commerce along the sea ways of Ireland in the later early medieval period. The reasons and motivations behind the location of Viking settlements is another area of current debate. It has been noted that many historically recorded 9th century Viking bases were situated on the border of political kingdoms and two examples include Linn Duachaill between the territories of the Conaille and Ciannachta and Dublin between Southern Brega and Laigin (O Floinn 1998, 162). These Viking bases would then have been suitably located to exploit the local political situation to their own benefit. O Floinn (1998, 163) has also noted that a number of bases including Irelands eye, Scattery Island, Clondalkin and Dublin itself appear to have been established on or adjacent to early medieval monasteries. He (1998, 164) has suggested that it is in this context that we should understand such archaeology as the Castledermott Hogsback and the runic inscriptions at Killaloe, Co. Clare. It has also been noted recently that Woodstown, Co. Waterford is likely to have been located on the site of a former early medieval monastery in the mid 9th century A.D. (OSullivan & Breen 2007, 120). Viking burials (See Burial Section) have also been discovered adjacent to a number of ecclesiastical sites including St. Michael le Poles and St. Peters in Dublin city centre, Finglas, north Co. Dublin and St. Johns Point, Co. Down. This evidence throws up interesting ideas about the interaction and relationship between pagan 9/10th century Vikings and the local church authorities as well as the possible presence of a large lay population around these sites. EMAP and Viking raiding periods: the archaeology of the early Viking Longphort The longphort is generally viewed as the earliest form of Viking settlement. The term was first used to describe a Viking defended ship encampment on Lough Neagh in A.D. 840 (Kelly 1998, 13). It has been typically interpreted as a fortified base, often located oat the confluence of a river and its tributary, from which the Vikings carried out raids into the neighbouring territories (O Floinn 1998, 161). A number of these sites are historically recorded in the annals in the 9th and 10th centuries A.D at Annagassan, Co. Louth, Inbher Dee (Wicklow or Arklow town), Lough Neagh, Linn Duachaill, Co. Dublin, Narrow Water and Strangford Lough, Co. Down, Lough Ree on the Shannon and at the subsequent HibernoNorse towns of Cork and Limerick (O Floinn 1998, 162). Kelly and Mass (1995) have further argued that a Dshaped enclosure at Dunrally, Co. Laois on the banks of the River Barrow can be identified as Longphort Rothlaib, the camp of Rodolf, which was destroyed in A.D. 860. Kelly and ODonovan (1998, 13) have suggested that Athlunkard, Co. Limerick can be identified as the site of a Longport due to the discovery of finds from the site and nearby which included a silver weight, spearhead and spear butt. Excavations were undertaken at another potential site at Ballaghkeeran Little, Co. Westmeath on the bank of Lough Ree as the Vikings are historically recorded as establishing a defended encampment in the area in the mid9thearly 10th century (Fanning 198084, Excavations Bulletin). The earth had been considerably disturbed by subsequent ridge and furrow cultivation. The eastern bank proved to be substantial upon excavation. Some iron slag and fired clay fragments were found in a cutting made directly south of the promontory in a large bankedup hollow beside the mouth of the River Breensford. In recent years, excavations have revealed an important Viking longphort at Woodstown, Co. Waterford where a Viking burial, weaponry, decorated weights, sliver ingots and other objects were found inside a defended enclosure along the River Suir. A coastal enclosed site situated on a promontory with potential Viking associations was excavated at Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (Deirdre Murphy & Stuart Elder 2000, Excavations Bulletin 00E0442 Emer Dennehy 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E0327). It was rectangular in shape and measured 90mx40m. A fine HibernoNorse trial bone motif piece was
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discovered during quarrying in the area in the past leading to speculation that it was the site of a Viking base. Several hearths and a large number of pits containing animal and fish bone in the interior as well as potential middens were identified. Six oval charcoal pits and an ironworking area with evidence for iron smelting outside the enclosure were excavated. A further line of the rectilinear ditch was excavated and revealed a narrow slottrench along the inner edge of the ditch, which could possibly indicate a palisade. Finds recovered included iron pins and a coper ingot. The report writer concluded that this site was intermittently visited for fishing during prehistory before becoming an established settlement during the 10/11th century A.D. It was suggested that the site might have been used by the Vikings due to the discovery of a HibernoNorse coin, 10th century trial bone HibernoNorse motif, several iron knives and the proximal end of a whale humerus at the site. It must be said that our knowledge is still very scant about this site type. Gibbons (2004, 23) has highlighted how the archaeological evidence for these settlements is still very slim and not enough is known yet about their character, use and form in the 9th and 10th centuries A.D. Gibbons (2005) has also challenged the identification of Athlunkard as the site of a Viking longphort as he feels that there is no strong place name or archaeological evidence to yet make such an association. It is then evident that there is still a clear lack of understanding and certainly of agreement about the role, function and character of ninth century Viking defended ship encampments or longphoirt. EMAP and the archaeology of the Viking/HibernoNorse Towns The EMAP survey of excavations 19702002 has found that both excavated settlement and ecclesiastical sites from the five major Viking towns amounted to 86% (88/102) of Viking defined sites across the country (See Appendix). This percent illustrates the undoubted significance of these towns in early medieval Ireland. It is still not clear whether it is also a product of the largescale urban excavation projects or represents a reality of the density and distribution of Viking settlement island wide in the early medieval period. The scale and quality of Viking evidence in this area at Dublin surpasses that of all the other towns. It constitutes 45/102 or 44% of excavations across the country. Viking/HibernoNorse town defences EMAP also undertook a survey of the Viking/HibernoNorse town defences and embankments, which were excavated from 19702002. Both Dublin and Waterford have revealed evidence for successive phases of substantial defences/waterfronts. An undated ditch was excavated at Wexford while a 12th century bank was also revealed in Limerick. Table 36 and Figure 25 illustrate the results.
Table 36: Excavated Viking Town Defences 19702002

HibernoNorse defences Wexford Ditch Limerick Bank (12th cent.) Waterford Ditch1 (Dundory) Waterford Bank2 (late 11th) Waterford Wall3 (c.1100) Waterford Bank4 (c.1150) Dublin Bank1 (c.850925) Dublin Bank2 (10th cent.) Dublin Bank 3 (c.1000) Dublin Wall4 (c.1100) Dublin Ditch/waterfront EMAP Site 1 1 1 4 3 4 2 7 7 6 4 Quantity 1 2 2 5 4 5 3 9 8 8 5 113
Excavated Viking Town Banks/Ditches 1970-2002

Wexford Ditch Waterford Wall 3 (c.1100) Waterford Ditch 1 (Dundory)
Quantity EMAP Site
Town Defences
Waterford Bank 4 (c.1150) Waterford Bank 2 (late 11th) Limerick Bank (12th cent.) Dublin Wall 4 (c.1100) Dublin Ditch/waterfront Dublin Bank 2 (10th cent.) Dublin Bank 1 (c.850-925) Dublin Bank 3 (c.1000)
10
Number of EMAP Sites and Excavated Town Defences

Figure 25: Excavated Viking Town Defences 19702002
There is still a whole range of research topics concerning the Viking/HibernoNorse towns including the character, shape and development of theses settlements. Did these settlements evolve from early longphort sites and what was the extent of urbanization in the 9th century A.D.! How did the character of these urban centres evolve from the 912th century A.D. and what was their relationship with the rural hinterlands. Finally, what is the size and extent of urban settlement at Dublin in comparison to other Viking/HibernoNorse towns? These research themes will be the focus of the future studies of EMAP. Viking rural settlements and the archaeology of Dyflinaskiri The Vikings established a raiding base at Duib Linn about A.D. 841 but it was not long until they were exerting their authority across the regional landscape that would later become known as Dyflinaksiri in the historical sources. Bradley (1998, 5665) has examined the placename evidence in the environs of Dublin to reconstruct the potential size and scale of the region. He has argued that by the twelfth century this Viking controlled area comprised all of county Dublin and parts of Wicklow, north Wexford and Kildare. Historical evidence supports the idea that the Vikings did establish or more often take over settlements across this region. The Annals of Ulster report an outlying Viking settlements and at Clondalkin in A.D. 867. Therefore both historical evidence and placename evidence has been primarily used to interpret Scandinavian rural settlement across the region. The scope of Viking/HibernoNorse regional influence is however still a matter of debate and is likely to have fluctuated over time due to different political and military developments. The character of Viking/HibernoNorse settlement in this region outside Dublin is also still highly circumspect and not enough is known yet to reconstruct Scandinavian settlement patterns or their interaction with the local Gaelic communities.
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There is scant but nevertheless emerging archaeological evidence for some form of Scandinavian rural settlement in the region. Excavations at Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath (James Eogan & Martin Reid Cia McConway 2000, 2001 & 2002, Excavations Bulletin 98E0501) revealed a highly complex multiphase settlement dating from the fourth to twelfth century A.D (See Settlement/Cemetery Section). The last phase saw the construction of a series of sub rectangular enclosures in the southern half of the site. A stave built bucket, coarse pottery, jet bracelet and two ringpins were recovered. A ringpin with Viking Dublin parallels was also recovered dating to the late 10th/early 11th century A.D. The writer suggested that these rectangular enclosures were not indigenous and might reflect Viking influences (McConway 2001, Excavations Bulletin). A further potential rural Viking settlement was discovered at Cherrywood, Co. Dublin (O Neill 1999). The second phase consisted of possible Viking long houses, two accompanying structures and a number of pits built inside an earlier ringditched enclosure which contained a 6/7th century A.D. inhumation cemetery. A rectangular pit was found associated with these two structures and contained a decorated whalebone plaque that has been found associated with Viking women in Ireland in the ninth/tenth centuries. The form of the buildings as well as the artefactual evidence would suggest that this site may have been the location of a rural Viking settlement. It is instructive to note that both the potential settlements at Cherrywood and Ninch were located on previous important early medieval cemeteries with associated settlement evidence. Other potential Viking settlements sites include Brownsbarn, west of Tallaght in Co. Dublin where a partial investigation uncovered a Viking bone comb dating to the ninth/tenth century A.D (Bradley 1995, 12) and Feltrim Hill, Co. Dublin where an enclosed site revealed a number of paved areas and a hearth. Viking Age bronze stick pins were among the finds (Bradley 1995, 12). A potential site at Cooldrinagh, Leixlip (Lex hLaup, trans. Salmon Leap), Co. Dublin has also been identified as a potential Viking site. Excavations were undertaken on a mound at Cooldrinagh by Clare Mullin (1995, Excavations Bulletin 95E039) in advance of the upgrade at the Leixlip River Liffey Water treatment plant. A copperalloy spiralringed pin and copperalloy brooch pin was also found at the summit and edge of this potential prehistoric monument. The assertion for Scandinavian rural settlement is then highly circumspect and often based on very tentative evidence. Perhaps the best indicators for Scandinavian influence across the rural countryside can be found in the distribution of Viking coin and bullion hoards indicating interaction between the two groups of people while a group of gravemarkers known as the Rathdown slabs in South Co. Dublin is still conceivably the best evidence for regional Viking settlement within Dyflinaskiri. Viking Age rural miscellaneous finds 19702002 The majority of evidence for Viking activity across the island is attested through the discovery of stray find objects. Whether this can be construed as evidence for Viking rural activity or were instead the products of trade or strayfinds is still open to debate. The vast majority of these finds have been recorded in the topographical files in the National Museums. Excavations from 19702002 have also uncovered a number of other examples potentially indicative of Viking activity or trade across the country. Excavations and underwater diving from 19702002 have been responsible for discovering a range of Vikingrelated archaeological items. River dredging at Shanmullagh, Co. Armagh in 1990 uncovered 10th century Viking hoard and an underwater dive was undertaken in 1992 and 1993 to recover other associated items (Cormac Bourke 1992 & 1993, Excavations Bulletin). Further Viking and ecclesiastical items were uncovered. Bourke (1992) suggested that the whole assemblage represented the stockintrade of a 9th century A.D. HibernoViking metalworker, perhaps derived in part from the treasury of Armagh, only some 10km from the findspot. A ford is also located close by. River dredging along the Bann at Ferrystown, Gortgole,
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Co. Antrim also required an underwater rescue dive in which HibernoNorse ringmoney was recovered (Bourke 1995, Excavations Bulletin). A number of Viking age stick pins and a coin (c.1035), minted in London for King Cnut was discovered during the Limerick Main Drainage Scheme adjacent to Broad Street and Georges Quay (Edmond ODonovan 1999, Excavations Bulletin 98E0581). A possible Viking axe was discovered during underwater diving at Coreen Ford, Co. Roscommon (Kelly 1989, Excavations Bulletin). A seventh to eighth century iron sword, an iron spearhead of about the same date and a possible tenth century Viking axe were discovered during underwater diving at Kellysgrove Ford, Co. Galway. The ford may have been linked to a togher or road that ran towards the early medieval monastery of Clontuskert. (Eamonn Kelly 1991, Excavations Bulletin E611). Other potential Viking/HibernoNorse coastal settlements A number of potential unenclosed Viking sites have been discovered along the south and southeast coast. Erin Gibbons and Eamonn Kelly have recently excavated a sunken rectangular stonebuilt house overlooking False Bay near the location of some Bronze Age and early medieval shell middens (Gibbon & Kelly 2003, 63 OSullivan & Breen 2007, 121). The house had a hearth that contained animal and fish bone and a tenth century doublesided antler comb discovered at the site could be interpreted as HibernoNorse in style. The house was abandoned during the third phase. Two burials were found buried outside the house shortly after in the ninth century A.D. They were laid with their heads to the west a tradition not found in Christian graves (OSullivan & Breen 2007, 121). A further example of a potential Scandinavian unenclosed coastal settlement can be found at Beginish, Co. Kerry. A large unenclosed site contained at least 8 stone houses which were used over two phases as well as an associated field system was excavated at Bray Head in the 1990s (OKelly 1956 OSullivan & Breen 2007, 122). One sunken round house belonging to Phase 2 revealed a stonelined passageway in which a lintel was found to have a runic inscription. A steatite (soapstone) bowl, HibernoNorse ringed pins and the runeinscribed lintel stone suggest Scandinavian influences. Sheehan et al (2001) have speculated that the site may have been used as a way station for mariners sailing from HibernoNorse Cork to Limerick in the later part of the early medieval period. The placename of Smerwick Bay has been suggested as meaning Butter Bay in Old Norse and many attest to further Viking associations with the southwest coast although again there are alternative interpretations (Edwards 1990, 191). Excavations were undertaken at an early medieval cashel at Rinnaraw, situated on the western side of Sheephaven Bay Co. Donegal (Thomas Fanning 198792, Excavations Bulletin). The central stonebuilt house dating to around the ninth century was compared by Fanning to similar Scandinavian examples with rounded external corners at the Orkney Islands (Comber 2006). Both the historical sources and further ninth century Scandinavian strayfind objects in the general area support the idea that the northwest coast was an area of importance to this maritime people, but again Rinnaraw could be an Irish settlement whose inhabitants were simple participating in the traditions and ideas of the Atlantic seaways of Ireland and Scotland. Excavations at the promontory fort at Dalkey Island off the Dublin coast have recovered Viking age finds suggesting that the site was reused in the period. Bradley (1995, 12) has suggested that the site may have operated as a detention camp for slaves. Conclusion and Areas of Research We now have a great understanding of the character and physical appearance of urban Viking/HibernoNorse towns in Ireland, largely due to the work of such leading scholars as Pat Wallace and Linzi Simpson in Dublin and Maurice Hurley in Waterford and Cork, amongst others. By c. A.D. 914, Viking towns were being established around the coast that served as trading and settlement centres Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Cork and Limerick all owe their origins to this period. In the tenth and eleventh century, these towns became the centre of their activity
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involving international trade and politics. By this stage, HibernoNorse were increasingly assimilated into Irish society, and the Ostmen (as they called themselves) were very much part of the Irish political scene. The archaeology of Scandinavian and HibernoNorse settlement in the tenth and eleventh century is still largely understood in terms of the development of these towns, as might be expected given the quality of archaeological information being produced by recent excavations in Waterford, Wexford, Cork and Dublin. Traditionally, it is believed that the Vikings founded the town of Dublin (although there were almost certainly native Irish church settlements already there). The Irish annals state that in AD 841, a Viking fleet was present at Duib linn and a longphort was established to raid Leinster and Meath. This longphort was probably a defended enclosure on the river bank, used as a permanent trading base. It was either located on the River Liffey near IslandbridgeKilmainham (e.g. Viking burials found there in the 19th century and the 1930s imply at least the use of native Irish cemetaries) or was somewhere north of the present location of Dublin castle. Recent archaeological excavations in Dublin have uncovered burials of probable Viking raiders, perhaps even dating to well before the historically attested longphort. Other excavations in Temple Bar have also located Viking type dwellings dated to ninth century that may represent the longphort settlement itself. In any case, in AD 902, that earliest Viking settlement was apparently sacked by the Irish kings of Brega and Leinster and its inhabitants (or at least the political elite of the settlement) expelled, whence they went to northern England and the Isle of Man. In AD 917, these Norse settlers returned and established the town of Dyflin proper, probably at Duib Linn, somewhere at the confluence of the River Liffey and the Poddle, near Temple Bar. This was an ideal location for a settlement, on high ground overlooking the River Liffey, protected from the southeast by Poddle. It also had access to the river for boats. Although initially located at the east, the town gradually expanded westwards along High Street, so that by the eleventh century it was a large thriving urban settlement, with streets and houses inhabited by a large, ethnically mixed population of traders, craftsmen and slaves. What was the HibernoNorse town on the Liffey estuary like? We know it was enclosed within a large earthen bank, topped with post and wattle fence. We have good archaeological evidence for houses, streets and plot boundaries, which suggest that the town was laid out in an organised if cramped fashion, following the contours of the hill. At Fishamble Street, twelve tenement plots can be traced more or less constantly across time, with the occupation of at least 150 different houses over 150 years. These houses were probably owned by individuals, but the evidence suggests that the town was laid out according to the instructions of a central regulating authority. HibernoNorse Dublins houses were entered from the street, each had vegetable plots, gardens and midden spaces out the back. Other structures included pig pens, workshops and storehouses. The town was a major centre for craft production, with such raw materials as wood, leather, bone, antler, amber and metals used for domestic equipment and highstatus goods. In terms of economy, it is likely that the townspeople were largely self sufficient, raising pigs and goats, while beef cattle, agricultural produce and raw materials were brought in from the surrounding countryside. There is also evidence that the people of HibernoNorse Dublin, Cork and Waterford consumed a lot of fish and shellfish perhaps more than the native Irish. Indeed, recent stable isotope analyses of some early medieval human skeletons hints at an increased marine diet in Ireland in the Viking Age and AngloNorman periods. This is also suggested by the archaeological evidence for the increase in use of early medieval wooden fishtraps on the Shannon estuary and Strangford Lough (and elsewhere around the coastline of Britain) after about AD 1000. At HibernoNorse Dublin, fishing was clearly important, as lead lineweights, wooden netfloats and stone sinkers found in excavations indicate fishing using lines and nets from both the shoreline and offshore in boats. Margaret McCarthys archaeozoological studies of deposits from Dublin, Waterford and Cork confirms this focus on marine species, with bones from hake, cod, ling, plaice and herring all known from these towns. Undoubtedly too, there were wooden fishtraps situated along the banks of the river. It is also likely that the Vikings were involved in
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hunting marine mammals, such as porpoise, whales and seals. Indeed, an iron harpoon head found at Fishamble Street was probably used for this purpose. Wildfowl such as teal, duck and mallard were also trapped in the estuarine marshlands. HibernoNorse Dublin was a town located on an estuary, and the river frontage provided access to boats bringing in people and goods from distant lands. Burials were also placed in barrows on the edge of the marshes, particularly along the southern bank. Indeed, one of the earliest cemeteries was located upstream at KilmainhamIslandbridge, where during the ninth century, some of the inhabitants of the original longphort were buried. What is not as clear is the character of Viking rural settlement. There is some form of consensus that the longphort was the primary form of defended ship enclosure used by the Scandinavian to establish a foothold in the Irish countryside during the 9th and early 10th century A.D. The archaeological identification of these sites however remains highly debated. The best evidence for ninth century Viking rural evidence are the few Norse burials on the northeast, west and southwest Irish coastline (Bradley 1995, 10). There is no definite evidence for Scandinavian rural settlement within Dyflinaskiri with the possible exception of Cherrywood, Co. Dublin. It is clear that the discovery of a Viking strayfind in rural Ireland cannot be directly equated with evidence for Viking settlement as this materialculture can also be a product of trade or imitation on the part of the Gaelic Irish. It is also still not clear what role the Scandinavian towns played within the Irish countryside or how and what criteria should be used to identify a Viking settlement outside the urban towns. Evidence for Scandinavian settlement along the west and south coast is also beginning to emerge in the archaeological evidence and indicates the importance and role of the seaways and rivers in Viking interaction and movement around and through the Irish countryside. Sheehan (2001) has speculated that Beginish Island may have been used as a station for marines sailing from HibernoNorse Cork to HibernoNorse Limerick in the later part of the early medieval period. Similarly bases along the northwest coast at Rinnarraw potentially may have been used for mariners sailing from Scandinavia to the southwest coast of Ireland.
Early medieval buildings

Background Early medieval buildings are key artefacts, as they provide significant information on domestic life, crafts and industry, as well as the social and ideological understanding and role of space (OSullivan 2006). In early medieval Ireland, houses were hugely significant places in peoples daily lives. They were the places where the household slept, ate food, gathered for social occasions and extended hospitality to their wider kin and neighbours. At times of the day and during the darkness of night, people would have gathered there to prepare food, to carve bone and wood and embroider textiles, or simply to while away the hours around the fire, listening to songs and stories about past times. Indeed, it could be suggested that houses were the places where early medieval social identities were created as children were socialized, through their observation of the ways of the household, into an understanding of their own place in the world and how their society worked. Early medieval houses and dwellings should be seen then as key venues for the enactment or performance of social identities of ethnicity, social status, gender, kinship and community. OSullivan (2006) has explored how these people built, dwelled within and thought about houses and how in particular they might have used the house, and the objects within it, to build their distinctive social worlds. A range of multidisciplinary sources can be used to reconstruct the character and use of houses in early medieval Ireland. There is particularly good archaeological evidence for houses in this period, particularly between the seventh and the tenth century AD (in contrast with both the Iron Age and the later medieval period). Chris Lynns (1978, 1994) studies have developed a good understanding of their architectural development in terms of their shape, size, building materials and the organization of internal features. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence for several hundred examples in early medieval ringforts, crannogs and other sites.
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Urban archaeological excavations particularly those by Pat Wallace (1992) on Fishamble Street and Maurice Hurleys publications on Waterford and Cork have also led to an unsurpassed understanding of the form of houses from HibernoNorse Dublin, Wexford and Waterford, with waterlogged conditions leading to intact floors, benches, beds, doorways and porches. This physical or material culture evidence for house shape and size, for construction materials, floors, hearths, storage and domestic occupation can be used to enable a reconstruction of cultural norms and daily life and practice within actual early medieval houses. A growing corpus of excavated early medieval buildings is now present within the archaeological record. Rural round and rectangular buildings have been the traditionally revealed at ringfort excavations. In more recent years, there has been a massive increase in evidence for Viking/Hibernonorse structures within the towns. The buildings are listed in appendix. 4 EMAP and early medieval rural buildings
Previous research Both round and rectangular buildings were a feature of early medieval rural buildings. Round houses were the most common form of building in the early medieval period till rectilinear buildings began to emerge in importance during the 10th century A.D. (Lynn 1978, 37 Lynn 1994, 83). Lynn (1978, 32) has cited a number of examples in which round houses were succeeded by rectangular buildings including Carraig Aille II, Co. Limerick, Church Island, Valencia, Co. Kerry, Cush, Co. Limerick, Dunsilly, Co. Antrim, Lecanabuaile, Co. Kerry, Nendrum, Co. Down and Rathmullan, Co. Down to bolster his argument. He noted that the early round houses were usually built using wicker or post and wattle and had an average diameter of 6m (Lynn 1978, 91). Lynns observation that round houses had a tendency to be associated with enclosed settlements spurred him onto claim that sites like ringforts were not likely to have been occupied at the end of the early medieval period a claim that has been supported by Stouts (1997) radiocarbon dating of this monument. Round houses then tended to occupy central positions within enclosed settlements. Rectilinear houses, typically measuring between 68m and constructed with drystone and/or turf lower walling, emerged as the dominant form of building by the end of the 10th century A.D (Lynn 1978, 85). Rectilinear buildings tended to also occur in early medieval settlement sites like ringforts, but it was often able to prove that they were preceded by an earlier phase of circular buildings (Lynn 1994, 92). They appear to date to the final use of enclosed settlements in the 10/11th century A.D. EMAP rural building survey In 1978, Lynn suggested that there were over 160 early medieval rural houses and structures recorded (Lynn 1978, 29). Many of these sites could be identified by annular gullies, circles of closeset stakeholes or a scatter of posts and stakeholes with perhaps an associated hearth and occupation area. He further increased this figure in a publication in 1994 suggesting that there were approximately 250 groundplans comprehensively recorded up to 1986 with some further updating till the time of publication of the article (Lynn 1994, 81).
EMAP also undertook a survey of the amount, shape and form of early medieval buildings excavated between 19702002. The results are very provisional and should be treated very cautiously as the bulletin reports often failed to give information about the date, shape or construction methods used. This quality of information will have to be established at a later date in the EMAP project when excavation reports will hopefully be consulted. EMAP established that approximately 480 early medieval buildings/structures were excavated from 19702002. It could be suggested that there approximately over 500 groundplans of early medieval buildings/structures have been excavated when we take into account those excavations that predated 1970 as well as those buildings listed in the EMAP database which will eventually prove not to be early medieval in date. It must be emphasised again that these are provisional results.
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Early medieval rural buildings form and character As bulletin reports were often written while excavations were in progress, it was not always possible to give information about detailed information about the buildings. It is very early days in beginning to synthesis the figures, particularly as the results are based on partial and incomplete evidence. The table and graph below illustrates the figures for the total approximate amounts from different excavated types of buildings. The vast majority of these wooden buildings were post and wattle structures. It is difficult to establish if sill beam structures were constructed in rural Ireland in the early medieval period. Preservation in rural contexts is unlikely to have been as good as that which occurs in the Viking towns such as Dublin and Waterford where evidence of sill beam structures survive. One possible example of a sill beam structure was excavated recently at a settlement/cemetery site at Balriggan. (http://www.nra.ie/Archaeology/LeafletandPosterSeries/file,3409,en.pdf). It is evident that further research will be required for these forms of buildings.
A number of sod and stone walled structures were also excavated. These structures were contained of drystone and/or turf lower walling. The figures for these structures are preliminary and represent a work in progress. It is evident that no major distinction can be made between a stone or sod walled structure as both materials can be used in the construction of these buildings. While these figures are provisional, it does not appear that these forms of buildings were as popular as postbuilt structures in the early medieval period.
Building Type Possible Building Building Post and Wattle/Wooden Sod Walled Building Stone Building Clochan Total
No of Exc. License 39 39 95 7 33 12
No. of Sites 37 38 78 5 26 10
Total No. Buildings 81 101 221 12 51 14 481
Total Definite 25 53 171 12 51 16 329
Total Approximate 56 48 50 0 0 0 154
Table 37: Excavated Rural Buildings 19702002
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Excavated Rural Buildings 1970-2002

Clochan
Total No. Buildings No. of Sites
Rural Building Type
Stone Building
Sod Walled Building Post & Wattle/Wooden Building
Possible Building
50
100
150
200
250
Number of EMAP Sites and Excavated Buildings

Figure 26: Excavated Rural Buildings 19702002
Early medieval rural buildings shape Lynn (1978 & 1994) has examined the evidence for round and rectilinear shaped houses in great detail. It is not necessary to give examine this evidence in detail. It is evident that that the figure above are very provisional. Only a cursory review of some of the details and findings are thus outlined below.
Excavations at Ballynacarriga, Co. Cork revealed that a large circular stake hole structure was replaced by a later rectangular structure (Daniel Noonan 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E0224). A large moundlike feature 45.2m in diameter was excavated at British & Seacash, Co. Antrim (Norman Crothers 1998, Excavations Bulletin) and is likely to represent a platform ringfort. Three phases were revealed. The first phase revealed post and stakehole indicative of a wooden building while the last phase exposed souterrain ware and stone wall footings. The first two phases of occupation at Rathmullan were associated with circular houses while rectangular buildings were constructed in phase 3 & 4 (Lynn 19812, 65). Excavations at a cashel at Loher (OFlaherty 1986, Excavations Bulletin E840) also revealed that two early circular wooden buildings were succeeded by a rectangular structure. Approximately 7 round houses and 5 rectangular stone built houses were excavated during a number of seasons of excavation at Bray Head, Valentia, Co. Kerry (Alan Hayden 1993, Excavations Bulletin 93E0121, 94E119, 97E278 & 01E0814Claire Walsh 95E166, Excavations Bulletin). Charcoal from a hearth inside a circular hut (3.5m in diameter) was dated to the late 8/early 9th centuries A.D. One large, rectangular, drystonewalled house was radiocarbon dated to the later 9th to early 11th century. Excavations beneath Kilkenny castle revealed a 12th century sod built structure with associated industrial evidence. These examples serve to support Lynns assertions that round post and wattle buildings are often found to predate rectangular stone or sodwalled structures. It must be said however, that while the survey discovered a large number of sites containing both rectangular and circular buildings, no information was given about the dating of these structures with the
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consequence that it was not possible to establish a chronology of building types for the majority of sites. Figure of eight sites have been exposed during excavation at a number of secular and ecclesiastical sites. Excavations at Corrstown, Co. Derry revealed an enclosed settlement containing a figure of eight house, a souterrain, a corndrying kiln, possible furnace area, pits, post holes and gullies (Malachy Conway 2001, Excavations Bulletin AE/01/82). Figure of eight structures have also been excavated at other enclosed ringforts and cashels at Deer Park Farms (Lynn 1987), Lisleagh 1 (Monk 198084, Excavations Bulletin E218), Cathair Fionnrach, Ballynavenoor, Co. Kerry (Erin Gibbons 199497, Excavations Bulletin 94E005) and Newtown, Co. Limerick (Avril Hayes, Excavations Bulletin 00E0853) where a figure of eight building and another associated circular structure were discovered inside a large subtriangular enclosure. Figure of eight buildings have also been excavated in a number of ecclesiastical contexts including Ballybrolly, Co. Armagh (Chris Lynn 1978 & 1979, Excavations Bulletin), Illaunloughan, Co. Kerry (Claire Walsh & Jenny White Marshall 199295, Excavations Bulletin 92E0087) and Caherlehillan, Co. Kerry (John Sheehan 1998, Excavations Bullletin 93E0073). Viking/HibernoNorse Buildings
Previous Surveys While early medieval Gaelic rural circular and round houses have been excavated since the early 20th century, our knowledge about Viking/HibernoNorse buildings have only more recently come to light over the last thirty or so years during urban redevelopment projects. Since then a vast amount of buildings have been excavated, nearly all from within the urban towns of Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Wexford. The preliminary EMAP survey has established that approximately 566 Viking buildings may have been excavated from across the island from 19702002 (See Appendix 4).
Murray (1983) was the first person to publish a corpus of a total number of excavated sites. She examined 58 buildings excavated before 1976 in Dublin city centre and established an initial classification for the structures. Wallace (1992) systematically reviewed the evidence and made the major statement on these buildings in their Irish and international contexts. Wallace (1992, 7) found that over 200 buildings had been excavated in Dublin from 196182 at the sites of Winetavern Street (13), St. Johns Lane (10), Fishamble Street (127), Christchurch Place (26) and High Street (19) and Dublin Castle (6).
EMAP Survey and Viking/HibernoNorse Buildings

A review of the EMAP provisional data now suggests that approximately 425 Viking buildings were excavated within the HibernoNorse area of Dublin from 19702002. Taking into account those building predating 1970, a figure of approximately 440450 could be suggested for the total number from 19612002. ! Approximately 106 buildings were excavated at Waterford. The majority were excavated during the largescale redevelopments around Arundel Square and Peter Street in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Approximately 1020 Viking buildings were finally excavated at Wexford at Bride Street as well as potentially at Barrack and St. Georges Street in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A slightly smaller figure of approximately 1015 Viking buildings was excavated at Cork. The most fruitful excavations were on the South Island mostly from the later 1990s till 2002. A figure of approximately 10 excavated buildings could be suggested for Limerick. Those that have revealed Viking habitation evidence were undertaken in the early 1990s and were primarily around King Johns Castle.
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The figures demonstrate over 75% of Viking building excavations have been undertaken in Dublin city centre. The results from the largescale redevelopment undertaken in the heart of Viking Waterford also indicate that the other towns are also likely to have been intensively occupied during this period.
The character of Viking Type Buildings Murray (1983) was the first person to purpose a classification for Viking houses based on her corpus of 58 buildings in Dublin excavated before 1976. She suggested that the buildings should be classified based on the type of wall construction. Wallace (1982 1992, 19) however suggested that the house form or plan of the buildings should be the principal mechanism used to establish a classification of buildings. Wallace (1992) analysed a large sample of buildings excavated from 196182 in Dublin city centre and suggested that the buildings could be divided into five principal types.
! Type 1 structures were the most common building that Wallace discovered in his survey of the Dublin evidence. They amounted to 67% of all the buildings examined by Wallace (1992, 17) in his survey. They were rectangular in plan usually with a doorway at each end and with a floor space divided into three strips which comprised a central nave flanked on either side by narrow bedding area. This type of building appears to have been used throughout the Viking period. Type 2 buildings were less common and subrectangular in plan. They were smaller than Type 1 buildings and did not contain three aisles or often formal hearths (Wallace 1992, 14). They were often found associated with Type 1 buildings. Less than 6% of Wallaces surveys were Type 2 buildings. Type 3 class of building was created for shortened and slimmed down versions of the Type 1 building but which did not create evidence for threefold division (Wallace 1992, 16). They often contained a doorway at either end like the Type 1 building. Slightly more than 6% of Wallaces types were classified as Type 3 buildings. Type 4 class buildings denote those sunkenfloored buildings (SFS) which were generally rare in the Irish archaeological record. One example excavated at Winetavern Street was dug into a steep hillside and had an internal walling comprised of earthfast vertical planks (Wallace 1992, 17). Type 5 buildings dealt with those structures that could be described as small post and wattled huts often subrectangular in plan and contained no internal roof supports. Less than 5% of Wallaces surveys were classified as Type 5. They were found in all levels of occupation. Type 6 buildings refer to SillBeam structures with loadbearing walls which appear to have been constructed from the early twelfth century onwards, particularly in Waterford. Type 7 refers to rectangular stone buildings found within Hibernonorse towns. They have also only been found at Waterford and date to the mid twelfth century.
EMAP Viking Type building results This survey was adhered to the classification system purposed by Wallace (1982 & 1992). Buildings were described as Viking Building when no information was given or could be established about the structures. Stavebuilt buildings whose type were not mentioned or could be established were classified as Viking Stavebuilt Building. It was often difficult to establish an accurate number for excavated Viking types at a site. Recourse was made to published material however when it was available. It is evident however that this survey was based on partial and incomplete evidence. These early results should then be treated very provisionally.
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Viking Type 1 Buildings clearly predominate and comprise approximately 300 or so of the total number of excavated buildings. They have discovered elsewhere in Cork, Wexford and Waterford. Type 2, 3 & 5 buildings were found principally in Dublin, Waterford and Cork. Type 2 buildings comprised 33% of the total number of building found during the Waterford excavations from 198692 (Scully, 37). They constituted a small percentage of Wallaces (1992) survey results. However, excavations at Essex Street West revealed a vast number of Viking buildings, a large portion of which were Type 1. It is likely then that the location of different political, economic and industrial activities effected the distribution and density of different building types across the towns. A small number of sunkenfloored buildings have been discovered in the towns of Waterford, Limerick and Dublin. Four were excavated at Waterford and were dated to the late eleventh century A.D. (Scully 1997, 45). Similar structures have been excavated at King Johns Castle and date mainly to the twelfth century (Kenneth Wiggins 1990 & 199398, Excavations Bulletin 93E0082). One example was recorded at Werburgh Street, Dublin and was early eleventh century in date (Hayden 1994, Excavations Bulletin 94E025). They have been compared to ninth/tenth century examples from English towns but do not appear to have been a major feature of the architectural landscape of their Irish counterparts. Suggested sources for their origins include the native Irish souterrain, the AngloSaxon Grubenhauser tradition of England and parts of northern Europe and most likely the parallels in English towns (Walsh 1997, 52). With the exception of the tenth century Winetavern street example, most date to after A.D. 1100. The earliest houses from Cork, Waterford and Wexford principally date from the eleventh century A.D. Excavations in Dublin have revealed building dating from the ninth century A.D. and perhaps even earlier. We have a good understanding about the evolution of architectural styles in Dublin. It has been noted by Scully (1998, 37) that the mideleventh/early thirteenth century Viking/HibernoNorse type 1 buildings at Waterford can be compared to the Dublin examples which principally date to the tenth and eleventh centuries bolstering Wallace (1992, 11) argument that they all belong to a conservative tradition that continued to be used through the Viking period. The 12th century appears to have begun to see a change in architectural traditions. Excavations at Waterford and Cork have revealed evidence for 12th century sillbeam structures as wattle appears to have begun to have fallen out of use. The sillbeam structure is not a feature was not recorded from a review of the excavations evidence from 19702002 although it is likely that this type of construction was beginning to be employed during the 12th century. Stonefooted and walled buildings appear to have succeeded sillbeam structures in Waterford (Scully 1997, 39). They appear to date from the 12th century and continued to be constructed into the medieval period. One stonewalled example was excavated at Waterford which predated the coming of the AngloNormans. It is still not completely clear if stone was an important resource used for constructing buildings in the other town previous to the coming of the AngloNormans. An unusual early house was discovered at Copper Alley during the excavations at Temple Bar West (Linzi Simpson 1999). It was a rectangular structure measuring 7m long and 4.5m wide and consisted of a double row of large post holes with a hearth and side entrance (Simpson 1999, 9). It did not adhere to any of the Wallaces Type building plans and has been compared to AngloSaxon houses in England dating to the late fifth/early sixth centuries A.D. Radiocarbon dates indicate a 68% probability of it belonging to between A.D. 780890. If it does date to around A.D. 800, then it could represent evidence for potential AngloSaxon contacts that are occasionally apparent in burial practice, art and trade. It is unique to any other building in Ireland and its function and origin are still a matter of debate.
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Viking Building Viking Building Viking StaveBuilt Building Viking Type 1 Viking Type 2 Viking Type 3 Viking Sunken Floored Type 4 Viking Type 5 Viking SillBeam Type 6 Viking Stone Building Type 7 AngloSaxon Type Building
Exc. Lic 24 4 19 6 3 9 3 3 2 1
Site 23 4 18 6 3 8 3 3 2 1
Total No. 116 8 330 66 20 22 14 4 2 1 566
Total Definite 88 4 275 32 16 22 10 4 2 1 433
Total approx. 28 4 54 34 4 0 4 0 0 0 132
Table 38: Excavated Viking Buildings 19702002
Excavated Viking Building Types

Anglo-Saxon-type Building
Excavated Viking Building Type
Viking Stone Building Type 7 Viking Sill-Beam Type 6 Viking Type 5 Viking Sunken Floored Type 4 Viking Type 3 Viking Type 2 Viking Type 1 Viking Stave-Built Building Viking Building
Total Building No. Sites
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Number of Viking Building Types
Figure 27: Excavated Viking Town Buildings 19702002
Conclusions OSullivan (2006) provides the most recent synthesis and debate on the social and ideological organisation of houses and buildings in early medieval Ireland, and the following summary abstracts from this paper. For early medieval Ireland, Chris Lynns (1978, 1994) studies have shown that the earliest (between c. AD 500800) house structures were usually roundhouses, constructed of stone or postandwattle walls, with wooden poles for joists and roofs of thatch of reed, turf or straw. Most were fairly small, typically 45m in diameter, although some were significantly larger, 6 10m in diameter. The enclosed house space was typically about 45m2, comprising a single small room. In terms of location, roundhouses tend to be located towards the centre of
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enclosures. Both early Irish law and archaeology suggest that these sizes were closely related to social rank, so that both custom and law restricted an individual from building larger than a certain size. However, even the largest houses in early medieval Ireland were relatively small by contemporary European standards despite the claims of the narrative literature, there is no archaeological evidence for massive longhouses as found in AngloSaxon England (e.g. Yeavering) or Viking Age Scandinavia (e.g. Borg in Lofoten). Neither is there evidence for use of concentric rings of internal roof supports to enable significantly larger houses (as is common on Iron Age British sites). In early medieval Ireland, people often chose instead to build a second circular structure and attach it to the larger house, to create a figureofeight shape. This backhouse or cile may have been used as a kitchen, sleeping area or private or exclusive space. Lynn (1994) has identified a significant change from the use of roundhouses to rectilinear houses after about AD 800. Towards the end of the early medieval period (tenth to eleventh centuries AD), rectangular houses built in stone or turf were normal, and roundhouses became rare. Moreover, on most ringfort sites where there is clear dating evidence, roundhouses are actually replaced by rectangular structures. These rectangular houses were typically built in stone, earth or turf, with an average measurement of 68m in length. They were simply constructed with low stone walls, lines of boulders, with internal wooden poles to support roof of reed, turf or straw. Rectangular houses are often paved. They also tend to be found closer to entrances and towards the sides of enclosures. The reasons for this transition in architectural styles from round houses to rectangular houses remain unclear and influences from the Irish church, from later AngloSaxon England and the Viking Age world are all possible. However, it is possible that this architectural shift relates to significant changes in early Irish society. At the time of this architectural transition (i.e. the eighth and ninth century AD), social changes included an increasing centralisation of power, an increased focus on smaller familial groups, more restrictive or individualistic land ownership practices. The ownership and use of a rectangular house, which could more easily be divided up into compartments and sections may have went handinhand with changing ideas about personal status, wealth and emerging concepts of private and public space. Archaeological excavations in Dublin, Waterford and Wexford have also provided much evidence for houses in these towns between the tenth and the thirteenth centuries AD. In HibernoNorse Dublin, houses were usually located on the front end of long narrow plots, which originally seem to have stretched from the street frontage and occasionally back to the town defences. Each house was entered from the street, with a back or side exit into the plot out the back where there may have been vegetable gardens, pig pens, latrine buildings, workshops and storehouses. Each house also would have had a cess pit out the back. There were several different types of house in use in HibernoNorse Dublin and late Viking Age Waterford. Wallaces Dublin Type 1 houses were the most common (comprising about 70% of all houses in Dublin). The origins of the Dublin Type 1 house is still a matter of debate. It may have evolved in Ireland before the tenth century, or it may be an insular version of the rectangular farmsteads found in Norse settlements in the Earldom of Orkney. In any case, it appears to be an ethnically distinctive house type that also influenced other Irish domestic architecture. There are broadly similar rectangular houses to the Dublin Type 1 house from rural Irish sites such as Knowth, Co. Meath White Fort, Drumaroad, Co. Down, Antiville, Co. Antrim and most recently from Truska, Connemara, Co. Galway and from Cherrywood, Co. Dublin. The question of whether the latter two in particular are actually ethnically Viking, Norse or Irish rural dwelling places remains an interesting if controversial topic. By the midtwelfth century AD (in Waterford) and slightly later in HibernoNorse Dublin, there is a shift towards the use of rectangular houses constructed on sillbeams with earthfast roof supports or to houses built of stone walls. By the midthirteenth century AD, fullyframed timber houses emerge. In the tenthcentury AD, Dublins HibernoNorse houses were subrectangular in plan, with double entrances, aisled partitions and internal roof supports. They typically measured 7.5m by 5.5m with walls up to 1.25 m high. The walls were of postandwattle, typically of ash, hazel and willow. The roofs were supported on four main posts arranged in a rectangle within the
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floor area. There were usually two opposed doors, located in the end walls, one giving access to the street, the other to buildings at the rear of the plot. Internally, the floor space was divided into three, with the central strip, sometimes paved or gravelled, being the broadest. The floors of the houses were also often covered with laid clay or postandwattle. A rectangular stonelined fireplace was located in the centre. Along the side walls, two low benches were used both for sitting and sleeping. Sometimes corner areas near the doors were partitioned off to form a private space. The front and rear porches are also occasionally distinguished by a separate area of flooring of clay or a distinct panel of wattle. Palaeoenvironmental studies of floor deposits of dung, hair, mosses, food remains, ash, and brushwood have revealed much of living conditions and practices. Social and cultural interpretations of these Norse buildings would attempt to trace the organization of domestic space in terms of household, ethnicity, kinship and gender. It should also be remembered that these Norse houses were occupied by people who believed in different gods and mythologies, who lived in a society structured differently to native Irish society. Norse houses in Scandinavia, Iceland and Greenland do seem to be organized into rooms that reflect social, cultural or symbolic spaces (living areas, sleeping rooms, working areas, rooms for animals). In HibernoNorse Dublin, there is a sense that the houses have social spaces of some sort. The front porches, often floored differently from the rest of the house (with clay or wattle) and perhaps screened from the rest of the house by postand wattle, perhaps enabled some control of how neighbours would encounter the inner, private household. The back porches leading out into the plots behind the houses may have been used to separate the living space from the backyard, perhaps used as a space to store food, tools or raw materials or to defecate comfortably inside the house (amongst the mosses, textile rags and food debris recovered from Dublins cess pits have been old, turned woodenbowls which were presumably used as chamber pots before they were finally discarded!). At Essex Street West, an early tenth to mideleventh century house had a concentration of hazelnuts and large animal bones in one corner, suggesting either the storage of food or food waste. In the town of HibernoNorse Dublin (unlike the rural setting of other Norse houses in the north Atlantic), it is also to be presumed that a degree of social blindness an ability to discretely ignore the noises of the neighbourss family rows through the wattle walls would be necessary to enable households to live in such close proximity in the densely packed streets of the town.
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Chapter 5: The Early Medieval Church
Chapter 5. The early medieval church

Introduction
Early medieval archaeology in Ireland, with its long tradition of scholarship on Irelands Golden Age of Saints of Scholars going back to the work of Francoise Henry, Ann Hamlin and others, has a unique base of research and publication on aspects of the early Irish church. The remains at significant ecclesiastical sites like Glendalough have been the subject of curious speculation by antiquarians and archaeologists since the late 18th century. Ecclesiastical sites have been identified through a range of methods including field survey, excavation, documentary evidence and associated folklore. More recently, archaeologists such as Michael Ryan, Peter Harbison and Dorothy Kelly, sustained the study of the early Irish church, focusing on such topics as ecclesiastical metalwork, manuscripts and high crosses. Early medieval historical scholarship has also thrived, with publications by Colman Etchingham and others on the introduction of Christianity and the organization of the early Irish church. The EMAP survey reveals that there is a growing body of excavated archaeological evidence that can now be used to contribute an even broader understanding of the role of the church in settlement, economy and the transformation of the Irish landscape. Early Ecclesiastical Research George Petrie (1845) was the first scholar to systematically appraise the evidence for ecclesiastical archaeology prior to the AngloNorman invasion. His publication placed early medieval ecclesiastical research on a sound footing as he succeeded in replacing traditional, mythological explanations of his antiquarian predecessors with objective reasoned calculations of the ecclesiastical evidence. Alongside John ODonovan, he was involved with the Ordnance Survey project that recorded the location, history and folklore of many ecclesiastical sites across the country. In 1844 another scholar William Reeves (1902) precociously sought to establish a link between the early medieval monastery of Nendrum in the written sources and the site on Mahee Island, Co. Down by using fieldsurvey, smallscale excavations and local folklore evidence (Hamlin 1992, 140). The early twentieth century saw one of the few largescale excavations of an identified early medieval ecclesiastical site at the hitherto mentioned Nendrum (Lawlor 1925). The mid twentieth century decades were characterised by some notable publications concerning ecclesiastical art and sculpture (Leask 1955 Lionard 1961 Henry 1961, 1965, 1967, 1970). Archaeological surveys and excavations principally at western hermitage sites including Inishkea, Co. Mayo (Henry 1945 & 52), South Kerry (Henry 1957), Beginish and Valencia, Co. Kerry (OKelly 1956 & 1958) as well as the secluded retreat of Templenaskellig, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow (Henry, Unpublished) were also undertaken in this period. These studies sought to examine the art, architecture and form of these early ecclesiastical sites. A number of studies in the later 20th century were responsible for transforming our knowledge about the character and morphology of early ecclesiastical sites. However, the key transformation of our knowledge was that by Swan which made the ecclesiastical enclosure a ubiquitous feature of these sites. A number of important surveys were undertaken in the counties of Down (Hamlin et al 1966), Donegal (Lacy 1983) and Dingle (Cuppage et al 1986) while a detailed appraisal of evidence for the early church in the counties of Cork and Kerry was also undertaken by Hurley (1982). Aerial photography undertaken by both Norman and St. Joseph (1969) and Swan (1983) identified further early ecclesiastical sites across the Irish landscape. Using the resources of aerial photography, Ordnance Survey maps and field work, Swan identified over 600 enclosures surrounding ecclesiastical sites. Many were found to contain double concentric enclosures. The average enclosure of ecclesiastical sites measured
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from 90120m (Swan 1983, 274) though outer enclosures at various sites could range from 300500m in diameter. Swans Criteria for identification of early ecclesiastical sites These breakthroughs led Leo Swan (1983) to suggest a range of criteria for the identification of early ecclesiastical sites. He suggested that consistently recurring features at early ecclesiastical sites comprised 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Evidence for Enclosure Burial evidence Placename with ecclesiastical associations Structure or structural remains Holy well Bullaun stone Carved, inscribed or decorated stone cross or slab Line of townland boundary forming part of the enclosure Souterrain Pillar stone Founders tomb Associated traditional ritual or folk custom
Swan suggested that a site should meet at least four or five of the following criteria to be identified as ecclesiastical. The criteria proposed by Swan have been useful to identifying a whole range of ecclesiastical sites across the Irish landscape. After the presence of an enclosure, burial was identified as the second most important indicator of an early medieval ecclesiastical site. It was then implicitly understood that if an enclosed site contained early medieval burial evidence, it could be automatically identified as ecclesiastical in function. Issues with Swans Criteria Enclosed sites containing early medieval burial evidence but without any further ecclesiastical links were not long being discovered within the archaeological record. By 1992, Ann Hamlin had noted three previously unknown examples which did not easily fit with the criteria proposed, though she still tended to consider these as likely ecclesiastical sites (Hamlin 1992, 142). Excavations at Knockea, Co. Limerick (OKelly 1967, 7483) revealed a squarish enclosure complete with 66 Christian burials that were set inside a complex earthwork enclosure. She also noted the site at Millockstown, Co. Louth (Manning 1986) which revealed evidence for a ringfort that was superseded in the excavators opinion by a large ecclesiastical enclosure and graveyard. The final unknown site was at Dunmisk, Co. Tyrone (Hamlin & Lynn 1988, 279) that revealed over 400 burials, areas of metalworking and a possible wooden church inside a hilltop enclosure. However, in the last ten years developmentled excavations have dramatically increased the number of settlement/cemetery sites (See appendices). It is now evident that early medieval burial inside enclosures cannot be used to automatically indicate the presence of an ecclesiastical site. It is also evident however that we cannot simply describe a site as a settlement/cemetery complex simply because it has no known historical associations with a church or contains no archaeological evidence for ecclesiastical structures. It is very likely that many ecclesiastical sites may have fallen out of use by the 8/9th century A.D. due to different ecclesiastical, political and demographic reasons. Furthermore, as discussed below stone was not generally used as a building resource prior to the 10th century A.D. Timber was then the principal resource used for ecclesiastical structures from the 610th century A.D. It is evident that these settlement/cemetery sites are not always completely excavated and when evidence for timber structures are discovered, it is often not easy to completely establish if it was is a church or building. It is then obvious that we need to establish new criteria that can differentiate between settlement/cemetery sites and ecclesiastical sites.
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Additional Ecclesiastical Criteria Perhaps the size of the enclosure can be used to partially differentiate between settlement/cemetery sites and ecclesiastical sites. It has been observed that settlement/cemetery sites generally measure between 5080m in diameter though there are examples of some which are less and others slightly more. Ecclesiastical sites generally contain an enclosure measuring 90120m in diameter (Swan 1983). The majority of important ecclesiastical sites had inner enclosures of between 100200m while the outer banks and ditches varied from 300500m in size (Swan 1985, 97). Perhaps the generally slightly larger size of ecclesiastical site can be used to differentiate between both. On the other hand, these larger enclosures will often be at sites whose ecclesiastical origin is not in doubt. It is the more minor ecclesiastical sites with smaller enclosures that will present difficulties in differentiating them from settlement/cemeteries. Much smaller ecclesiastical enclosures are commonplace in parts of the west. Carragin (2005, 47) has discussed the subject of regional variation in enclosure diameter: Within a given area their diameters are broadly indicative of a sites importance, but cannot be used as a rigid index of status. However, there also seems to be significant regional differences in enclosure form. For example, even in the west, average enclosure diameter varies markedly from 37m in peninsular Kerry (calculated from Cuppage 1986 OSullivan and Sheehan 1996) to 81m in west Galway (calculated from Gosling 1993), while those in north Kerry are much larger again (Toal 1995). It is evident that we may need to establish even further discriminating criteria to differentiate between these two site types and fundamental to this is establishing the character and archaeology of early ecclesiastical sites from the 610th century A.D. While stone may have been an increasingly important resource from the 10th century onwards, it is also likely that timber may have continued to be used by many churches due to economic, social or personal factors. Wood was still by far the most common material used for churches at the more minor ecclesiastical sites in most areas of the country until after AD 1100. The only exceptions are south Co. Dublin, Lough Corrib/Lough Mask, Aran and Peninsular Kerry (Toms Carragin, pers comm.). Excavations in recent years including some after the 19702002 period reviewed by EMAP have revealed a number of previously unknown sites that could be described as ecclesiastical as opposed to settlement/cemetery sites. Excavations at Butterfield, Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin (Judith Carroll 1997, Excavations Bulletin 97E0140) discovered an occupation phase that was then subsequently succeeded by burial evidence inside a large enclosure 200m in diameter. The burials were roughly contemporary with the enclosure. It is quite possible that the site developed into an ecclesiastical complex in its second phase (811th century A.D.). Excavations at Oldtown, Swords, Co. Dublin revealed three concentric enclosures measuring 70m, 130m in diameter and 300m x 200m in diameter. No historical evidence could be found for an ecclesiastical origin for the site. A total of 120 unprotected burials were found inside the enclosure as well as bone combs and iron knifes dating to the 9th12th century A.D (Margaret Gowen 2003 & 2004, Excavations Bulletin 03E1080). Excavations at Killeany, Co. Laois finally revealed an enclosure (180 m by 150 m). A number of associated corndrying kilns were excavated as well as a cemetery of c. 70 people (Wiggins 2007 Kenny 2007). The site was interpreted as an early medieval ecclesiastical enclosure. It is possible that these three examples may represent previously unknown early medieval ecclesiastical sites.
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EMAP survey and ecclesiastical archaeology

Excavated Ecclesiastical Sites 19702002 The EMAP survey revealed that 188 ecclesiastical sites with known early medieval historical or archaeological origins were excavated from 19702002 (See Appendix 2). A further 41 sites were also identified though the early antiquity of these church sites could not be established. These figures exclude sites where excavations were only undertaken near an ecclesiastical site. It could be suggested then that over 200 definite early medieval ecclesiastical sites have been excavated to differing extents so far although hundreds and undoubtedly thousands more potential sites have been identified through aerial photography, fieldwork and on earlier O.S. map editions. Table 39: Excavated Ecclesiastical Sites 19702002
Ecclesiastical Possible ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Total Ecclesiastical Sites EMAP Site 42 188 230 Ecclesiastical Site 42 190 232
Distribution of Excavated Ecclesiastical Sites 19702002 Ecclesiastical sites with known early medieval origins were excavated in 29/32 counties of Ireland. Relatively few excavations were undertaken in the northwestern and northern central parts of Ireland. Few excavations of ecclesiastical sites appear to have been undertaken in Southern Leinster outside the HibernoNorse town of Wexford. Galway and the southwestern counties of Tipperary, Cork, Kerry and Clare, the counties of Down and Antrim in Ulster and Kildare, Meath and Louth bordering Dublin saw the next frequent amount of excavations. The number of excavations at Dublin far surpasses any county and indicates the number of excavations which have been undertaken in both Dublin county and the HibernoNorse town. Table 40: Distribution of Excavated Ecclesiastical Sites 19702002 County Antrim Armagh Clare Cork Derry Donegal Down Dublin Fermanagh Galway Kerry Kildare Kilkenny Laois Number 11 6 7 9 4 3 9 26 4 14 8 8 5 2 County Leitrim Limerick Louth Mayo Meath Monaghan Offaly Roscommon Sligo Tipperary Tyrone Waterford Westmeath Wexford Wicklow Number 1 3 5 6 8 1 5 7 7 10 5 5 2 5 2
Figure 28: Excavated Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Sites Per County 19702002
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Excavated Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Sites Per County

Wicklow Wexford Westmeath Waterford Tyrone Tipperary Sligo Roscommo Offaly Monaghan Meath Mayo Louth Limerick Leitrim Laois Kilkenny Kildare Kerry Galway Fermanagh Dublin Down Donegal Derry Cork Clare Armagh Antrim
County
10
15
20
25
30
Number of Excavated Ecclesaistical Sites
Significance of Excavated Ecclesiastical Sites 19702002 It is evident that while excavations have been undertaken on 188 sites with known early medieval historical origins, only a small number have revealed early medieval archaeology that could be considered significant.
Significance Uncertain No Significance General Significant Highly Significant Total Ecclesiastical
Number 26 27 68 51 16 188
Table 41: Significance of Excavated Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Sites
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Significance of Excavated Early M edieval Ecclesiastical Sites (1970-2002)
16, 9%
26, 14% 27, 14% Uncertain No Significance General Significant 68, 36% Highly Significant
51, 27%
Figure 29: Significance of Excavated Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Sites Excavations at 27 (14%) revealed no early medieval archaeological evidence. It was not possible to establish if excavated evidence was indeed early medieval in date (e.g. Burial evidence) at a further 26 sites (14%). A further 68 sites (36%) revealed limited early medieval archaeological evidence. The remaining 67 sites or 36% revealed archaeology of significant or highly significant early medieval archaeology. The majority of the excavations at ecclesiastical sites have revealed limited or no early medieval archaeology of any significance. Testing and monitoring licenses have been responsible for the great majority of these excavations that indicates that these sites have only been very partially investigated. It is evident that relatively very few ecclesiastical sites have been comprehensively excavated. Excavated Ecclesiastical Structures 19702002 Data about a number of excavated ecclesiastical structures were also collected for the EMAP database. The results are illustrated in the table and graph below. The figures illustrate that relatively few oratories, round towers, leachta and High Crosses have been excavated. Excavations have also revealed that 80 ecclesiastical cemeteries were excavated. 77 cemeteries were from within historically known early medieval ecclesiastical sites. A discussion of the cemetery evidence is provided in the burial section. Site and license information about the excavated structures listed in the table below are outlined in the appendix. Table 42: Excavated Ecclesiastical Structures 19702002 Ecclesiastical Feature Wooden church Stone Church Oratory Cemetery Round Tower Leacht High Cross No. of Sites 8 30 8 80 7 9 10 Total Number (Structures) 8 35 11 80 7 17 11
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Excavated Ecclesiastical Structures 1970-2002
Wooden church
Ecclesiastical Structures
Total Number (Structure) No. of Sites
Stone Church Round Tower Oratory Leacht High Cross Cemetery 0 20 40
60
80
100
Number of Structures and associated Sites

Figure 30: Excavated Ecclesiastical Structures 19702002
The Origins and Location of Ecclesiastical Sites The majority of ecclesiastical sites have been recorded in eastern and central Ireland along important communication corridors such as rivers and potential routeways such as the Slighe Mhor and Slighe Dhala (Edwards 1990, 105). While access to local communities and political elites was a necessary perquisite for ecclesiastical sites, many hermitages, particularly along the west coast preferred instead sites of solitude and retreat. Even the great monasteries like Glendalough and Clonmacnoise though located beside strategic communication corridors in the form of the Slighe Mhor and St. Kevins Way, were nevertheless situated in secluded bog and upland settings. It is evident that we still do not have a clear understanding about the political and social context in which ecclesiastical sites were founded. It has been observed below (See Burial Section) that there is potential evidence that the location of prehistoric burial monuments may have influenced the origins of a number of ecclesiastical sites like Armagh and Derrynaflan. Other sites at Omey, Co. Galway, Kiltullagh, Co. Roscommon and Durrow have also revealed potential evidence for some form of continuity of burial between the Late Iron Age and early medieval period (See Burial Section). Excavations at Armagh have also revealed a possible Iron Age ditch enclosing the hill supporting the view that it was used as a place of habitation prior to the ecclesiastical site (Swift 1998117). On the other hand, most of the extensively excavated sites have produced no evidence for preecclesiastical burial at the core of the site. It has also been argued that the size of the enclosure walls at a number of western ecclesiastical sites including High Island, Co Galway and Illauntannig, Co. Kerry indicate that these sites are likely to have had a secular origin (WhiteMarshall, Jenny & Rourke, Grellan (2000, 32). Furthermore, excavations at Iona by Finbar McCormick have revealed evidence for occupation in the half millennium before the site was converted into a monastery. McCormick also argued that the rectangular shape of Ionas earthen enclosures might have been the result of the monastic reuse of an existing Iron Age bank (McCormick 1997 WhiteMarshall 2000). Fannings excavations at Reask, Co. Kerry also revealed a Late Iron Age precursor for the ecclesiastical site based on a radiocarbon date from a hearth inside a circular wooden structure that produced a range of A.D. 260650 (Fanning 197275, Excavations Bulletin). The enclosure of the site was also early dating to the 5/6th century A.D. There is therefore emerging evidence 134
for some form of continuity of settlement and burial between Late Iron Age sites and early medieval monasteries. An Iron Age enclosure was excavated at Taghmon, Co. Wexford (Clare Mullins 1998, 1999 & 2000, Excavations Bulletin 98E0483). It returned a radiocarbon dated between the first to fifth centuries A.D. A large pit containing charcoal, organic material and significant quantities of cremated bone were also found and were dated to AD 660 to 795 supporting the idea that the monastery was founded on this habitation site shortly after. Significantly early origins were revealed at an ecclesiastical site at Randalstown, Co. Meath (Eamonn Kelly 1975, 1976 & 198084, Excavations Bulletin). The earliest datable find was a Roman imported fibula dated to the first century A.D. Shards of B and Eware and green glass described as possibly coming from subRoman Gaul were excavated indicating activity from the 5th century AD onwards. It is possible that there may have been some form of settlement in the area before an ecclesiastical site was established. At Caherlehillan, a fifthcentury foundation including a rimary wooden church has been excavated (Toms Carraigin pers comm.) Excavations at Dunmisk, Co. Tyrone revealed a significant enclosed burial ground with evidence for ferrous and non ferrous metalworking and glassproduction (Ivens 1988). The enclosed burial ground however appears to have been preceded by an earlier hillfort. It must be said that there is a strong argument for Dunmisk being classified as a settlement/cemetery site as its ecclesiastical historical origins are tenuous and there is no evidence for any ecclesiastical structures, except a postulated wooden church. Further potential examples of secular origins include the possible ecclesiastical site at Butterfield, Rathfarnham (discussed above) that revealed an earlier occupation phase preceding the enclosure and cemetery. Excavations at an ecclesiastical site at Moyne, Co. Mayo revealed a faint circle (40m in diameter) in the northern half of the large enclosure (Manning 1987). Manning speculated whether it could represent an earlier ringfort that was superseded by an ecclesiastical site. He compared to it another example at Millockstown where a potential ringfort was succeeded by a lintel cemetery. It has been suggested however that both Millockstown and Ninch where a similar phenomenon occurs, may instead represent settlement/cemetery sites (See Burial Section). A final example has been observed by OBrien (1992, 134) at Dooey, Co. Donegal where a cemetery was found to be located in a former habitation area. There is therefore emerging evidence for some form of continuity of both burial and settlement between Late Iron Age sites and early medieval ecclesiastical sites. How extensive and widespread this pattern is has yet to be established. It has been argued by OBrien (1992, 134) that sites like ringforts may have been given over to ecclesiastical communities as lords granted settlements and land to the church. She has cited examples from Millockstown, Dooey and Reask to support this case. It is very likely that monks may have reused earlier secular enclosures at sites like High Island and Iona while early ferta cemeteries at sites like Kiltullagh may have been Christianised in other cases. It is likely that other ecclesiastical sites like Reask and Randalstown could have very early foundation dates dating to the transitional Iron Age period. It is possible however that ecclesiastical sites like Butterfield and perhaps Millockstown (if you view the later phase as ecclesiastical) could instead have been founded at a later in the early medieval period and have superseded secular settlement sites like ringforts. There is therefore likely to have been a whole range of factors which shaped the foundation of ecclesiastical sites through the early medieval period. Previous Research and the Development of Ecclesiastical Sites Studies by numerous scholars such as Herity (1995) have appraised the organization and spatial layout of early medieval ecclesiastical sites. These studies have discussed recurring archaeological features such as churches, oratories, round towers, the tombs of the founder Saint, high crosses and crossslabs and enclosing walls. Some studies have focused on the spatial layout of particular monuments such as high crosses and round towers in relation to churches and other ecclesiastical structures (e.g. Swan 1985 Herity 1995 OKeeffe 2004). The
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evidence and character of pilgrimage at and around tomb shrines and leachta have also been discussed particularly by Herity (1995) at western hermitage sites. Doherty (1985, 57) has argued that the perceived spiritual problems associated with the pollution of a sacred core by the laity led to the creation of an idealized form which allowed a monastic site to have a holy of holies at the core, around which were areas of sanctuary that decreased in importance the further out they were from the centre. In this model, the construction of concentric enclosures around monastic sites allowed for monasteries to be organized in terms of a hierarchy of holiness in which a priestly elite was based in the sacred core while the laity was located at the periphery. Archaeological studies then have generally focused on appraising the layout of early medieval ecclesiastical sites. Yet, it is clearly evident that the character and form of ecclesiastical sites very likely varied across the island through the early medieval period from the 512th century A.D. It is evident then we may have some understanding about the organization and layout of ecclesiastical sites at some general abstract level, but it is also clear that we have yet to understand the transformation in the organization, character and extent of settlement and ecclesiastical activity at these sites through the early medieval period.
Early medieval archaeology and the early Irish Church (59th century A.D.)
Background For all the archaeological studies outlined above, our knowledge about the character of the early Church is still limited in many ways and is still reliant on historical sources. Few studies with the exception of Hamlin (1985), Hamlin and Lynn (1989) and Swift (1998) have appraised the archaeological evidence for settlement and economy around churches and monastic sites. It has been argued by Swift (1998) that neither the historical or archaeological evidence support the notion of any form of urbanization around ecclesiastical sites in the seventh and eighth century A.D. She has examined the use of biblical terms such as civitas and suburbana used in seventh and eighth century texts and has concluded that these sites were surrounded by agricultural buildings, pastures, enclosures and the houses of the monastic labourers rather than streets, fortified defences and the semiindustrialised craftsman. Furthermore, she has argued, like Hamlin and Lynn (1989), that secular and ecclesiastical settlement during the seventh and eighth century was essentially similar. It is evident however that we still have a largely incomplete understanding about the early archaeological evidence and that few sites have been comprehensively excavated or published concerning this subject. Enclosures Hamlin (1985, 280) identified enclosures as fundamental features of the early Church in Ireland. The archaeological evidence does tend to support this hypothesis. Twigs and branches from the base of a large ditch enclosing Armagh hill returned a radiocarbon date of A.D. 130 600. It cannot be definitely assumed that this represents the enclosure of the ecclesiastical site as it may also represent evidence for a preceding habitation site (Swift 1998, 117). Excavations at Tullylish, Co. Down also revealed a massive ditch that returned a radiocarbon date of A.D. 455655. It was succeeded by a later ditch that returned a date of A.D. 680995 (Ivens 1987). An early outer enclosure was excavated at Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly. It was filled in between A.D. 714873 (Donald Murphy 1999 & 2000, Excavations Bulletin). Excavations at Doras, Co. Tyrone also revealed an early enclosing ditch dating to AD 615885 (McDowell 1987). Enclosing ditches were also revealed at Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath (Linzi Simpson 1994 & 1995, Excavations Bulletin). A number of enclosing ditches were excavated at Tallaght, Co. Dublin. A radiocarbon date of twigs in one ditch yielded a mid6th to 8th century A.D (Rosanne Meenan 1996, Excavations Bulletin 96E054). A ninth century date was returned for another ditch at
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Tallaght (Margaret Gowen 1990 & 1991, Excavations Bulletin). Excavations at High Island, Co. Galway revealed a low wall outside the north wall of the church enclosure that was built in AD 728971. It appears to have been a retaining wall for burnt domestic refuse and was not earlier than the church enclosure (Georgina Scally 2000, Excavations Bulletin 95E124). It appears then that ecclesiastical enclosures were being built particularly from the 68th centuries A.D, although earlier enclosures are known such as at Caherlehillan where the ditch dated to the 5th century AD Excavations at many sites such as Tullylish, Doras, Armagh, Tallaght and Dunshauglin have also revealed evidence for a number of ditches succeeding each other indicating the growth and transformation of the shape and character of these ecclesiastical sites over time. Wooden Churches and Structures Hamlin (1985, 286) has observed that wooden churches would have predominated in the period This view has been supported by more recent studies which have indicated that mortared ecclesiastical structures only became common from after the 10th century A.D. although shrine chapels such as Temple Ciaran at Clonmacnoise and St. Declans at Ardmore may belong to the 8/9th centuries A.D. ( Carragin 2003, 132). The physical evidence for early wooden churches is still very limited however. Possible early wooden churches have been excavated at Church Island, Co. Kerry White Island, Co. Fermanagh Inishcaltra, Co. Clare and Carnsore Point, Co. Wexford (Hamlin 1985, 285). Excavations at Inischcaltra revealed a large structure (8 x 5m) that was possibly built using wattles and clay (Hamlin 1985, 285). The excavations at St. Vogues Church, Carnsore revealed a small rectangular building (2.25m. x 1.5m) that was later succeeded by a stone church. The possible wooden church was radiocarbon dated to A.D. 660 80 (OKelly 1975). The wooden church at Church Island, Co. Kerry was roughly the same size measuring 3 x 2m. It was indicated by five postholes and was on the same alignment as the phase 1 burials. A further small possible church was excavated at Reask, Co. Kerry and was revealed in the form of two post holes to the south of a slablined structure (Edwards 1990, 117). Another early potential wooden church has been recorded at Cashel, Co. Tipperary that has been dated to between the sixth to ninth century A.D. (Brian Hodkinson 1992 & 1993, Excavations Bulletin 92E0202). Post and stakeholes beneath stone churches recorded in the excavation bulletin reports at Church Island, Co. Mayo (Frank Ryan 1993, Excavations Bulletin 93E0109) Killtuagh, Co. Roscommon (R.A. Gregory 2000, Excavations Bulletin00E0322) Dunmisk, Co. Tyrone (Ivens 1988) and Killelton, Co. Kerry (Conleth Manning 1987 & 1988, Excavations Bulletin) might also indicate wooden churches. These wooden churches were contemporary with many drystone oratories and clochans built at many hermitages in the west of Ireland. One of these drystone oratories was excavated on the mountain pilgrimage site at Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo. It was radiocarbon dated to between AD 430890. (Gerry Walsh 1994 & 1995, Excavations Bulletin 94E0115). A further stone oratory was excavated at Illaunloughan, Co. Kerry. The oratory was preceded by a sod walled or earthen building. Carbonised material overlying the clay floor of the oratory gave a C14 date of 640790 Cal. AD for the stone oratory. A further drystone corbelled hut measured 4.3m in diameter and was radiocarbon dated to A.D 775961 (Claire Walsh & Jenny White Marshall 199295, Excavations Bulletin 92E0087). Excavations at hermitages such as Reask, High Island, Sceillig Mhichil and Killelton have all revealed evidence for roughly contemporary clochain and oratories dating to around the 7/8th centuries A.D. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that these early churches were surrounded by a large number of structures including huts, outbuildings and areas of craftworking and agricultural production. A large number of buildings have been excavated at ecclesiastical sites. A number of the early western hermitage sites have also revealed evidence for associated wooden and earthen buildings at Illaunloughan, Co. Kerry (Claire Walsh & Jenny White Marshall 199295, Excavations Bulletin 92E0087) and Reask, Co. Kerry (Thomas Fanning 197275, Excavations Bulletin). Excavations at significant monasteries like Clonmacoise (Heather King
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199098 Excavations Bulletin E558) and Armagh (Lynn 1988) have also revealed early habitation evidence. Agriculture, Craftworking and Pottery There is also evidence for a growing range of craft and industrial activities at these early ecclesiastical sites. Both ferrous and nonferrous metalworking activities have also been identified in early contexts from a number of ecclesiastical sites like Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly and also at Corbetstown, Co. Westmeath (Leo Swan 1973, 1975 & 198084, Excavations Bulletin E124) and Armagh (Lynn 1988). Examples of evidence for early agricultural production at these sites are illustrated at Nendrum where the phase 1 tidal mill and mill pond was radiocarbon dated to A.D. 619 (Norman Crothers & Tom McErlean 1999, Excavations Bulletin). A further example of early agricultural production was discovered outside the enclosure at Lorrha, Co. Tipperary where three corndrying kilns were excavated, one of which was radiocarbon dated to A.D. 545660 (Stephen Linnane 2002, Excavations Bulletin01E1055). A dumbbell shaped kiln was excavated outside the ecclesiastical enclosure at Ballyman, Co. Dublin. It was dated to A.D. 425. This very early date might suggest that the kiln dates to a habitation site that preceded the monastery. (Elizabeth OBrien 198084, Excavations Bulletin E182). The excavation of both B and E ware at a large number of ecclesiastical sites is perhaps one of the best indicators for the influence and wealth of the early church during the 57th centuries A.D. E ware has also been commonly found at settlement/cemetery sites in this period (See Appendix) suggesting that both types of settlements may have different but interrelated focal points in this formative period. Conclusion This review has just touched on some features of the archaeological evidence for the early church dating roughly from the 5th10th century A.D. There is now emerging evidence to suggest that many of these sites may have been significant centres of craft and agricultural production within their local landscapes. Evidence for extensive craft production and metalworking have been recovered at many sites The investment in effort in constructing early ecclesiastical enclosures and the evidence for large tidal water mills at Nendrum suggests that many early monasteries may have been significant population centres with large labour forces in the early period. Whether we can suggest that settlement around these ecclesiastical sites was dispersed and nonnucleated as Swift (1998) suggests has not yet been completely established. What is required now is a detailed comparative analysis of the early material culture recovered from a range of ecclesiastical sites across the country. This could provide valuable information about the origins, character, location and scale of settlement, craftwork and industrial evidence, burial and ecclesiastical structures within an around these sites.
The Monastic Town Debate

The debate a brief outline Doherty (1985) first advanced the concept of monastic towns in early medieval Ireland. He argued that there was evidence that monasteries were the locations of markets from at least the eighth century AD onwards. He suggested that a process in which a standard cosmological layout was imposed on ecclesiastical sites had taken place by c. A.D. 800. An architectural monumentalisation of the sacred core and the appearance of market crosses at the periphery of such settlements then followed in the 10th century and leaves Doherty to conclude that it is at this point, that one might with confidence begin to use the term urban (Doherty, 1985, 60). He (1985, 68) has argued that there is no difficulty in describing major monasteries in Ireland between the tenth and twelfth centuries as towns. It is important to emphasise then that Dohertys claims for monastic towns really refer to the tenth century and afterwards, roughly contemporary with HibernoNorse towns, rather than the eighth or ninth century AD.
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By the late 1990s, some scholars voiced some concerns about the applicability and assumptions behind the concept of the monastic town and suggested that it was time for a reassessment of the role in which we accord the monastery in this period (Graham 1993 Valante, 1997 Swift, 1998). They variously suggested that the model was built upon a flawed theoretical framework, a misinterpretation of documentary sources, unsubstantiated archaeological evidence and even nationalist overtones (Graham, 1993, Valante, 1997 & Swift, 1998). Valante (1997) challenged the whole notion that monasteries were at the centre of a redistributive economic system. She also claimed that these sites cannot be described as urban as the majority of people living in these settlements relied instead on agricultural production. Swift (1998) principally sought to re address misconceptions of seventh/eighth century monastic towns through a critique of Dohertys use of putative urban (e.g. the reading of the words civitas to mean city, suburbanis to mean suburbs) terminology in texts dating to this period to support his theory. This is a debate that would benefit from a restatement of the monastic town position taking into account the more recent archaeological evidence (such as the extensive settlement and craftworking evidence from Clonmacnoise and the presence of cattle remains there that are broadly similar to those that suggest provisioning into HibernoNorse Dublin). In any case, if the character of monasteries prior to the tenth century is still unclear, we can still pose the question what was the extent of both settlement and ecclesiastical evidence from the tenth twelfth century period? Can we go as far to describe significant ecclesiastical sites as towns or urban? What then are the criteria we should use to define such terms? Was the emergence of pseudofeudal lordships a significant catalyst in the emergence of monastic towns in Ireland and were these sites then political capital and economic redistributive hubs within their regional landscape? Finally what was the relationship between monastic towns and Viking towns in this later period? How can archaeology contribute? How can archaeology contribute to this debate? Swan (1985) examined the plans of monasteries and argued that early medieval monasteries display a remarkable similarity in plan and format. He has argued that there is strong evidence to suggest a link between the location of high crosses and the existence of outer marketplaces immediately outside the entrance of the significant monastic sites like Armagh, Kells and Glendalough. This then may represent evidence for the gradual transformation of monastic communities into centres of trade and commercial activity (Swan 1985, 101). Bradley (1994) has recently suggested some archaeological criteria to define an Irish monastic town these include settlement complexity with a central core, domestic houses, streets, fairs, trade, enclosure and defence, a political role for the site as well as documentary evidence. He has argued that Clonmacnoise could be described as a monastic town in this period. It is evident however that excavations have yet to reveal evidence for all these criteria at the majority of ecclesiastical sites across the country. There is good evidence for an architectural monumentalisation of these ecclesiastical sites from the 10th century A.D. through the use of stone. Indeed the EMAP survey identified that 30 extant and non extant stone churches dating from c.9001200 A.D. were excavated from 19702002 (See Appendices). Excavations at numerous sites including Iniscealtra, Clonmacnoise, Armagh, Cashel, Downpatrick, Corbetstown as well as St. Peters Church in Viking Waterford and St. Michael Le Poles church outside the walls of Dublin have all revealed extensive evidence for settlement, industry and craftworking dating to this period. What is needed then is a comprehensive review of the character, location and scale of settlement, craftwork and industrial evidence, burial and ecclesiastical structures dating to this period. Parallel to this, studies need to be undertaken into the impact of these ecclesiastical sites within local and regional landscapes to establish if they were indeed centres of political power and nucleated settlement as well as hubs of an economic redistributive system.
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The Evidence for Pastoral Care and Agricultural Estates

Background One largely unresearched area concerns the evidence for the provision of pastoral care in early medieval Ireland. Traditionally, the twelfth century has been viewed as a defining period in which monastic forms of ecclesiastical organisation gave way to diocesan parishbased systems (Hughes 1966). Recently, one historian (Sharpe 1992) has argued for a dense early medieval parochial system with others (e.g. Etchingham 1999) preferring a more restricted model. Etchingham has argued for a late conversion to Christianity among the lay aristocracy, limited pastoral care by the Church and continuing burial of the laity within unconsecrated grounds. He has suggested that a small Christian elite as well as ecclesiastics were buried within ecclesiastical sites. More recently, archaeologists like Swift (2001) and Carragin (2006) have examined evidence for early pastoral evidence at sites like Clonmacnoise. Swift (2001) has analysed the evidence the distribution of crossslabs on the Island of Islay near Iona. She argued that no distinction can be made between local parochial centres and agricultural centres in the early medieval period for both services by the laity and ecclesiastics were interrelated. Swift has observed that the bulk of the secular population in the surrounding lands were not controlled directly by ecclesiastical authorities and thus has supported Etchinghams (1999) view that there was no obligation for these people to buried in ecclesiastical consecrated grounds. Swift then applied the applicability of this model to the evidence at Clonmacnoise and its surrounding hinterland and argued that the distribution of high status crossslabs in at Clonmancoise and its ecclesiastical estates attest to the presence of a commited Christian elite in this area. Carragin has also examined evidence for pastoral care at (in his paper in a recently edited volume on the Parish in Medieval and early modern Ireland) and on the basis of the great density of church sites evident through archaeology favours the idea that a good proportion of those people that wanted to, could have received pastoral care in the early Irish landscape. Mortared stone churches Firstly, he reviews the evidence for mortared stone churches. He states that the vast majority of mainland sites with Viking Age mortared stone churches were founded in the preViking period and then at a later stage go on to become parish centres in the high medieval period. These 150 or so churches are not comparable to the great rebuilding of local community churches in contemporary England i.e. they are not representative of a new parish network. However they are probably at sites that benefited from a winnowing out of some more minor ecclesiastical sites during the Viking Age. Carragin also suggests that the absence of eastern cells does not preclude a pastoral function because abroad it is only in the late 11th century that the altar moves into the eastern cell at which point it becomes a proper chancel. Before that the altar was at the east end of the nave in both pastoral and other churches. Previous authors have overemphasized their small size being misled by wellpreserved examples at minor sites. In fact the mortared churches of early medieval Ireland are similar in size to their AngloSaxon contemporaries. His aim in the paper is not to suggest that most pre Romanesque churches were built with pastoral care in mind, but rather to point out that they cannot be used as evidence that pastoral provision was minimal or nonexistent. Drystone churches in peninsular Kerry Sharpe overstates that case in suggesting that the majority of drystone churches in peninsular Kerry sites were pastoral. Diversity is the key in the absence of documentary sources, we must distinguish between these sites on the basis of subtle differences. Peninsular Kerry is the
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only area where we can compare sizes of churches from the majority of sites because of ubiquity of drystone churches. We can safely dismiss the idea that these churches were designed as chancels while the congregation stood outside. To some extent form follows function the smallest has 1/5 internal area of the largest suggesting that they also vary in function. Most are tiny and clearly not designed for communities, but were probably for families or small monastic communities. There is a cluster of four relatively large examples probably as large as can be managed using this building technique and interestingly they are often at the centre of dense ringfort distributions and are at sites that go on in use in the high medieval period. Carragins paper finishes with a compare and contrast exercise of two sites located not far apart at Church Island and Illaunloughan, Co. Kerry. In many ways, these are similar sites (i.e. being small churches and burial grounds on maritime islands) but varying strategies of investment (in churches, shrines, burials etc) and suggests that the former site (Church Island) had close links with secular elite and may have had a pastoral role, while the latter (Illaunloughan) was a small male monastery. Clearly, sites that combined a range of functions were much more common than those that were purely monastic or purely pastoral. This is particularly true after the office of coarb became firmly established from c.AD 700, the period to which much of our quantifiable archaeology belongs. We must therefore guard against placing these sites in excessively rigid, preconceived categories. The differences between them are usually differences in emphasis and so the challenge for archaeologists is to distinguish between sites on the basis of nuances like those discussed above. It is evident then that there is great potential for a landscape based study of ecclesiastical studies that could appraise the evidence for ecclesiastical estates and the provision of pastoral care within early medieval Ireland. Furthermore, can archaeology shed light about how the provision of pastoral care and the interaction between monasteries and local secular communities shifted over time? Such a study could provide valuable information about the meaning of religion and the character of the Christian Church in early medieval Ireland.
Early medieval church archaeology future research areas

Despite the enormous riches of the archaeological record for the early medieval church and its iconic role in early medieval studies generally, our understanding of the chronological and structural development of early medieval ecclesiastical and hermitage sites during the early medieval period is quite limited. Many western hermitage sites such as Illaunloughan, High Island and Reask, Co. Kerry have been extensively excavated and we have a good understanding about the chronological development and organization of activities at these few sites. Yet, it is evident that few ecclesiastical sites across the rest of the country have been comprehensively excavated, with the possible exception of Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly. We still then do not have a complete understanding about how ecclesiastical sites were organized in terms of industrial areas, cemetery locations, habitation areas and ecclesiastical structures through the early medieval period. Furthermore, what were the scale and quality of industrial and craftwork production at these ecclesiastical sites through the early medieval period? What was the extent and character of settlement both during the period of the early church (510th century A.D) and during the postulated development of monastic towns from the 1012th centuries A.D? Was the scale of settlement and craftwork something previously unparalleled at earlier church sites (510th century A.D.) and what was the economic, social and religious role of these sites within the local landscape? A final largely unresearched area concerns the archaeological evidence for the
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provision of pastoral care by these ecclesiastical sites. Historians have advanced many theories yet it is evident that there have been few archaeological studies that have sought about examining the social and religious role of these monastic sites within their local landscape context. There is then great potential for studies comparatively assessing the archaeological development of these churches both within a site and landscape context. Such studies could then be in a position to identify regional patterns in terms of the organization, character, layout and function of ecclesiastical sites through the early medieval period.
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Chapter 6: Early Medieval Burials and Cemeteries
Chapter 6. Early medieval burials and cemeteries
Introduction
Background The centuries from A.D. 4001200 are commonly regarded as the early Christian period. Yet there is a growing body of archaeological evidence for the longlived nature of Pagan practices, or more appropriately the slow conversion of Irish society (or elements of it) to Christian belief and practice as well as a growing sense of the diversity and complexity of burial practices during this period across the island. Christianity only appears to have emerged as the dominant religion by perhaps the 6th century A.D. but old traditions died hard and burials continued to be interred in many diverse, often probably ancient contexts up to the 7th/8th century A.D. and even beyond (with a reintroduction of Pagan burial rites in the Viking Age between the 9th and the 10th centuries AD. It is certainly the case that Irish archaeology has uncovered an extraordinarily rich array of evidence for peoples beliefs, ideologies and ritual practices, which future research by EMAP and others could usefully investigate. This EMAP report describes and analyses the wide range of early medieval burial evidence that has been discovered in Ireland. It draws extensively from the publications of Elizabeth OBrien (1990, 1993, 2003), who has written the key texts in understanding and interpreting the burial practices of the peoples of early medieval Ireland, while it also acknowledges the work of many site directors of various excavations who have themselves offered significant conclusions. The first section describes the rites and practices used in burying the corpse of the deceased, in other words the actual treatment of the body itself. EMAP then examines the diversity of burial practices in the Iron Age/early medieval transition period (i.e. in the 5th6th century A.D.), in enclosures, mounds and other contexts. It also describes the increasingly rich evidence for unenclosed burials and cemeteries in the early medieval archaeological record (See Appendix 5). The function and role of these sites still has to be established. The Chapter then explores the evidence for burial practices as we move into the early medieval period proper, including the emergence of burial in ecclesiastical contexts and also in settlement/cemetery sites. It examines the emergence of ecclesiastical cemeteries in the 7th/8th century, their links with earlier funerary sites and the evidence for diversity in burial rites. There is intriguing evidence that Pagan burial practices continued into the early medieval period suggesting that the hegemony of Christian authorities was not total in the landscape. However, Pagan burial practices are certainly reintroduced in the 9th century AD, when Viking raiders were being buried in Dublin and elsewhere, until the HibernoNorse were converted to Christianity and merge into the gradually more homogenous burial practices of the Medieval world.
Burying the dead in early medieval Ireland how was the corpse treated?
We can firstly explore the rites of burial itself. Early medieval people in Ireland buried their dead in a range of ways, using a variety of rites and practices, involving the placing of the body in slightly different positions and using grave goods, stone, wood and cloth in different ways. Almost all early medieval burials were buried without grave goods, in an eastwest orientation (with the head to the west), in an extended, supine position (i.e. lying on the back) in a long dug grave (that may be defined in various ways). This is a burial practice that is not entirely Christian in origins, as it emerges in RomanBritain in the 2nd/3rd century AD. Rarely, early medieval burials are in a prone (lying face down) or flexed (with legs drawn slightly upwards) practices that may be contingent on events (hurried burials during war, disease) or cultural
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practices (AngloSaxon influences or the treatment of marginalized people such as criminals or outlaws). However, it is not as simple as this and it is now known that the treatment of the corpse itself (as well as the grave furniture, see below) shows some chronological development through the early medieval period (e.g. the gradual shift away from an unwrapped body towards the use of a shroud cloth tightly wrapped around the body), but there is also evidence for continuities (e.g. the use of unprotected or unlined graves simple dug pits across the entire early medieval period) and for rites that vary within burial grounds at the same time (e.g. the use of stone slablined cists in the 5th/6th century or lintelled graves in the 7th/8th century at the same time as unprotected graves). This means that although patterns can certainly be discerned, it would be unwise to date excavated burials by burial rite alone. There are also a few practices that, although rare (such as the very rare use of pillow stones placed behind the head) can be found across all periods. In summary, burial rites in the early medieval period include: ! Iron Age/early medieval transition period burials (5th/6th century AD) (evolving from Iron Age traditions in the 3rd/4th century AD): Bodies are buried as extended inhumations, eastwest in orientation, in long stone slablined cists or in unprotected dug graves. The corpse is placed loose (i.e. not wrapped in a shroud or cloth binding although there may have been a covering cloth over the face so that arms and feet are apart). The long stone cist might be defined with upright kerbstones along the sides and ends of the grave, with stones also laid as a base and across the top as capstones. It is not possible to say whether such burials in slablined graves are Pagan or Christian, as extended inhumation in eastwest orientation is a rite descended from RomanoBritish practices Early medieval Christian and Pagan burial (7th/8th century AD, or later). Early medieval Christian as most of them probably were by the 7th/8th century AD burials were often (but not always) in ecclesiastical graveyards: Bodies must have been tightly wrapped in a cloth shroud, causing the arms to lie tight against the body while the feet are close together at ankles (as depicted on Cross of Scriptures). Bodies may be placed in a lintelled grave (with stones at edges and ends, but NOT with laid stones in the base of grave) or alternatively in a dug, unprotected grave. Lintelled graves tend to be dated to after the seventh century AD. The head may be flanked or propped by earmuff stones (preventing the head from slumping sideways) or there may be a headcist (i.e. an arrangement of stones around head only). Other unusual burials are also known in caves that might be Christian burials, but some of these may well be Pagan burials (e.g. at Cloghermore, Co. Kerry) well into the Christian era (i.e. in the 7th/8th century AD). There are also some burials from the 6th/7th century AD, mostly along the east coast, that have produced a few grave goods (e.g. brooches, knives, deposits of charred grain) that might be interpreted as Anglo Saxon burials. Early medieval Norse furnished burials (9th/early 10th century) will usually be in unprotected graves, typically with various associated objects (e.g. males with daggers, swords, shield bosses or females tortoise shell brooches although it is possible for such gender roles to be not so clear). It should be noted that not all Norse people were buried with such highstatus grave goods, suggesting that it may be difficult to distinguish between Christian Irish and Pagan Norse burials in the 9th century AD. Early medieval Christian burial with recumbent decorated/cross slabs (8th11th century AD). The burial is associated with gravestones, such as recumbent slabs. The burial may be in unlined graves or lintelled graves, but the distinctive touch is the recumbent slab over or beside the grave. This practice
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was probably reserved for people of high (e.g. aristocratic or ecclesiastical authority) status. High status recumbent slabs have also been recovered from a large number of significant early medieval ecclesiastical sites particularly at Clonmacnoise and Gallen, Co. Clare, Iniscealtra, Co. Clare, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, Nendrum, Co. Down, Inishmurray, Co. Sligo, the Aran Islands, Co. Galway, Kilpeacan and Kilberrihert, Co. Tipperary and Tullylease, Co. Cork (Lionard 1961). A number of high status burials at Iniscealtra and Glendalough were lined with slabs that project over the surface. They were then covered with recumbent slabs, many of which were decorated with incised and carved crosses. Small socketholes were present at the head or foot of the graves and would have held upright crosses (Lionard 1961, 150). These burials tend to date to after the 8th century and may represent the burial places of high status ecclesiastics and secular individuals. ! Late Medieval burials (12th/13th century and later), Corpses are placed in wooden coffins (with surviving iron coffin nails), arms will be placed crossed across chest, and body will be tightly wrapped in a shroud and shroud pins will be associated with body (as at Ardfert, Co. Kerry).
Early medieval burial and the use of enclosures/ringditches (57th century A.D.)
Introduction
annular
burial
OBrien (1993) was the first archaeologist to note that Iron Age/Early Christian transitional burials were being interred in annular burial enclosures (i.e. circular ditched enclosures, descended from the very long tradition (i.e. as in Bronze Age and Iron Age) of burial in ring ditches and barrows). She showed how historical sources like the Collecto Canonum Hibernensis provided information about the continuing practice of burial within possible pagan unconsecrated cemeteries in the 6/7th centuries. OBrien (1993, 133) noted a comment by Tirechan which mentioned the burial of two daughters of a king inside a round ditch after the manner of a ferta, because this is what the heathen Irish used to do, but we call it a relic. OBrien suggested that Iron Age/early Christian ringditches or ringbarrows were the possible location of these pagan ferta or relic cemeteries in the 5th/6th/7th centuries AD. OBriens (2003) paper mentioned five annular burial enclosures which could be examples of ferta or relic cemeteries. Early Medieval burial in Penannular Enclosures/RingDitches Before reviewing the evidence for burial in annular enclosures, it should first be stated that there is also a very rare practice of burying the dead in penannular enclosures (i.e. ringditches where a single causewayed entrance is left, so that the ditch is not continuous. In contrast, more common annular enclosures are continuous ring ditches: Elizabeth OBrien pers comm). Sites included Westreave, Co. Dublin Colp, Co. Meath and Ardsallagh I, Co. Meath where penannular enclosures became the focus of inhumation cemeteries containing both eastwest unprotected and stone/slablined graves. OBrien (1993) also mentioned an excavation at Greenhills, near Kilcullen Co. Kildare which a number of unprotected and stone/slablined east west inhumations inside and outside the ditched enclosure. Other examples included Castle Upton, Templepatrick, Co. Antrim where a centrally placed stonelined grave and an unprotected parallel grave were found inside a penannular enclosure. At Westereave, Co. Dublin, the first phase saw the establishment of a wellordered cemetery containing eastwest unlined pit burials inside a penannular burial enclosure or ringditch. The second phases saw further stonelined burials extending out over the fill of the ditch into the surrounding area. In total 52 burials were excavated at the site (Gowen 1988, Excavations Bulletin).
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At Colp West, Co. Meath, excavations revealed a cemetery of over 100 inhumations, 14 of which were set in stonelined burials. A number of primary burials appear to have been contained within a penannular burial enclosure, 15m in diameter that in turn was succeeded by a cemetery of approximately 100 burials (Gowen 1988, Excavations Bulletin OBrien 1993, 98). At Ardsallagh II, Co. Meath, archaeological excavations by Linda Clarke (ACS) (since OBriens review) in advance of the M3 Clonee to north of Kells Motorway, identified an early medieval penannular enclosure, 21m in diameter with an entrance causeway. The excavations revealed two early Bronze ringditches containing flat cremation cemeteries. The early medieval pennanular ring ditch was found beside these features and was found to have imitated them in form (a feature noted at Rathdooney Beg, Co. Sligo, where a Neolithic bowl barrow was similarly replicated in the Iron Age (Carlin & Clarke 2006)). Its primary and main fills were radiocarbon dated to between the fifth to the eighth century and it was later reused as a segmented enclosure. There was no clear evidence for burials (Linda Clarke pers. Comm.). At Ardsallagh I, Co. Meath located close by, a pennanular ringditch, 14m in diameter, was also recently excavated by Linda Clarke (ACS). Late Bronze Age and Iron Age cremation burials were found on the site, indicating that it already existed as a ritual locale. The Iron Age/early medieval transition pennanular enclosure ditch, with an entrance to the west, was dug in the 4th6th century AD and the burial enclosures showed evidence for use in the 5th7th century AD. The early medieval burial ground had up to 30 eastwest inhumations, including 5 stonelined inhumations outside the enclosure and 24 interred bodies inside the ringditch. Four radiocarbondated burials ranged from the fourth to the seventh century AD (Clarke & Carlin 2006 Linda Clarke pers comm). Early Medieval Burial in Annular Enclosures/RingDitches However, early medieval burial in annular enclosures (i.e. with continuous, circular ringditches) is much more common. One of the earliest hints of this early medieval burial tradition ironically came from the later prehistoric research of the Discovery Programme. The Ballyhoura Hills Projects (directed by Martin Doody) excavations at Chancellorsland, Co. Tipperary discovered that a fill (not a burial deposit) from the ditch of a ring barrow produced a radiocarbon confirming its use in the 7/8th centuries although the site had originally been excavated as it was thought to be a Bronze Age barrow located close to a confirmed Bronze Age settlement enclosure (OBrien 2003, 69). However, OBrien (1993) noted this late date and also noted how a similar ditched enclosure containing extended inhumations in unprotected graves was revealed 200m to the southeast of the ecclesiastical enclosure at Durrow, Co. Offaly. Though the dates of this annular ditched enclosure were not available at the time (they have since suggested a 9th century AD date Elizabeth OBrien, pers comm.), she postulated whether it might represent a pagan cemetery (ferta) that was Christianised later. EMAPs review of the excavation evidence has thrown up other potential sites which could be considered in such a category involving burial inside ditched enclosures described in this instance by OBrien as Annular Burial enclosures but which could also be variously described as ringditches or ringbarrows. Excavations at Mell II, Co. Louth in advance of the M1 Motorway revealed nine crude stone lined graves in close proximity to a ringditch that may date to the Bronze Age. A silver ornament was found interred with one inhumation while a cremation pyre was also potentially excavated (Breen, excavations Bulletin, 2000). A ringditch was excavated at Cloncowan, Co. Meath in advance of the Bord Gis Pipeline Scheme to the West. Sixteen burials were excavated, 13 of which were found within the ditch with the remainder in the interior. There was no consistency in their alignment though one burial was defined by earmuffs while another contained a pillow stone.
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Excavations at the large settlementcemetery site at Raystown, Co. Meath also revealed a 4/5th century ringditch, 20m in diameter that served as the setting for an inhumation cemetery of 93 people that continued through the early medieval period. Excavations at Armagh by Lynn in 1979 revealed a Neolithic ring ditch, 11m in diameter which was found associated with a cemetery of approximately 60 eastwest inhumations. The site was located in the postulated area of the historically known Temple na Ferta. A radiocarbon determination for one grave returned a date spanning the mid fifthmid seventh century (cal. A.D. 430640) (Edwards 1990, 130). One of these was interred within a wooden coffin and marked out by wooden posts which Carragin (2003) suggested might represent evidence for a translation. The cemetery appears to have fallen out of use by the 9th century when the area was used for industrial purposes. Excavations at Corbally, Co. Kildare revealed a site that began as a small ringditch but later evolved into a large subrectangular enclosure, c. 50m in diameter. Eight simple dug graves were excavated. Burials inside the ringditch were radiocarbon dated to between 330AD and 540AD, while those from outside the enclosure were dated to between 770AD and 820AD (Stout 2006). It appears then that burial activity switched from the interior of the ring ditch to around the monument as appears to have occurred at Westereave and Colp West. A vast quantity of settlement evidence was also uncovered. The site appears to have been an important settlement site with some burial activity from the Late Iron Age to the 10/11th century at least. Excavations at Coldwinters, Lusk, Co. Dublin in advance of the M1 AirportBalbriggan Motorway Bypass (Opie 1999, Excavations Bulletin) revealed a doubleditched enclosure. The outer ditch was 45m in diameter while the inner enclosed an area of 39m. Six eastwest burials were excavated within the interior of the site. A small circular ringditch measuring c. 10m in diameter, 0.8m wide and 0.30.8m deep was cut into the large enclosure. A single human extended supine burial contained within a slablined grave and covered by a few covering lintels was excavated within the centre of the ringditch and was aligned southeast/northwest. There were no gravegoods present. A limited quantity of settlement evidence was uncovered. Early Medieval Burial in Ancient RingBarrows One interesting facet of this burial evidence is the hint that some communities buried their dead in barrows and ringditches that had actually been created in prehistory. In other words, people were actually using ancient monuments, as opposed to building new monuments that either respected or mirrored ancient forms. Excavations have therefore revealed that Iron Age/early medieval transition inhumation cemeteries were interred inside and around preexisting ring barrows. An Iron Age ringbarrow was excavated at Bellinstown, Co. Dublin in advance of the M1 BalbrigganAirport Bypass (Lynch excavation bulletin, 2002). A deer antler and a small deposit of cremated bone were found inside the monument. The northeastern side of the monument was cut by five unprotected eastwest inhumation. Immediately beside these inhumations were four others, orientated northeastsouthwest. A possible annular enclosure or ringbarrow was found 10m to the north of the ecclesiastical cemetery at Derrynaflan monastery, Co. Tipperary and excavated by Elizabeth OBrien. The barrow had been extensively disturbed by later activity but survived as a shallow flat bottomed ditch 1.0m wide and enclosing an area of 6m in diameter. Two pits were found to contain quantities of charcoal, cremated bone and animal bone as well as potential undisturbed burials. No human bone was identified (OFloinn excavations bulletin, 1985). Excavations at Kiltullagh, Co. Roscommon revealed a cemetery of stone/slablined and unprotected inhumations and Iron Age cremations pits beside a standing stone and ringbarrow on the summit of the hill. One stone/slablined inhumation burial was dated to the 5th century
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A.D. It is clear that the ringbarrow and standing stone had become the focal point of later inhumation burials in the 5/6th centuries. Recent excavations at Cross, Co. Galway in advance of the N6 GalwayBallinasloe Road Scheme revealed two ringbarrows that appear to have been the focal point of burials in the early medieval period (Bermingham 2007). The Origins and Chronology of the Iron Age/Early Medieval Annular Burial Enclosure In summary, there is increasing evidence for the burial of predominantly eastwest inhumations (that may or may not be Christian burials) inside, outside and around ditched enclosures that have been variously described as penannular enclosures, annular enclosures, ringditches and ringbarrows. It is clear that excavations in recent years have increased the number of known ditched enclosures with Iron Age/early medieval eastwest inhumations, many buried within stone/slablined cists. Radiocarbon dating indicates that some of these were reused Iron Age monuments some were located on or close to Late Bronze Age or Iron Age burial grounds (although these ancient cremation burials would hardly have been distinctively marked or highly visible in the fifth century), while some were actual Iron Age/early medieval dug monuments constructed a novo in the midfifth century AD and after (i.e. contemporary with the earliest Christian missions in Ireland, although this of course does not signify that these were Christian believers). What are the origins of these Iron Age/early medieval burial grounds that may well be the form of monuments known to Tirechan as ferta? OBrien (1993, 2003) noted that the Iron Age/early medieval burial enclosures had possible common ancestral antecedents in the Irish landscape in the form of the Bronze Age and Iron Age ringditch and/or ringbarrow. It is certainly possible that Irish Iron Age/early medieval transition burial enclosures have their origins in native Irish prehistoric monuments (and it is striking that at Ardsallagh I and II, there was clear Late Bronze Age and Iron Age burial activity there beforehand). Clarke and Carlin (2006), amongst others, have also noted how the annular ditched enclosure (ringditch, ring barrow) is a monument that is continuously found from the Neolithic through to the early medieval period. However, OBrien (1993, 2003) also noted that these Iron Age/early medieval sites tended to be located in areas of Ireland that had both historical and potential archaeological links with Anglo Saxon England in the 7th century i.e. the kingdom of Brega on the east coast. She noted that her five examples dated to around the 7th century A.D. and that importantly this type of annular burial enclosure could be compared particularly to sites in AngloSaxon England. OBrien was of the opinion at that stage that the annular burial enclosure was probably a once off phenomenon which was due to contacts with AngloSaxon England in the 7th century. However, EMAP can demonstrate from the 19702002 data, but also from more recent discoveries that the great majority of known excavated Iron Age/early medieval ditched enclosures containing inhumation cemeteries continue to be located in the counties of Dublin, Kildare, Louth and particularly Meath: eastern counties which would very likely have enjoyed contacts with Anglo Saxon England. A counter argument could be made however that these discoveries are a product of the huge scale of excavations in these eastern counties due to the scale of the M3, M2 and other major roadway schemes rather than evidence for regionality of burial practice within early medieval Ireland. However, the dating evidence shows that this is a monument that emerges out of the period AD 400500, potentially well before any AngloSaxon connection. Excavations at Ardsallagh 2, Co. Meath and Raystown, Co. Meath have confirmed that the early ringditches date to the 4/5th centuries A.D. Furthermore, it is likely that the ringditches at Bellinstown and Cloncowan date to this period. The fact that burials tended to be located in the interior, inside the ditch and around the ditched enclosures at a number of the sites including Bellinstown and Ardsallagh 2 supports the idea that the ringditches predated the inhumation cemeteries by at least some time (although the enclosing ditches could be merely days or weeks earlier than the first burial within them). While it is possible that while this type of annular enclosure may be related to
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influences from AngloSaxon England in and around the 7th century, that the reuse of pre existing funerary monuments such as ringditches was an important component of religious practices in this period. This is particularly relevant when we understand that many of these like Ardsallagh and Chancellorsland contain evidence for ritual practices extending back into the Bronze Age. It is evident then that we should then consider the power of ancestral places as a powerful motivation factor in the location of transitional burials. This is clear when we consider the other settings and forms of 5th/6th/7th century burials and cemeteries across the island. The abandonment of Iron Age/early medieval transition annular enclosures as we move on into the early medieval period Some ringditches possibly like Chancellorsland, Castle Upton, Templepatrick and Greenhills appear to have only been used for a limited number of burials in the transitional 57th century A.D. period. The ringditches at Westereave and Colp West though appear to have provided a focal point for subsequent unenclosed early medieval cemeteries that later developed over the fills of the ditch and into the surrounding area. Both sites appear to have revealed no settlement evidence though it must be stated that only a small part of the sites, particularly at Colp West were fully excavated in 1988/89. Excavations at Cloncowan, Ardsallagh 2, Bellinstown and Kiltullagh also attest to the continued practice of limited early medieval burial in the interior and exterior of these monuments. The ringditches at Raystown and Corbally appear to have developed into subsequent significant enclosed settlement sites with evidence for burial well into the early medieval period (See Settlement/CemeteriesSettlement Section). A ringditch was also located in close proximity to another significant early medieval enclosed site with limited burial evidence at Castlefarm, Co. Meath. It is also possible that the ring ditches and ringbarrows provided burial foci for subsequent ecclesiastical cemeteries at Armagh, Durrow & Derrynaflan. It appears then that many Iron Age/early medieval ringditches which may have been used for burial in the 57th century A.D. only saw limited activity and fell out of use after this period. The bulk of sites though appear to have seen intermittent burial evidence up around the 8th century A.D with a minority of sites developing into significant settlement/cemetery sites and possible ecclesiastical cemeteries.
Early medieval burials and standing stones (57th centuries A.D.)

While the Iron Age/early medieval transition annular burial enclosure or ringditch/ringbarrow was possibly the most significant form of burial monument in the 5th/6th/7th century, EMAPs research also makes it clear that other types were also popular across the island in this period. Some of these are similar to the above evidence, in that preexisting funerary or ritual monuments provided a focal point for transitionperiod burials. Standing stones were one important ancestral monument that appear to have been foci for burial in this period. The Evidence for Standing Stones and Iron Age/early medieval transition Burial Excavations at Kiltullagh, Co. Roscommon mentioned above were undertaken beside a standing stone indicating the important significance of this site in the period. Excavations at Kiltullagh, Co. Roscommon revealed a cemetery of stone/slablined and unprotected inhumations and Iron Age cremations pits beside a standing stone and ringbarrow on the summit of the hill. One stone/slablined inhumation burial was dated to the 5th century A.D. It is clear that the ring barrow and standing stone had become the focal point of later inhumation burials in the 5/6th centuries.
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Excavations at Ballykeel South, Co. Clare revealed a stone/slablined cist burial that was radiocarbon dated to c.A.D. 400 beside a standing stone and near the enclosure known as Ballykeel Fort (Cahill 1988, Excavations Bulletin). Excavations on the summit of an artificially constructed mound at Kilgowan, Co. Kildare revealed at least 9 extended eastwest inhumations besides a crossinscribed standing stone (Valerie Keeley 1987, Excavations Bulletin). A ditchtype feature (ringditch?) was excavated to its east though it was unclear if it enclosed the burials. Though no dates were given for these extended inhumations, it is probable that they date to this transitional period. Excavations at Brackloon, Co. Kerry (Fionnbarr Moore, excavations bulletin 1991) revealed a roughly eastwest slablined burial situated halfway between a crossinscribed pillar stone and an outcrop of rock art. No dates were available for this burial though it could potentially be early in date. Excavations at Forenaughts Great, Co. Kildare revealed a carefully constructed mound 1m in height containing a cremation burial dating to the 5th century A.D (Grogan 1980). It is unique in that it is the only excavated cremation burial site that dates to the fifth century A.D. A standing stone was located the Longstone Rath where Early Bronze Age cist burials had been excavated beneath previously. It is evident then that Standing Stones were considered as important ancestral monuments that could be reused in a funerary context in and around the 5/6th centuries. The antiquity of these Standing Stones is still a matter of debate with some commentators suggesting dates from the Neolithic to Iron Age, although ogham stones are obviously also standing stones. Continuity of burial on into the early medieval period A number of these examples such as Ballykeel South and Brackloon appear to represent isolated examples of stonelined cists which potentially date to the 5/6th centuries A.D. Along with Kilgowan, it appears that these sites did not continue to remain a focal point of burial into the early medieval period. The cremation burial at Forenaughts Great remains an enigma. Its discovery beneath a mound suggests that that it fits neatly with the mound burial category which appears to also have been a once of construction during the transitional 57th century A.D period. Kiltullagh was located both beside a ringditch and standing stone. The site is likely to have provided foci for an ecclesiastical site with early medieval origins at the summit of the hill. Another possible exception is Millockstown, Co. Louth where an important early medieval settlement/cemetery site was excavated in close proximity to a standing stone.
Early medieval mound burials (57th century A.D.)

Elizabeth OBrien (2003) has noted another type of Iron Age/early medieval transitional burials that she has described as Mound Burials. OBriens (2003) Mound Burial typically takes the form of classic transitional stone/slablined cists which were covered beneath low mounds. The Evidence for Transitional Mound Burials OBrien (2003) noted four burials excavated beneath a low mound at Pollacorragune, Tuam, Co. Galway (Riley 1937, 44) that were subsequently dated to approximately the fourth/sixth centuries A.D. An excavation at Muckduff, Co. Sligo undertaken by Joseph Raftery (1941, 302) also revealed an extended inhumation beneath a low mound which OBrien (2003, 66) suggests dates to a similar period. OBrien (2003, 65) has also observed that extended eastwest inhumations were excavated beneath a mound at Ninch, Co. Meath, one of which was possibly stonelined. The mound
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measured 5m in height and 24m in diameter. One burial was radiocarbon dated to the fifth century A.D (Sweetman 1983). A burial contained within a long stone cist was excavated beneath a low mound 14m in diameter at Farganstown & Ballymacon, Co. Meath (Kelly 1976). No radiocarbon dates were available for the site although it is quite likely that it is also transitional in date. Other potential sites in which Iron Age/early medieval transition burials may have been interred in a raised mound include Knocklore, Co. Louth that was bulldozed in 1964. No extant remains of the raised mound survive though it was believed that upwards of 20 burials were recovered of uncertain date. Testing was conducted at the area in 1996 by Martin Fitzpatrick in advance of the N2 ArdeeRathory Road Realignment but nothing appears to have been recovered. The site is of uncertain date though could potentially date to this transitional period. Fifty inhumations were also excavated inside a mound at Johnstown, Co. Meath and dated to around the Late Iron Age. A charnel pit contained three inhumations and dated to AD 370640 (Carlin, Walsh & Clarke, forthcoming). This cemetery later provided a focus for a significant early and late medieval settlement and cemetery site. In this case, the mound was probably a natural hill feature, but it may well have been that Iron Age/early medieval communities unaware of its natural origins regarded the site as a ferta. Eoin Grogans (1980) excavations at the low Forenaught Great, Co. Kildare could potentially be 5th century cremation appears to represent an cremation appears to have fallen out of use by the mound containing a cremation burial at regarded in this category. The presence of a aberration in the burial data however as 2nd/3th century A.D.
Ad hoc burial and the concept of the burial mound It is clear then that preexisting burial places possibly regarded as ancestral or ancient monuments were significant sites of highranking burial from the 57th century A.D., OBrien (1992, 133) has however also alluded to another type of isolated burial. She has noted a number of historical references by Muirchu and Tirechan to people being buried on the spot of their death. Another reference by Adomnn refers to how after Columba had baptized an old pagan man, he presently died and was buried beneath a cairn of stones. It is evident that slab lined cist burials were interned beneath a number of mound burials at Ninch, Co. Meath, Ferganstown & Ballymackon, Co. Meath and Pollacorragune, Tuam, Co. Galway and Muckduff, Co. Sligo as noted by OBrien (2003, 65). A further slablined burial was interned beneath a cairn of stones at Claristown 2 although there was evidence for preceding prehistoric evidence. It is possible however that the examples of Knocklore and Johnstown 1 provide exceptions to the idea that transitional mound burials were associated with ad hoc burial as they appear to have contained in themselves important cemeteries.
Continuity of burial into the early medieval period The mound burials typically take the form of one or a limited number of inhumations, often set inside stone/slablined burials that were interred beneath small mounds. These small burial mounds do not appear to have remained a focal point of burial after the 5/6th century A.D. The possible exception listed under this category is at Knocklore, Co. Louth where upwards of 20 undated burials and Johnstown 1 that continued to be used as a settlement and cemetery site into the post medieval period. It is possible that these two examples belong to different categories as mound burials, observed by OBrien (2003) appear to have been a once of construction built during the 57th centuries A.D.
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Early medieval burial and prehistoric mounds and cairns (57th century A.D.)
It is also evident that ancient prehistoric mounds or cairns could also provide a focus for burial from the 57th centuries A.D. Evidence for this form of burial has been excavated in a variety of contexts including Neolithic passage tombs, early Bronze Age cemeteries and Bronze Age cairns. The evidence for the reuse of prehistoric monuments by Iron Age/early medieval transition burials Excavations at Knowth (Eogan 1974) revealed nine crouched, four flexed, eight extended and thirteen disturbed inhumations around the circumference of the passage tomb at Knowth, Co. Meath. The crouched and flexed inhumations contained grave goods and are Iron Age in date. Four extended slablined graves were set slightly apart and Elizabeth OBrien (pers comm.) suggested that these were likely to date to the fifth century A.D. They indicate the continued importance of this ancestral funerary monument during the transitional Iron Age/early medieval period. Excavations at Betaghstown, Co. Meath revealed another complex funerary landscape dating from the Neolithic to Bronze Age. The prehistoric evidence there took the form of a Neolithic timber circle and an early Bronze Age cemetery. It was possible that the Bronze Age burials excavated by Kelly in 1979 may have been covered by a mound (Kelly 1979 Meenan 1998). Excavations also discovered an inhumation cemetery dating from the Late Iron Age/early medieval transition. A number of crouched pit and slablined cist burials were excavated at the primary levels of the site. One of the crouched pit burials was by an iron belt buckle, two penannular brooches, stone axe pendant and bronze plate and is likely to be late Iron Age/early medieval in date (Kelly 1979). Elizabeth OBrien (pers comm.) suggests that the ritual and grave goods indicate that this could be a RomanoBritish or early AngloSaxon burial. Early medieval burials were also found in a Bronze Age cairn, 25m in diameter, excavated by Elizabeth OBrien in 1997 and 1998 at Ballymacaward, Co. Donegal, not far from the sea. The cairn measured 25m in diameter and was surrounded by a later stone kerb. A Bronze Age cist was probably the primary use of the cairn. Iron Age cremated bone mixed with charcoal and contained within two small bowlshaped pits were uncovered near the centre of the site and radiocarbon dated to 2/1st centuries B.C. A total of ten Iron Age/early medieval eastwest inhumations were also uncovered. Three were contained within slablined cists, one of which was radiocarbon dated to the mid fifth century AD. The remaining burials were in unprotected dug graves some wrapped in shrouds, and were dated to around the 7th century AD. Ballymacaward is a fascinating example of a burial ground used periodically across later prehistory and into the early Middle Ages, with interesting connections being established by early medieval communities with the past. Excavations along the M1 motorway at Claristown 2, Co. Meath revealed an enigmatic site that dated from the Neolithic to early medieval period. The earliest Iron Age phase consisted of a circular hut measuring 6m in diameter. It was succeeded by the burial of an adult inside a stonelined cist in the centre of a possible ringditch that was then covered by a small mound. A possible circular structure was then built over the central burial. The structure was eventually dismantled and covered by a cairn of stones. Nine stonelined inhumations were found to the north of the cairn and are likely to be Late Iron Age/early medieval in date, while another four unprotected burials were interred to the south of the cairn in the early medieval period (Russell, 2001). It is possible that people in the late Iron age/early medieval period understood the mound covered by a cairn of stone as an ancient ancestrally funerary monument. Excavations were undertaken at Knoxspark, Co. Sligo (Mount 1994, Excavations Bulletin 94E060). A large early medieval cemetery with possible Late Iron Age/early medieval origins was excavated around two cairns which contained a cremation and child burial. It appears that the site was then enclosed by a rectangular promontory fort measuring 23m northsouth by
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19m eastwest. Evidence for settlement evidence was also recovered indicating the sites possible function as an early medieval settlement/cemetery. Continuity into the early medieval period Ballymacaward appears to have been reused in the fifth century with a final number of unprotected burials interred around the site in the 7th century. A similar phasing of activity may have taken place at Claristown 2 where number of Late Iron Age/early medieval slablined burials were succeeded by unprotected burials dating to the early medieval period. No accompanying settlement evidence appears to have been uncovered at these sites. The burial sites at Knowth and Betaghstown are likely to date to the 5/6th centuries A.D. However the burials and the megalithic tomb at Knowth provided a focus for the development of a significant early medieval settlement site with royal associations. Similarly, the burials at Betaghstown were located a short distance from an unenclosed early medieval cemetery (See Below), while an important enclosed settlement/cemetery site appears to have developed around two cairns at Knoxpark in the early medieval period.
Enclosures as foci of early burial

There is also a growing body of evidence to suggest that large, preexisting enclosures or newly built enclosures (subtly different from the annular enclosures described above) were used for burials in the Iron Age/early medieval transition period (47th centuries A.D.) some of which also became a focus for later settlement activities (See Settlement/Cemetery Settlement Section). There is however no evidence for any churches on these sites, suggesting that they are some form of secular burial ground. Some of these enclosed burial grounds became a focus for settlement. The Evidence Excavations at Cherrywood, Co Dublin revealed a 6/7th century inhumation cemetery containing 38 burials inside an enclosure measuring 43m x 20m. The site was situated in a rich prehistoric funerary landscape and was subsequently reused by later early medieval and potential Viking settlements (O Neill 1998, Excavations Bulletin 98E0526). Excavations at Mount Offaly, Co. Dublin revealed a large cemetery dating from the 5/6th century11/12th century A.D. was enclosed within a bivallate enclosure (inner 50 x60m outer 6065m) at Mount Offaly. The enclosure was subsequently expanded in the early medieval period. Excavations at Parknahown, Co. Laois by ACS also recently revealed a doubleditched enclosure (60m in diameter) whose ditches fill contained a late 7th century brooch. It enclosed a cemetery of approximately 600 people and was used for a number of centuries during the early medieval period. Excavations at Faughart Lower by NAC also revealed a doubleditched enclosure that was dated to the 46th century A.D. The enclosure appears to have predated the burials that began in the 56th century A.D. (http://www.nra.ie/Archaeology/LeafletandPosterSeries/file,9105,en.pdf). Excavations at Millockstown, Co. Louth in Phase 1 revealed an enclosure measuring 65m x 56m. The enclosure was subsequently succeeded by a ringfort and later lintel cemetery (Manning 1986). A similar scenario occurred at Ninch, Laytown that revealed that a number of enclosing ditches possibly indicative of a ringfort preceded the construction of a lintel cemetery c. 69th century A.D. (James Eogan Cia McConway 20002002, Excavations Bulletin 98E0501).
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It must be said that 47th century A.D enclosures appear to have provided a foci for burial at these places though not all sites necessarily contained 57th century burial. These enclosures all appear to date to the Iron Age/early medieval transitional period. They were however not all necessarily associated with other prehistoric monuments though this appears to have been the case at Millockstown and Cherrywood. There are a number of other settlement/cemetery sites that contained large enclosures (See Gazetteer). No approximate dates were provided for the enclosures though they are likely to belong to roughly the same period.
Early medieval unenclosed cemeteries

Excavations in recent years have also revealed a number of apparently unenclosed cemeteries that date to the early medieval period. In many cases, the site appears, from Excavations Bulletin reports, to have only been partially excavated leaving open the possibility that some form of enclosure may have existed in the past (or still exists on the site). The origins and character of these unenclosed cemeteries have yet to be established. It is not yet clear who was buried in these sites and whether they represent a different cemetery site type to settlement/cemeteries and ecclesiastical cemeteries. Some of these sites have revealed a locational preference for gravel ridges and prominent topographical features. It also appears that a number of these sites may also have originated in the late Iron Age/early medieval period. The evidence: unenclosed cemeteries Excavations at Betaghstown (The Anchorage) by James Eogan (Rosanne Meenan 1998 & 1999 Excavations Bulletin 98E0072) in advance of a development revealed an unenclosed burial ground of approximately 60 burials situated approximately 500m from a small transitional Iron Age/early medieval burialground uncovered by Kelly in 1977 (Kelly, 1987 See above). The site appears to have been fully excavated by Eogan but no enclosure appears to have been discovered. The majority of the burials were set into stonelined pits although a few were found within lintel and slablined graves. Two burials were crouched. No accompanying settlement or ecclesiastical evidence appears to have been uncovered. Excavations at Mount Gamble, Miltonsfields, Cobbes Hill, Co. Dublin revealed an unenclosed cemetery (and this site was fully excavated) just southeast of the early ecclesiastical site at Swords, Co. Dublin. The excavations revealed 287 burials, the vast majority set in simple unprotected graves though some were also found to incorporate earmuffs (ODonovan 2002, Excavations Bulletin Frazer 2003, Excavations Bulletin). The cemetery dated from the 612th century and no accompanying settlement evidence appears to have been uncovered. This excavation seems to indicate that this was the burial ground of a community across time, with the burial of a few individuals every few years, as might be expected in the normal mortality rates of a rural community (Edmond ODonovan, pers comm.). Excavations at Kilshane, north Co. Dublin (Gowen 1988, Excavations Bulletin) revealed a further unenclosed cemetery containing 123 burials. The inhumations appear to have been interred 34 deep in unprotected graves although about a dozen did contain earmuffs on either side of the skulls. Some burials had grave goods in the form of knives and there was also burnt grain. Consequently, OBrien (1993, 98) has suggested that there were some early AngloSaxon influences at the site. No date was provided for this site though it is quite possible that it was in use by the 6/7th century A.D. and continued into the early medieval period. Excavations were undertaken at Peterstown, Trim, Co. Meath in advanced of a road development in 1997 (Murphy 1997, Excavations Bulletin 97E0389). Four unprotected east west inhumations were excavated. One returned a radiocarbon date of 159437 years BP (cal. AD 414532). The site may represent a small isolated transitional Iron Age/early medieval cemetery. It is not clear if the whole site was fully excavated.
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The evidence: unenclosed cemeteries located along gravel ridges/mounds A large number of burials were recovered from beneath and adjacent to two burial mounds at Ballysadare, Co. Sligo in advance of N4 BallysadareCollooney Bypass Road (Opie 1995 1996). Excavations revealed a burial with an associated pillowstone, a large number of eastwest unprotected inhumation burials, two lintel graves as well as two furnished inhumations apparently containing a ribbon torque and a bronze ring. Though no dates were available at that time, it is possible that this cemetery was in use from the late Iron Age through the early medieval period. Excavations at Ardnagross, Co. Westmeath in advance of a quarry extension along a gravel ridge in 1995 revealed an unenclosed cemetery dating from the mid 6thearly 9th century A.D (James Eogan 1995, Excavations Bulletin). The small cemetery consisted of two rows of burials, 6 in the eastern row and 8 in the western. Approximately 20 burials were discovered. The majority were extended inhumations. One was interred in a prone position and others were in flexed positions (with a radiocarbon date of AD 548820 Elizabeth OBrien pers comm). One definite stonelined burial was discovered while another contained earmuffs. Further burials had been revealed during initial quarrying activity so it is likely that the cemetery is somewhat greater. A bronze annular ring was also excavated from one grave. The cemetery then appears to go from an Iron Age/early medieval transitional period to well into the early Middles Ages, with burials taking place into the 9th century A.D. Excavations at Boolies Little, Co. Meath by (David Sweetman 1982) revealed the remains of a souterrain and a small along a pronounced ridge of land. The earliest burials amounted to 16 internments and were contained in shallow stonelined graves dug into stratified boulder clay. Some of them had secondary burials inserted directly above them but all predated the construction of the souterrain. Associated finds included a polished bone pin and iron plough sock. Post medieval burials were found above this early medieval cemetery. A potential early medieval cemetery was excavated at Sarsfieldstown, Co. Meath (Mary Deevy 1999, Excavations Bulletin). At least 8 eastwest unprotected inhumations with no associated gravegoods were excavated beneath a gravel mound. A preliminary analysis of the skeletons by Laureen Buckley suggested that they are very likely to be premedieval in date (Mary Deevy 1999, Excavations Bulletin). This suggests that they may date to the early medieval period. Other potentially early unenclosed early medieval cemeteries include Cushinstown, Co. Meath and Ahena, Co. Mayo. At least 14 lintel graves (usually dated to after the seventh century AD) were uncovered at Cushinstown, Co. Meath (Victor Buckley, 2000, Excavations Bulletin). The site is located 200m from a medieval church so the possibility remains that they form part of an ecclesiastical burialground. This is strengthened by the presence of lintel burials that OBrien (2003, 67) has noted tend to be discovered in ecclesiastical contexts and date from the 7/8th century A.D. It has been tentatively classified as unenclosed. Excavations at Ahena, Co. Mayo revealed nine eastwest inhumations during gravel quarrying (Murphy 1998, Excavations Bulletin). The dates of these burials are uncertain. Burial across the early medieval period It is likely that the cemeteries at Kilshane and Betaghstown were in use from the 6/7th century 8/9th century A.D. Although no dates are available, a similar phase of activity could be suggested for Boolies Little. This site appears to have originally been used as a cemetery before it was succeeded by a possible phase of occupation attested by the souterrain. Only a part of the site was excavated so it is possible that further cemeteries and habitation evidence could await discovery. It is possible that some of these burials may have interred at the site from 6 10th century as souterrains are usually found to date to the 9/10/11th century (Clinton 2001).
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The cemetery at Ardnagross was radiocarbon dated to the mid 6thearly 9th century while that at Ballysadare is likely to have spanned this period at the very least due to the size of the cemetery. Excavations at Mount Gamble revealed an unenclosed cemetery dating from 612th century A.D. The site at Sarsfieldstown can only be broadly dated to the early medieval period while that Peterstown is rooted in the transitional Iron Age/early medieval period. The evidence suggests that these unenclosed cemeteries are likely to have originated in the transitional Iron Age/early medieval period and have continued well into the early medieval period. These sites appear to have revealed no definite evidence for associated settlement sites, except possibly at Boolies Little though both the cemetery and habitation evidence here do not appear to have been contemporary with each other. The majority of these sites are then likely to have been in use from the 5/6th century8/9th century with the exception of Mount Gamble and possibly Ballysadare that continued to be used up to the end of the early medieval period.
Undated Enclosed Cemeteries

The EMAP survey also identified a number of enclosed undated cemeteries that could possibly date to the early medieval period. Rescue excavations were undertaken at Sand Pit Grove, Caherabbey Lower, Co. Tipperary when a number of burials were uncovered during quarrying activity along a gravel ridge beside the River Suir. Six burials orientated eastwest and buried within unlined graves were discovered during the excavation. The dates of the burials are uncertain though their location along a gravel ridge might suggest an early date. Cartographic evidence suggested that the cemetery was situated within an enclosure of undetermined size (Mary Cahill, 1988, Excavations Bulletin). Excavations at Murphystown, Co. Dublin in advance of the M50 Southeastern Motorway in 2002 revealed a possible enclosed cemetery of uncertain date (Valerie J. Keeley 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0153). The site was situated near a stream. Seven wholly or partially intact skeletons were found along with 13 disarticulated skeletons. The burials were extended east west inhumations with no grave goods. One burial was however orientated northeast/south west. A possible enclosure was represented by a shallow depression in the landscape (Breen, 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0153). Excavations at Rathmiles, Co. Laois in advance of the construction of a golf course in 2001 revealed a subcircular enclosure containing a cemetery. The eastwest inhumations were uncovered. No associated settlement evidence was uncovered. The date of these burials is uncertain (Delany, 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E1100). The dates of these enclosed cemeteries are uncertain though the potential remains that they could be early medieval in date.
Isolated Unenclosed Burials

OBrien (1984) has further documented the discovery of a number of isolated slablined cists across the country from time to time, particularly in the counties of Kerry, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Cork, Galway, Waterford, Wicklow and Dublin. A number of these isolated slablined burials such as Belladooan, Co. Mayo (Morris 1932), Dooey, Donegal (Duignan 1945 ORiordain and Rynne 1961), Aghhalahard, Cong slablined grave (Raftery & Moore 1944) and Killaree and Sheastown, Co. Kilkenny are likely to date to around the 5th/6th/7thcenturies A.D. based on the form of their graves and on occasional gravegoods that might suggest an early AngloSaxon association (OBrien 1993, 97). Other potentially early stone/slablined graves have been found at Ballybunion, Co. Kerry (OFloinn, 1987, Excavations Bulletin), Ballysimon, Co. Limerick (Collins, 2001, Excavations Bulletin) and Margaretstown & Baltrasna, Co. Dublin (Stout 1991, Excavations Bulletin).
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Isolated lintel graves have been excavated at Dromkeen East, Co. Kerry (Bennett, 1985 Excavations Bulletin), Drumbaragh, Co. Meath (Cahill 1988, Excavations Bulletin), Carrowsteelagh, Co. Mayo (Cahill 1990, Excavations Bulletin) and The Fishermans Grave, Lackan, Co. Sligo (Buckley 1991 Excavations Bulletin). OBrien (2003, 67) has suggested that lintel graves originally evolved from 5/6th century stone/slablined burials and were a significant form of burial rite, mostly found in ecclesiastical contexts, from the 7/8th century A.D. These sites were reported as isolated lintel burials in the excavations bulletin, so it is always possible that some could represent solitary graves of Christians buried away from ecclesiastical contexts in the early medieval period. However, it is clear that the great majority of these excavations did not examine the area around the reported disturbance which revealed the stone/slablined or lintel burial so it is more likely that they formed part of a larger early medieval cemetery.
The ancestral dead: Interpreting Iron Age/early medieval transitional and early medieval burial practices
Burials in the landscape: natural landmarks and ferta cemeteries: hilltops, gravel ridges and waterways It is interesting that some transitional Iron Age/early medieval cemeteries have a propensity to be located on hilltops, gravel ridges and close to important boundary markers. Hilltops and low rises above the landscape appear to have been significant locations for Iron Age/early medieval transitional inhumation cemeteries as is indicated at Kiltullagh, Co. Roscommon Kilgowan, Co. Kildare Corbally, Co. Kildare Raystown, Co. Meath Johnstown, Co. Meath Colp West, Co. Meath Claristown, Co. Meath Westreave, Co. Dublin and Knoxspark, Co. Sligo. Prominent gravel ridges also appear to have been significant with a number of sites located on such places, including Ardnagross, Co. Westmeath Ballysadare, Co. Sligo and Boolies Little, Co. Meath. Waterways may have also been another topographical location that was a focus of burials in this period. OBrien (1992, 133) has noted that Colp West (Inber Colpdi) was located near the mouth of the River Boyne in a mythologically and historically important area. OBrien (1997, excavations bulletin) also noted that Ballymacaward, Co. Donegal was located on the northern bank of the River Erne which was an important boundary in the early historic period. Eamonn Kelly has recently pointed out that many Iron Age bog bodies have a tendency to be found along tribal and baronial boundaries. The antiquity of these divisions is still a matter of debate although it is worth pointing out that both Kiltullagh and Johnstown straddle the boundaries between the counties and presumably local baronies of Roscommon/Mayo and Meath/Kildare respectively. It is evident then that these potentially pagan Iron Age/early medieval ferta cemeteries displayed an interest towards pronounced topographical points of the landscape such as hilltops, ridges and waterways which were likely operated as important boundaries that were imbued with significant mythological and ancestral meaning. Who was buried? The burial rite It is then clear that preexisting funerary monuments were an important determining factor in the location of burial sites from the 57th century A.D. OBrien (2003, 66) has noted that east west extended inhumation skeletons containing no gravegoods and enclosed within slablined cists was an important burial rite from the 57th century A.D. She notes that these types of burials are typically found inserted into or around these preexisting funerary monuments. Slab lined cist burials have been excavated at a number of the above sites including Betaghstown, Claristown 2, Boolies Little and Knowth, Co. Meath, Castle Upton, Co. Antrim, Kiltullagh, Co. Roscommon and Ballymacaward, Co. Donegal among other places. It is evident in some cases that these were often the earliest (i.e. in the historic period, there were Bronze Age and iron Age burials there) burials inserted into prehistoric monuments as was the case at Ballymacaward, where fifth century slablined inhumations were later succeeded by unprotected burials dating to around the 7th century A.D.
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OBrien (2003, 67) has suggested that highranking, probably Christian, individuals, were interred in and around these prehistoric monuments among (their putative) pagan ancestors in this period. That the amount of slablined cist burials excavated at these sites and dating to this period is generally low in number supports this hypothesis. This act undoubtedly served to reinforce the link between themselves and the indigenous ancestors to create a claim of sovereignty to the land. One good example was at Ballykeel South, Co. Clare, where a stone lined cist dating to the fifth century was interred close to a Standing Stone. The archaeological record also confirms the presence of eastwest extended inhumation burials containing no gravegoods and dating to this period. The earliest burials at Johnstown, Co. Meath were unlined as were a number of others at Betaghstown, Co. Meath (Eamonn Kelly, 197779, Excavations Bulletin E814) and Cooleeshalmore, Co. Kilkenny (Neary, 2003) among other places. Other sites containing unprotected burials that may date to this period include Maddens Hill, Kiltale, Co. Meath, Ballinlough, Co. Laois (OBrien 1993, 133) and Bellinstown, Co. Meath (Lynch, 2002, excavations Bulletin). It is evident then that this type of burial (i.e. unlined graves) was largely contemporary with the stone/slablined cist burial. In some cases, however, as at Ballymacaward, Co. Donegal, fifth century slablined inhumations were later succeeded by unprotected burials dating to around the 7th century A.D. (Elizabeth OBrien 1997 & 1998, Excavations Bulletin 97E0154). They cannot however be used as a realistic indicator for the burial of a less highstatus individual. The location of the burialplace of the general populace in this period is still unclear. Early medieval AngloSaxon burials and contacts OBrien (1993, 2003) has also highlighted some strong similarities between some of the Irish burial archaeological record and those of the AngloSaxons in England around the 7th century A.D. She has documented the historical evidence for contacts between the two peoples in the form of raids, religious studies in Ireland and Irish missionary activity. It is evident that a number of accounts refer to AngloSaxon ecclesiastics leaving to study among the Irish, as was the case with a certain Egbert who together with Aethelhun and other figures resided at the Irish monastery of Rath Melsigi, identified today as Clonmelsh, Co. Carlow in the mid 7th century (OBrien 1993, 94). A number of other ecclesiastical sites such as Glendalough, Co. Wicklow and Killegar (Cell Adgair), Co. Wicklow have also revealed possible AngloSaxon connections while another AngloSaxon figure, Berichter, is commemorated on an early crossslab at Tullylease, Co. Cork and is remembered at St. Berriherts Kyle, Co. Tipperary. Finally, OBrien (1993, 95) has also noted that the AngloSaxon King, Egfrith, lead an attack on the district of Brega (Meath) in the territory of the Southern U Neill in A.D. 685 when a number of captives were taken. It is well known that contacts with both Gaul/Merovingian Francia and AngloSaxon England was responsible for a crossfertilization of artistic, iconographic and decorative ideas which combined Celtic, Germanic and Romanic elements from the 7/8th centuries A.D. (OBrien 1993, 96). OBrien (1993) has suggested that we must also consider another form of archaeological evidence in the form of burials and gravegoods, to further understand the extent of Anglo Saxon influence and contacts in Ireland in this period. OBrien (1992) has noted that the dominant burial rite from the fourth century A.D. to the present is that of eastwest extended supine inhumations, with no gravegoods either in unprotected dug graves, graves outlined with stones or lined with slabs, with or without covering stones. She has noted then that clothed burials or those accompanied by gravegoods, earmuffs or other features such as wooden biers should be subjected to closer scrutiny. OBrien (1993, 96 & 97) has noted a crouched clothed burial at Betaghstown, Co. Meath that contained a number of gravegoods including penannular omega types brooches. These brooches were worn in a fashion one on each shoulder as in AngloSaxon dress, implying that the burial is in the AngloSaxon tradition. She has further documented further possible enigmatic burials often containing gravegoods with AngloSaxon associations at a ringfort at
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Raheenamadra, Co. Limerick (Stenberger 1966) Aghalahard, Cong, Co. Mayo (Raftery & Moore 1944, 1712) Killaree, Co. Kilkenny and Sheastown, Co. Kilkenny and inside the cemeteries at Dooey Co. Donegal (ORiordain & Rynne 1961, 5864) and Westreave and Kilshane, Co. Dublin. She has also noted that a grave at Levitistown, Co. Kildare was found to contain burnt grain: a pagan AngloSaxon practice that is recorded historically and discovered elsewhere in England. A later possible AngloSaxon burial was also excavated at Mayfield, Co. Waterford in advance of the Bord Gis CorkDublin Pipeline 1986 (ODonnell, 1986 excavations bulletin). A small stone lined burial pit was excavated which contained a small amount of cremated bone, a bronze straptag comparable to similar 9th century AngloSaxon types ornamented in the Trewhiddle style as well as a vertical sided pot. The site remains enigmatic and it is unclear if it represents the burial place of an AngloSaxon or even Viking along the bank of the River Suir in county Waterford. Finally, OBrien (1993 & 2003) has suggested that a number of very rare penannular burial enclosures such as Westreave, Colp West and Greenhills could attest to further early Anglo Saxon influences in places in Ireland that are known to have had historical contacts with these people. While, it is clear that one could argue that this type of monument represents a ring ditch with Irish prehistoric antecedents, it is nevertheless worth bearing in mind, particularly as the great majority of these sites have been excavated in eastern counties like Meath. This is a subject of interest, whatever the agents behind such burial practices whether they be the ongoing cultural contacts and exchange of ideas and practices between Ireland and Britain or actual Saxon immigrants into Ireland.
Early medieval settlement/cemeteries the enigmatic role of burial grounds within settlements
Reintroduction settlement/cemeteries size and morphology In Chapter 3 above, we have already described and discussed the evidence for what we have termed settlement/cemeteries (and we provide an Appendix of Settlement/Cemeteries below), which others have termed cemetery/settlements and other names The terminology is unimportant for the moment (although we prefer settlement/cemetery given that the evidence for daily life and practice is so strong on many sites), but what is important is the archaeological identification of an phenomenon whereby people buried their dead in virtually the same places as where they lived and worked (which of course is similar to the practice in monastic burial grounds, so may not be as dramatic as we think). Chapter 3 provides sufficient detail for this EMAP review, but it would be important to look at this evidence again here in this chapter on burial practice. In fact, these settlement/enclosures are very closely related to the sites discussed in this chapter, emphasising how difficult it can be to separate the living and the dead as James Joyce wrote, in early medieval Ireland. What are these sites like? Early medieval settlement/cemetery enclosures are typically enclosure complexes defined by a series of enclosing banks and ditches, ranging from 40100 m in diameter, with an average diameter of 5070m make them approximately similar in size to many other early medieval enclosures whether they be ringforts or larger enclosures like Killickaweeny, Co. Westmeath. Unlike other settlement enclosures, they also produce a fair amount of burials, datable to between the 5th12th century AD (or later). Burials may be principally located in a smaller enclosure at one part of the site, but it can be more complicated as burials are also found in ditches, near entrances and throughout the enclosure. Unusually, early medieval settlement/cemeteries such as Raystown, Co. Meath have produced much evidence for farming and economy (water mills, ditches and corndrying kilns), while Faughart Lower also produced at least one souterrain. Early medieval farming activities is also evident at sites like Parknahown, Co. Laois, where corndrying kilns are found in the vicinity.
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The classic early medieval settlement/cemetery sites that have emerged, many in recent years, include Gallanstown, Co. Dublin Augherskea, Co. Westmeath Treenbaun, Co. Galway Corbally, Co. Kildare Raystown, Co. Meath possibly Marlinstown, Co. Westmeath Parknahown, Co. Laois and possibly Castlefarm, Co. Meath (although only a few burials are known from that site). Chronology Some early medieval settlement/cemeteries have early origins and are then abandoned. Others have early origins and are then used throughout the early medieval period. Enclosed settlement/cemetery sites appear to have emerged in the Late Iron Age/early medieval period, principally through the construction of an early enclosure or the reuse of a ringditch around which a later larger enclosure was built. Some of these sites fall out of use, but it would not be true to regard settlement/cemeteries as a phenomenon of the earlier part of the period. A review of the transitional Iron Age/early medieval burial evidence in this chapter has suggested that most of these sites fell out of use by the 7th century A.D. during the growth of the cult of relics. Unenclosed cemeteries, with no associated settlement evidence, like Westereave and Colp West also evolved from ringditches and continued to provide a foci for burial until approximately the 8th century A.D. Other early medieval unenclosed cemeteries, with no settlement evidence, and historical associations with ecclesiastical sites have been discovered at Kilshane, Co. Dublin, Ardnagross, Co. Westmeath and Betaghstown, Co. Meath and appear to date roughly from the 5/6th centuries9th centuries A.D. although a further example at Mount Gamble continued to be used till the 12th century A.D. Early medieval settlement/cemetery sites appear to have had a broadly similar chronology to that of many of these unenclosed cemetery sites. The dating provided so far from enclosed cemetery and settlement sites suggest that they were also largely occupied between the 5/6th 9/10th century A.D. though a number of sites remained in use until the 11/12th century and even beyond. The length of occupation varies. Johnstown 1 for example was dated between the 416th century A.D. while most of the other significant settlement/cemetery sites like Faughart Lower, Millockstown, Corbally, Mount Offaly and Raystown tend to date from around the 4/5th to the 10/11th century. Some of the less significant sites were found to have a shorter lifespan as illustrated at Cherrywood where an early 6/7th century cemetery appears to have given way to a subsequent Viking settlement. A number of sites, including Johnstown 1 and Gneevebeg, also appear to have been reused as cillin sites in the post medieval period indicating that the sites continued to be understood as sacred places within the landscape. The Relationship between the Cemetery and Settlement It is often presumed that because these sites contain both settlement and cemetery evidence that both activities are then contemporary with each other. This is true in some cases, but not all. The amount of burial and settlement evidence uncovered at many of these sites makes it likely that these activities took place either intermittently or at different times during the early medieval period. Johnstown 1 revealed burial evidence from the 416th century A.D. while Mount Gamble and Faughart Lower also revealed extensive cemeteries that are likely to have been used throughout the early medieval period. Burial however appears to only represent one phase or part of a history of some other cemetery/settlement sites. A number of the sites including Marlinstown, Balriggan, Corkagh Demesne, Gallanstown, Cherrywood, Corbally and Coldwinters have revealed a lot less than fifty burials at each site. While this could be due to the fact that only parts of the site were excavated, it could also suggest that burial was very intermittent or only represented one phase of these enclosures histories. In contrast, at both Raystown and Castlefarm indicates burial across the chronologies of the sites. It could be suggested that the main period of burial at some of these cemetery/settlements took place approximately from the 69th century A.D. OBrien (2003, 67) has suggested that lintel type burial became an important form of burial from the 7/8th century A.D. She has noted that a lintel cemetery excavated during Phase 3 at Millockstown returned dates of A.D. 660960 Cal. (Manning 1986, 13581). She has also noted that lintel burials were excavated during Phase 6 at Mount Offaly as well as seventhtenth century contexts at the ecclesiastical site of
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Moyne, Co. Mayo and Reask, Co. Kerry. Similarly excavations at Ninch have revealed a large number of lintel burials which appears to have succeeded a ringfort and which date to roughly the same period while lintelled burials have been dated to the final phase of the cemetery at Balriggan. It is likely then that a number of these sites with a complex phasing of settlement and burial evidence saw cemeteries being constructed during the latter history of these sites. While sites like Ninch and Millockstown do appear to have had early origins, burial does not appear to have been undertaken until around the 7/8th century A.D. Earmuffs and pillow stones have also been recovered at a number of sites including Mount Offaly and Cherrywood while one single example was found at Lismore/Bushfields and a number were recovered at the unenclosed cemetery at Kilshane, Co. Dublin. OBrien (1993, 98) has suggested that those recovered from Kilshane attest to 7th century AngloSaxon influences at the site. Earmuffs however can date from all periods of the early medieval period as attested at Mount Offaly where all phases of the cemetery revealed evidence for them. 76% of the 38 burials at Cherrywood contained earmuffs. The cemetery was contained within an enclosure 43m in diameter and was dated by ONeill (1999, Excavations Bulletin) to approximately the 6/7th century A.D. The earliest burials at Faughart Lower were inserted into an area 15 m by 15 m in diameter and contained a large number of stone lined and capped long cist burials. The later burials were however all interred within simple unprotected burials. Like the simple, unlined graves excavated from beneath the burial mound at Johnstown 1 or the burials interred within the ringditches at Corbally and Raystown, these stonelined examples are likely to be early in date. There is then great variation in the extent and longevity of burial at these settlement/cemeteries. Some sites like Cherrywood appear to be early in date and have only been used for a short period of time (6/7th centuries). Cemeteries containing lintelled cemeteries at a number of sites may date principally to the 710th century however while burial grounds at a few sites including Mount Offaly and Johnstown were used throughout the early medieval period. It appears that a cemetery succeeded a phase of earlier settlement at a number of sites including Millockstown, Ninch and Faughart Lower while periods of settlement succeeded earlier cemeteries at Ninch and Cherrywood. The phase of milling at Raystown was largely dated to the 710th century while burial evidence had a longer period of use dating from the 510th century A.D. suggesting that agricultural activity increased in importance in the latter history of the site. Souterrains are also a feature of the later phases of a number of sites including Mount Offaly, Ninch, Millockstown, Raystown and Faughart Lower suggesting further evidence for settlement activity in the 9/10/11th centuries A.D. Early medieval settlement/cemeteries some emerging research questions A classic term used in postprocessual archaeology is contingency, meaning that every population group experiences historical and cultural processes differently. Some social groups prosper, while others suffer and every archaeological site has been created by unique circumstances and historical events. Early medieval settlement/cemeteries are different from each other, because they were used by different peoples whose fortunes waxed and waned across centuries. We need to appreciate the complexity and diversity in the chronology and character of these sites that we have dubbed settlement/cemetery sites and be wary of classifying them as a type of archaeological site. Notwithstanding this, there is a range of questions that we can begin to ask. Why did some people either bury their dead beside them or live on a place previously used as a burial ground or bury their dead in a place previously used as a dwelling place? We should probably be aware that the boundaries between life and death may have been permeable and for a society used to death in all its forms, death may have held the terrors that it does today, where it is pushed to the edge of our experience and our landscapes. However, the question remains how did people regard these places and why did people bury their dead there, as opposed to in neighbouring ecclesiastical cemeteries (at Raystown, Co. Meath, there are probable early medieval church sites not too far from the site)? This is an interesting archaeological phenomenon and we should probably be slow to rush to judgement before all the evidence is in.
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Early medieval ecclesiastical burial grounds the emerging role of church graveyards
Background Despite the various practices outlined above, Irish society was gradually converted to Christianity from the fifth century AD onwards, and the conversion of aristocracy and the common people shifted burial practices by at least the 7th century AD. Yet it is clear the Pagan practices and beliefs persisted. The writings of ecclesiastical scholars like Trechan and Muirchu of Armagh and Adomnn of Iona make clear their antipathy to the continued practice of burial within circular ditched enclosures described as ferta cemeteries during the 7th and even 8th century. In other words, people buried their dead in a range of ways. Hughes (1966) originally argued that it was not until the seventh century AD that the church was sufficiently integrated into Irish society to enjoy an influencing role over the burial practices and beliefs of the great majority of the people on the island. It was during this period that the church sought to establish formal consecrated Christian burialgrounds to attract patronage and burial from the secular community. This attempt to increase the status of Christian burial grounds was intimately linked to the growth of the cult of saints. The importance of longdead saints that had reputedly established monasteries in the fifth and sixth centuries was strengthened in the seventh century through the translation of their remains or the enshrinement of their relics (OBrien 1992, 136 Carragin 2003, 134). This latter process was closely linked to the establishment of consecrated burial grounds, a relationship highlighted by the use of the word reliquiae or remains of saint to denote a cemetery or reilig (Doherty 1984, 53 Carragin 2003, 147). Ecclesiastical cemeteries appear then to have developed by the seventh century A.D. There is continuing debate about who was buried at these sites were they the burial places of ecclesiastical and a Christian elite (See Etchingham 1999 Swift 2003) or were ecclesiastical cemeteries more widely used by the general populace? Furthermore, how did the character of ecclesiastical sites change over time and can we examine the differentiation of status in these cemeteries through examining the character of burial crossslabs? Firstly, we should examine another significant area of research the origins of these sites and their potential relationship with earlier ferta cemeteries. The origins of Christian ecclesiastical cemeteries and their relationship with earlier ferta cemeteries The foundation date of ecclesiastical cemeteries is still a matter of debate. It is likely that the majority were formally organized from the seventh century A.D. when the church made a concerted effort to promote this form of burial practice. However, it is clear that ecclesiastical cemeteries existed perhaps from the late fifth century though the forms of these early sites is not yet completely clear. One of the earliest cemeteries excavated thus far was at Scotch Street on the summit of Armagh hill, Armagh where the possible remains of Temple na Ferta was uncovered (Lynn 1979 McDowell 1985, Excavations Bulletin). A cemetery of upwards of 60 eastwest inhumations, one of which was interred within a wooden coffin and marked out by wooden posts, was uncovered. Carragin (2003) has suggested that the unique coffin demarcated by two wooden posts might represent evidence for a translation of a saints corporeal remains. A radiocarbon determination for one grave returned a date spanning the mid fifthmid seventh century (cal. A.D. 430640) (Edwards 1990, 130). It is instructive to note that Lynn also excavated a Neolithic ringditch 11m in diameter at the site in 1979. Taking this into consideration, as well as the obvious placename element Temple na Ferta and the early dates
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of the cemetery, it is possible that we have evidence here for the Christianisation of a pagan ferta cemetery used potentially by ecclesiastics in these early years. Carragin (2003, 140) has made the suggestion that Armagh, like Canterbury sought to imitate the topography of Rome by establishing St. Patricks at the summit of Armagh hill and surrounding it with a number of reliquary churches which were extramural in function. Could the foundation of the principal liturgical building of St. Patricks cathedral at the summit of the hill have also amounted to a conscious break with the prehistoric pagan past from which Temple na Ferta could potentially have developed? It is worth noting that the ecclesiastical site at Reefert at Glendalough has been interpreted as meaning RioghFheart (Corlett & Medlycott 2000, 161), the ferta of the kings? Lorcan Harney (2006) has suggested that Reefert may represent an early highstatus or royal cemetery at Glendalough that then evolved into an extramural church when the cathedral was constructed in the main monastic complex at the lower lake (Harney 2006). Further interesting examples where potential continuity between the late Iron Age and the early medieval period can be found at the ecclesiastical sites of Durrow, Co. Offaly and Omey, Co. Galway. Durrow is another example where an early cemetery was located in close proximity to the ecclesiastical site. OBrien (1992, 133) has noted that a cemetery of extended unprotected inhumations were uncovered within a circular enclosure (2530m in diameter) c.200m south east of the ecclesiastical enclosure at Durrow. Further burials were also uncovered 100m northeast of the site. Radiocarbon dates suggest however that burials at Durrow were ninth century AD in date. An ecclesiastical cemetery located on a potential Late Iron Age/early medieval transitional cemetery that in turn succeeded Bronze Age activity was uncovered on Omey Island (OKeeffe, 1992 & 1993, Excavations Bulletin). A number of burials were uncovered containing beads of blue and red glass which could, as the author postulated, date close to the interface between paganism and Christianity (OKeeffe 1993, Excavations Bulletin). The site appears to have developed into an important ecclesiastical site containing a number of leachta and a lintel cemetery that continued to be used up to the twelfth century. Another example of an ecclesiastical cemetery being founded close to a transitional Iron Age/early medieval burial site was excavated at Killtullagh Hill (Cill Tulach Church of the burial mound tulach being translated as burial mound) that straddles the boundaries of Cos. Roscommon, Mayo and Galway. Early excavations focused on the transitional Iron Age/early medieval cemetery (McCormick 1995 McCormick 1994, Excavations Bulletin Coombs & Maude 1996, Excavations Bulletin). More recent excavations by Coombs, Maude, Robinson & Gregory (1998, 1999 & 2000, Excavations Bulletin) focused on the adjacent early medieval cemetery that was found to contain a possible early wooden structure beneath the medieval church ruins. A last, very tentative example of a possible prehistoric monument being reused in a nearby ecclesiastical context can be found at Derrynaflan monastery, Co. Tipperary. Following the discovery of the famous Derrynaflan hoard, a number of rescue excavations were undertaken by the National Museum first by Mary Cahill and then Raghnaill Floinn to recover missing pieces. A small ringbarrow, c.6m in diameter and 10m to the north of the medieval cemetery was excavated as it was close to the area where the hoard was recovered. Two pits which contained small quantities of charcoal, cremated bone and unburnt animal bone one inside and one outside the ditch were interpreted as possible undisturbed burials ( Floinn 1985, Excavations Bulletin). The excavations bulletin contained no further information about these burials but it is at least possible that they could be early or even transitional in date though caution must be expressed due to the lack of substantive evidence. It is evident that some of these examples, particularly those at Durrow (although 9th century in date) and Derrynaflan are based on very tentative evidence. However, they serve to throw up some interesting questions concerning the spatial proximity of Ferta cemeteries to formal consecrated ecclesiastical burialgrounds. These examples such as Killtullagh Hill or Armagh suggest that some significant 5th/6th century cemeteries with possible prehistoric origins may
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have been Christianized by the ecclesiastical authorities in the early medieval period. It could also be suggested that the presence of a ringbarrow adjacent to an ecclesiastical cemetery is just a coincidence and that simple topographical rather than ancestral or historical considerations may have determined the location of some ecclesiastical sites. What is needed then is a systematic examination of the location of both ferta and reilig cemeteries to understand why some were situated in close proximity to each other while in other cases, a determined and conscious decision was made to found a church in a new site. Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Cemeteries It has been argued that burial near the bones of the saint became a substitute for burial near the bones of the ancestors during the 7/8th century A.D. (OBrien 1992, 136 Carragin 2003, 147). It appears that the ecclesiastical authorities may have been largely successful in persuading people to be buried in formal consecrated burialgrounds from the 8th century although there is growing evidence for continuing internment in ancestral ferta through the early medieval period as discussed above. One of the defining characteristics of an ecclesiastical site was an enclosure that served to symbolically demarcate the boundary between the dead and the living and the holy and unholy ground. Indeed Doherty (1985, 57) has suggested that Irish ecclesiastical sites sought to model themselves upon the idea of the city of refuge (civitas refugii) from the bible and by clearly demarcating the settlement into areas of varying sanctity. This resulted in the creation of an idealised form, a schema, which allowed a monastic site to have a holy of holies at the core, around which were areas of sanctuary that decreased in importance the further they were from the centre (Doherty, 1985, 57). The cemetery and ecclesiastical buildings was situated inside the holiest core of the settlement. OBrien (2003, 67) has argued that the standard burial rite by the seventh/eighth century was that of extended eastwest inhumation usually but not always necessarily wrapped in a shroud and interred in lintel and/or unprotected dug graves, located in ecclesiastical cemeteries. The lintel grave of the 7th/8th century appears to have evolved from the slab and stonelined cists which date principally to the 57th centuries A.D. EMAP survey and excavated early medieval ecclesiastical cemeteries The EMAP survey has identified that a total of 188 ecclesiastical sites with early medieval historical origins were excavated between 19702002. A further 42 ecclesiastical sites whose early medieval origins could not also be established were also excavated. A total of 80 excavations were undertaken in this period that uncovered burial evidence of varying amounts inside these ecclesiastical sites. With the exception of 3 sites, they all came from ecclesiastical sites with known historical or archaeological early medieval origins. A total of 77 out of 188 (41%) of excavations at definite early medieval ecclesiastical sites then revealed some form of burial evidence comprising disarticulated human bone as well as unprotected and protected dug graves.
Significant Excavated Ecclesiastical Cemeteries Significant early medieval cemeteries were excavated at St. Brendans, Ardfert, Co. Kerry (Fionnbarr Moore 198992, Excavations Bulletin Martin Reid 1995) and two undocumented sites at Butterfield, Rathfarnham (Judith Carroll 1997, Excavations Bulletin 97E0140) and at Dunmisk (Ivens 1988). The last two are believed however to be ecclesiastical in origin.
Large cemeteries were also excavated at Ardree, Co. Kildare (Matthew Seaver 2000, Excavations Bulletin 00E0156) Skeam West, Co. Cork (Claire Cotter 1990, Excavations Bulletin) Illaunloughan, Co. Kerry (Claire Walsh & Jenny White Marshall 199295, Excavations Bulletin 92E0087) Reask Church (Thomas Fanning 197275, Excavations Bulletin), Inishmurray, Co. Sligo (Jerry OSullivan 1999, Excavations Bulletin 99E0381) St. Brendans, Clonfert, Co. Galway (Claire Walsh & Alan Hayden 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E0877) St.
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Fechins, Omey Island, Co. Galway (Tadhg OKeeffe 1992 & 1993, Excavations Bulletin 92E0053) St. John's Point, Co. Down (Brannon 1980) St. Michael le Pole, Co. Dublin (Margaret Gowen & Kieran Campbell 198084, Excavations Bulletin E217) St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel (Brian Hodkinson 1992 & 1993, Excavations Bulletin92E0202) St. Peters Church, Co. Waterford (A.Gittings 19861988, Excavations Bulletin E343 Alan Hayden 1988, Excavations Bulletin E435 & Maurice Hurley & Ben Murtagh 1989, Excavations Bulletin) and St. Tassach, Raholp, Co. Down (K. Neill 1989, Excavations Bulletin). Other significant cemeteries have been excavated at Gallen, Co. Offaly (Kendrick 1939) Derry, Co. Down (Waterman 1967) and more recently at a mainly medieval cemetery at Ballykilmore, Co. Westmeath (Channing and RandolphQuinney 2006, 115), while excavations of human remains have also been carried out on early monastic sites at Clonfad, Co. Westmeath (Stevens 2006) and also at a probable early medieval ecclesiastical enclosure at Killeany, Co. Laois (excavated by Kenny Wiggins of ACS, and recently reported by Niall Kenny 2007).
Ecclesiastical Cemeteries and Burial Rites Burial rites in ecclesiastical cemeteries began to become more standardised. Unprotected burials comprise the majority of the evidence recovered from ecclesiastical cemeteries. Lintel burials and graves containing earmuffs and very occasionally pillowstones were also a feature of many burials. Lintel burials have been dated to the seventh/eighth centuries A.D. or after (OBrien 67). Earmuffs are difficult to date because they were used in a variety of early contexts as illustrated at Cherrywood (John ONeill 1998, Excavations Bulletin 98E0526) and as from a number of early medieval levels at the settlement/cemetery at Mount Offaly, Co. Dublin (Malachy Conway 1998, Excavations Bulletin 98E0035). Earmuffs can therefore be found across the early medieval period. The Excavations Bulletin reports have also revealed a small number of instances of burials in ecclesiastical cemeteries that were stone/slablined. It is difficult to be certain if the authors were referring to what were actually lintel burials in these instances so no discussion will take place about this potential evidence until full excavation reports have been consulted.
High status recumbent slabs have also been recovered from a large number of significant early medieval ecclesiastical sites particularly at Clonmacnoise and Gallen, Co. Clare, Iniscealtra, Co. Clare, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, Nendrum, Co. Down, Inishmurray, Co. Sligo, the Aran Islands, Co. Galway, Kilpeacan and Kilberrihert, Co. Tipperary and Tullylease, Co. Cork (Lionard 1961). A number of high status burials at Iniscealtra and Glendalough were lined with slab that project over the surface. They were then covered with recumbent slabs, many of which were decorated with incised and carved crosses. Small socketholes were present at the head or foot of the graves and would have held upright crosses (Lionard 1961, 150). These burials tend to date to after the 8th century and may represent the burial places of high status ecclesiastics and secular individuals. In other words, burial in churchyards is probably the dominant practice after the eighth century if not early. Undoubtedly, there is huge potential for researching this topic in much more detail. Is it possible to discern patterns in the planning and practice of burial in church graveyards? Are there zones of particular activity? Are there burials of more or less important people? Did graveyards expand and change across time how do burials relate to other features such as saints shrines, churches, entrances, cathedrals, cross and high crosses? Most importantly, is there archaeological evidence for other activities in church graveyards such as metalworking, fairs and markets, or are these exclusively ritual spaces?
Viking/Norse furnished burial practices

Background In recent years, Harrisons (2001) and Floinns (1998) research and publications have enabled new insights into Viking or Norse burials, these being defined as those containing individuals, buried according to traditions, which are recognizably Scandinavian in inspiration and which
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date from the ninth and tenth centuries (Harrison 2001, 61). Furnished Viking burials have been found across Ireland since the 19th century, although the details recorded by antiquarians can be patchy. Harrison (2001, 63) has noted that the distribution pattern of Viking graves in Ireland differs remarkably to that in Scotland, Cumbria and the Isle of Man where the vast majority of burials are located in isolated single graves. In early medieval Ireland in contrast, 80% of known Viking/Norse graves have been excavated from within five kilometres of the Dublin city centre. A total of 75% or (c.60% of all Irish graves) were found to have come from the two cemeteries of Kilmainham and Islandbridge. Altogether, it has been suggested that there are approximately 8090 burials from the Dublin evidence (OFloinn 1998, 142): a figure that can be slightly increased to due to excavations. This suggests that a countrywide figure maybe somewhere between 90100 burials. Viking Burials in Viking/HibernoNorse Dyflin The concentration of Viking burials in the area around the Dublin city centre attests to the significance of this site in the 9/10th centuries A.D. The four Viking cemeteries of Kilmainham, Islandbridge, Castleknock to the west of Dublin city and Palace Row on the north side have been discovered since the 19th century (OFloinn 1998, 132 Harrison 2001, 65). Discoveries of isolated Viking burials have been made at College Green, Parnell Square, Cork Street, Bride Street and Kildare Street, Dollymount Strand and Donnybrook (Alyesbury Road) from the 19th century. These have been augmented by excavations at Ship Street Great and Stephen Street, Dublin (Simpson 2002) which revealed a single ninth century Viking male with accompanying grave goods adjacent to the church of St. Michael le Pole and St. Peters to the south of the subsequent walled HibernoNorse town. Four further Viking burials dating to around the 9th century A.D. were discovered during excavations again by Linzi Simpson at South Great Georges Street in 2003 (http://www.mglarc.com/projects/viking_dublin/south_great_georges_street.htm). The site was located just 200m east of Ship Street Great on the southeastern rim of the Black Pool which the town of Dublin takes its name from. A further ninthcentury Viking furnished grave was finally excavated at Golden Lane, Dublin immediately outside the possible ecclesiastical enclosure at St. Michael le Poles church in 2005 by Edmond ODonovan (2005). Simpson has suggested that the combined evidence attests to the burial of high status Viking warriors around the southern edges of the Black Pool to the south of the confluence of the Liffey and Poddle in the ninth century (http://www.mglarc.com/projects/viking_dublin/conclusion.htm). The distribution of 9/10th century Viking burials then suggests the presence of a number of cemeteries in the environs of the subsequent HibernoNorse settlement at the confluence of the Liffey and Poddle as well as a number of ninth century highstatus Viking warriors spread out along the southern banks of the Blackpool. Viking/Norse burials in Dyflinarskiri A number of unusual burials have been discovered in the regional hinterland of Dublin known in the historical sources as Dyflinarskiri (Harrison 2001, 6566). Burials containing the remains of humans and horses have been recorded at Athlumney near Navan, Co. Meath and at an unknown site between Milltown and Newbridge, Co. Kildare. An iron spearhead was found at the upper level of a prehistoric burial mound at Croghan Erin, Co. Meath, while an iron axe head was found at Barnhall near Leixlip (Lax hlaup or Salmons Leap) near a possible Viking outlying settlement. Excavations in 2004 by Icon archaeology near the early medieval ecclesiastical site of Finglas (Fionn Gall) in north Co. Dublin revealed a ninthcentury Viking female burial with accompanying Scandinavian oval brooches confirming the presence of Vikings in this area.
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Viking/Norse burials in coastal and rural Ireland Outside this area, further swords have been discovered at Tybroughney, Co. Kilkenny and Murgesty, Co. Tipperary and may represent other furnished Viking burials. A furnished Viking grave was also discovered at Eyrephort, Co. Galway while two other potential burial sites, dating to the 10th century, were excavated at False Bay, Co. Galway. They were laid with their heads to the west a tradition not found in Christian graves and were found to date to a slightly later period than a possible Viking house and settlement ((Gibbon & Kelly 2003 OSullivan & Breen 2007, 121). A further potential Viking burial was discovered near Rinnarraw Cashel along the northwest coast at Kinnegar Strand, Lough Swilly (Comber 2006). Recent excavations at Woodstown 6 in advance of the N25 Waterford Bypass have revealed a Viking furnished burial immediately outside the ditched enclosure on the south banks of the River Suir. The greatest concentration of Viking burial evidence outside Dublin can be found along the northeast coast in the counties of Antrim and Down. Here a number of potential burials have been discovered at Leger Hill, Larne & Ballyholme, Co. Antrim and St. Johns Point Church, Co. Down. A possible cemetery has also been excavated at Rathlin Island (Harrison 2001, 66). Viking/Norse Burial Rite Extended inhumation in unlined graves appears to have been the dominant rite of Viking burial in Ireland. Grave goods are common, and of course in furnished burials are there by definition. It is possible that the cist at Mayfield along the banks of the River Suir could represent the internment of a Viking or as mentioned above, AngloSaxon. No skeleton was found within the cist though some cremated bone appears to have been discovered (ODonnell 1986). Burials also appear to have been located in flat cemeteries as opposed to mound burials or even Viking boat burials as has been discovered in Scandinavia and the Isles of Scotland. A possible ship burial was however excavated at Ballywillin, Co. Antrim (Edwards 1990, 189) but there is now some certainty due to the discovery of Edwards III coins (O Floinn 1998, 146). A possible reuse of a prehistoric mound for a Viking burial can be found at Croghan Erin, Co. Meath although the evidence is less than clear. A further possible mound burial was once extant at College Green although the monument does appear to conform to any recognizable prehistoric monument examples (Harrison 2001, 74). A large sepulchral mound was excavated in the 19th century at Donnybrook, Co. Dublin (Hall 1978). It contained a furnished Viking burial accompanied by two other inhumations in a mound that contained 600700 Christian burials and has been regarded in the past as a burial in a mass grave of victims of Viking raids. OBrien (1992) in a paper in Medieval Archaeology has subsequently reappraised this evidence and it is likely that it simply represents the burial of a Viking individual in an earlier or contemporary Irish burial ground. Viking Burial and Irish ecclesiastical Sites Some Viking/Norse burials appear to display some Christian influences. It is worth noting the concentration of Viking burials around a number of ecclesiastical sites including St. Michael le Poles and St. Peters in Dublin city centre, Finglas, north Co. Dublin and St. Johns Point, Co. Down which throws up interesting ideas about the relationship between these churches and the pagan Viking authorities in this period. It appears that Christianity may have emerged as the dominant religion of the HibernoNorse by the 11th century when a number of churches including Christchurch at Dublin and Waterford were founded. 167
The living and dead in early medieval Ireland: some future research areas
The people of early medieval Ireland in life and death The emerging archaeological evidence for burial in early medieval Ireland then is characterised by diversity and variety in both burial rite and context. The traditional description of the entire period as Early Christian is perhaps then a misnomer, in that it fails to reflect the real chronological, cultural and ideological complexity lying behind the older and the newly emerging archaeological data. There is now a large corpus of excavated data that suggests that people were interred in quite a variety of different ways between the 5th12th centuries A.D, or throughout the early medieval period. At an early stage, between the 4th6th centuries AD, there is a sense of people burying their dead in familial or ancestral burial grounds, occasionally involving small annular enclosures, mounds, standing stones, ringditches and other features. These early graves often are slab lined, but not always. Some burial places become abandoned others are used over long periods. Some burial places become the focus for settlement, industry and agriculture the settlement/cemeteries discussed in the settlement chapter above. Some of these places remain a focus for burial throughout the period, indicating that it is not always a question of early or later practice. Early medieval churches also become a focus for burial practices but not all the population is buried in them. Furthermore, the burial evidence from settlement/cemetery sites as well as known Viking burials all points to a variety of other contexts in which people continued to be buried outside the authority of the church during the early medieval period. There are a number of important implications of this new set of evidence. EMAPs analysis of the published and unpublished data points towards a complex maelstrom of burial practices in the Iron Age/early medieval transitional period. A few questions can be posed: ! ! Can we identify regional archaeological variations in the burial practices across the island from the 57th centuries A.D.? Does the distribution of distinctive burials in such monuments such as the very rare pennanular enclosure and the more common annular burial enclosure attests to AngloSaxon influences in eastern Ireland in particular during the 7th century A.D. or do these monuments have a common origin in the Irish prehistoric funerary tradition? How long did early ferta cemeteries continue to be used through the early medieval period and who were being buried in these places and were they Christian? What is the evidence for unenclosed cemeteries in the early medieval period and can they be described as a separate site type? What was context in which enclosed settlement/cemetery sites evolved from both ring ditches and enclosures?
! ! !
EMAPs archaeological review also suggests a slow and often complex period of conversion from paganism to Christianity ! What is the evidence for the Christianisation of pagan ferta during the emergence of the cult of the relics in the 7/8th centuries A.D?
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! !
How did the character of ecclesiastical cemeteries through the early medieval period how were they organised and laid out and what else were they used for? Who was being buried in ecclesiastical cemeteries in the early medieval period?
The increasing corpus of Pagan and Viking burial evidence has also raised issues concerning ! ! ! The possible survival of Pagan burial practices in caves and other contexts well into the Christian era The location of Viking burials in relation to ecclesiastical sites The influence of Christianity in the 9/10th century and the process of conversion of the HibernoNorse to Christianity?
It is also clear that the living often lived with the dead in early medieval Ireland and we need to explore how cemeteries were used as places in the landscape. ! How were burial places, ecclesiastical cemeteries and settlement/cemeteries used across time are there chronological patterns or does each site have its own unique history of burial practices? Were cemeteries used for other purposes crafts, industry ceremony economic and political actions?
Finally, there is also a subject of enormous importance that has not been touched on here. In these early medieval burials and cemeteries, we have uncovered a potentially very large population of human skeletons from over a thousand years ago, of huge significance for osteology and cultural biology. This is a body of archaeological evidence that could be hugely informative about early medieval population and demographics patterns of gender, age and childhood mortality questions of diet and health and the foods they people ate (or didnt during famine) problems of disease and illness including the endemic plagues and diseases referred to in early medieval historical sources, and how peoples lifestyles and physical efforts were reflected in their skeletons. Given the interest in identity and ethnicity, there is also much to be done and clarified in terms of genetics, immigrant populations and the origins of the Irish. Early medieval cemeteries should enable us to explore the very lives and bodies of the peoples of early medieval Ireland.
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Chapter 7: Early Medieval Agriculture and Economy
Chapter 7. Early medieval agriculture and economy

Introduction
Early medieval Ireland, between 4001100 AD was an overwhelmingly rural landscape, with individual farmsteads (raths and crannogs), fieldsystems and routeways through a highly managed agricultural landscape. In this rural landscape, farming was the constant in peoples daily lives. Most of the community, especially the ordinary and unfree members of society, such as the lowstatus commoners, hereditary serfs and slaves, would have spent most of their lives at work in the fields herding cattle, sheep and pigs, ploughing, sowing and harvesting crops or building and repairing fieldwalls. In the home, the daily lives of men and women would also have been dominated by domestic activities relating to agriculture, whether this was in terms of preparing milk and cheeses, grinding grain for flour, smoking or salting meats and other foods for winter storage or spinning and weaving wool. However, agriculture was not only important in subsistence terms, it was also the key element in the organisation of early Irish society. Whether they were a lord or a slave, most people would have depended for their social status, subsistence and livelihood on the agricultural produce of the land. Kinship and community, social status and gender roles these were all organised around the patterns of landuse and agricultural labour. For these reasons, agriculture and economy have to be seen as key aspects in the study of early medieval Irish society.
Sources of evidence
The evidence for early Irish agriculture is wide ranging, and includes archaeology, palaeoenvironmental studies and early Irish history. A multidisciplinary approach can help to reconstruct full picture of farming in the landscape. Sources for early Irish agriculture include: ! Early Irish law tracts, typically dated to c.700 AD (seventh to eighth century), that provide information on such aspects as land value, social status and cows, labour organisation, aspects of fishing, milling, beekeeping, etc. Saints lives that provide information on general farming practices, on daily diet and provide revealing anecdotes about daily work. The saints lives, dated to 7th century (Latin lives) and 11th century (Latin and Irish) often provide descriptions of ploughing techniques. Annals, originating in 7th century, with contemporary records by late 9th to early 10th century, tend to be less useful about farming, but they do provide occasional information on climatic events, such as storms, famines, cattle murrains and abundant harvests. Landscape archaeological evidence for farming ringforts, enclosures, fieldsystems, kilns and mills and artefacts including agricultural tools and equipment, such as plough irons, querns and other items all these indicate the organisation of agricultural labour. Plant macrofossil evidence for tending and growth of crops including deposits of wheat, barley, oats and rye. This palaeoenvironmental evidence can also be used to trace diet and evidence for crop processing. Faunal remains that provide evidence for livestock and herd management and the role of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other animals in the farming economy in dairying,
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beef and pork production and in the exploitation of other animal products (hides, tallow, bone, etc). ! Palynological evidence for woodland clearance and the expansion in early medieval agriculture that we find in the 4th and 5th centuries AD, a period of expansion that comes after centuries of inactivity and woodland regeneration. This clearance of the woodlands was probably the major impact on the Irish landscape. Irish woodlands were never to recover again, as agriculture and pastoralism afterwards kept the landscape open. The introduction of dairying in the 5th6th century, and the introduction of new plough technology in the 7th and 10th century were also to enable farmers to open up new areas and to produce agricultural surpluses.
Reinventing agriculture in early medieval Ireland

Livestock and Dairying The 7/8th century law tracts emphasised the importance of cattle in the early medieval economy. These sources graded both the fertility of the land and the status of a farmer based on the number of cattle they owned (Edwards 1990, 56). It appears that cattle were the medium in which social duties and privilege of both clients and their lords were manifested and affirmed. Cattle were a key element in early medieval Irish society and economy. They also seemed to have been central to the identity of a people who lived in a damp, mild, grassy island, perfectly suited to pastoral farming. Cattle bones dominate the faunal assemblages of excavated ringforts and crannogs. Legal texts, literature and mythology all indicate the importance of cattle, in a social and symbolic sense. Cattle were used as a means of grading the fertility of land (land was worth so much milch cows). Wealth and status was not measured in ownership of land, but in control of cattle herds. The early annals also frequently refer to deaths of cattle during winter, hinting that it was seen as a catastrophe. There is also very strong archaeological evidence for the importance of cattle. They dominate most bone assemblages recovered from early medieval settlement sites. Cattle usually comprise about 50% of MNI numbers from settlement sites, although pig, sheep and goat were also clearly kept. Cattle were primarily kept in early medieval Ireland not for meat, hides or other products, but for the purposes of dairying, for milking. The introduction of dairying into Ireland in the 5th to 6th century AD was a major revolution in Irish farming practice. Dairying had clear advantages for a smallscale, rural community. Dairy cattle provide 3 times calories and 4 times protein of beef cattle. It provided a predictable source of proteins and fats, as well as a range of products which could be stored over the winter. In a dairy herd, it is possible to predict that a cow will produce a number of calves, as well as milk at regular intervals. What is the archaeological evidence for dairying? The evidence is largely based on detailed analyses of cattle bone recovered from settlement sites. In particular, Finbar McCormick has carried out detailed scientific studies since the 1980s of cattle bone from several early medieval settlement sites, Moynagh Lough, Lagore crannogs and more recently in a massively significant study of a high status early medieval settlement site on top of the Neolithic passage tomb at Knowth (McCormick and Murray 2007). These studies gave us our first good idea of the organisation of early medieval dairy herds. The cattle herds were managed so as to maintain the numbers and quality of dairy cows. Calves were at first kept alive to encourage lactation, and then the male calves (and some female calves) were slaughtered at 1.5 years age to avoid them eating scarce fodder over the winter. These calves were probably first driven to settlements, where they would have been slaughtered for their meat. A few castrated calves, or bullocks were also kept for meat or for use as draft animals in pulling ploughs or carts. The cows continued to produce milk, and at the end of its productive life, they too were slaughtered. In fact, archaeological studies of cattle bones indicate that the composition of the dairy herd on archaeological sites closely corresponds with the dairy herd described in the early Irish laws. In early Irish laws, a typical
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cattle herd of a strong farmer (mruigfer) is stated to have included 2 bulls, 44 cows (24 rented from lord) and 4 oxen for ploughing. The archaeological evidence from Lagore and Moynagh Lough for the composition of the early medieval dairy herd (71% female) mirrors almost exactly the dairy herd described. Cattle herding in early medieval Ireland was a sophisticated, complex system oriented around the production of both domestic requirements and a surplus food stock that was used as part of the social and economic ties between lord and client farmer. Early Irish laws describe in detail the investment by lords in the agricultural economy. Essentially, Lords would loan out a fief or rath of cattle to their client farmers. These client farmers would then repay the lord at the end of the year, with yearling calves, food and other products. Cattle were therefore of prime importance, both in terms of social status and the measurement of wealth, and in terms of the valuation of land. The introduction of dairying had a significant impact on early medieval society. It enabled some individuals to begin amassing capital wealth and power, through granting of cattle to client farmers. Some authors have proposed that the development of dairying may have lead to the transition from reciprocal, giftgiving society to a one more based on feudal values of relationship between lord and vassal. Archaeology of crop cultivation More recently, McCormick and Murray (2007) have recently suggested that an increase in the importance of arable farming was part of the factor in the abandonment of ringforts towards the end of the period. In fact, there is abundant evidence for the importance of cereal crops in early medieval economy. It includes palaeobotanical evidence for wheat, barley and oats, as well as the archaeological evidence of fieldsystems (perhaps), plough irons (shares and coulters), sickles, and other agricultural tools. We also have the evidence for the domestic or smallscale processing of wheat, barley and oats in the form of rotary quernstones found on settlement sites. Most importantly, we also have significant evidence for largescale processing of grain, with corndrying kilns and large horizontal watermills. Clearly, then arable production was a significant aspect of early medieval farming practice. Indeed, some historical geographers (such as Matthew Stout) have argued that there was a dichotomy in farming practices of secular and ecclesiastical society. Stout has suggested that monastic populations were primarily engaged in arable production, as part of a largescale exploitation of agricultural resources. Others, such as Michael Ryan, argue (on the good basis of archaeological evidence) that pastoral and arable farming went hand in hand amongst both secular and monastic populations. Evidence for cultivation can be revealed through a range of archaeological features and materialculture. This consists of evidence for plough, ridges and furrows, milling, corndrying kilns and a range of items used in cultivation such as sickles. This data can shed valuable light on the transformation of the agricultural economy through the early medieval period. Interpreting early medieval agriculture There is emerging evidence then for early medieval agriculture within the archaeological record. McCormick (1995) has argued that dairying was the principal catalyst when the ringforts was chiefly occupied in the second half of the first millennium A.D. He has argued that the introduction of dairying in the mid first millennium A.D. led to a growth in population which in turn caused the expansion of agriculture and the increase in tillage production in the later centuries of the early medieval period. It has been observed by Kerr (2007) that platform ringforts have a tendency to date to the mid eighthmid tenth centuries A.D. that is slightly later than the dates proposed by Stout (1997) for the traditional field ringfort. Kerr has used this evidence to also argue that the construction of platform ringforts may attest to the increasing importance of an arableorientated economy in the later early medieval period. The general view then is that an economy based upon dairying and enclosed settlements eventually gave way to one in which unenclosed settlement and an arableorientated economy predominated.
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It is likely to be more complex as both forms tillage and livestock was used in tandem with each other through the early medieval period. Furthermore, it has been proven that dairying was an important feature of the British agricultural scene from the mid fifth millennium B.C (Copley et al. 2005). This offers possible evidence that it may have also been a common feature in Ireland during prehistory. This evidence could challenge the view that dairying was sole agent in the emergence of a cattlebased economy around ringfort sites in the second half of the first millennium A.D. It also challenged the view of a simple shift from cattle based economy to one in which was arableorientated. It has been noted in the discussion of souterrains that many were found to be associated with crop husbandry items including querns stones, sickles and other items. It is also the case that ringforts have also revealed substantial evidence for the practicing of tillage across the country. What are required now are discriminatory studies linking evidence for different crop husbandry and livestock economies (e.g. faunal evidence, kilns, mills, sickles etc.) with dated monuments and structures such as ringforts, settlement/cemeteries, crannogs, souterrains and unenclosed settlements. Stratigraphical information from excavations could also shed information about the types of agricultural items and faunal evidence being uncovered in different dated phases of monuments like ringforts and settlement/cemetery sites. We then may be in a position to understand the diversity and complexity of patterns of agriculture occurring in different contexts through the early medieval period. Such studies in tandem with environmental evidence might then be in a position to examine regionality of agricultural and economic practices across the island through the early medieval period.
EMAP and the evidence for the plough in early medieval Ireland
It has been previously suggested that the introduction of the heavy coulter plough from Roman Britain was responsible for the expansion of the agricultural landscape at the start of the early medieval period that is attested in the pollen record (Mitchell 1986, 1434 & 1534). More recent studies of ploughing technology and Irish farming have however shown that the coulter plough may not have been a feature in Ireland until the Viking Age at least (Ryan 2001, 31). The ploughshares preceding the preViking age were instead small and symmetrical and would have been used to arm a scratch plough (Ryan 2001, 31). Therefore the introduction of the plough coulter was not responsible for the decline in forests across the landscape through the early medieval period. It is evident that there was a concerted attack on forests to create new pastures and arable land in the early medieval period (Ryan 2001, 35). The EMAP survey has revealed the existence of some new evidence for crop cultivation in early medieval Ireland. Examples of plough shares include a light triangular shaped example from Lecanabuaile, Co. Kerry that may have been associated with an earlier ard wooden scratch plough. Further plough shares have been recorded at Lagore and Whitefort, Co. Down while an example at Dundrum Castle may represent a coulter ploughshare (Edwards 1990, 62). The EMAP survey has revealed further evidence for ploughshares and sock. An iron plough sock was excavated at Boolies Little, Co. Meath (Sweetman 1982) where a souterrain was constructed after an cemetery fell out of use. A plough coulter was found at the possible Viking Longphort at Athlunkard, Co. Limerick that is likely to date to the 9/10th centuries supporting the argument for a later date for this implement. An iron plough share dating to the 10th century as well as two quern stones was excavated at a cashel and souterrain at Ballyegan, Co. Kerry (Martin Byrne 1991, Excavations Bulletin). A sickle was excavated at a univallate ringfort at Poulacapple, Co. Antrim (J. Reynolds 1974, Excavations Bulletin). There is also very limited evidence in the early medieval archaeological record for the ironshod spade that was used to cultivate land unsuitable for a plough. One such example was excavated at Ballinderry 2 crannog (Gailey 1968 Edwards 1990, 62).
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EMAP and the archaeological excavation of ridge and furrows

Previous Studies Excavated ridges and furrows can also be used as another indicator for evidence for early medieval ploughing. Excavations at Cush, Co. Limerick have revealed a number of ringforts potentially associated with a number of rectangular fields that run along the hillside up the ditches of the monuments. The banks were delineated by Ushaped ditches. A block of ridge and furrow made by a heavy plough with a fixed mouldboard was recorded at Cush running approximately eastwest across part of the rectangular enclosure (Fowler, P.J. 196667). Edwards (1990, 56) has noted that parallels for the irregularity of the ridges as well as their narrow width of 1.83.05m can be found at Gwithian, Cornwall that was dated to the 10/11th century A.D. EMAP survey and ridge and furrows By their nature, the excavations bulletin reports would not generally contain information about data such as excavated ridges and furrows. Taking this into consideration, the survey has established that 10 sites that contained some evidence for potential early medieval ridges and furrows. A fragment of a lignite bracelet was recovered from cultivation furrows at a settlement/cemetery site at Augherskea, Co. Meath that contained the burials of 187 inhumations (Edmond O'Donovan & Peter Kerins 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E1102). Early medieval ridge and furrow was also excavated at an early medieval settlement landscape at Ballyconneely and Ballygirreen, Co. Clare (Thaddeus Breen 2000, Excavations Bulletin 00E0284). Pieces of shale bracelet, a glass bead and an iron knife blade were found in their fill. Further potential sites with cultivation evidence were revealed at the upland transhumance settlement at Ballyutoag, Co. Antrim (Williams 1984), outside a souterrain at Ferganstown & Ballymackon, Co. Meath (Hanley 1999, Excavations Bulletin), at an unenclosed settlement beneath Maynooth Castle (Hayden 1996 & 1999, Excavations Bulletin 96E391) and at a large significant enclosed settlement at Rosepark, Balrothery, Co. Dublin (Ronan Swan Judith Carroll 1999, Excavations Bulletin 99E0155). Other tentative examples are listed in the appendix. Table 43: Excavated Ridge and Furrow 19702002
NAME Augherskea County Meath Company Margaret Gowen Valerie J Keeley Year 2002 2000 EMAP Class Feature Significance Significant Significant
Cemetery & Settlement Site Ridge and furrow Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Ridge and furrow Ridge and furrow Ridge and furrow Ridge and furrow Ridge and furrow Ridge and furrow Ridge and furrow
Ballyconneely Clare & Ballygirreen, AR47/51 Ballyutoag Antrim
N I Historic Monuments 1981/1982 Early Medieval Settlement Branch Landscape Eachtra ACS 1999 2002 Enclosure Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Significant Significant Significant Significant Highly Significant Significant
Ferganstown Meath & Ballymackon Kill St Lawrence Maynooth Castle Rosepark, Balrothery St. Ciaran, Mainistir Chiarin, Inis Mor Waterford Kildare Dublin Galway
Archaeological Projects 1996/1999 Unenclosed Habitation Site ArchTech Judith Carroll 1999 Enclosure
University of California, 1996/1997/ Enclosed ecclesiastical site Berkeley 1998/1999
St. Ruadhan's, Tipperary Lurgoe, Derrynaflan
National Museum
1983/1984/ MultiPhase settlement 1985/1986/ 1987
Ridge and furrow
Significant
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Early medieval horizontal and vertical mills

Previous Studies Milling activity has been the focus of some attention by scholars since the 19th century. The discovery of mills has been reported in a number of instances in the later 19th and first half of the 20th century. A.T. Lucass (1953) The Horizontal Mill in Ireland was the first paper to examine in detail the construction and operation of the many water mills discovered and recorded by the National Museum (Brady 2006). In recent years, dendrochronological dating has transformed our knowledge about the amount of early medieval mills. Rynne (1989, 30) was responsible for challenging the accepted view that the vertical water mill was first introduced to Ireland by the Cistercians. He reexamined Lucass previous work and suggested that structures at Little Island, Co. Cork and Morrett, Co. Laois actually represented the remains of vertical water mills. Rynne (1998) has further examined evidence for the craft of milling in the Munster area in particular while he also published a revised baseline list of early medieval mills. Brady (2006) has provided the most recent study of early medieval mills in Ireland, building on the previous work of Rynne (2000). His survey lists sites where indisputable structural remains have been identified and reasonably well dated, be they intact mill wheels, base plates, flumes, paddles, mill races, dams, or parts thereof have been discovered. A total of 97 sites were identified, the vast majority proving to be early medieval in date. Vertical waterwheeled mills only comprise 9 of these sites and the majority of these are medieval in date with the exception of notable examples including Little Island 1, Co. Cork, Morrett, Co. Laois and recently Johnstown 1, Co. Meath (Clarke & Carlin forthcoming). The vast majority represent the remains of early medieval horizontal mills although there are some examples where the type of mill could not be established. 43/97 mills have been closely dated. It was found uniquely that 13/43 sites could be dendrochronologically dated to A.D. 800 849. The vast majority of the dated mills were found to belong to the period from A.D. 700950 suggesting that milling was an important feature of the economy in this period. Two major areas of mill construction were observed along the Nore Valley extending into Tipperary and in the general Cork area. The distribution is then clearly southern and southeastern although a number of milling complexes are also beginning to emerge in the Meath area such as Raystown (Seaver 2006). A growing number of tidal mills have been recorded in Ireland and include Nendrum, Co. Down, Knocknacarragh, Co. Galway, Tahilla, Co. Kerry, Donaghmore, Co. Cork Little Island, Wallingstown, Co. Cork, Killoteran, Co. Waterford, Great Island, Co. Wexford, Ballymascanlan, Co. Louth (Brady 2006). The mill at Killoteran, Co. Waterford has been recently excavated and returned two calibrated radiocarbon dates of AD 410650 & A.D. 340600 (Murphy and Rathbone 2006). It is hoped to date the site accurately through dendrochronology but has the potential to represent Irelands oldest mill. The EMAP survey of excavations carried out between 19702002 has revealed little more to add to this concerning early medieval water mills. EMAP has found that 13 sites were excavated in this period that contained evidence for early medieval water mills (See Appendix). Nine of these sites were horizontal mills, three were tidal and one was vertical. Seven of these sites were excavated since 1999. The majority of mills do not appear to have been excavated but discovered and recorded in the later 19th and 20th century by Museum archaeologists. The data collected by Brady (2006) represents the most update and comprehensive information in this area of research. Brady (2006) has noted the potential in comparatively assessing the distribution of mills with other evidence for agrarian technology. Recent studies have confirmed that the coulter plough only emerged in the Viking period and that it is likely that the scratch or ard plough predominated before this date. Brady (1993) has also found that plough irons are particularly predominant in the northeast and northcentral part of the country. We still have little
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knowledge the about these mill sites within their agrarian landscape context. How predominant were tidal mills? We also still do not have a great understanding about the scale and organization of the agricultural economy across the country. Excavations at sites such as Little Island, Co. Cork, Nendrum, Co. Down and Raystown, Co. Meath suggest the presence of large scale milling complexes yet how common were these places across the country through the early medieval period. We also do not completely understand the range of contexts in which milling was undertaken. Were important monasteries and settlement/cemeteries acting as important production centres and areas of exchange or was this type of activity more localized and smallscale undertaken at the level of the prosperous Boaire recorded in the early medieval law tracts. These research topics will help focus attention on the character of the early medieval economy and the redistribution of trade and wealth.
Early medieval corndrying kilns

Background There have been surprisingly few specific archaeological studies of corndrying kilns in Ireland although a vast quantity has been excavated over the last forty years due to development and road construction projects. (Monk & Kelleher 2005) have provided the first overview assessment of the archaeological evidence for Irish corndrying kilns while a further provisional chronology of kilns types has also been discussed by Jonathan Kinsella (2007b) in an unpublished ACS report. Function Corndrying kilns were used to reduce the moisture content of harvested grain before storage as well as to facilitate its threshing and milling, particularly in damp areas of the country (Monk & Kelleher 2005, 77). They were in use from the prehistoric period till the late 19th century along the fringes of Atlantic Europe until other forms of power such as electricity were developed to undertake these tasks. At its most basic form, kilns principally consist of a firing area that was linked to a drying chamber through a flue. Hot air flowed flowed from the fire to the drying chamber. Experimental archaeology on keyhole shaped kilns has established that a number of factors such as the length and shape of the flue between the fireplace and drying chamber, the weather conditions, the direction of the wind and the temperature of the air effect the proper functioning of the kiln (Monk and Kelleher 2005, 1014). Kiln Types Archaeological kiln types have been defined by their shape in plan. Kinsella (2007, 2) has suggested that kilns can be broadly broken up into five groups comprising oval or suboval shaped kilns, figure of eight kilns, Dumbbell kilns, Keyholeshaped or tobaccopipe kilns and L or commashaped kilns. Early medieval kilns some chronological issues There are currently problems with establishing a chronological framework for the development of kiln types in Ireland. The lack of fully published excavated reports and dating evidence are two significant obstacles. The quality of information about the shape and form of the kiln is often also an issue as well. Another problems are that when radiocarbon dates are available, the context and material used to provide a sample is often not stated (Monk and Kelleher 2005, 105 Kinsella 2007b, 4). It is clear then that the chronological frameworks outlined below must be treated cautiously as we are in the infancy of research in this subject. It has been noted that most excavated keyhole kilns tend to date to the later and post medieval periods (Monk & Kelleher 2005, 105). Monk and Kelleher (2005, 105) have noted that the figure of eight kilns and dumbbell kilns were in evolutionary terms, earlier than the key hole types. They have noted that figure of eight kilns were found to be associated with a
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succession of horizontal mills at Raystown that dated from the seventhtenth centuries A.D (Seaver 2006). Kinsella (2007b) has suggested that there is some evidence now to propose that figureofeight kilns dated to a tighter timeframe from the fourthseventh centuries AD. He has also provisionally suggested that oval and suboval shaped kilns may date to the Iron Age and have been the precursors for the slightly later figureofeight and dumbbell types. He has also felt that both types of kiln may have functioned contemporaneously for a short period until it was realised perhaps that the figureofeight kiln functioned more efficiently. Kinsella (2007b, 6) has noted that radiocarbon dates for oval or suboval shaped kilns from Colp West, Co. Meath, Solsborough, Co. Tipperary and Johnstown, Co. Meath have returned dates from the middle Iron Age to approximately the 7th century A.D. Seventeen kilns were excavated at Colp West. Iron Age dates radiocarbon dates were returned for oval or suboval shaped kilns, in plan except for one figureofeight example. However, the remaining figureofeight kilns returned dates from the late Iron Age/early medieval transitional period up to approximately the seventh century A.D. Oval and suboval Kilns also produced radiocarbon dates between the fifth and seventh centuries from primary contexts at Solsborough, Co. Tipperary. Kinsella has suggested that both oval kilns were gradually replaced by the figureofeight and dumbbell types though it is likely that they functioned contemporaneously during the late Iron Age/early medieval transitional period. Dumbbell and figure of eight kilns are principally viewed by Kinsella as dating from around A.D. 400700. He notes examples from Raystown, Co. Meath and Glebe/Laughanstown, Co. Dublin, where radiocarbon dates suggest use between the fourth and seventh centuries A.D and cites other potential but undated examples at Corbally, Co. Kildare (Tobin 2003, Excavations Bulletin) and Jordanstown, Co. Dublin (Tobin 2002, Excavations Bulletin). It has been observed by Kinsella (2007, 7) that both Seaver (2005) and Murphy and Clarke (2001) have noted that many figureofeight kilns predate the ringfort enclosures at Laughanstown/Glebe and Colp West. Monk and Kelleher (2005, 106) have argued that the keyhole kiln can be broadly dated to the later medieval and post medieval periods. Radiocarbon dates from a number of recent excavations at Leggetsrath West, Derrinsallagh and Killeany, Co. Laois (Kenny 2007) have found that these kilns may have also operated in the latter part of the early Middle Ages (Kinsella 2007, 8). EMAP survey and early medieval kiln excavations The survey undertook a provisional count of all of the kilns that dated and also which could potentially date to the early medieval period. It has already been stated elsewhere that the results sent to the excavation bulletin are often provisional in form and do not contain exact information about the amount and type of kilns or available dating evidence. Nevertheless a review of information from the excavations bulletin was undertaken which collected both information for the number and type of corndrying kilns which dated to the early medieval period (A.D. 4001169) as well as those which could potentially date to the same period. It was found that approximately 28 sites had evidence for early medieval corndrying kilns. The total number of kilns excavated at these sites approximately amounted to 59. Table 44: Excavated Corndrying kiln Types 19702002
Sites Kiln Number
KeyHole 6 13
DumbBell 1 1
Unidentified 20 41
Figure of Eight 1 4
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Figure 31: Corndrying kiln Types 19702002
Excavated Early M edieval Drying Kilns 1970-2002
Figure of Eight
Kiln Type
Unidentified
Dumb-Bell Total Kilns Key-Hole 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Sites 40 45
Number of Kiln Types
The survey also found that upwards of approximately 58 sites might also contain potential early medieval Kilns. The total amount of kilns excavated at these sites was approximately 97. It is obvious that some and perhaps many of these sites may eventually be found not to be early medieval in date. Table 45: Excavated Possible Early Medieval Corndrying kilns 19702002 Figure Eight 7 26 of Unidentified 35 53 L (Comma) 6 6
Sites Kiln Number
KeyHole 9 11
Oval/Rectangular 1 1
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Excavated Possible Early Medieval Drying Kilns Types 19702002

L (Comm a) Unidentified
Kiln Type
Figure of Eight Oval/Rectangular Key-Hole 0 10 20 30 40
Total Kilns Sites
50
60
Number of Kiln Types
Figure 32: Excavated Possible Early Medieval Corndrying kilns 19702002
Discussion of EMAP analyses of kilns It is intended here to give a succinct review of the type and date of kilns that have been reported as dating to the early medieval period. Those which could potentially date to the early medieval period have been excluded from the study as it will have to be established at a later stage in the project whether they are in fact early medieval in date. The distributions of these early medieval kilns are clearly eastern with the counties of Dublin, Meath, Louth and Kildare constituting the great majority of the excavated sites. While milling was likely to have been of significance in these eastern counties, it is evident that the bias in modern development may have affected this distribution. From the total number of 28 sites that contained early medieval kilns, only 8 of these were found to have reported the associated type. An hourglass shaped kiln (Dumbbell type) was excavated near the ecclesiastical site of Ballyman, Co. Dublin (1983 & 1984, Excavations Bulletin E182 Med. Arch. 28, 2556 29, 214) and was dated to the fifth century A.D. Excavations at Whiterath 2, Co. Louth in advance of the M1 DunleerDundalk Motorway revealed a double banked ringfort containing a souterrain (Ciln 'Drisceoil 1999, Excavations Bulletin 99E0485). A keyhole pit was also excavated. Provisional interpretations suggested that it may date to the 9/10th century A.D. on the basis of associated artefacts. Excavations at Ballyegan, CO. Kerry revealed a stonelined key hole shaped kiln 4m to the northwest of the cashel. A 9/10th century plough share as well as rotary querns was also excavated. The kiln could potentially date to around the same period. (Martin Byrne, 1991 Excavations Bulletin). Similarly other likely early medieval keyhole shaped kilns were excavated at the important multivallate enclosed settlements at Ballynacarriga 1 & 2, Co. Cork (Daniel Noonan 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E0224) and Ninch, Laytown (James Eogan & Martin Reid Cia McConway 20002002, Excavations Bulletin 98E0501). Both these sites contained souterrains and extensive evidence for early medieval iron and agricultural evidence dating from approximately the 5th century A.D. onwards. The final phase of activity mentioned in the report concerning a Ninch, Laytown dated to the 10/11th century A.D. supporting the idea that these kilns are early medieval in date. A possible Keyhole shaped Kiln was excavated at Cherrywood, Co. Dublin (John 'Nill 1999, Excavations Bulletin 99E0523). It was found in an early occupation phase that appears to have
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succeeded a 6/7th century inhumation cemetery but dated to a period before the potential Viking houses were constructed in the 9/10thcentury A.D. The evidence for dated examples for early medieval kilns as reported in the excavations bulletin is remarkably low. The actual amount is however likely to be a great deal later because many of these excavation reports were submitted when radiocarbon dates were pending. It must be concluded that we will only have a complete picture about the chronological development of Irish early medieval kilns when the excavations reports which contain detailed information about radiocarbon dates as well as the shape and form of the kilns are consulted.
Early medieval field systems and enclosures

Background It is clear that the early medieval agricultural landscape was highly organised, with field systems laid out by banks and ditches, wooden fences or stone walls. Archaeologists have recorded possible field systems or enclosures that were associated with early medieval monuments since the early twentieth century. Few excavations have ever been undertaken to establish their dates and potential association with these monuments. Aerial photography by Norman and St. Joseph (1969, Pl. 35) have recorded very small irregular fields radiating from a destroyed ringfort at Rathangan, Co. Kildare (Edwards 1990, 53). A great example of extant cashels with associated irregular field walls can be found at Corrofin, Co. Clare while a complex containing two earthen ringforts and an adjacent round hut with a curvilinear field systems has been noted at Ballynashee, Co. Antrim on the fringes of the Antrim plateau, together with a pair of conjoined ringforts and a rectangular house foundation nearby (Edwards 1990, 53). Further examples of ringforts potentially associated with field systems were recorded at Cush, Co. Limerick (Edwards 1990, 56) and Oldcastle, Co. Meath (Aalen 1970, 211). It has traditionally been thought that these fieldsystems are only wellpreserved in parts of the country, such as in the Burren, Co. Clare such as at Corofin, Co. Clare (or Ballykinvarga), where palimpsests of fieldsystems surround early medieval cashel. Early medieval fields are also known from marginal upland areas, such as The Spectacles and Cush, Co. Limerick or at Ballyutoag, Co. Antrim. It has been suggested that it is possible to deduce from the different sizes or shapes of fields the different functions to which they might have been put. Thus, the small square fields found at The Spectacles, Co. Limerick and around other settlement sites may have essentially been small garden plots, cultivated by hand using spades and used for growing vegetables or lesser crops. At a largerscale, the larger elongated fields such as at Cush, Co. Limerick may have been ploughed and used for growing large fields of wheat, barley and oats. It is a striking feature of modern Irish archaeology that an array of early medieval field systems have been investigated in recent years. Although frequently giving no surface expression, large scale geophysical surveys and excavations have uncovered many field systems of early medieval date. These fields vary in shape, size, location and associations and often demonstrate the recutting of ditches, the enlargement or subdivision of fields and sometimes the abandonment of farms as ditches silted up or became otherwise derelict. It is evident that the size and character of these field systems or enclosures could provide valuable information about how people organized their landscapes in terms of tillage and cattlebased economies. It could also inform us about how people used both upland and lowland landscapes for different agricultural purposes over time. This could bring to light information about the practice of booleying in early medieval Ireland. It is also possible that concepts such as privacy and private ownership could also be explored in terms of analysing how the landscape was organized spatially over time. It could inform about how different types of land was used in commonalty and private ownership for different agricultural purposes over times.
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Upland and Lowland Field Systems Perhaps one of the most exciting areas of field system research concerns how agricultural economies were organized and arranged around both upland and uplands landscapes. Edwards (1990, 46 & 47) has noted evidence for field systems with associated settlements at Ballynaveooragh along the slopes of Mount Brandon, Co. Kerry and Beginish Island, Co. Kerry (Kelly, 1956). One significant example of the use of both uplands and lowland has also been discovered at The Spectacles, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick ( Rordin 1949 Edwards 1990, 47). Four small rectangular fields with associated unenclosed buildings were excavated and may have been used principally for tillage. A system of larger field systems and a semicircular enclosure was located further up the hillside and may have been the location where the livestock was pastured. A significant group of early medieval buildings was excavated at Bray Head, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry from 19932001 (Alan Hayden 1993, Excavations Bulletin 93E0121, 94E119, 97E278 & 01E0814 Claire Walsh 95E166, Excavations Bulletin). The buildings appear to have been generally unenclosed in the early medieval period until they were replaced by field systems and cultivation activity dating to the late medieval period. Field survey and excavations have also revealed important evidence for a possible upland transhumance village at Aughnabrack, Ballyutoag on the northwest slopes of the Belfast Mountains (Williams 1984). The site consisted of two large conjoined curvilinear enclosures with a group of circular hut platforms around the perimeter, a series of adjacent fields and a third smaller enclosure to the north (Edwards 1990, 46). Upwards of 23 hut sites were surveyed during the study. The excavated huts largely date to around the 8th century A.D. They could have housed upwards of 100 people. Comparable upland sites in Antrim have also been discovered at Browndod, Killylane and Tildarg (Williams 1983, 239245). Field survey and excavations have also uncovered field systems dating from the Neolithic period onwards at Parknabinnia, Roughan Hill, Co. Clare (Carleton Jones 1995, Excavations Bulletin 95E061). Early medieval occupation evidence was also uncovered in the form of pieces of iron and very small blue glass beads and animal bone. Possible early medieval rectilinear field systems were observed beyond the area of excavation. EMAP survey and field systems and unenclosed settlements Large industrial, gas road infrastructural projects are now uncovering field systems with/without associated unenclosed and enclosed settlement evidence across the whole country in more recent years. Significant early medieval agricultural landscapes have been discovered at Marshes Upper, Co. Louth and Carrigoran, Site 18, Co. Clare. Excavations at Marshes Upper revealed evidence for a number of unenclosed souterrains, structures, corndrying kilns, ironworking sites and rectangular field systems dating from the Late Iron Age through the early medieval period. A hoard of 8 HibernoNorse coins with a deposition date of AD. 9951000 was recovered from the fill of one souterrain (Paul Gosling 198084, Excavations Bulletin Matt Mossop & Robert OHara 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0008, 02E0233, 02E0234 & 02E0201). Excavations at Carrigoran, Site 18, (100x110m), Co. Clare revealed six main phases of activity (Fiona Reilly, Thaddeus Breen & Billy Quinn, Excavations Bulletin 19982000 98E0337, 98E0426 and 98E0338). Phase 1 revealed evidence for unenclosed early medieval structures as well as evidence for tillage production. The site then went temporarily out of use before phase 3 witnessed the construction of several early medieval small stonewalls and ditched fields. Evidence for both ironworking and tillage production was uncovered. A Class E bone comb artefact was found dating to the 9/10th century A.D. The site then went out of use and the field systems were destroyed in the medieval period. A final potential example of an early medieval field system with associated unenclosed settlement was excavated at Ballygeale 1, Co. Limerick in advance of the N20/N21 Adare to Annacotty Bypass (James Eogan & Sinclair Turrell 1999, Excavations Bulletin 99E0341). A
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possible circular building, c. 10m in diameter, a well and a number of hearths were excavated. An undated field system was excavated 200m away from this settlement in 1999 99E0342. A number of pits and ditches were excavated. A number of hearths were also excavated and the pits contained charcoal suggesting industrial activity in the area. The date of the circular building is uncertain. EMAP survey, field systems/Enclosures and associated monuments Excavations in recent years has increased our knowledge about the relationship of early medieval settlement sites to field systems. Excavations at Corbally Co. Kildare revealed extensive evidence for enclosures and linear field systems associated with a large enclosure as well as widespread indications for extensive arable production. Similar evidence has been found at other significant sites at Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath, Rosepark, Co. Dublin and Balgatheran 1, Co. Louth. Other contexts include Castle Upton, Templepatrick, Co. Antrim where a penannular ringditch containing two early transitional stonelined burials (c. 5/6th century A.D.) was adjacent to a number of early medieval ditches. See table for other potential examples.
NAME Corbally Ninch, Laytown Castle Upton, Templepatrick Glebe, Site 43, Tully Phrompstown 2 Ballyegan Glebe St. Colum mac Cremthainn, Iniscealtra (Holy Island) Kilnamonagh, Abbeytown Rosepark, Balrothery Balgatheran 1 Ballyegan Carrowkeel
County Kildare Meath Antrim Dublin Dublin Kerry Wicklow Clare
Company Margaret Gowen ADS ADS Valerie J Keeley Freelance UCC Margaret Gowen UCD
Year 2001/2002 2000/2001/2002 1996/1997/1998 2000/2001/2002 2002 1991 2002 1970/1971/1972/1 973/1974/1975/19 76/1980 1989 1999 2000 2000 2000
EMAP Class MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement Iron Age/early medieval burial site Ringfort Ringfort Cashel & Souterrain Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Monument Field System/enclosure Field System/enclosure Field System/enclosure Field System/enclosure Field System/enclosure Field System/enclosure Field System/enclosue Field System/enclosure
Significance Highly Significant Highly Significant Significant Highly Significant General Significant Uncertain Highly Significant
Galway Dublin Louth Kerry Galway
OPW FAS Scheme ArchTechJudith Carroll Valerie J Keeley ADS North West Archaeological Services Freelance CRDS
Enclosed ecclesiastical site enclosure enclosure Ringfort Cashel
Field System/enclosure Field System/enclosure Field System/enclosure Field System/enclosure Field System/enclosure
General Highly Significant Highly Significant General Uncertain
Newrath Blackhall Big, Dunboyne
Kilkenny Meath
2002 2002
Ringfort Ringfort
Field System/enclosure Field System/enclosure
Uncertain No significance
Table 46: Monuments with associated Field Divisions/Enclosures Isolated field systems/enclosures Recent excavations are also revealing evidence for potential early medieval activity in the form of ditches, banks and materialculture. Excavations at Grange near Clondalkin, Co. Dublin revealed a number of curving ditches were excavated in the townland of Grange and Kilmahuddrick near the early medieval monastery (Cia McConway 1996, Excavations Bulletin 96E273). Animal bone, metal knives and worked lignite fragment were found. A one sided decorated bone comb gave a terminus ante quem of the 11/12th century suggesting that this feature is early medieval. A pit containing iron slag was also found nearby and post holes and stake holes were associated with this feature.
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Excavations at Balriggan 1, Site 15 (100x100m) Co. Louth revealed possible ditches, pits and a possible stonelined grave (Shane Delaney 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0373). Among the finds were a rotary quern fragment, flintend scraper and crudebucket shaped pottery, possibly souterrain ware. Excavations at Clonmoney West, Site 42C, Co. Clare revealed a number of walls, one of which returned a radiocarbon date of 16001340 BP (AD 350610) from a charcoal sample taken from beneath it (Deirdre Murphy 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E0242). Whetstones, an Edward III coin (134451) and a decorated rotary quern fragment were recovered from the wall. A copper alloy pin and a polished stone axe were recovered from beneath the wall. Excavations were undertaken at Trim Castle, Co. Meath from 199598 as part of the conservation of the castle (Alan Hayden 1995, 1997 & 1998, Excavations Bulletin 95E77). A small number of pits and flint artefacts were discovered which may date to the prehistoric period. A number of early medieval levels of occupation were also uncovered. An early medieval structure was found to represent a large oval animal corral with an entrance in its east side. It was superseded by a metalled surface. They are likely to be early medieval in date. The 1172 ringwork succeeded this settlement. It contained a timber framed building, an early granary and hearth and was found to be associated with the earliest phase of AngloNorman occupation. A possible example was excavated at a drystone built field system at Ballynacragga, Area 7, Co. Clare in advance of the N18/N19 BallycaseyDromoland Road Scheme (Billy Quinn 200, Excavations Bulletin 98E0333). A rotary quern stone was found during topsoil stripping. The date of the field system is uncertain. Finally, excavations at Ardclone, Co. Kilkenny revealed a hearth, located on a backfilled ditch, that contained animal bone, bone bead with a carved motif and a piece of blue glass (Patrick Neary 2000, Excavations Bulletin). The hearth was dated to the10/11th century A.D. (108050 BP). There is then, growing evidence for early medieval field systems/enclosures that were associated with unenclosed and enclosed settlement sites across the island. Traditionally, evidence for early medieval field systems were revealed only in upland marginal locations in counties like Kerry, Clare and Antrim. However, new discoveries have been made during large scale infrastructural projects in more recent years in more lowland and heavily cultivated eastern counties such as Meath, Dublin and Louth. These new discoveries could have important repercussions on how we understand and view the extent and pattern of field enclosure across the entire country through the early medieval period.
Early Medieval Burnt Mounds

Previous Studies Burnt mounds or Fulacht Fiadh are one of the most frequently excavated archaeological monuments in Ireland. A huge number of these sites have been excavated in recent years due to development and road scheme projects. They are typically identified by a horseshoe shaped mound of burnt and broken stones with an associated trough and hearth and are frequently found in close proximity to water. It was first suggested by OKelly (1954) that they were used as temporary shelters and cooking places by roving bands of hunters for the purpose of boiling meat. The woodlined trough was brought to boiling point by dropping stones, previously heated on an adjacent hearth. After the meat was boiled within the heated water, the heat shattered stone were removed from the trough and thrown nearby where a burnt mound would eventually form (Edwards 1990, 65). Other alternative suggestions for their function has been sweat baths or saunas as well as monuments for the undertaking of a range of industrial activities including brewing (See Quinn & Moore 2007), textile and leather processing.
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It was originally suggested by OKelly (1954) that the fulacht fiadh may have been used from the Bronze Age to the 16th century A.D. Radiocarbon dates more recently have suggested that the vast majority are in fact Bronze Age in date. There is only limited evidence to suggest that they may have been used in the early medieval period. Edwards (1990, 66) has noted that the law tracts and an early 10th century document known as Cormacs Glossary record the use of terms such as fulacht fiadh and fulacht fian (cooking place of a roving band of warriors). Only one possible example of an early medieval fulacht fiadh was noted by Edwards (1990, 66) at Catstown, Co. Kilkenny. Here two radiocarbon dates returned the very different dates of 800 390 B.C. and A.D. 680980. EMAP survey and some potential early medieval burnt mounds The EMAP survey has identified a number of other potential examples (See Appendix). A potential site was excavated at Ballinrobe in advance of the Ballinrobe Sewerage Scheme (Gerry Walsh 1994, Excavations Bulletin 94E017). An iron sickle was excavated from inside the burnt mound material possibly suggesting that the monument dated to a period when iron was in use. Nearby fulachta fiadh revealed animal and deer bone. Excavations at Cloongownagh, Co. Mayo revealed a fulachta fiadh in advance of the N4 RockinghamCortober Road Project (Deirdre Murphy 1998, Excavations Bulletin). Excavations revealed an important first fourth century A.D. unenclosed settlement. A small fulacht fiadh was dated to the 4th century A.D. to the south of the site near the bog. The site was then enclosed when a ringfort was built. An unusual archaeological feature was excavated at Kilmurry 2, Co. Wicklow (Matt Mossop 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E1134). Heat shattered stones and charcoal were found in a number of hearths and pits near a river. One pit was dated to AD 10001240 while a hearth was dated to A.D. 9001160. The purpose of this enigmatic site is uncertain. Excavations at Parksgrove, Site 1, Co. Kilkenny revealed an ironworking site with an associated possible burnt mound in the western flood plain of the river Nore (Paul Stevens 1999, Excavations Bulletin 99E0388). The ironworking site consisted of a furnace bowl, slag and charcoal. A small spread composed of firecracked stone and charcoal rich soil and silt was identified 8m to the north of the ironworking site. It was not established if it represented a separate burnt mound or the continuation of a feature associated with the ironworking site. Stevens concluded that it cannot be ruled out that this is a separate burnt mound or Bronze Age fulacht fiadh site. Excavations were undertaken at Castle Street/Quay Street, Dungarvan (Dave Pollock 1996 & 1997, Excavations Bulletin 96E0378) and revealed a fulacht fiadh that was described as being riddled with later clay pits. A calibrated date of AD 540660 (2 sigma range) was derived from associated charcoal (UB4159). It was not said if the charcoal was from the fulacht fiadh or later clay pits. These represent only tentative examples for the evidence of burnt mounds in the early medieval period. It is clear that this type of monument dates principally to the Bronze Age period. The EMAP survey did not undertake a systematic survey of Burnt mound data from the excavations bulletin. These examples represent only those that were discovered unintentionally during the review of the early medieval archaeological evidence so it is likely that further tentative or definite early medieval examples may have been excavated.
Early medieval trackways in wetlands

Previous Excavations In the last number of years, excavations and survey have revealed a large number of trackways in wetland and bogland contexts. For many years, Bord na Mona has exploited the central 184
raised bogs in Ireland to generate electricity with the effect of reducing the height and size of these boglands. Evidence for trackways and settlement activity has been discovered intermittently but no systematic study of the archaeological potential of these wetlands was ever undertaken. The first systematic study of the archaeological potential of a bogland was undertaken by Barry Raftery (1996) at the Mount Dillon Bogs in Co. Longford from 198591. Excavations were undertaken initially at the large Iron Age trackway known as Corlea 1 but it soon became apparent that a large collection of other brushwood and wooden toghers were present in the face of drains in the vicinity. The discoveries of this complex of trackways lead to the subsequent establishment of the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (IAWU) in 1990. Since then they have conducted a survey of the raised bogs owned by Bord Na Mona and have published a number of their studies. In the last few years, excavations have also been undertaken by a number of commercial companies, particularly Archaeological Development Services (ADS) and during the Lisheen Mine Archaeological Project by Margaret Gowen from 19961998 (Gowen, Phillips & ONeill 2005). EMAP survey and early medieval trackways EMAP undertook a review of the wooden trackways excavated from 19702002 (See Appendix). Radiocarbon and dendrochronological dates for the majority of excavated trackways are not provided in the excavation bulletin reports as they are often pending at the time of submission. Conor McDermott, formerly of the IAWU has established a comprehensive list of dated trackways. He has provided EMAP with information on excavated trackways that returned early medieval dates (A.D. 4001170). EMAP also examined the evidence from the Excavations Bulletin reports and it was possible from both sources to establish a list of a very provisional list of excavated wooden trackways from 19702002. The majority of excavated wooden trackways dated to the early medieval period were recovered in wetland contexts. A total of 23 excavation licenses found 20 EMAP defined sites that were found to contain wooden trackways that dated to the early medieval period. 6 wooden trackways were found to have been excavated within the HibernoNorse urban towns. A further wooden trackway platform was excavated at the ecclesiastical site of Dromiskin, Co. Louth. The remaining 16 excavation licenses from 13 EMAP sites were excavated from wetland contexts. It is likely that the figure of excavated trackways is somewhat greater as radiocarbon and dendrochronological dates were often pending at the time of submission. It is also the case that many early medieval trackways were recorded instead of being excavated and were therefore beyond the boundaries set for this project. The vast majority of the excavated wooden trackways recovered from wetland contexts were discovered in Offaly with other examples being found in Tipperary and Cavan. A number of cobbled/metalled trackways and earthen trackways were also recorded within the EMAP database. The cobbled/metalled trackways were recovered within the HibernoNorse urban towns as well as at the ecclesiastical sites of Ardcarn, Aghavea and Clonmacnoise. A small number of earthen trackways that also appeared to date to the early medieval period were also noted. Research Areas This research into the amount and character of early medieval trackways is clearly in its infancy. It is likely that the amount of early medieval wooden trackways is far greater as dates for most were not available to be examined. It is clear then that a systematic review of the different wetland projects will be required to establish an accurate figure for the amount of excavated early medieval wetland trackways. It will then be necessary to appraise the character of these brushwood and wooden trackways to understand how they were constructed and used over time. What places did these trackways link together and what were the functions of the different sites?
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Cobbled/metalled trackways in both urban and rural contexts were undoubtedly an important feature of the early medieval archaeological record yet have also never been systematically analysed. Future detailed studies of excavation reports will be required to understand the character and context of these trackways in principally urban and important ecclesiastical and settlement sites.
Early medieval coastal and estuarine fishtraps

Background Early medieval historical sources indicate that the seashore was potentially a place of intense activity (OSullivan and Breen 2007). Early Irish laws dating to the seventh and eighth century discuss rights to inshore and offshore seafishing, the ownership of seaweed and driftwood, while the saints lives describe the work of fishermen, the moving back and forth of boats and ships and occasionally the hunting of marine mammals. The seventhcentury Life of Columba clearly states that the monks of Iona were trapping seals, and these were probably butchered for skins and meat. Their bones have been recovered from early medieval coastal sites at Church Island and Inishkea. Whalebone has been found on early medieval sites such as Raheens, Co. Cork, Rathmullan, Co. Down, Inishkea, Co. Mayo and Lough Faughaun crannog, Co. Down. Although it is possible that these were hunted, it seems more likely that they represent the use of accidentally stranded animals. Indeed, early Irish documentary sources claimed that during the reign of a just king, unusually beneficial things occurred. It is probably for this reason that in AD 753, the Annals of Ulster note that a whale (with three gold teeth) was cast ashore at Bairche in Ulster, during the reign of Fiachna son of Aed Rn, king of Ulster. In contrast, for AD 827, there is a reference to a great pigslaughter of seapigs (probably porpoises) by the foreigners on the coast of ArdCianachta (in modern Co. Louth, on Irelands east coast). This could again simply represent the opportunistic slaughter of a large group of stranded animals, but it may also imply hunting out at sea using boats and harpoons. Certainly, the fact that they refer to it at all and the use of the term foreigners indicates that the Irish annalists found this to be a unique and extraordinary event, perhaps indicating too that whale and seal hunting was something that was more an activity practiced by Scandinavian peoples. By the eleventh century AD, the Muslim geographer al Udrhi noted that the Irish hunted young whales between the months of October and January. Obviously, some of these activities on the seashore would leave little trace. On the other hand, recent intertidal archaeological surveys on the Shannon estuary and Strangford Lough have revealed physical traces (in the form of fishtraps and mills) of what we might call maritime taskscapes, landscapes of marine oriented labour that were intended to provide both food and income to local populations. Early medieval fishtraps Perhaps amongst the most striking discoveries in Irish archaeology of recent years have been the early medieval coastal fish traps found on the Shannon estuary and Strangford Lough (OSullivan 2001a, 2003, 2005). Medieval fish traps were artificial barriers of stone or wood built in rivers or estuaries to deflect fish into an opening where they could be trapped in nets or baskets. In coastal and estuarine waters, fish tend to move up the shore with the flooding tide and drift back down with the ebbing tide, being attracted by feeding in the shallow water and by the nutrients in freshwater streams and rivers moving into the estuary. Thence, it is possible to trap them by erecting fish traps across these routes, with ebbweirs catching fish moving down with the ebbing tide and floodweirs catching fish moving up the shore with the flooding tide. Upon encountering these barriers, the fish would tend to move along the fences into the trapping mechanism, from where they could be removed later. The fish traps typically consisted of two (or more) converging vertical fences or walls, thus forming a large Vshaped structure. At the apex or eye of the two fences there would be a woven wicker basket supported on a framework, a net, or a rectangular or curvilinear 186
enclosures of wooden posts or nets. However, medieval fish traps vary significantly in location, form, size, and style of trapping mechanism, depending on the relative size of the catch intended, the foreshore topography and current conditions and the customs and practices of local fishermen. Indeed, it is now clear that there is a significant local and regional variation in the use of fish weirs around medieval Britain and Ireland. Early medieval fishtraps on Strangford Lough The Strangford Lough fish traps are located around the shores of this sea lough, but are mostly concentrated in Grey Abbey Bay and around Chapel Island in the northeast part of the Lough. At least fifteen wooden and stonebuilt fish traps have been recorded and the wooden traps in particular have been radiocarbon dated to between the eighth and thirteenth centuries AD. Strangford Lough would have had a range of fish species, including salmon, seatrout, plaice, flounder, mackerel, cod, grey mullet and skate with large numbers of eels in the abundant kelp growth. The Strangford Lough fishtraps were ebbweirs, intended to catch fish drifting down with the falling tide. They usually have two long stone walls or wooden fences that converged in a Vshape to a point on the lower foreshore. This means that at every low tide they were exposed for about two to three hours, and while they enclosed a large area of foreshore, their owners and users had sufficient time to remove the fish and repair the structures. The Strangford Lough wooden fish traps have fences measuring between 40m and 200m in length and are more or less Vshaped in plan. The fences were made both of single lines of posts and complex arrangements of paired posts thus creating an inner and outer fence. Post andwattle panels could have been carried out to the traps and slotted between these paired uprights and pinned in position using bracing props and horizontal pegs. Wooden fish traps at Cunningburn and Gregstown, near Newtownards also had stone walls along the base of the fence to protect them from erosion and undercutting. At the 'eye' of the converging fences, baskets or nets were probably hung on rectangular structures. The wooden fences would have deteriorated quickly and needed periodic repair. It is obvious that a significant amount of labour was required for their construction. Thousands of hazel, ash and oak poles and rods would have been felled, trimmed and hauled out from the neighbouring woodlands. At Chapel Island, a large wooden fish trap has provided a radiocarbon date of AD 711889. It has a lower, 'flood fence' 147m in length running parallel to the shore and a second, shorter fence running up towards the island. Archaeological excavations suggest that it was the subject of frequent repairs or that there was an attempt to make the fences 'fishtight' through the use of hundreds of closelyspaced posts. Interestingly, there is archaeological evidence for settlement on the island, including a possible church structure within a promontory enclosure defined by a substantial bank and ditch. Traces of stone fieldwalls can also be seen on the nearby slopes. The Chapel Island fish traps may have been linked to the regionally significant early medieval monastic centre of Nendrum, Co. Down which is located on an island across the lough. In Grey Abbey Bay, 1.5km to the east, three wooden traps and four stone traps have been recorded. At South Island, a large Vshaped wooden trap crosses a tidal channel. This structure measures over 100m in length, was constructed of at least 500 posts and has a rectangular structure and possible basket at the eye. It has provided two separate radiocarbon dates of A.D. 10231161 and A.D. 12501273. Similar Vshaped wooden traps found elsewhere in the bay have produced radiocarbon dates of A.D 10371188 and A.D. 10461218. The traps may have used nets, baskets or rectangular pounds, postandwattle enclosures inside of which the fish remained until removed. The Strangford Lough fish traps were clearly in use in the bay throughout the Middle Ages. Some of the large wooden and stone fish traps may have been the property of the Cistercian community of Grey Abbey, which was founded in 1193 AD. It is known that the early Cistercian communities were determinedly selfsufficient and the use of fisheries in the bay probably intensified after their arrival.
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The Strangford Lough stonebuilt fish traps are broadly similar in size, form and orientation. They typically measure between 50m and 300m in length, 1.1m in width and probably stood between 0.5m to 1m in height. Fish could have swam over them on a flooding tide but would be trapped behind the wall during the last hours of the ebbing tide. The stone fishtraps are variously Vshaped, sickleshaped and tickshaped in plan, mainly depending on the nature of the local foreshore. Large numbers of heavy beach boulders would have been collected from the foreshore for their construction. The stonebuilt fishtraps would have needed repair after winter storms, no doubt a difficult task with barnacles on the rocks and only several hours available for work. The massive physical scale and form of the Strangford Lough fishtraps probably indicates a local response to the broad, sandy beaches of the lough, although it is also clear that these were intended to literally harvest all of the fish out of this part of the lough. Early medieval fishtraps on the Shannon estuary On the Shannon estuary, in southwest Ireland, archaeological surveys have revealed evidence for several medieval wooden fishtraps, dated to between the fifth and the thirteenth century AD. The Shannon estuary fish weirs tend to be small, Vshaped postandwattle structures (with fences 2030m in length) with basket traps, hidden away within the narrow, deep creeks that dissect the estuarys vast expanses of soft, impenetrable muds. Despite being relatively small, they would have been undoubtedly effective as even a small barrier in these creeks could have literally sieved the water of all fish moving around with the tides. They were oriented to catch fish on the flooding or ebbing tide and could in season have taken large catches of salmon, sea trout, lampreys, shad, flounder and eels (the latter in OctoberNovember). The earliest known fish trap is a small postandwattle fence (c. 8m in length) on the Fergus estuary, Co. Clare (a tributary of the Shannon estuary), dated to AD 442664 (one of the earliest in these islands). This was probably part of a fish trap that would have been used by the inhabitants of early medieval ringforts (enclosed settlements) on the low hills adjacent to the estuary. Early medieval fish traps have also been located on the mudflats of the Deel estuary, Co. Limerick (which flows into the upper Shannon estuary). Deel 1, dated to A.D. 10371188 is a small Vshaped fishtrap, oriented to catch fish on the flooding tide with two converging postandwattle alder wood fences measuring over 30m in length. A cluster of posts at the apex of the two fences probably represents the surviving remains of a trap. It may have been associated with nearby settlements on the neighbouring land, including early medieval ringforts and other earthworks. There are other, later medieval fishtraps on this foreshore (see below), that provide intriguing evidence for local continuity of size, form and location, suggesting that they essentially replaced each other between the eleventh and the late fourteenth century AD. Indeed, recent studies of early medieval fishweirs around the coastline of Britain and Ireland also indicates that there can be strong continuities of form over centuries. AngloSaxon fish traps on the estuaries of the Essex coastline were built, repaired and reactivated through the sixth to eighth centuries AD. Similarly Saxon and Norman fish traps on the Severn estuary indicate local continuities of form, so much so that it might be suspected that the fishtraps themselves acted to preserve local memories of good fishing grounds. This broader perspective also reveals that early medieval fishtraps were most in use in these islands in the seventh century AD, and also again in the thirteenth to fourteenth centuries AD, presumably relating to some social and cultural processes such as population growth and perception of fish as an economic resource.
Conclusions
EMAP has revealed that there has been a significant amount of discoveries of new archaeological evidence for agriculture in early medieval Ireland. The general character of early medieval agriculture the role of dairying the role of arable crops and the place of farming in early Irish society have all been reconstructed from archaeological, environmental and historical evidence. 188
However, EMAP has also demonstrated the good evidence for early medieval fieldsystems and enclosures, for kilns and mills, for trackways and fisheries and other features. It could be argued the wellknown revolutions in early Irish farming could now be matched with a revolution of the scale and intensity of settlement and landuse in the Irish landscape and the real role of farming in social life and practice.
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Chapter 8: Early Medieval Crafts and Technology a focus on ironworking
Chapter 8. Early medieval crafts and technology a focus on ironworking

Introduction
Crafts and industry were crucially important elements of early medieval Irish society The identification and extraction of raw materials, the various stages of craft production and the distribution of artefacts through trade and exchange, and finally the use, repair and abandonment of objects can all be traced in the archaeological record and also influenced the character and organisation of settlements and landscapes. The role of crafts and industry can be seen in the character and layout of settlement sites, routeways and activity areas in the wider landscape, as well as the practical and social organisation of work within dwellings. It should be recognised that crafts and industry in early medieval Ireland, like settlement, agriculture and other activities, would have been organised in social terms especially in terms of gender, rank and status. Certainly, the early Irish sources attest to the relative status and importance of different crafts. For example, the early Irish laws indicate that carpenters, copperworkers and smiths were all of highstatus, occasionally having a similar honourprice to that of lower grade of nobility, while in contrast, combmakers were of quite low social status and were scoffed at by the jurists who compiled the laws. It is also the case that manual labour had to be avoided if you were above a certain social rank. Ironworking was the only early medieval industry that was systematically analysed for this EMAP phase. Evidence for nonferrous metalworking or other craft technologies such as textile production were not examined in detail due to issues with the quality of the data in the excavation bulletin reports. It is certainly true that a much wider range of crafts were practiced on most settlement sites, such as woodworking, leatherworking and boneworking, but these are not easy to trace in Excavations bulletin. Instead, we will examine the evidence for iron working, which seems to have ranged in complexity and scope, from smallscale local production to more specialised activities.
Previous studies of early medieval iron working

Background There have been few systematic studies of early medieval Irish ironworking. The first major publication of on the subject was B.G. Scotts (1990) Early Irish Ironworking. It examined the evidence for the transition to iron in the later prehistoric period and the development and consolidation of this technology in the Iron Age and in the earliest phases of the early medieval period. He was one of the first to examine the potential evidence for smithing, smithing and mining and the artefacts and technology used behind these processes. Both Scott (1990, 157) and Edwards (1990, 86) were one of the first to recognise the problems of previous Irish metallurgical studies on important early medieval sites that often failed to make a distinction between smithing and smelting furnaces or failed to collect slag in a systematic way. Our current understanding of early medieval metallurgy is then based on a few specific sites all of which are potentially in need of reevaluation. Developmentled excavations in the mean time, particularly along the NRA road schemes, have revealed unparalled evidence for early medieval ironworking on a previously unknown scale, some of which now is beginning to be examined and published. Metallurgical specialists such as Tim Young and Effie Photos Jones are also now engaging with the excavated evidence to produce new paradigms and reports that will transform out understanding of early Irish ironworking.
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However there has still been no specific study of Irish iron working or metallurgy to date that has systematically assessed and reviewed the significance of all this new archaeological evidence. New evidence has also emerged for early medieval charcoal pits and kilns although our understanding of the character and role of these features in early medieval iron working is still obscure. In terms of the technological processes then, there is currently a lack of understanding concerning the evidence for the sourcing of iron ore, the structure and form of charcoal kilns, smithing and smelting hearths and the range of artefacts used behind these processes. There is also a want of knowledge concerning the scale of iron production, the distribution networks behind the circulation of iron ore, the location places of high status forges and the status, power and relationship of the Blacksmith to local political rulers. The Technological Process Iron is ! ! ! ! produced through a process in which involved Sourcing Iron Ore Producing Charcoal Separating ore from the iron bloom using charcoal (Smelting) Refining and hammering out impurities (Smithing)
Sourcing and mining Iron Ore There is currently a complete lack of knowledge and evidence for the initial extraction of iron ore for industrial purposes from its primary context. There was some evidence for the extraction of iron ore from surface outcrops near Garryduff I ringfort, Co. Cork (OKelly 1963, 103). Few other sites with the exception of the copper mines at Ross Island, Co. Cork (William O'Brien 2004) has revealed evidence for early medieval mining across the island. It is believed however that bog iron was the principal source of iron in early medieval Ireland as evidence from the ringfort at Cush, Co. Limerick ( Rordin 1940), the ringfort at Mullaghbane, Co. Tyrone (Harper 1972) and iron ore evidence at Reask (Fanning 1981), Co. Kerry suggests. Charcoal Production Carefully constructed small pits in which timbers were placed against a central vertical post c.1m high who were then covered by straw, bracken and layers of earth and turf were built to turn the timbers into charcoal. Charcoal was created by carbonising smouldering wood in an oxygenlimited environment the amount of air was carefully controlled so that the wood was roasted but not burnt (Carlin forthcoming). Smelting The charcoal was then used for the smelting of bog iron ore as it was through burning charcoal within a furnace that iron ore and other impurities was extracted to form iron bloom and liquid slag. Smithing After the smelting process, the produced bloom was further refined, reheated and hammered in a smithing hearth to remove excess slag and impurities not previously separated during the smelting phase. Slag was a byproduct and consequence of both smelting and smithing processes. Microscopic analysis of the slag can yield important information about whether smelting or smithing was undertaken at the site.
EMAP and excavated early medieval ironworking evidence

Excavated Sites The excavations bulletin was the principal source of information for this stage of the EMAP survey. It is clear however that the bulletin reports are interim in nature and at the time of submission have not got information about the excavated number, type and date of hearths and furnaces available at hand. While information may occasionally have been given about the type of furnaces excavated etc., it was decided to collect just basic data about the approximate
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or exact (if given) number of industrial hearths/furnaces and other associated ironworking residues (slag) or artefacts indicative of the practice. The principal objective of this stage of the project was to then establish an approximate number of sites and licenses that contained evidence for early medieval ironworking and also to begin to understand and examine the contexts in which these practices were taking place. The next stage of the project will involve consulting excavation reports to establish the dates of many of these recorded sites and to identify evidence for information about the technological process including smelting, smithing and mining. The most basic objective was to establish an approximate number of early medieval sites and licenses that contained evidence for early medieval ironworking. It was found that 292 licenses contained evidence for early medieval and potential early medieval ironworking. They were embedded within 249 EMAP defined sites. It must be said that the evidence for ironworking was quite diverse varying from the discovery of a limited amount of iron slag to highly significant industrial centres. While a total of 249 sites have been collected in the database, it is perhaps likely that the actual number that contains early medieval ironworking will be more likely a figure of c. 150200. Publication of recent excavations are then currently transforming and driving our understanding of the technology and processes employed in early medieval metallurgy. Excavated charcoal producing pits Charcoal producing pits are one of the most understudied areas in Irish early medieval archaeology. Edwards (1990, 87) mentioned one possible early medieval charcoal producing pit at the ecclesiastical site of Reask. It was found associated with a series of five small bowl furnaces set into the floor of a disused clochan. In more recent years a range of isolated hearths and charcoal pits which have the potential to transform our understanding about the character of early medieval metallurgy have been excavated in advance of road and gas pipe schemes. Little is completely known about these sites that have been described as charring hearths, pit steads and charring pits (Tylecote 1990, 225 Hull & Taylor 2006, 31). Excavations along the M4 KinnegadEnfieldKilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1 (ACS 2002) have yielded charcoal kilns at Ardnamullan 1 (AD 720960) and also (AD 10201250), Newcastle 2, (AD 10501100) and Hardwood 3 (AD 720960) in county Meath (Carlin forthcoming). It has been observed that many metallurgical sites had evidence for multiphase activity. Hardwood 3, for instance returned radiocarbon dates for metallurgy in the Iron Age (36060 BC), early medieval (AD 720790) and medieval/postmedieval (AD 14401640) periods. It suggests that these areas were deliberately selected due to their particular natural resources and topographical location and were sporadically revisited across this wide time frame (Carlin forthcoming). A potential charcoal producing pit was also excavated at Curryhills, Site 1, Prosperous, Co. Kildare in advance of the ClaneProsperous Water Supply Scheme (Martin Byrne 2000, Excavations Bulletin 00E0064). The pit was irregular in plan and compared to other examples was also small measuring only 1.74m x 1.14m. Excavation of the feature revealed charred material consisting of ash and charred/burnt wood fragments as well as in situ burning. It was subsequently dated to A.D. 10051185. Excavations quite recently in advance of the N21 Limerick Tralee Road have also discovered evidence for early medieval charcoal production pits (Site AR05) in the townland of Kilmaniheen West on the border of Limerick and Kerry (Hull & Taylor 2006). The pits, with one circular exception, were rectangular and oval shaped and displayed intense evidence for in situ burning and charcoalrich deposits at the base. Radiocarbon determinations were made from charcoal from two pits which returned calibrated dates of A.D. 810840/ A.D. 8601030 and A.D. 990 1160 (Hull & Taylor 2006, 31). Hull and Taylor (2006, 32) have also observed that other
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rectilinear shaped charcoal producing pits have been excavated at Ballycorrick, Clondagad, Co. Clare, Kilquane, Co. Clare and Aghamore, Co. Mayo. They have also reported that a similar site excavated at Barefield, Co. Clare (Casey 2004) was dated to the 11/12th centuries A.D. Approximately 37 further sites have been described as potential early medieval charcoal producing pits within the EMAP database (See Appendix). These examples typically consist of pits containing evidence for charcoal as well as often in situ burning. Many of these sites were excavated along the recent Bord Gis Pipeline Project to the West (Margaret Gowen 2002). No radiocarbon dates were available for these sites so it is likely that some are not early medieval in date. It is also entirely likely that some of these sites may well be proved to have a different function other than that of a charcoal producing pit. It is likely that some charcoal producing pits were located in close proximity to the smelting and smithing furnaces. Edwards (1990, 87) has described a potential charcoal pit associated with five small bowl furnaces at the ecclesiastical site of Reask. It has also been noted by Hull and Taylor (2006, 32) that an ironworking complex at Knockbrack was excavated only 2.6km to the southwest of the charcoal producing pits at Kilmaniheen West. While these Knockbrack metalworking complex was radiocarbon dated to the 6/7th centuries A.D and therefore not contemporary with the 911th century A.D. charcoal producing sites, it nevertheless confirms the presence of an ironworking industry in the area in the later first millennium A.D. (Hull and Taylor 2006, 32). Excavations equally along the M4 KinnegadEnfieldKilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1 revealed early medieval furnaces in the townland of Hardwood where examples of early medieval charcoal producing pits were discovered (Carlin forthcoming). A number of other potential early medieval charcoal pits were also found associated with evidence for metal/ironworking and are described under the latter term (See Appendix). The EMAP Survey and Smelting and Smithing One problem with the excavation reports was that they did not often distinguish between excavated smelting and smithing furnaces as these reports were written when excavation was often ongoing. It is also evident that it is only in recent years with the development of new scientific techniques that archaeologists are beginning to appreciate the importance of indepth analysis in this subject. Another problem was that it was sometimes difficult to establish whether a hearth was industrial or domestic in function. The current EMAP database then did not make any distinction between a smelting and smithing furnace though such a distinction is envisaged for the project at a further stage in its lifetime. Taking all these factors into consideration, it was found that approximately 139 sites contained evidence for potential industrial hearths/furnaces. It was found that approximately 191 sites contained evidence for ironworking residues (slag) as well as ironworking artefacts and structures (clay tuyre fragments, hammer scales and crucible fragments etc.). These are very provisional figures and are useful only at this stage of the project to establish approximate figures for excavated sites. Evidence for Smelting and Smithing Smelting furnaces are often revealed as simple shallow, depressions or bowls in the ground. It is difficult to reconstruct their original form however because they were often dismantled to remove the iron bloom or slag or perhaps even reused for smithing or copperalloy melting (Edwards 1990, 87). The best indicator for a smelting furnace is the presence of furnace bottoms that represented the hardened slag that had sunk to the base of the furnace during the separation of the slag from the bloom. Clay tuyres were used to funnel air into a furnace to increase its temperature was also another important associated item used during the smelting process. Another indicator of a smelting furnace is that it produces far greater quantities of slag that a smithing furnace which focused principally on hammering out excess impurities not completely removed during the smelting process. Edwards (1990, 87) has cited examples of smelting furnaces at Garryduff 1, Co. Cork, Ballyvourney, Co. Cork and Ballyvollen,
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Co. Antrim. A total of 30 smelting furnaces were excavated along the M4 KinnegadEnfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1, most of which were early medieval in date (Carlin forthcoming). There is less archaeological evidence for smithing furnaces. The diagnostic tools of this activity consist of anvils, hammer scales, unfinished tools and sometimes bellows. Two early medieval anvils were noted by Edwards (1990, 88) at the royal site of Clogher, Co. Tyrone and Garryduff 1, Co. Cork. 12 smelting furnaces as well as a number of other potential examples were excavated along the M4 KinnegadEnfieldKilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1, most of which were early medieval in date (Carlin forthcoming). Many sites have revealed evidence for both smelting and smithing and examples includes Johnstown 1 and Killickaweeny along the M4 KinnegadEnfieldKilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1 as well as an unenclosed early medieval ironworking complex at Knockbrack in advance of the N21 Limerick Tralee Road (Hull & Taylor 2006, 19). Distribution of Excavated Sites 29 counties contained sites with evidence for early medieval or potential early medieval ironworking. The site with the most evidence was Dublin followed by Meath, Cork and Limerick with a number of other counties such as Antrim, Clare, Kerry, Kildare and Louth following closely behind. The counties with the most sites were then again located in the northeastern region of Leinster as well as the southwestern and western counties in Munster. A cursory review of the data shows that approximately 92 sites were excavated in advance of road, Bord Gis and sewerage/drainage schemes. A further 81 sites were excavated in advance of development and residential developments. 42 sites were revealed during research and conservation projects while the reset were excavated for a number of other reasons. The figures illustrate the particular importance of a number of schemes such as the Bord Gis Pipeline to the West project and the excavations along both the M1 and M4 in revealing sites with potentially exciting new archaeological information. Table 47: Excavated Ironworking Evidence Per County 19702002
County Antrim Armagh Clare Cork Derry Donegal Down Dublin Fermanagh Galway Kerry Kildare Kilkenny Laois Ironworking Evidence 12 4 13 18 3 2 10 35 5 7 13 14 6 2 County Limerick Longford Louth Mayo Meath Monaghan Offaly Roscommon Sligo Tipperary Tyrone Waterford Westmeath Wexford Wicklow Ironworking Evidence 17 1 12 7 19 1 2 1 3 7 8 11 9 3 3
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Figure 33: Excavated Ironworking Evidence Per County 19702002
Excavated Ironworking Evidence Per County 1970-2002

Wicklow Wexford Westmeath Waterford Tyrone Tipperary Sligo Roscommo Offaly Monaghan Meath Mayo Louth Longford Limerick Laois Kilkenny Kildare Kerry Galway Fermanagh Dublin Down Donegal Derry Cork Clare Armagh Antrim 0 5 10 15
County
Number of Sites
20
25
30
35
40
The context of early medieval ironworking The majority of ironworking evidence then has been excavated on ecclesiastical and enclosed settlement sites. Important ironworking evidence has also been recovered on settlement/cemetery sites and in Viking urban contexts. There has however been a growing body of evidence for isolated ironworking sites and charcoal pits discovered along road/Gas pipeline schemes and large scale development projects. Table 48: Excavated Ironworking Evidence and Site Categories 19702002
Site Category Agricultural Cemetery/Burial Charcoal Pit Ecclesiastical Ironworking Site Miscellaneous MultiPhase Site Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Settlement/Cemetery Unenclosed Site Viking Urban Number 4 4 27 58 37 2 13 57 12 11 4 21
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Excavated Ironworking and Site Categories 1970-2002

Miscellaneous Viking Urban Settlement/Cemetery Ironworking Site
Site Category
charcoal Pit Multi-Phase Site Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Unenclosed Site Ecclesiastical Cemetery/Burial Agricultural
20
40
Number of Sites
60
80
Figure 34: Excavated Ironworking and Site Categories 19702002
The economic and political context of early medieval ironworking So then, what were the significance, scale and character of the ironworking at these sites? Were most people engaged in ironworking during their daily lives or was the activity a preserve of the well to do and wealthy? Where did these activities take place and what was the status of the Blacksmith? It is likely that ironworking was undertaken by people of different status within a variety of different contexts as the above graph suggests. It is likely that ironworking occurred in a range of contexts. It is likely that ironworking was done by local people at a very low intensity to meet basic subsistence needs. The second and third contexts occurred at high status/royal sites and important ecclesiastical sites where iron working was undertaken by smiths in tandem with other specialised activities such as copper and glass production. Isolated ironworking sites and modest settlements: The ironworking of the lower classes? Basic subsistence levels of ironworking are likely to have been undertaken on the settlements of the semifree and lowest grades of freemen in the early medieval period. It is also likely that many isolated ironworking sites containing a small number of hearths, furnaces and associated charcoal pits were visited periodically by local farmers to meet their basic subsistence needs. The site at Knockbrack, Co. Kerry could represent one example where small scale ironworking complex with evidence for both smelting and smithing was undertaken (Hull & Taylor 2006, 20). Similar sites were discovered along the M4 including Hardwood 3 and Rossan 4 where there were evidence for contemporary smelting and smithing furnaces. (Carlin forthcoming). Some ironworking sites may have been sited to exploit bog ore. Potential examples include Shallon 1 & 3, Co. Meath excavated along the M1 road scheme (Ian Russell 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E0195). It revealed an Iron Age/early medieval transitional ironworking site (cal. AD 240540) comprising an oval furnace with associated slag. Nearby, a small metalworking dump was recovered comprising a flint blade, nineteen fragments of flint debitage and seventeen fragments of a possible clay tuyre.
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Excavations at Tullaghedy, Co. Tipperary in advance of the N52 Nenagh Bypass Road revealed 3 fulachta fiadh, one of which contained evidence for subsequent smelting and metalworking (Richard OBrien 1998 & 1999, Excavations Bulletin 98E0540). A large quantity of iron slag, iron nails, burnt and unburnt animal bone and a ring headed pin were discovered in this later phase of activity. These examples illustrate that smallscale ironworking were often undertaken at a low level of intensity in marginal places near iron ore and fuel resource most likely by small farmers to meet their basic subsistence needs. Limited ironworking at a very low level of intensity many have also been undertaken on modest ringforts and cashels. Excavations at a large number of ringforts, cashels and crannogs have revealed limited ironworking evidence often represented by the discovery of a small quantity of slag or perhaps a number of furnace bottoms. Excavations at a univallate ringfort at Croom East and Sluggary Co. Limerick revealed a small quantity of iron slag (E. Shee 1974, Excavations Bulletin). Shee (1973 & 1974, Excavations Bulletin E131) also undertook an excavation at another Limerick ringfort at Sluggary. The excavation revealed a central building as well as slag, furnace bottoms, bronzering headed pin, bone comb and clay moulds which were found along this internal bank. Excavations at a small crannog at Sroove, Co. Sligo revealed some domestic artefacts and a limited evidence for slag indicative of ironworking (Christina Fredengren 1997 99, Excavations Bulletin 97E0209). It has been suggested by Fredengren (2002) that such crannogs may have been the homesteads of the poor. Iron Production and the Wellto do Farmer It is likely that the homesteads of the betteroff farmer or freeman were engaged in ironworking at a higher level of intensity. Carlin (forthcoming) has cited a number of examples including Lisnagun, Co. Cork (OSullivan, Hannon and Tierney 1998) and Coolcran, Co. Fermanagh (Williams 1985) where evidence for smallscale ironworking as well as domestic activity has been uncovered on a number of ringfort settlements. Excavations at Scrahane 1, Co. Kerry also revealed considerable evidence for ironworking on a ringfort (Mary ODonnell 1997 & 1998, Excavations Bulletin 96E0153). Extensive amounts of slag and industrial waste were discarded into the ditch of the ringfort. Extensive evidence for smelting was uncovered in a number of areas inside the ringfort. Excavations at a raised ringfort at Altanagh, Co. Tyrone revealed a considerable amount of ironworking evidence in the northern portion of the site (Brian Williams 1986). Two bowl furnaces were found and contained charcoal, slag and a shard of coarse pottery. A stone pavement appears to have served as a working area for four simple bowl furnaces on its west side. Strong evidence for ironworking including slag, hammer scale and furnace bottoms were found in phase 2. The site is then likely to have contained both evidence for smelting and smithing. It is then likely to have been a ringfort of a modestly well off family with a means greater than that of families living at a basic subsistence level but likely not at the same level found at high status sites. Excavations at a raised ringfort at Dunsilly, Co. Antrim were undertaken by Tom McNeill (1974 & 1975, Excavations Bulletin). It was revealed that the ringfort was reused as a motte in the later 12th century. A series of phases of buildings were excavated and a number of hearths, furnace bottoms and a quantity of slag were recovered. Excavations at a large coastal enclosure at Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford revealed several hearths, an ironworking area and pits containing traces of iron and copper production (Deirdre Murphy & Stuart Elder 2001 & 2001, Excavations Bulletin 00E0442). The site had potentially Viking associations. Excavations at a bivallate ringfort (62 meters diameter) at Lisleagh 1, Co. Cork with stratified evidence for a series of buildings, structure, defences as well as trade, craftworking and intensive levels of ironworking (Monk 198084, Excavations Bulletin E218).
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Evidence for smelting and smithing furnaces as well as textile production and other activities have been excavated at a welldocumented enclosure at Killickaweeny, Co. Kildare. It has been suggested that the enclosure represents the home of one or more generations of a wealthy farmer family such as a baire as described in the early medieval law tracts from the 810th century A.D. (Walsh forthcoming). The excavation revealed clear evidence a central round house surrounded by two possible outhouses or workshops as well as the organization of the space into distinct for iron and textile production and animal corrals. A range of the enclosed settlement/cemetery sites have also revealed often considerable evidence for ironworking through the early medieval period. Johnstown 1, Co. Meath is one striking example where seven different metalworking areas were discovered containing both smelting and smithing hearths (Clarke & Carlin forthcoming). While a massive quantity of slag was recovered from the site, it was found that this was probably due more to the longevity of the practice and the inefficiency of the low temperature furnaces that were used (Clarke & Carlin forthcoming). Ironworking was instead more intermittent and was perhaps undertaken at a scale similar to that at the nearby settlement at Killickaweeny, Co. Kildare. A number of other settlement/cemetery sites including Mount Offaly, Cabinteely, Co. Dublin (Malachy Conway 1998 & 1999, Excavations Bulletin 98E0035) have also revealed evidence for significant ironworking evidence in some ways comparable to the above two sites. Specialised iron working: ecclesiastical sites, royal sites and Viking towns It has been suggested that specialised iron production by professional blacksmiths only occurred in association other specialised craftworking including glass and copper working at high status sites (Walsh forthcoming). Paul Stevens excavations at Clonfad, Co. Westmeath uncovered examples of specialised metalworking and craftworking activities undertaken at an intensive level at this ecclesiastical site close to Lough Ennell. Tim Youngs specialist analyses have revealed that the scale of ironworking on the site indicates that ecclesiastical bells were being produced on the site (Stevens 2006 Tim Young pers comm). Excavations at Kilpatrick, Co. Westmeath (Swan, D.L. 197381, Excavations Bulletin E124) also revealed considerable evidence for ironworking and the potential production of a number of high status metalworking objects. Other ecclesiastical sites that have produced ironworking evidence include Downpatrick, Co. Down Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly Tullylish, Co. Down (Ivens 1987) Glen Munire, Ballyman, Co. Dublin (OBrien 197786, Excavations Bulletin E182) Dunmisk, Co. Tyrone (Ivens 1988) and Tully, (Glebe, Site 43), Co. Dublin (Matthew Seaver & Valerie Keeley 20002002, Excavations Bulletin 00E0758). Evidence for ironworking in association with a whole range of other activities including bronze, bone, antler, leather, textile and woodworking have been discovered in a large number of excavations within the Viking Urban towns. Examples in Dublin that have produced ironworking evidence include Fishamble Street II (Wallace 197479, Excavations Bulletin E172) and Winetavern Street (Brendan Rordin 197072, Excavations Bulletin E81). The excavations in this part of Dublin may have exposed evidence for specialised areas in which different crafts were undertaken. It is possible, although still not confirmed, that ironworking was in some ways specialised in Viking towns in the latter half of the early medieval period. There is also good evidence for ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy from the early medieval royal sites at Garranes, Co. Cork Clogher, Co. Tyrone Lagore, Co. Meath as well as Moynagh Lough crannog, Co. Meath. These sites are likely to have been of some status where both ironworking and other specialised activities such as glass production were undertaken in tandem with each other. An early medieval enclosure at Roestown, Co. Meath that was probably a high status site has revealed evidence for ferrous and non ferrous metalworking as well as possible glass working, which were all undertaken in tandem with each other (Kinsella 2007a, 15).
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What is needed then is a systematic study to establish if these specialised activities undertaken in tandem with each other were restricted generally to important ecclesiastical sites, royal sites and Viking centres or instead was more widespread and common amongst the wellto do early medieval farmer. The status of the blacksmith in early Irish society Early Irish laws indicate that blacksmiths were high status individuals in Irish society, but they would also have worked under the protection and patronage of local secular or ecclesiastical authorities. Early Irish sources also indicate that the blacksmith was held in high esteem by community, occasionally figuring as a mythological figure. This highstatus is common in many smallscale or traditional communities, due largely to the smiths role in transforming materials, through heat, violence and smoke. The blacksmith, unlike other craftsmen, would have been a permanent resident on a settlement site. Blacksmiths worked with large amounts of raw materials, at high temperatures and probably produced a wide range of goods for a large clientele (e.g. farm equipment, weaponry, domestic vessels). The blacksmiths forge was therefore an important place in the landscape. Excavations at a small crannog at Bofeenaun, Co. Sligo revealed few finds except for large quantities of iron slag and furnace linings (Aonghus Moloney & Margaret Keane 1992, Excavations Bulletin). OSullivan (2004) and Van de Noort and OSullivan (2006) have suggested that specialized ironworking may have being undertaken by early medieval blacksmiths in these marginal places of the landscape. Excavations at Dooey, Co. Donegal have also revealed a coastal dwelling place in which extensive evidence for the production of iron and bronze objects as well as dye extraction activities were found. It has been suggested by OSullivan & Breen (2007, 119) that the site may have been the workplace of a high status blacksmith and have been used as a beachmarket for traders moving down the North Atlantic seaways between Northwest Ireland and Scotland. While it is likely that the majority of ironworking was being undertaken on high status settlements and ecclesiastical sites, it is possible that specialized ironworking may have been undertaken in certain marginal sites, many of which have been described above as the ironworking sites of the poor. More work is then required to establish if other marginal sites could represent specialized ironworking centres or were instead just visited periodically by local people with a lower means of living? Examining these research questions will help establish the character of the economy and patterns of trade and commerce in the early medieval period.
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Chapter 9: Early Medieval Trade and Exchange a focus on pottery
Chapter 9. Early medieval trade and exchange a focus on pottery

Introduction
In early medieval Ireland, trade and exchange was a significant social relationship as well as a means of distributing various goods through the community. The most easily identifiable form of trade and exchange involved the importation of exotic pottery, glass and weaponry. Our best archaeological evidence for this long distance trade is largely provided by imported pottery and apart from native souterrain ware pottery was not common in Ireland during the period brought from western Britain, northern France and Germany (Frankish and Merovingian Europe), as well as from the western seaboard of France. It tends to be found on highstatus settlements (e.g. Garranes ringfort, Lagore and Moynagh Lough crannogs) and on ecclesiastical or monastic enclosures, even relatively small sites (Kilpatrick, Co. Westmeath). The pottery was not itself the main focus of trade almost certainly it was a byproduct, discarded after its contents (wines or dyes) were used. However, it is likely the pots themselves were perceived as highstatus goods, being a symbol of wealth. There are also occasionally objects imported from further afield, such as the eastern Mediterranean, including glass, pottery, weaponry and textiles. The imported western European and Mediterranean pottery has been studied in detail by Charles Thomas in a number of papers published in Medieval Archaeology, and more recently by Ewan Campbell and by Ian Doyle. The types of imported pottery found on early medieval settlement sites includes pieces of Roman Samian ware, imported eastern Mediterranean Red Slip Ware (Aware), amphorae pottery (Bwares), imported French kitchen vessels (Eware). Thomas has proposed that this pottery was imported in two main phases, in the early 6th century and between the 6th and the 7th century AD.
EMAP and Excavated Pottery Types 19702002

The EMAP survey collected information from the Excavations Bulletin 19702002 about the distribution and type of native and imported pottery that were used from the fifth to twelfth centuries A.D. The table and graph below illustrates the results. The first part of this discussion examines the evidence for native manufactured pottery in the form of souterrain ware. The second part examines the evidence for the importation of foreign ceramics into Ireland from A.D. 400700 in the form of A, B and E wares. The final short section lists the other miscellaneous imported wares that have been mentioned in the excavation bulletin reports. Ham Green pottery was also another type of ware that was used in the 12/13th century A.D. and was principally found in the major HibernoNorse towns. It has been excluded from the table and graph below. Table 48: Licenses and Sites with Early Medieval Pottery Ware 19702002 Pottery Ware A Ware B Ware Bii Ware E ware F Ware (old term) Souterrain Ware Coarse Handmade Ardenne Ware Exc. License 1 12 3 23 1 99 13 3 Site 1 12 3 23 1 88 13 3
200
Merovingian Vessels Northern French Ware Normandy Ware Saxon Stamford Ware Unidentified Ware
2 4 5 1 9
2 4 5 1 9
Excavated Pottery Ware in Exc. Bulletin Reports 19702002

Unidentified Ware Saxon Stamford Ware Normandy Ware Northern French Ware Merovingian Vessels Ardenne Ware Coarse Hand-made Souterrain Ware F Ware E ware Bii Ware B Ware A Ware
Site Exc. License
Pottery Ware
20
40
60
80
100
120
Number of Sites and Licenses

Figure 35: Licenses and Sites with Early Medieval Pottery Ware 19702002
Native Souterrain Ware

Background Souterrain ware is the only native pottery known to be have been manufactured in early medieval Ireland. It has been known to have a northeastern distribution in the early 20th century when H.C. Lawlor suggested that it was a product unique to the Cruithnenans or Picts. Souterrain ware vessels are principally flatbottomed and have splayed or cylindrical walls (Ryan 1973, 620). The pottery is handmade and a characteristic feature is the abundant evidence for grassmarks from the firing of the pottery on beds of chopped grass or straw. Ryan (1973, 626) has noted the difficulties in dating souterrain ware accurately and suggests that it was in use from the 67th century12th century A.D. Previous Surveys and EMAP surveys Ryan (1973) collated a list of sites that revealed souterrain ware pottery. He found that ninety one definite examples could be found where souterrain ware was recovered from a site. The sites comprised 42 ringforts, 12 souterrains, eight crannogs, four monastic sites, two hill forts, one promontory fort and 22 other sites from caves, sand hills and other unidentified places.
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The EMAP survey identified 99 excavation licenses that contained souterrain ware pottery from 88 sites from 19702002. Ryans (1973) list does not include five examples mentioned in the excavations bulletin from 19701972. Adding both lists together and subtracting the few mentioned by both between 19701972 gives (91 + 88 6) = 173 identified sites. Taking into account that some sites like Armagh or Downpatrick for instance may actually be mentioned in both lists, a more realistic and approximate figure of c. 150 sites could be suggested which have been recorded as containing souterrain ware up to the year 2002. This figure could be pushing towards 200 due to subsequent investigations since 2002. It must also be noted that the excavations bulletin reports have described the discovery of coarse handmade pottery (13 sites) and pottery whose type was not identified (9 sites) at a number of early medieval places. Many of these sites are located in early medieval rural settlement and ecclesiastical contexts that could suggest that some are actually examples or variations of souterrain ware (See Appendix). Distribution Souterrain ware pottery is particularly prevalent in the counties of Down and Antrim. Ryan (1973, 631) has however observed that this distribution could also have been effected by the intensive early medieval excavations undertaken in this area under the auspices of the Northern Ireland Historic Monuments Branch. In 1973 when Ryan published his article in souterrain ware only one site at Killegar, Co. Wicklow as well as a possible example at Reask, Co. Kerry had produced evidence for souterrain ware outside the general area of the Kingdom of the Ulaid in East Ulster and North Louth. The EMAP survey identified definite souterrain ware from 99 excavation licenses that were contained within 88 sites. They have a slightly broader distribution than that noted by Ryan (1973) with some examples from Meath also prevalent. Souterrain ware pottery has also been found from late 11th/early 12th century levels in Viking Dublin (Edwards 1990, 74). Table 49: Quantity of Sites Per County containing identified Souterrain Ware 19702002 County Armagh Down Antrim Derry Louth Tyrone Fermanagh Meath Dublin Total Sites 8 19 34 8 11 3 2 2 1 88
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Souterrain Ware Per County Reported in the Excavations Bulletin 1970-2002

Armagh
9% 39% 1 3%
Down Antrim Derry Louth

3% 2% 2%
Tyrone Fermanagh Meath Dublin
22%
9%
1 %
Figure 36: Quantity of Sites Per County containing identified Souterrain Ware 19702002
Souterrain ware pottery has also been found from late 11th/early 12th century levels in Viking Dublin as well as at Lagore and Moynagh Lough, Co. Meath none of which were mentioned in the excavation bulletin reports (Edwards 1990, 74). It is likely that there are many other examples that have not also been reported in the excavations bulletin. Furthermore souterrain ware pottery has been massive quantities of souterrain ware pottery has been discovered from settlement/cemetery sites at Faughart Lower, Balriggan, Co. Louth and Johnstown 1, Co. Meath in recent years. These discoveries suggest that souterrain ware may have also been a feature of sites in the greater Meath area. So did Souterrain ware then have a wider distribution than previously thought! Was souterrain ware pottery excavated at southern and western sites but was not reported or noted or was it related to the confederation of the Ulaid as Ryan (1973) postulated and Edwards (1990, 74) supported. This research question will have to be further examined.
Early Medieval Imported Pottery c. 400700 A.D.

Luxury redslipped bowls, amphorae and other wheelmade vessels known as A, B and E wares have also been recovered at a number of early medieval sites in Ireland (Edwards 1990, 69 Laing 2006, 141). They can be closely dated to a narrow period from the 5thearly 8th centuries A.D. and testify to contacts between the insular world and western France, the Mediterranean and North Africa. The most common types of these wares are discussed below. ! A wares are typically bowls and dishes in a brickred fabric. Phocean Red Slip Ware also known as Late Roman C is one type of this A ware and was produced in the eastern Mediterranean. It was traded to Ireland, Britain and Spain from the midfifth mid sixth centuries A.D. North Africa Slip ware is another type of A ware produced near Carthage. It was imported to the insular world around the midsixth century (Laing 2006, 139). A ware pottery is generally rare in Ireland. They generally date to the fifth and sixth centuries A.D. B ware pottery has been divided into a number of kinds including Bi, Bii and Bv wares. They comprise a series of amphorae or storage jars with handles. They were probably mainly used for wine containers and appear to have also originated in the eastern
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Mediterranean. B ware pottery has been sometimes found accompanied by redslipped wares (A wares) discussed above. ! E ware pottery is the most frequently discovered type of imported pottery in the Insular world. It comprises a series of cooking pots, bowls, jars, jugs and beakers (Laing 2006, 141). It is though to have originated in western Gaul and is believed to have been imported into the Insular world from A.D. 525700. While B wares appear to have traded because they contained wines, it has been suggested that E ware was principally traded as a ceramic commodity (Doyle 1998, 93). E ware pottery appears to have replaced the other wares as the principal imported pottery in the late sixth and seventh century A.D.
Quantities E ware pottery is the most common ware in Ireland. Ian Doyles (1998, 93) research discovered that E ware pottery had been found in 40 Irish sites by the time of his article. The EMAP review of information from the excavation bulletin reports 19702002 has only slightly increased this number (See Appendix 19702002 list excavated sites). It is evident that pottery was not always reported in these bulletin reports. It is also the case that postexcavation work had not always been undertaken when the reports were submitted to the bulletin so it is very likely that imported ceramic wares have been identified subsequently in a number of other sites. Further sites which have revealed ceramic imports in recent years include an important enclosed settlement at Rosepark, Balrothery, Co. Dublin (Christine Baker & Rnn Swan Judith Carroll 1999/2000, Excavations Bulletin 99E0155), an unenclosed habitation site with two souterrains at Markstown, Cullybackey, Co. Antrim (Cormac McSparron 2001, Excavations Bulletin AE/01/17), an early medieval complex at Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath (James Eogan & Martin Reid Cia McConway 20002002, Excavations Bulletin 98E0501) and at the Dunnyneil Islands, Strangford Lough, Co. Down (Finbar McCormick & Philip MacDonald 2002, Excavations Bulletin AE/02/90). B ware pottery shards are the next most frequent type in Ireland. It slightly predates E ware and principally dates to the late fifthmid sixth century A.D. B ware type pottery have been found on at least 13 sites. Important secular settlement sites which have revealed B ware include Clogher, Co. Tyrone Garranes, Co. Cork Garryduff 1, Co. Cork Gransha, Co. Down and Cathair Fionnrach, Ballynavenoor, Co. Kerry (Erin Gibbons 1994, Excavations Bulletin 94E005) as well as the settlement/cemetery sites at Colp West, Co. Meath, Cherrywood, Co. Dublin and Mount Offaly, Co. Dublin. It is also frequently uncovered at ecclesiastical sites including Reask, Co. Kerry, Derrynaflan, Co. Tipperary, Inishcaltra, Co. Clare, St. Patricks Rock, Cashel, Randalstown, Co. Meath and Caherlehillan, Co. Kerry indicating the importance of wine for these ecclesiastical centres. (See Appendix for list of excavated sites 19702002). Aware pottery is very uncommon in Ireland. It is typically represented by Phocean Red Slip Ware and North African Red Slip Ware. Thomass (1981) provisional list of imported ceramics contained no references to any Class A ware discovered thus far in Ireland. Only one example for Class A ware was found at the settlement/cemetery site at Mount Offaly, Co. Dublin (Malachy Conway 1998 & 1999, Excavations Bulletin98E0035) which revealed a number of shards of Phocaean red slipware as well as B and E wares. Few sites have revealed evidence for F ware pottery shards in Ireland. One site described as revealing evidence for F ware in the excavation bulletin report was at the ecclesiastical site of Kilpatrick, Corbetstown, Co. Westmeath (D.L. Swan 198084, Excavations Bulletin E124). EMAP Results: Imported Ceramics (A.D. 400700) from excavated sites 19702002 as reported in the excavations bulletin Table 50: Quantity of Sites containing Imported (A.D. 400700) pottery wares
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Imported Pottery Ware (C.400700) Phocean Red Slipware (A ware) B Ware Bii Ware E ware F Ware
Exc. License 1 12 3 23 1
Site 1 12 3 23 1
Imported Ceramics (c.400-700) as Reported in the Excavation Bulletin
57% 8% A Ware B Ware Bii Ware 29% 3% 3% E ware F Ware
Figure 36: Quantity of Sites containing Imported (A.D. 400700) pottery wares.
Distribution It has been observed that ceramic imports have been found to be concentrated in the Greater Meath area, the Cork Harbour area (Doyle 1998, 101) as well as along the coast of County Down. Developmentled excavations in the Dublin area have also increased our knowledge of foreign imported ceramics in this area near the two coastal islands at Lambay and Dalkey. The distribution is then clearly found spread along the eastern coast from DublinDown as well as at another significant pocket of activity along the southwest coast in the greater Cork city area. Some evidence for midland evidence can be found at a number of ecclesiastical sites including Kilpatrick, Co. Westmeath, Derrynaflan, Co. Tipperary, Lackenavorna, Co. Tipperary and Cashel, Co. Tipperary. High Status Settlements and Imported Wares It is instructive to note that B and E ware pottery are frequent discoveries on sites described as settlement/cemetery such as Cherrywood, Co. Dublin, Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath, Mount Offaly, Co. Dublin and Colp West, Co. Meath as well as on high status enclosed settlements at Roestown, Co. Meath, Rosepark, Balrothery, Co. Dublin, Lisleagh 1, Co. Cork, Garryduff 1, Co. Cork, Gransha, Co. Down and Cathair Fionnrach, Ballynavenoor, Co. Kerry and the royal sites at Clogher, Co. Tyrone, Garranes, Co. Cork. These sites have frequently discovered evidence for both ferrous and nonferrous metalworking as well as other specialised craft activities indicating their potential role in monopolising and redistributing prestige goods within the local landscape. The increasing discovery of imported ceramics at settlement/cemetery sites supports the notion that these may have been significant political and economic centres during A.D. 400700.
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Islands and Imported Ceramics It is also evident that imported ceramics are a feature of a number of coastal sites and islands indicating the role that these sites may have played in maritime trade in this period. The presence of ceramic imports at Lambay Island and at the significant centre at Dalkey Island also indicates a complex pattern of trade and reuse of Dublin islands in the early medieval period (Doyle 1998, 101). Excavations at an enclosure situated on the highest plateau of one of the Dunnyneil Islands, Strangford Lough, Co. Down also revealed evidence for E ware pottery (Finbar McCormick & Philip MacDonald 2002, Excavations Bulletin AE/02/90). The southern half of the enclosure was being destroyed by coastal erosion. It is possible that the site may represent some form of promontory fort that commanded the entrance into the Quoile estuary. Like Dalkey and Lambay as well as Iniscealtra Island, it may represent further evidence for the role of islands and coastal sites in enabling native social elites to control and monopolise the distribution and exchange of imported prestige goods. A similar function may have occurred at coastal promontory forts. B ware pottery shards have been discovered at Loughshinny promontory fort, Co. Dublin (Edwards 1990, 70). Other Wares and Vessels The EMAP review also recovered evidence for other wares and pottery types which have been recovered from early medieval contexts in Ireland. They include Merovingian vessels, Northern French wares and Saxon Stamford wares. Northern French wares, Ardenne Wares, Saxon Stamford Wares and Normandy wares have all been recovered in Viking urban contexts indicating that they represent later imported ceramics. Some examples of Ham Green ware that was used during the 12/13th centuries A.D. were also collected. It is likely that there are many other examples of these wares at other urban sites in the major HibernoNorse towns as bulletin reports do not always contain information about this type of evidence. A systematic re analysis of wares from these urban contexts would be required to establish accurate information about this type of data.
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Chapter 10: Conclusions and Future Challenges
Chapter 10. Conclusions and future challenges

Background
! The Early Medieval Archaeology Project, established in April 2007 with the support of Heritage Council and UCD Seed Funding support has shown how the character of the archaeological resource has been transformed in the years 19702002. EMAPs research (amounting to a total of 7 months work), data capture, preliminary data analysis and firststage archaeological interpretation presented in this report has shown that entirely new types and forms of early medieval archaeological sites have been discovered, investigated and recorded, that if made more fully available and integrated into archaeological research and publication will transform our understanding of this key period in Irelands past. EMAP has shown through its construction and analysis of a Microsoft Access database of 1,397 early medieval sites excavated (using 1,968 licenses) between 19702002 how the character of Irish archaeology itself has been transformed. The location, character and density of archaeological excavations have been changed, almost entirely due to the onset of developmentled archaeological investigations since the mid 1990s. However, the pace and extent of these excavations have varied across the island and the distribution of different types of excavated sites is biased by several factors. EMAP has also shown that there has been immense research capacity building in the commercial sector, and the standards of quality and range of investigative and analytical methods and techniques being used in archaeological projects are now undoubtedly at their highest in the history of Irish archaeology. However, EMAP has also shown that the human and financial resources devoted to research and interpretations in the Universities, Museum and state sector have largely remained static in 19702002 (despite immense growth and pressures in all these sectors). However, despite a general perception of a crisis in Irish archaeology of non publication, EMAP has shown that the problem may not be quite of the scale hitherto believed. EMAP suggests that of the 1,397 early sites excavated 19702002 only 74 would be considered to be Highly Significant 202 Significant 325 General Significant, 190 Uncertain while 606 site excavations were of No Archaeological Significance. Obviously the grading of sites is subjective and more information will change these figures, but the key point is that this is not an insurmountable problem. Irish archaeologists, through a wellfunded collaborative research programme such as EMAP (and other projects for other periods) could easily cope with the publication and dissemination of this new archaeological evidence. Future initiatives to exploit this early medieval archaeological data will require both a step change in the funding of research in these bodies, but also a new collaborative research culture in Irish archaeology across all sectors. EMAP has provided one example of how a funded programme of research can enable highquality reviews and reports.
Settlement and landscape

! EMAP has demonstrated that a wide range of new early medieval settlement types have been identified as excavations move beyond the confines of traditional SMR sites and into the landscape. Of the EMAP site categories investigated, a total of 224 sites were settlement enclosures 266 were settlement landscapes 65 were unenclosed and 7
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were settlement/cemeteries (the Appendix on settlement/cemeteries also lists sites investigated since 2002). A total of 86 sites were in Viking/HibernoNorse towns. ! Early medieval dwellings and settlement activities were often situated within enclosures, typically but not exclusively, classic ringforts. In recent years, a much wider range of settlement enclosures (e.g. settlement/cemeteries, large enclosures, settlements within field enclosures, ecclesiastical enclosures) have been investigated that do not fit closely with modern categories of archaeological evidence, but reveal the varied and evolving character of settlement in the early medieval landscape. There is also evidence for local and regional variation for the chronologies of continuity and change on sites and the potential shifting social, ideological and political factors behind the changing character of the cultural biographies of early medieval settlements. It would be important for future studies to bear this social and cultural variability in mind. Early medieval unenclosed habitation sites were also uncovered in 19702002, and in increasing numbers in recent years, across the island, of a range of different types and forms (e.g. early medieval houses in fields early medieval occupation evidence 43 souterrains were associated with unenclosed settlement there was also evidence for early medieval dwelling activities in caves, early medieval occupation at shell middens, etc). These sites offer new insights into the organization of early Irish society, the dispersion of settlement across the land and potentially the processes of historical and social change across the period, AD 4001200. EMAP has show the scale and extent of investigation of urban archaeological deposits dating to the Viking Age/HibernoNorse periods in such major cities and towns as Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Wexford, with their wellknown contribution to our understanding of urban origins, enclosures and defences, settlement, trade and exchange, crafts and economy and relationships with wider political and rural hinterlands. Finally, a large corpus of early medieval buildings has been investigated 19702002. The EMAP database indicates that 480 buildings were excavated 19702002 on rural settlements and 566 Viking buildings. These could provide key insights into the social, economic and ideological organization of domestic and dwelling space.
Church
! EMAP has demonstrated that an increasing range of evidence has been uncovered that will enable scholars to trace how the introduction of Christianity transformed the Irish landscape over the early medieval period. Of EMAPs site categories, a total of 218 were Church/Ecclesiastical. New archaeological evidence has been uncovered to trace the function of ecclesiastical sites and how they related to settlement/cemetery sites, unenclosed cemeteries, ecclesiastical cemeteries and the wider landscape of secular settlement, travel and the economy. This EMAP report has focused on analyzing the known archaeological evidence for ecclesiastical enclosures, the character of the early church (5th9th century AD), the evidence for wooden churches and structures and the evidence for agriculture, craftworking and trade. The EMAP database has also shown that there is growing archaeological evidence for the role of monastic enclosures in the growth of towns in early medieval Ireland. Finally, EMAP has shown that this emerging archaeological evidence can be used to trace the character of pastoral care and the organization of ecclesiastical estates.
! !
208
Burial
! EMAP has shown that there is significant diversity and variety in burial rites and contexts in early medieval Ireland. Of EMAPs site categories, 49 were Cemetery/Burial 7 were Settlement/Cemetery and 218 were Church/Ecclesiastical. During the late Iron Age/early medieval transition period, between the 4th6th century AD, early medieval communities were still burying their dead in a range of ancestral or familial burial grounds (including annular ring ditches ferta mounds, standing stones and other unenclosed sites. Such burials speak strongly of peoples sense of connection with the past and with particular places in the landscape and the range of beliefs and practices held to by the population. By the 7th8th century, early medieval ecclesiastical enclosures around churches became the focus for burial of some, but not necessarily all, the population. It should be admitted to that burial in caves and other contexts argue for the survival of pagan or at the least, other forms of Christian burial around the island, raising intriguing questions of religious identities. The 9th11th centuries AD saw the reintroduction of pagan burial rites and practices by Norse in Ireland, both in association with early longphort and the developed Hiberno Norse towns, but also in isolated rural locations. An intriguing range of evidence has also shown that settlement/cemeteries (also known in the literature as cemetery/settlements) were used from the 5th11th century, and were not always phases of use in settlement enclosures. At the least, all this evidence analysed by EMAP demonstrates that early medieval burial practices were messy and contingent, as local communities responded to the deaths of their people in various ways. In a sense, we can trace strong evidence for changes in burial practice across time but that the evidence cannot easily be categorized in to early and late practices. It should also be acknowledged, although outside the scope of the EMAP project, that these excavations provide a unique opportunity to investigate the demographics and populations of early medieval Ireland, the diet, health, diseases and ways of life of the people of early medieval Ireland.
Agriculture
! The character and organization of early medieval agriculture is comparatively well understood the role of dairying and the role of arable crops and the place of farming in early Irish society have all been reconstructed from known archaeological, environmental and historical evidence. However, EMAP has revealed that there has been a significant amount of discoveries in 19702002, but particularly in recent years, for entirely new types of archaeological evidence for agriculture in early medieval Ireland. Of EMAPs site categories, a total of 43 were Agricultural (mills, kilns, fields) while much of the other site categories had evidence for agricultural activities. It could be argued the wellknown knowledge of the revolutions in early Irish farming could now be matched with a revolution in the understanding of the scale and intensity of settlement and landuse in the Irish landscape and the real role of farming in social life and practice. EMAP has demonstrated the increasing evidence for early medieval fieldsystems (at least 20 early medieval sites were associated with field systems) and enclosures of varying sizes, types and shapes for souterrains, corndrying kilns and water mills, for bog trackways and coastal fisheries and other features associated with economy and the land. EMAP has shown that there is growing data for the scale and extent of arable
209
production. There is also potentially evidence that could be used to reconstruct the regionality of agricultural practices across the country.
Crafts and Trade & Exchange

EMAP focused briefly on two aspects in these sections Ironworking (of EMAPs site categories, 69 sites were Industrial mostly being ironworking sites) and Imported pottery. Undoubtedly, early medieval excavations in Ireland 19702002 have uncovered very large assemblages of early medieval artefacts, with the wider contextual evidence for resource procurement, technological skills and crafts manufacturing processes and the distribution and uses of different types of wooden, leather, antler/bone, textiles, glass, copperalloy, iron, silver, gold and other objects. The use, repair, discarding and abandonment of these objects has led to their identification in the archaeological record and thus it should be possible to reinvigorate the study of early medieval material culture assemblages, within their widest social, ideological, economic and cultural contexts. For example, an analysis of ironworking on early medieval sites enables an investigation of the scale and context of ironworking evidence and the social and ideological status of the blacksmith and the scale of ironworking at various types of sites. The importation of exotic pottery can be revealing about the changing social and cultural contexts of trade and exchange and the perception and role of distant places and objects in early medieval society.
EMAP Stage 2: challenges for future data analysis and research

The pilot phase stage 1 of EMAP ran from 1st April9th November 2007. Its primary objectives were to design a provisional EMAP database, undertake a rapid assessment of the early medieval archaeological evidence (19702002) and write a report describing the findings, identify areas of research and chart the future direction of EMAP and its database. EMAP has revealed the great potential and possibility of a longterm, 35 year research project that would culminate in the production of an online database of early medieval excavations and a series of research publications. The project could be achieved on a phased basis. ! Initially, it is necessary to focus on the design and reorganisation of the EMAP database. EMAP would then focus on placing early medieval excavated data for the years of 20032007 as well as the years 19301970 on the revised EMAP database. A further stage of the project would also see a shift to systematically reviewing existing literature and unpublished excavation reports to establish closer information about the excavated evidence on the database and ascertain if those sites described as uncertain in the database date to the early medieval period. Parallel to these activities researchers would work on fixing data concerning the geographical location of the sites (e.g. townland, parish and barony location, eastings/northings and 6 inch map data) to enable the production and analysis of distribution maps and spatial data to investigate regional trends (e.g. is arable farming more focused on eastern Ireland? Are early medieval burial patterns distinctively different in the regions contiguous to AngloSaxon Britain?). Advanced stages of EMAP would focus on reviewing excavation reports, editing and rechecking database contents and completing the early medieval archaeological archive. Working with an ICT team and other institutions (e.g. Humanities digital archive in RIA) it should be possible to make EMAP available online and researchers could continue to update early medieval excavated material as they come available. EMAP could also focus on communicating the range of new archaeological discoveries from early medieval Ireland in a range of ways. Monographs, papers and reports could aim to make data available and to discuss the main findings, while the organization over the life of the project of symposia on key themes would also be important (e.g.
210
settlement and landscape agriculture and environment territories and identities crafts, technology and trade and exchange death and burial religious beliefs and practices) could then involve a wide range of scholars and investigators across the various commercial, museum, state and university/research sectors. In conclusion, Irish archaeologists have excelled in uncovering new data from early medieval Ireland and an extraordinary range of stories now need to be told about this time, place and its peoples. EMAP has laid out the bones of some of the stories and has shown how we could begin to tell them.
211
Appendix 1: Excavated Sites and Associated Licenses

Excavated Sites and Associated Licenses
NAME
1 Hoey's Court, Werburgh Street 12 Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar West 12 Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar West 13 High Street, Wood Quay 13 High Street, Wood Quay 13 High Street, Wood Quay 1415 Werburgh Street 1415 Werburgh Street 1618 Fishamble Street, Wood Quay 1618 Fishamble Street, Wood Quay 1718 Broad Street 19 Lord Edward Street, Wood Quay 1921 High Street 1921 High Street 2025 Castle Street 2025 Castle Street 2025 Castle Street 2324 Temple Lane34 Crow Street, Temple Bar East 26 Killeenyarda, Holycross
County
Dublin
EMAP_Class
Viking Urban Settlement
Category
Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin
Environs of Significanc e
General
Year
1999/2 003
Compan y
Margaret Gowen
Exc. License
99E0228
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Developme nt
Dublin
Significant
2001
Margaret Gowen
01E1161
Monitorin g
Developme nt
Dublin
Significant
2000
Margaret Gowen
00E0135
Testing
Dam/Reserv oir
Dublin
Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement
Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin
General
1993
UCC
93E0022
Monitorin g Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Dublin
General
1989
OPW
Dublin
Significant
1989
Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen ADS 99E0228
Rescue
Dublin
Significant
2000
Testing
Dublin
Significant
1999
99E0651
Testing
Dublin
Significant
1994
94E138
Testing
Dublin
Significant
1995
ADS
95E146
Monitorin g
Developme nt
Waterfor d Dublin
Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin
General
1999
ArchaeoG rafix Margaret Gowen
99E0004
Testing
Developme nt Developme nt
Significant
1994
94E103
Monitorin g
Waterfor d Waterfor d Dublin Dublin Dublin Dublin
Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Cemetery Site
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Cemetery/Buri al
Significant
1993
Waterford Corporatio n Waterford Corporatio n Freelance Freelance Freelance Freelance
93E0002
Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Significant
1993
93E0056
Rescue
Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Uncertain
1994 1994 1994 1993
94E177 94E066 94E003 93E0139
Rescue Testing Testing Rescue
Tipperar y
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure
General
1999
2629 Castle Street20 Lord Edward Street 2730 Parliament Street,
Dublin
Highly Significant
1992
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Freelance
99E0224
Testing
Residential Developme nt
92E0077
Rescue
Developme nt
Dublin
General
1994
Margaret Gowen
94E133
Testing
Developme nt
212
NAME
Temple Bar West 3 & 5 Barrack Street, South Bank 31 Richmond Court, Lambeg 3234 Castle Street
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
Cork
Viking Urban Settlement Early Medieval Artefacts Viking Urban Settlement
Viking/Hiberno Norse Cork Miscellaneous
General
1999/2 000 1983
Sheila Lane N I Historic Monument s Branch Margaret GowenAr chaeologi cal Projects Ltd Margaret Gowen
99E0650
Testing
Developme nt None
Antrim
Uncertain
Rescue
Dublin
Highly Significant
1991/1 997
Testing
Developme nt
35 Parliament Street, Temple Bar West 45 High Street, Wood Quay 57 Exchange Street Upper3334 Parliament Street, Temple Bar West 57 Exchange Street Upper3334 Parliament Street, Temple Bar West 810 Exchange Street1 Essex Gate, Temple Bar West 810 Exchange Street1 Essex Gate, Temple Bar West 9 Arundel Square 9 Arundel Square 912 High Street, Wood Quay 912 High Street, Wood Quay AbbeylandB lackcastle Demesne Adamstown
Dublin
General
1991
E635
Rescue
Developme nt
Dublin
Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin
General
1989
Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen
Monitorin g Testing
Dublin
Highly Significant
1993
Dublin
Highly Significant
1993
Margaret Gowen
93E0143
Rescue
Developme nt
Dublin
Significant
1998
Margaret Gowen
98E0198
Rescue
Developme nt
Dublin
Significant
1996/1 997
Margaret Gowen
96E040
Testing
Developme nt
Waterfor d Waterfor d Dublin
Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Undated ecclesiastical site Charcoal Pit
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Agricultural
General
1997
Waterford Corporatio n Waterford Corporatio n Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen Valerie J Keeley Freelance
97E137
Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Navan Inner Relief Road 2A Residential Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Residential Developme nt
General
1998
98E0091
Rescue
Significant
1989
Monitorin g E548 Rescue
Dublin
Significant
1990
Meath
Uncertain
1998
98E0590
Rescue
Wexford
Ecclesiastic al Industrial
No significance Uncertain
1998
98E0384
Testing
Adamswood , (BGE 3/62/5)
Limerick
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0847
Rescue
Aghada Upper
Cork
medieval ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2000
Aghadegna n Ringfort, Templemich ael
Longford MultiPhase settlement
Settlement Landscape
Highly Significant
1991
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Judith Carroll
00E0605
Testing
91E0055
Rescue
N4 Longford Road Improvemen t Scheme
213
NAME
Aghadegna n Ringfort, Templemich ael Aghakilmore, Drumshanbo
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Highly Significant
Year
1993
Compan y
Judith Carroll
Exc. License
93E0048
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
N4 Longford Road Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Ballough to Kinnegad Phase 1A) A1/N1 Newry Dundalk Link Road Residential Developme nt Developme nt Quarry/Mine Residential Developme nt Unidentified Service Pipeline/Tren ch Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Longford MultiPhase settlement
Leitrim
ringfort
No significance
2001
Aghakilmore, Drumshanbo
Leitrim
ringfort
No significance
2001
Aghamore
Westme ath
Metal/Iron working site
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
North West Archaeolo gical Services North West Archaeolo gical Services Margaret Gowen
01E0796
Testing
01E0796
Testing
02E0869
Rescue
Aghnaskeag h
Louth
Souterrain
Unenclosed
General
2002
Aghtaboy
Mayo
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Cemetery/Buri al Miscellaneo us Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin
General
1998
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Freelance
02E0314
Monitorin g
98E0505
Testing
Aglish
Kerry
Undated ecclesiastical site Cemetery Site Bullaun Stone
No significance Uncertain No significance Uncertain
2002
Freelance
02E0903
Testing
Ahena Aherla More
Mayo Cork
1998 2002
ACS Sheila Lane Margaret Gowen
98E0177 02E1001
Rescue Monitorin g Rescue
All Hallows Priory, Library Square, Trinity College All Saints Church, Mullingar All Saints Church, Mullingar All Saints Church, Mullingar
Dublin
1998
98E0150
Westme ath Westme ath Westme ath
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
No significance No significance No significance
2001
Freelance
01E0125
Testing
1999
Freelance
99E0127
Testing
1998
Allardstown
Louth
Souterrain
Unenclosed
No significance Significant
2001
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas ACS
98E0209
Testing
01E0105
Testing
Altanagh
Tyrone
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastical
1980/1 981 1998/1 999
N I Historic Monument s Branch UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Dominic Delany ADS Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy CRDS 98E0371
Rescue
Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Unidentified Service Pipeline/Tren ch Residential Developme nt Developme nt None
An Raingilis, Ballywiheen church
Kerry
Enclosed ecclesiastical site
General
Rescue
Annatrim Church Antrim Antrim
Laois
Ecclesiastical Site Field Boundaries Field Boundaries Agricultural Agricultural
Ecclesiastic al
No significance Significant Significant
2000
00E0785
Testing
Antrim Antrim
2000 1998
Testing Conservat ion
Antrim
Antrim
ringfort
General
1998
Testing
Developme nt
Archerstown
Westme ath Limerick
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape medieval ecclesiastical site
Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastic al
No significance No significance
2001
01E0981
Monitorin g Testing
Residential Developme nt Developme nt
Ardagh
2002
Ardamore
Kerry
Early Medieval Artefacts
Miscellaneous
General
1978
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services OPW
02E1321
Rescue
Developme nt
214
NAME
Ardanaffrin Ardclone
County
Roscom mon Kilkenny
EMAP_Class
ringfort Unenclosed Habitation Site
Category
Settlement Enclosure No significance General
Year
1997 2000
Compan y
Freelance Uncertain
Exc. License
97E0347
Exc. Type
Testing Rescue
Route Scheme
Developme nt N24 Piltown Fiddown Road Improvemen t Scheme N24 Piltown Fiddown Road Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Uncertain
Unenclosed
Ardclone
Kilkenny
Unenclosed Habitation Site
Unenclosed
General
1999
Uncertain
99E0575
Monitorin g
Ardcrone
Kerry
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Agricultural
2002
Eachtra
02E1482
Testing
Arddoyne
Cork
Mill
1996
Ardeelan Lower
Donegal
ringfort
No significance
2001
Ardkeerin, Riverstown Ardmore
Sligo
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Industrial
General
1999
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. Freelance
96E176
Rescue
01E1139
Testing
Rossnowlag h Sewerage Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1 Residential Developme nt L18 Athy Carlow Road Realignment Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt N20/N21 Adare Annacotty Bypass Road Contract 1 Developme nt Residential Developme nt Telecom ireann Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Ballough to Kinnegad Phase 1A)
99E0631
Testing
Westme ath Westme ath Westme ath Meath
ringfort
No significance Highly Significant Highly Significant General
2002
Freelance
02E1411
Testing
Ardnagross Ardnagross Ardnamullan 1
MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement Charcoal Pit
1995 1995 2002
OPW OPW ACS
95E079 95E175 02E0114
Rescue Rescue Rescue
Ardraw, Killorglin Ardree/Ardre igh
Kerry
ringfort
2002
Eachtra
02E0788
Monitorin g Rescue
Kildare
Enclosed ecclesiastical site ringfort
2000/2 001/20 02 2001/2 002 1990
Valerie J Keeley
00E0156
Ardrew, Athy
Kildare
Settlement Enclosure Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Agricultural Agricultural Settlement Enclosure
No significance Highly Significant Uncertain Uncertain General
Sheila Lane Waterford Corporatio n Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen ADS
01E0365
Testing
Arundel SquarePeter Street Ashbourne Town Centre Ashbourne Town Centre Ashfort
Waterfor d Meath Meath Limerick
Viking Urban Settlement Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Kiln/Cereal cultivation site ringfort
E527
Rescue
2002 2002 1997/1 998
02E0708 02E0266 97E0285
Testing Testing Rescue
Athlumney Church Athlumney Church Athlumney Church
Meath
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site ringfort
2002
Margaret Gowen Freelance
02E1178
Testing
Meath
1994
94E114
Testing
Meath
1998
Freelance
Monitorin g
Attyterilla, Ruan
Clare
No significance
2000
Attyterilla, Ruan Commons Augherskea
Clare
ringfort
No significance
2000
Meath
Cemetery & Settlement Site
Settlement/Ce metery
Significant
2001
North West Archaeolo gical Services North West Archaeolo gical Services Margaret Gowen
Testing
00E0172
Testing
01E1102
Monitorin g
215
NAME
Augherskea
County
Meath
EMAP_Class
Category
Significant
Year
2002
Compan y
Margaret Gowen
Exc. License
02E1229
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Ballough to Kinnegad Phase 1A) Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Ballough to Kinnegad Phase 1A) Developme nt
Augherskea
Meath
Significant
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0194
Monitorin g
Aughnamull an
Antrim
ringfort
Significant
2000
Back Lane Back LaneHigh Street Back LaneLamb AlleyHigh Street Backweston State Agricultural Laboratory Campus, Ballymadeer Backweston State Agricultural Laboratory Campus, Ballymadeer Bailey's New Street
Dublin Dublin
Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement
Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin
General General
1992 1991
Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Margaret Gowen Dublin Corporatio n Margaret Gowen
Monitorin g
92E0005
Rescue Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Dublin
Significant
1996/1 997
96E300
Rescue
Kildare
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0680
Rescue
Developme nt
Kildare
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0531
Monitorin g
Developme nt
Waterfor d
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford
Significant
1999
Bakehouse Lane 11 Balbrigh, Trim
Waterfor d Meath
Viking Urban Settlement ringfort
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Settlement Enclosure
Significant
1990
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Waterford Corporatio n ACS
99E0103
Rescue
Developme nt
E550
Rescue
Developme nt Telecommu nications Developme nt M1 Gormanston Monasterboi ce Motorway M1 Gormanston Monasterboi ce Motorway None
No significance
2001
01E0833
Testing
Balgatheran 1
Louth
NonCircular Shaped Enclosure
Highly Significant
2000
Valerie J Keeley
00E0477
Rescue
Balgeen 4
Meath
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape
General
2001/2 002
ACS
01E0742
Rescue
Ballaghkeera Westme n Little, ath Athlone, Lough Ree Ballicknahee, Offaly Clara Ballicknahee, Offaly Clara Ballina Tipperar y Offaly
longport
General
1982
UCC
Research
Iron age/early medieval burial Iron age/early medieval burial medieval ecclesiastical site ringfort
Cemetery/Buri al Cemetery/Buri al Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure
General
1998
ACS
98E0286
Rescue
Quarry/Mine
General
1998
ACS
Rescue
Quarry/Mine
No significance No significance No significance No significance
2001
Freelance
01E0864
Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt ReSsidential Developme nt R291 Sligo Rosses Point Road Realignment R291 Sligo Rosses Point road
Ballina, Ballycumber Ballinabarny
2002
Eachtra
02E0584
Monitorin g Monitorin g Testing
Wicklow
Ecclesiastical Site enclosure
1998
IAC
98E0448
Ballincar
Sligo
1999
Ballincar
Sligo
enclosure
No significance
2000
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Archaeolo gical Services
99E0656
00E0139
Monitorin g
216
NAME
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
Unit, Oranmore
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
realignment
Ballinea, Jamestown Ballinphull, Cliffoney Ballinrannig Ballinrobe
Westme ath Sligo Kerry Mayo
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastical Site Ogham Stone Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Undated ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical
Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure
No significance No significance No significance General
2001
Freelance
01E0455
Testing
Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Ballinrobe Sewerage Scheme Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
2001 1991 1994
Freelance OPW Freelance
01E0603
Monitorin g Testing
94E017
Rescue
Ballintaggart
Cork
No significance Ecclesiastic al Settlement Landscape No significance No significance
1992
Margaret Gowen Freelance 01E0328
Testing
Ballintemple
Mayo
2001
Testing
Ballintemple, Tullaghobegl y
Donegal
2002
Ballintemple, Tullaghobegl y
Donegal
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
2002
Ballintotty Ballinvally
Tipperar y Meath
ringfort ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Routeway
Uncertain No significance General
1997 1999
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services ADS ADS
02E0909
Testing
02E1366
Monitorin g
Rescue 99E0328 Monitorin g Rescue
N7 Nenagh Bypass Residential Developme nt Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project N8 Glanmire Watergrasshi ll Road Scheme N8 Glanmire Watergrasshi ll Road Scheme N8 Glanmire Watergrasshi ll Road Scheme N8 Glanmire Watergrasshi ll Road Scheme N8 Glanmire Watergrasshi ll Road Scheme Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Ballinvally, Monettia Bog
Offaly
Trackway
2000
ADS
00E0621
Ballinvally, Monettia Bog
Offaly
Trackway
Routeway
General
2000
ADS
00E0620
Rescue
Ballinvinny North
Cork
Kiln/Cereal cultivation site
Industrial
Uncertain
2001
Sheila Lane
01E0802
Rescue
Ballinvinny North
Cork
Agricultural
Uncertain
2001
Sheila Lane
01E0802
Rescue
Ballinvinny North/Trantst own
Cork
Industrial
Uncertain
2001
Sheila Lane
01E0501
Rescue
Ballinvinny North/Trantst own
Cork
Industrial
Uncertain
2001
Sheila Lane
01E0204
Monitorin g
Ballinvinny South
Cork
ringfort
General
2000
Sheila Lane
00E0673
Testing
Balloo Ballyadeen
Down Cork
ringfort ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastical
No significance No significance No significance Significant
2002 2001
ADS Eachtra
AE/02/55 01E1052
Monitorin g Testing
Ballyard
Kerry
ringfort
2001
Eachtra
00E0599
Monitorin g Rescue
Ballybarrack
Louth
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
1977
National Museum Freelance
E166
Ballybarrack
Louth
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1995
95E189
Testing
217
NAME
Ballybaun
County
Galway
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure No significance No significance General
Year
2002
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
02E1443
Exc. Type
Monitorin g Testing
Route Scheme
E.S.B. Developme nt Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Unidentified Sewerage Scheme
Ballybeg
Kerry
ringfort
1992
Freelance
Ballyboley
Antrim
Souterrain
Unenclosed
1977
N I Historic Monument s Branch Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore N I Historic Monument s Branch ACS 01E0612
Rescue
Ballyboy West, Clogheen
Tipperar y
Well
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
Monitorin g
Ballyboy West, Clogheen
Tipperar y
Well
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
01E0216
Monitorin g
Ballybrit Racecourse, Ballybrit
Galway
ringfort
No significance
2000
00E0745
Testing
Developme nt
Ballybrolly
Armagh
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Kiln/Cereal cultivation site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1978/1 979 2002
Testing
Farm Improvemen t Scheme N8 Rathcormac Fermoy Bypass Road Unidentified Service Pipeline/Tren ch None Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Uncertain
Ballybrowney Lower, 1
Cork
Agricultural
Uncertain
Testing
Ballybunion
Kerry
Burial Site
Cemetery/Buri al
Uncertain
1987
National Museum
Rescue
Ballybunion Ballybunnion Ballyburley
Kerry Kerry Offaly
Coastal Habitation Site Promontory Fort Undated ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site NonCircular Shaped Enclosure
Unenclosed Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastical
Significant No significance General
1986 2001 2001
UCG Eachtra Freelance 01E0141 01E0237
Research Testing Testing
Ballyburley
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
General
2001
Freelance
01E0717
Testing
Ballyburley
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
General
1997/1 998 1999
Freelance
97E0321
Testing
Ballycasey Beg
Clare
General
Ballycasey More, AR44C
Clare
Significant
2001
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore ACS
99E0266
Rescue
01E0026
Rescue
Clare
Significant
2002
ACS
02E0569
Monitorin g
Clare
Significant
2002
ACS
02E1045
Rescue
Clare
Significant
1999
Valerie J Keeley
99E0574
Testing
Ballyconboy
Roscom mon
raised ringfort
No significance
1999
Ballyconneel yBallygirreen , AR47/51
Clare
Significant
2000
Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. Valerie J Keeley
99E0123
Testing
N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme Residential Developme nt N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme Bord Gais Brownsbarn Kilshane Pipeline
00E0284
Rescue
Ballycoolen AstagobMit chelstown
Dublin
Industrial
Uncertain
2000
Margaret Gowen
00E0043
Monitorin g
218
NAME
Ballycorick
County
Clare
EMAP_Class
Category
Industrial
Uncertain
Year
2002
Compan y
Margaret Gowen
Exc. License
02E1185
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Bord Gais CorkDublin Pipeline 1981/1982 N20/N21 Adare Annacotty Bypass Road Contract 1 Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Ballycorick, (BGE 3/26/1 4)
Clare
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E1011
Rescue
Ballycullane
Kerry
Bullaun Stone
Miscellaneo us Unenclosed
2000
Freelance
00E0804
Monitorin g Rescue
BallycullenOl dcourt, Site 1 BallycullenOl dcourt, Site 1 Ballyculling
Dublin
Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site ringfort
2002
ArchTech
02E1373
Dublin
Unenclosed
Significant
2002
ArchTech
02E0190
Monitorin g Rescue
Tipperar y
Uncertain
1981
UCC
Ballycummin
Limerick
ringfort
General
1996
ADS
96E379
Testing
Ballydonnell
Limerick
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al
2001
Ballydrinnan
Tipperar y
2002
Ballyduff
Limerick
ringfort
Significant
1979
Aegis Archaeolo gy UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit UCC
01E1017
Monitorin g Monitorin g
02E0009
Rescue
Ballyduff, Dungarvan Ballyea
Waterfor d Clare
ringfort ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Agricultural Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed Settlement Enclosure
No significance No significance General Significant Significant
1998 1997
Freelance Freelance 97E0471
Testing Testing
Unidentified Road Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Ballyegan Ballyegan Ballygalley
Kerry Kerry Antrim
Field Boundaries Cashel & Souterrain Souterrain
2000 1991 2002
ADS UCC ADS
00E0356
Rescue Rescue
AE/02/40
Rescue
Ballygarran
Wexford
ringfort
No significance
2002
Ballygarth
Meath
Undated ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
2002
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit CRDS
02E0261
Testing
02E1721
Monitorin g Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Ballygarvan
Cork
2001
Ballygeale, Site 1
Limerick
Uncertain
1999
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit ADS
01E1047
99E0341
Rescue
Ballygeale, Site 1
Limerick
Uncertain
1998/1 999
ADS
98E0506
Monitorin g
Ballygeale, Site 1
Limerick
Uncertain
1999
ADS
99E0342
Rescue
Ballyginny
Down
Souterrain
Unenclosed
General
1983
N I Historic Monument s Branch
Rescue
N20/N21 Adare Annacotty Bypass Road Contract 2 N20/N21 Adare Annacotty Bypass Road Contract 2 N20/N21 Adare Annacotty Bypass Road Contract 2 Residential Developme nt
219
NAME
Ballyglass
County
Westme ath
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
No significance
Year
2002
Compan y
North West Archaeolo gical Services N I Historic Monument s Branch ADS Freelance
Exc. License
02E1517
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt None
Ballygortgarv e Ballygowan Ballyhannan South Ballyhealy Road, Delvin Ballyhenry 1
Antrim
raised ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed
General
1971
Rescue
Down Clare
ringfort cashel
No significance No significance General
2002 1999
AE/02/63 99E0669
Monitorin g Monitorin g Rescue
Westme ath Antrim
Souterrain
1999
ACS
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al
Significant
1972
N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch Eachtra 02E1440
Rescue
Ballyhenry 2
Antrim
raised ringfort
General
1972
Rescue
Ballyhest East
Cork
Undated ecclesiastical site Ringfort & Souterrain Undated ecclesiastical site Iron age/early medieval burial Undated ecclesiastical site Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Enclosure
No significance
2002
Monitorin g
Ballyhill Lower Ballykean Church Ballykeel South Ballykelly
Antrim
Significant
1985
N I Historic Monument s Branch Dominic Delany National Museum Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch Freelance 95E149 J000122
Testing
Offaly
Ecclesiastic al
No significance General
1995
Monitorin g Rescue
Clare
1988
Tipperar y
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2000
00E0862
Testing
Ballykennedy
Antrim
MultiPhase settlement raised ringfort
Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Cemetery/Buri al
Significant
1978
Rescue
Farm Improvemen t Scheme Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme
Ballylessant
Down
General
1970
Rescue
Ballylosky
Donegal
Undated ecclesiastical site Iron age/early medieval burial
No significance Highly Significant
1995
Testing
Ballymacaw ard
Donegal
1997/1 998
Ballymacpea Derry ke Upper Ballymactho mas Kerry
Souterrain
Unenclosed
General
1973
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Ulster Museum Aegis Archaeolo gy Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Sheila Lane Freelance
97E0154
Rescue
Rescue
Farm Improvemen t Scheme N21 Ballycarthy Killally Road Scheme Residential Developme nt
ringfort
No significance
1999
99E0262
Testing
Ballymaghro e
Wicklow
Undated ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1999
99E0302
Testing
Ballymagroar ty Irish, Ballintra
Donegal
Souterrain
Unenclosed
No significance
2001
01E0480
Monitorin g
Quarry/Mine
Ballymague
Cork
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Unenclosed
No significance No significance No significance No significance General
1999
99E0045
Testing
Ballymahon
Longford medieval ecclesiastical site Louth Souterrain
1999
99E0441
Testing
Residential Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt N7 Newbridge Bypass Road Residential Developme
Ballymakellet t Ballymany
2000
ACS
00E0592
Testing
Kildare
Undated ecclesiastical site Ringfort & Souterrain Settlement Enclosure
Ecclesiastic al
1989
Valerie J Keeley Freelance 96E0368
Testing
Ballymascanl an
Louth
1996
Testing
220
NAME
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
nt
Ballymascanl an Ballymoney
Louth
Ringfort & Souterrain Undated ecclesiastical site ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure
General
1996
Freelance
96E039
Testing
Wexford
2000
Eachtra
00E0386
Monitorin g Testing
Residential Developme nt Golf course
Ballymore, Craughwell
Galway
2001
Ballymount Great
Dublin
raised ringfort
General
2000/2 002
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Margaret Gowen
01E0273
00E0538
Rescue
Ballymount Great
Dublin
raised ringfort
General
1997
Margaret Gowen
97E0316
Rescue
Ballymount Great Ballymuldorry
Dublin
raised ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
General
1982
OPW
Rescue
Luas Network Line A (Tallaght Middle Abbey Street) Luas Network Line A (Tallaght Middle Abbey Street) M50 Western Parkway Motorway Residential Developme nt A55 Belfast Outer Ring Road Unidentified Road Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Sligo
ringfort
No significance
2002
Ballymurphy
Antrim
raised ringfort
General
1977
North West Archaeolo gical Services N I Historic Monument s Branch Freelance
02E1653
Testing
Rescue
Ballynabooly
Kerry
ringfort
General
1999
99E0204
Testing
Ballynabucky
Galway
ringfort
No significance
1998
Ballynacally, (BGE 3/30/1)
Clare
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
98E0570
Testing
02E1013
Rescue
Ballynacarrig a1&2 Ballynacarrig a1&2 Ballynacarrig a1&2 Ballynacragg a, Area 7
Cork
NonCircular Shaped Enclosure NonCircular Shaped Enclosure NonCircular Shaped Enclosure Field Boundaries
Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Agricultural Settlement Enclosure
Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Uncertain
2001
ACS
01E0567
Rescue
Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) N25 Youghal Bypass Road N25 Youghal Bypass Road N25 Youghal Bypass Road N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme Iarnrd ireann Developme nt None
Cork
2001
ACS
01E0751
Rescue
Cork
2001
ACS
01E0224
Testing
Clare
2000
Ballynacragg a, Site 17
Clare
ringfort
Uncertain
1998
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Valerie J Keeley
98E0333
Testing
98E0336
Testing
Ballynafid
Westme ath
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape medieval ecclesiastical site Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastical
No significance
2002
Valerie J Keeley
02E1430
Monitorin g
Ballynagalla gh, Lough Gur Ballynagalla gh, Lough Gur Ballynakill
Limerick
Significant
1996/1 997 1994
UCC
96E249
Research
Limerick
Significant
UCC
94E101
Research
None
Galway
No significance
1991
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services
Testing
Developme nt
221
NAME
Ballynakill, Site 70
County
Kildare
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
General
Year
2002
Compan y
IAC
Exc. License
02E0149
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 3 Residential Developme nt Bord Gais CorkDublin Pipeline 1986 Residential Developme nt Uncertain Residential Developme nt Bord Gais Barnakyle Coonagh West Pipeline None
Ballynamone y, Carrick On Shannon Ballynaraha, BW/9/1
Leitrim
ringfort
No significance
2001
Tipperar y
Agricultural
Uncertain
1986
North West Archaeolo gical Services Margaret Gowen
01E1178
Testing
Rescue
Ballynastaig
Galway
ringfort
No significance
2000
Ballynee, Spiddal Ballynerrin Lower Ballynoe
Meath Wicklow
Souterrain Cemetery Site
Unenclosed Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Enclosure
General Uncertain
1988 1990
Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. UCD OPW
00E0806
Testing
Rescue Rescue
Limerick
ringfort
No significance
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E1649
Monitorin g
Ballynoe
Cork
Ecclesiastical
General
1995/1 996/19 99
Ballynoe
Limerick
ringfort
No significance
2002
OPWNatio nal Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Margaret Gowen
95E260
Conservat ion
02E1733
Rescue
Ballynora
Cork
ringfort
No significance
1997
Ballynqe
Antrim
NonCircular Shaped Enclosure cashel
General
1973
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit N I Historic Monument s Branch Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. Freelance Freelance Freelance
97E0134
Testing
Bord Gais Barnakyle Coonagh West Pipeline Residential Developme nt
Rescue
Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt None
Ballyogan
Clare
No significance
2002
02E0389
Testing
Ballyogan Ballyogan Ballyovey Church, Kilkeeran Ballypalady
Clare Clare Mayo
Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Enclosed ecclesiastical site ringfort Ecclesiastical
Unenclosed Unenclosed
1996 1997 1995
Testing 97E0294 95E0190 Testing Conservat ion Uncertain
Antrim
Settlement Enclosure Miscellaneous Miscellaneo us Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape
Uncertain
1980
N I Historic Monument s Branch QUB
Uncertain
Ballyrea, Navan Fort Ballyroan
Armagh
Iron Age Royal Site Well
General
Laois
1991/1 992/19 93 1998
Rescue
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt N4 Ballysadare Collooney Bypass Road Uncertain
Freelance
98E0460
Testing
Ballyrobert
Cork
ringfort
1983
UCC
Rescue
Ballyroe Upper Ballyroe Upper Ballysadare
Limerick
ringfort
No significance No significance Significant
2002
Limerick
ringfort
2002
Sligo
MultiPhase settlement
1995/1 996
Aegis Archaeolo gy Aegis Archaeolo gy John Channing
02E0112
02E0130
95E20
Ballyshanagh ill Rath, Ballyshanagh ill Ballyshanagh ill Rath,
Antrim
ringfort
Significant
1990/1 991
ADS
Testing
222
NAME
Ballyshanagh ill
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
Ballyshannon Demesne, Kilcullen Ballyshannon Demesne, Kilcullen Ballysimon
Kildare
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Burial Site Cemetery/Buri al
No significance No significance Uncertain
1998
Freelance
98E0345
Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt N7 Annacotty Rossbrien Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase 1 N7 Annacotty Rossbrien Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase 1 N7 Annacotty Rossbrien Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase 1 Developme nt
Kildare
2000
Dominic Delany Aegis Archaeolo gy
00E0277
Testing
Limerick
2001
01E0030
Rescue
Ballysimon
Limerick
Burial Site
Cemetery/Buri al
Uncertain
2000/2 001
Aegis Archaeolo gy
00E0434
Monitorin g
Ballysimon
Limerick
Burial Site
Cemetery/Buri al
Uncertain
2000
Aegis Archaeolo gy
00E0849
Testing
Ballythomas West, Dunderrow, Kinsale Ballyutoag
Cork
Souterrain
Unenclosed
No significance
2001/2 002
Sheila Lane
01E1111
Monitorin g
Antrim
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort Ogham Stone
Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastical
Significant
1981/1 982 1990/1 991 1996
N I Historic Monument s Branch UCD Eachtra E572 96E0087
Research
None
Ballyvanran Ballyvelly
Tipperar y Kerry
General General
Rescue Rescue
Uncertain Residential Developme nt Quarry/Mine
Ballyvollen
Antrim
Metal/Iron working site NonCircular Shaped Enclosure
Unenclosed
Significant
1984
N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch Discovery Programm e Freelance 02E1070
Testing
Ballywee
Antrim
Highly Significant
Ballywillin, Lough Kinale Balrath, Ballinagore Balrenny
Longford crannog
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Unenclosed
General
1974/1 984/19 93/199 4 2002
Rescue
Farm Improvemen t Scheme None
Westme ath Meath
Ecclesiastical Site Souterrain
2000
00E0651
Non Excavatio n Testing
1977
UCD
Rescue
Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme M1 Dundalk Western Motorway Bypass M1 Dundalk Western Motorway Bypass M1 Dundalk Western Motorway Bypass M1 Dundalk Western Motorway Bypass Developme nt
Balriggan
Louth
Cemetery & Settlement Site Cemetery & Settlement Site raised ringfort
Highly Significant
2002
IAC
02E1325
Rescue
Balriggan
Louth
Highly Significant
2002
IAC
02E0373
Testing
Balriggan
Louth
General
2002
IAC
02E0370
Testing
Balriggan 1, Site 15
Louth
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Well
General
2002
IAC
02E0373
Testing
Baltimore
Cork
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
Baltinglass East
Wicklow
Cistercian Abbey
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2000
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Freelance
01E0263
Monitorin g
00E0868
Testing
Baltinglass Water Supply Scheme
223
NAME
Baltinglass West
County
Wicklow
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
Settlement Enclosure No significance
Year
2000/2 001
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
00E0869
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Baltinglass Water Supply Scheme Uncertain Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt None
Banduff Barnaderg North Barradrum
Cork Galway
ringfort cashel
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Settlement Landscape Agricultural Settlement Enclosure Industrial
General No significance No significance No significance Significant
1999 2000
Sheila Lane Dominic Delany Freelance
99E0113 00E0485
Testing Testing
Westme ath Kildare
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Mill raised ringfort
2001
01E0173
Testing
Barreen
1998/1 999 2002/2 003 2000 1995
Freelance
98E0559
Testing
Barrees Valley Barryscourt Baunmore
Cork
UCG
02E0914
Research
Cork Limerick
Significant No significance Uncertain
Freelance Limerick Corporatio n Margaret Gowen
96E0238 95E97
Conservat ion Monitorin g Rescue
None Developme nt Bord Gais Barnakyle Coonagh West Pipeline Bord Gais Pipeline extension Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) None
Baunreagh, (BGE 3/51/3)
Limerick
Charcoal Pit
2002
02E0661
Bawnnaglog h Bearnafunshi n, (BGE 3/7/3)
Cork
Metal/Iron working site Metal/Iron working site
Industrial
Uncertain
1998
98E0420
Testing
Clare
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
02E0119
Monitorin g
Bearnafunshi n, (BGE 3/7/3)
Clare
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0341
Rescue
Beaufort
Kerry
Souterrain
Unenclosed
General
1995
Beaulieu
Louth
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
Bective Church Behaghane
Meath
medieval ecclesiastical site enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al
Ecclesiastic al
2000
Kerry County Museum UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Valerie J Keeley Freelance
95E217
Conservat ion Testing
01E0489
Baltray Termonfecki n Sewerage Scheme R161 Trim Navan Road Realignment Residential Developme nt None
00E0022
Testing
Kerry
2000
00E0739
Monitorin g Research
Bellaghy Bawn, Bellaghy Bellaghy Bawn, Bellaghy Bellinstown
Derry
ringfort
General
1989/1 990 1995
N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch Valerie J Keeley 00E0953
Derry
ringfort
General
Rescue
Developme nt M1 Airport Balbriggan Motorway Bypass Contract 2 M1 Airport Balbriggan Motorway Bypass Contract 2 Residential Developme nt
Dublin
Iron age/early medieval burial
Significant
2000
Monitorin g
Bellinstown
Dublin
Cemetery/Buri al
Significant
2001
Valerie J Keeley
01E0744
Rescue
Berrings
Cork
ringfort
No significance
2002
Betaghstown Betaghstown Betaghstown
Meath Meath Meath
MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement
Cemetery/Buri al Cemetery/Buri al Cemetery/Buri al
Significant Significant Significant
1977/1 979 2002 2001
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit National Museum ADS ACS
02E0804
Testing
E814 02E1709 01E1170
Rescue Rescue Rescue
None Developme nt Developme nt
224
NAME
Betaghstown Big Glebe
County
Meath Derry
EMAP_Class
MultiPhase settlement Raised Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort
Category
Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
Significant Highly Significant No significance
Year
1998 1976
Compan y
ADS N I Historic Monument s Branch Freelance
Exc. License
98E0072
Exc. Type
Testing Rescue
Route Scheme
Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Castlederm ot Water Supply Scheme None Developme nt Bord Gais Northeaster n Pipeline (Dunleer Mullagh Phase 3) Bord na Mna Peat Production
Bigbog
Kildare
2002
02E1596
Testing
Binders Cove, Finnis Blackhall Big, Dunboyne Blackhills Lower
Down Meath Cavan
Souterrain Field Boundaries Unenclosed Habitation Site
Unenclosed Agricultural Unenclosed Settlement Enclosure
General No significance General
2002 2002 1992
ACS CRDS ADS
AE/02/10 3 02E1388 92E0058
Conservat ion Testing Testing
Bloomhill a.k.a. CloncraffBall ynahownwo od Bloomhill a.k.a. CloncraffBall ynahownwo od Bodenstown
Offaly
Pilgrimage Road
Routeway
General
1992
Archaeolo gical Wetland Unit OPW
Rescue
Offaly
Pilgrimage Road
Routeway
General
1983/1 986
Rescue
Bord na Mna Peat Production
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2002
IAC
02E0585
Testing
Bodenstown
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site crannog
Ecclesiastical
2002
Margaret Gowen Archaeolo gical Wetland Unit QUB Centre for Archaeolo gical Fieldwork Margaret Gowen
02E1654
Testing
Bofeenaun
Mayo
1992
Rescue
Duncreevan Castlewarde n South Water Supply Scheme Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme None
Boho Church, Toneel North &Reyfad Bonestown, (BGE 1a/18/2)
Fermana Ecclesiastical gh Site
Ecclesiastical
General
2002
AE/02/49
Conservat ion
Meath
Agricultural
Uncertain
2002
02E0696
Rescue
Bonestown, (BGE 1a/18/3)
Meath
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0694
Rescue
Bonfire Hill, Bishops Court Boolies Little
Down
Souterrain
Unenclosed
General
1973
N I Historic Monument s Branch OPW
Rescue
Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Ballough to Kinnegad Phase 1A) Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Ballough to Kinnegad Phase 1A) Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Meath
MultiPhase settlement Undated ecclesiastical site ringfort
Cemetery/Buri al Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure
Significant
1980
Rescue
Bordwell Big Church Bowling Green
Laois
2000
Dominic Delany Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services OPW Margaret Gowen Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy OPW
00E0159
Tipperar y
2001
01E0884
Bowling Green Bowling Green Brackenagh East
Tipperar y Tipperar y Down
ringfort ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
Significant Significant
1970 1997
Rescue 97E0282 Monitorin g Monitorin g
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
ringfort
General
2001
AE/01/22
Brackloon
Kerry
Cemetery/Buri al
Uncertain
1991
Rescue
None
225
NAME
Brade
County
Cork
EMAP_Class
Category
Ecclesiastical
No significance
Year
1998
Compan y
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Archaeolo gical Projects Archaeolo gical Projects Archaeolo gical Projects Archaeolo gical Projects Archaeolo gical Projects Wexford Corporatio n Margaret Gowen ACS Margaret Gowen
Exc. License
98E0052
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Developme nt
Bray Head, Valentia Island Bray Head, Valentia Island Bray Head, Valentia Island Bray Head, Valentia Island Bray Head, Valentia Island Bride Street
Kerry
MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement
Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape
Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant
1993
93E0121
Research
None
Kerry
1994
94E119
Research
None
Kerry
1995/1 996 2001
95E166
Research
None
Kerry
01E0814
Research
None
Kerry
Wexford
Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement raised ringfort Ford/River Crossing
Bridge Street Upper British & Seacash Broad StreetGeorg e's QuayAbbey River Brooklodge
Dublin Antrim Limerick
Viking/Hiberno Norse Wexford Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Settlement Enclosure Routeway
Highly Significant General Significant General
1997/1 998/19 99/200 0 1988
97E278
Research
None
E000438
Rescue
None
1992 1998 1998/1 999/20 00/200 1 1999
92E0078
Testing Rescue
Developme nt Developme nt Limerick Main Drainage Scheme Bord Gais Caherlag Ballincollig Pipeline Bord Gais Caherlag Ballincollig Pipeline Residential Developme nt
98E0581
Non Excavatio n
Cork
Agricultural
Uncertain
Margaret Gowen
99E0314
Monitorin g
Brooklodge
Cork
Agricultural
Uncertain
1999
Margaret Gowen
99E0438
Rescue
Broomville Gardens, Ballyroan Brownsbarn Brownsbarn Collegeland Brownstown
Laois
No significance
1998
Freelance
98E0460
Testing
Dublin Kilkenny
ringfort ringfort
2000 2002
00E0541 02E1672
Testing Monitorin g Monitorin g
Burgesland
Tipperar y
ringfort
2002
Burnchurch
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
Burnchurch
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
Butterfield, Rathfarnham Buzzardstow n Cadamstow n church Caheravart Caherduff
Dublin Dublin Kildare
MultiPhase settlement Ecclesiastical Site Undated ecclesiastical site ringfort cashel
Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
Highly Significant No significance No significance General No significance Significant
1997 1999 2000
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Judith Carroll Margaret Gowen Valerie J Keeley Sheila Lane Freelance
02E0572
01E0983
Monitorin g
01E0983
Monitorin g
97E0140 99E0046 00E0890
Rescue Testing Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Uncertain Residential Developme nt None
Cork Mayo
1999 1999
99E0336 99E0591
Testing Testing
Cahergal
Kerry
cashel
1986/1 990/19 91
OPW
Conservat ion
226
NAME
Caherlehillan
County
Kerry
EMAP_Class
Category
Ecclesiastical
Significant
Year
1992/1 993/19 94/199 5/1996 /1997/ 1998/1 999/20 02 2002
Compan y
UCC
Exc. License
93E0073
Exc. Type
Research
Route Scheme
None
Cahernalee
Galway
ringfort
General
Cahernalee
Galway
ringfort
General
2002
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Margaret Gowen
02E0323
Monitorin g
02E0095
Monitorin g
Cahernalee
Galway
ringfort
General
2002
Cahernaloug Clare h, (BGE 3/14/1)
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Margaret Gowen
02E0640
Testing
02E1187
Rescue
Caherwalter
Galway
ringfort
No significance
2002
Cahirvagliair, Cappeen West Callas
Cork
cashel
General
1985
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore OPW
02E1160
Monitorin g
Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Athlone Gort Phase 2) Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Athlone Gort Phase 2) Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Athlone Gort Phase 2) Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Residential Developme nt
Conservat ion 01E1195 Monitorin g
None
Westme ath
ringfort
No significance
2001
Calteraun
Sligo
Ringfort & Souterrain
No significance
1999
Camlisk More, Edgeworthst own Cappa
Westme ath
ringfort
No significance
2000
Kerry
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services North West Archaeolo gical Services Eachtra
99E0610
Testing
00E0675
Monitorin g
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine None
01E0811
Testing
Cappancur
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
General
1999
Dominic Delany Freelance
99E0214
Testing
Carlow
Carlow
Settlement Enclosure Agricultural Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Agricultural Agricultural Settlement Enclosure
No significance Uncertain General
1999
99E0058
Testing
Carlow Castle Carn
Carlow
1996 1979
OPW N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch CRDS CRDS N I Historic Monument s Branch QUB ACS
96E105
Conservat ion Rescue
Fermana cashel gh Down enclosure
Carnalbana gh East Carnalway Carnalway Carnlough North, (Windy Ridge) Carnmoney Carnmore West
General
1979
Rescue
Kildare Kildare Down
Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Kiln/Cereal cultivation site enclosure
Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain
1999 2000 1981
99E0416 00E0303
Monitorin g Rescue Research
Antrim Galway
ringfort cashel
Significant No significance
1970 2000
Research 00E0478 Testing
None Tuam Regional Water Supply Scheme Stage 3
227
NAME
Carr
County
Tyrone
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
Uncertain
Year
1980
Compan y
N I Historic Monument s Branch ADS
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Uncertain
Route Scheme
Uncertain
Carragh church Carrick, Kiltimagh Carrickakelly
Kildare
medieval ecclesiastical site ringfort
Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
1992
Testing
Cemetery Extension Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Mayo
2002
Freelance
02E0519
Testing
Monagh an Tipperar y
ringfort
2000
ACS
00E0809
Testing
Carrickcone en
ringfort
2001
Carrigaline Middle Carrigans Lower Carrigeens
Cork
MultiPhase settlement cashel
Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
General
2002
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Sheila Lane Freelance
01E0470
Monitorin g
01E1148
Rescue
Sligo
2001/2 002 2000
01E0333
Testing
Sligo
ringfort
Carrignamuc k Carrigoran, Site EX1, 18 & 20
Wicklow Clare
Unenclosed Habitation Site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape
Unenclosed Settlement Landscape
Uncertain Highly Significant
1978 1998/1 999/20 00
North West Archaeolo gical Services OPW Valerie J KeeleyArc haeologic al Services Unit, Oranmore Valerie J Keeley
00E0734
Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme N18/N19 Road Improvemen t Scheme N18/N19 Road Improvemen t Scheme Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Developme nt
Research 98E0337 Testing
Carrigoran, Site EX1, 18 & 20 Carrigoran, Site EX1, 18 & 20 Carrow, (BGE 3/67/2)
Clare
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Metal/Iron working site
Highly Significant
1998/1 999/20 00 1998
98E0338
Testing
Clare
Highly Significant
Valerie J Keeley
98E0426
Testing
Limerick
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0630
Rescue
Carrowbeg
Mayo
ringfort
1997/1 998 2002
Freelance
97E0474
Testing
Carrowbunn aun/Carrow dough Carrowbunn aunCarrowd ough, Strandhill Carrowcana da Carrowdotia
Sligo
Raised Ringfort & Souterrain Raised Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
Sligo
No significance
2002
Mayo Clare
1992 2002
North West Archaeolo gical Services North West Archaeolo gical Services Freelance Aegis Archaeolo gy Aegis Archaeolo gy Aegis Archaeolo gy John Channing
02E1682
Testing
02E1682
Testing
Monitorin g 02E1494 Testing
N5 Swinford Bypass Road N18 Ennis Bypass Road N18 Ennis Bypass Road N18 Ennis Bypass Road N4 Ballysadare Collooney Bypass Road N59 Moylaw Crossmolina Road Realignment Residential Developme nt
Carrowdotia
Clare
cashel
2002
02E1493
Testing
Carrowdotia (AR27) Carrowgobb adagh
Clare
cashel
2002
02E1490
Testing
Sligo
ringfort
1995
95E105
Rescue
Carrowkeel
Mayo
Significant
2002
Freelance
02E0596
Monitorin g
Carrowkeel
Galway
Field Boundaries
Agricultural
Uncertain
2000
North West Archaeolo gical Services
00E0726
Testing
228
NAME
Carrowkeel
County
Mayo
EMAP_Class
Category
Significant
Year
2002
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
02E0598
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
N59 Moylaw Crossmolina Road Realignment Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Athlone Gort Phase 2) Golf course
Carrowmore
Galway
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
Carrowmore North
Clare
ringfort
No significance
2000
Carrowmurra gh
Roscom mon
ringfort
No significance
2002
Carrownakilly Clare Carrownalur gan 1 Mayo
crannog raised ringfort
1998 1997
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore North West Archaeolo gical Services Freelance Freelance
02E1127
Rescue
00E0007
Monitorin g
02E0753
Testing
Developme nt
98E0459 97E417
Testing Monitorin g
Developme nt R335 Westport Belclare Road Improvemen t Scheme R335 Westport Belclare Road Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt None Golf course
Carrownalur gan 1
Mayo
raised ringfort
General
1997
Freelance
97E414
Testing
Carrownama Donegal ddy Carrowncree vy Sligo
Souterrain
Unenclosed
General
1997
ADS
97E0120
Testing
ringfort
2002
Freelance
02E0763
Monitorin g Testing
Carrowreagh Down
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Burial Site Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Kiln/Cereal cultivation site ringfort
2002
ADS
AE/02/94
Carrowsteela Mayo gh Carton Demsen, Site 3 Carton Demsen, Site 3 Cartron Kildare
Cemetery/Buri al Agricultural
Uncertain Uncertain
1990 2001
National Museum Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. Freelance 01E0377
Rescue Rescue
Kildare
Agricultural
Uncertain
2001
01E0200
Testing
Golf course
Galway
No significance
2000
00E0789
Monitorin g
Cartron More Roscom mon
ringfort
No significance
2002
02E0312
Testing
Cartron, Craughwell
Galway
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al
No significance
2000
00E0324
Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Golf course
Cashel
Tipperar y Antrim
General
1997
97E0041
Testing
Castle Upton, Templepatric k Castle Upton, Templepatric k Castlearmstr ong 19, Castletown Bog, Lemanagha n Castlearmstr ong, Killaghintobe r Bog, Lemanagha n
Iron age/early medieval burial Iron age/early medieval burial Trackway
Significant
1996/1 997/19 98 2002
ADS
Monitorin g
Antrim
Cemetery/Buri al
Significant
ADS
AE/02/43
Monitorin g
Golf course
Offaly
Routeway
General
1993/1 996
Archaeolo gical Wetland Unit
96E0150
Rescue
Bord na Mna Peat Production
Offaly
Trackway
Routeway
General
1999
ADS
99E0445
Rescue
Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project
229
NAME
Castlearmstr ong, Killaghintobe r Bog, Lemanagha n Castlecrine/ Moygalla Castlecrine/ Moygalla Castlegar
County
Offaly
EMAP_Class
Trackway
Category
Routeway
General
Year
1998
Compan y
Exc. License
98E0464
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Clare
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed
1992
ADS
Monitorin g 00E0343 Monitorin g Testing
Clare
ringfort
2000
Freelance
Galway
Souterrain
1998
Castlegar
Mayo
General
1998
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Freelance
98E0498
98E0304
Monitorin g
N17 Knock Claremorris Road Bypass Phase 1 N17 Knock Claremorris Road Bypass Phase 1 Residential Developme nt None M4 Celbridge Interchange Motorway M4 Celbridge Interchange Motorway None
Castlegar
Mayo
General
1999
Freelance
99E0037
Rescue
Castlelands, Mallow Castlemagn er Castletown, Celbridge
Cork
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed Agricultural
General
2000/2 001 1972 2001
Sheila Lane UCC Valerie J Keeley
00E0830
Testing
Cork Kildare
Souterrain Kiln/Cereal cultivation site
General General
Rescue 01E0669 Rescue
Castletown, Celbridge
Kildare
Agricultural
General
2001
Valerie J Keeley
01E0306
Monitorin g
Cathair Fionnrach, Ballynaveno or
Kerry
Cashel & Souterrain
Significant
1994/1 995/19 96/199 7
Cathair Mor, BallyCarnlab ban Cavanapole Cecilstown
Clare
cashel
General
1999
Armagh Cork
ringfort Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Iron age/early medieval burial medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Cemetery/Buri al
General No significance Significant
1996 2002
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. ADS Eachtra
94E005
Research
99E0506
Conservat ion
None
Rescue 02E0734 Monitorin g Research
Quarry/Mine Residential Developme nt None
Chancellorsl and
Tipperar y
Charlestown
Louth
Ecclesiastic al Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin
1992/1 993/19 94/199 5/1996 1998
Discovery Programm e ACS
92E0128
98E0247
Testing
Residential Developme nt None
Christchurch Cathedral, Wood Quay Christchurch Cathedral, Wood Quay Christchurch Cathedral, Wood Quay Christchurch Cathedral, Wood Quay Christchurch PlaceRoss Road Christchurch PlaceRoss RoadWerbur gh Street Christchurch PlaceRoss RoadWerbur gh Street Christchurch PlaceSt. John's Lane,
Dublin
1999
Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen ACS
99E0091
Testing
Dublin
Significant
1998
98E0606
Testing
None
Dublin
Significant
1997
Monitorin g 99E0539 Conservat ion Rescue
None
Dublin
Significant
1999
Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen
None
Dublin
General
1992
Dublin
Significant
1993
93E0128
Rescue
Dublin
Significant
1993
Margaret Gowen
93E0163
Testing
Developme nt
Dublin
Highly Significant
1972/1 973/19 74/197
National Museum
E122
Rescue
Developme nt
230
NAME
Wood Quay
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
5/1976
Compan y
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
Christchurch, Waterford Christchurch, Waterford Church Bay, Rathlin Island Claomachar Fort, Scart, Gortalea Claristown 2
Waterfor d Waterfor d Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Viking Burial Site ringfort
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Ecclesiastical Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al
1997
Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen N I Historic Monument s Branch Eachtra
97E0459
Conservat ion Conservat ion Rescue
None
1997 1983
97E0459
None Quarry/Mine
Kerry
2001
01E0439
Testing
Meath
2001
ACS
01E0039
Rescue
Clasheen
Kerry
ringfort
General
1993
Kerry County Museum Eachtra Freelance
93E0161
Testing
Clievragh, Listowel Cloghan
Kerry Mayo
ringfort ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape
No significance No significance Highly Significant
2002 2001
02E1545 01E0239
Testing Testing
Residential Developme nt M1 Gormanston Monasterboi ce Motorway N22 Killarney Cork Road Upgrade Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Clogher Demesne
Tyrone
Cloghermore
Kerry
Cave
Unenclosed
Significant
1971/1 972/19 73/197 4/1975 /1977/ 1978/1 979/19 80 1999/2 000
Ulster Museum
Research
Cloghermore
Kerry
Industrial
Uncertain
1999
Kerry County MuseumA egis Archaeolo gy Aegis Archaeolo gy Eachtra
99E0431
Rescue
None
99E0130
Monitorin g
Cloghers, Tralee Cloghlucas South, 1/23/2
Kerry
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed
2000
00E0300
Testing
Cork
1986
Margaret Gowen
Rescue
Clonabreany Churchyard, Bobsville Clonbeale More, Killaun Bog
Meath
Cemetery Site
Ecclesiastical
1990
OPW FAS Scheme ADS 00E0242
N21 Ballycarthy Killally Road Scheme Residential Developme nt Bord Gais CorkDublin Pipeline 1986 None
Dublin
Trackway
Routeway
2000
Cloncowan
Meath
Cemetery/Buri al
Significant
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0883
Rescue
Cloncowan
Meath
Cemetery/Buri al
Significant
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0194
Monitorin g
Clongawny Greatdown Newdown, Mullingar
Westme ath
Textile Production Site
Agricultural
General
2000
Eachtra
00E0075
Monitorin g
Clongawny Greatdown Newdown, Mullingar
Westme ath
Textile Production Site
Agricultural
General
2000
Eachtra
00E0076
Rescue
Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Ballough to Kinnegad Phase 1A) Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Ballough to Kinnegad Phase 1A) N4 Mullingar Road Realignment and Widening Scheme N4 Mullingar Road Realignment and Widening Scheme
231
NAME
Clonhill, Curraghbrac k Clonmagad dan Clonmoney West, Site 42C
County
Westme ath Meath
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
Year
2000
Compan y
ACS
Exc. License
00E0071
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme River Dredging River Dredging None
ringfort
2000
Margaret Gowen ACS
00E0058
Monitorin g Rescue
Clare
2001
01E0242
Clonmore
Armagh
Early Medieval Artefacts Early Medieval Artefacts Early Medieval Artefacts Ecclesiastical Site medieval ecclesiastical site ringfort
Miscellaneous
General
1991
Ulster Museum Ulster Museum Ulster Museum ACS AE/01/62
Clonmore
Armagh
Miscellaneous
General
2000
Clonmore
Armagh
Miscellaneous
General
2001
Clonmore, Louth Clonshire Beg Cloonagleav ragh
Louth
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure
1998
98E0005
Non Excavatio n Non Excavatio n Non Excavatio n Testing
Limerick
2001
Aegis Archaeolo gy Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore North West Archaeolo gical Services Freelance
01E0801
Monitorin g Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt
Sligo
1999
99E0195
Cloonahera, Kilkishen
Clare
ringfort
No significance
2000
00E0230
Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt ReSsidential Developme nt N4 Rockingham Cortober Road Project N4 Rockingham Cortober Road Project N5 Swinford Bypass Road Developme nt Developme nt
Cloonaherna Clare
cashel
1999
99E0153
Cloonalour, Tralee Cloongowna gh
Kerry
ringfort
2002
Roscom mon
1999
Cloongowna gh
Roscom mon
Significant
1998
Aegis Archaeolo gy Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services ACS
02E1796
99E0193
Monitorin g
Cloonlara Cloonlaur
Mayo Mayo
ringfort Undated ecclesiastical site ringfort
1992 1997
Freelance Freelance 97E0121
Testing Monitorin g Monitorin g
Cloonnaglog haum, Ruan
Clare
2001
Cloonown, Oldtown
Roscom mon
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2000
Cloonown, Oldtown
Roscom mon
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2000
Cloonshana gh
Roscom mon
ringfort
No significance
2002
Cloontycarth Cork y Cloughergoo Cavan le Cloughorr Antrim
Mill ringfort
Agricultural Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed
1981 1997
North West Archaeolo gical Services Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore North West Archaeolo gical Services UCC Freelance
01E0071
00E0780
Testing
00E0780
Testing
02E1036
Monitorin g
Residential Developme nt Uncertain Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
E825 97E0421
Rescue Testing
Souterrain
1971
N I Historic Monument s Branch Archaeolo gical Projects 94E120
Rescue
Coarha Beg, Valentia Island
Kerry
Unenclosed
Significant
1994
Research
232
NAME
Cobbe's Hill, Mount Gamble, Miltonsfields, Swords Coldwinter
County
Dublin
EMAP_Class
Cemetery Site
Category
Cemetery/Buri al
Significant
Year
2002
Compan y
Margaret Gowen
Exc. License
02E0608
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Developme nt
Dublin
Cemetery/Buri al
Significant
1999/2 000/20 01
Valerie J Keeley
99E0548
Testing/Re scue
M1 Airport Balbriggan Motorway Bypass Contract 2 Saggart Rathcoole Newcastle Drainage Scheme M4 Celbridge Interchange Motorway Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Bord Gais Northeaster n Pipeline Castlederm ot Water Supply Scheme Residential Developme nt None
Collegeland
Dublin
ringfort
No significance
2000
Judith Carroll
00E0316
Testing
Collinstown, Site 18
Kildare
Agricultural
Uncertain
2001
Valerie J Keeley
01E1225
Rescue
Collooney
Sligo
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement raised ringfort
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1994
Margaret Gowen ADS
94E127
Testing
Collooney
Sligo
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2000
00E0383
Colp West
Meath
Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure
Highly Significant Highly Significant No significance
Colp West
Meath
1999/2 000/20 01 1988
ACS
99E0472
E462
Coltstown
Kildare
2002
02E1589
Testing
Common
Dublin
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastical
1999
ACS
99E0693
Testing
Conva
Cork
NonCircular Shaped Enclosure Ecclesiastical Site
1992
Discovery Programm e Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore CRDS 97E221
Research
Conwal
Donegal
No significance
1997
Testing
Cemetery Extension
Cookstown, Ashbourne
Meath
Undated ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2002
02E1689
Testing
Cookstown, Ashbourne Coolahollog a, Site A1 Coolbanagh er
Meath
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2001
Margaret Gowen ACS
01E0091
Testing
N2R125 Ballybin Road Realignment Developme nt N52 Nenagh Bypass Road Portlaoise Water Supply Improvemen t Scheme Farm Improvemen t Scheme Leixlip Water Treatment Plant Leixlip Water Treatment Plant Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Athlone Gort Phase 2) R693 Threecastles Road Realignment R693 Threecastles Road Realignment Developme nt
Tipperar y Laois
Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure
Uncertain
2000
00E0385
Rescue
No significance
1996
Valerie J Keeley
96E3 13
Testing
Coolcran
Fermana Ringfort & gh Souterrain Dublin Possible Viking Site Possible Viking Site Charcoal Pit
Significant
1983
N I Historic Monument s Branch Freelance 97E0027
Rescue
Cooldrinagh, Leixlip Cooldrinagh, Leixlip Coole Demesne
General
1997
Testing
Dublin
Unenclosed
General
1995
Freelance
95E039
Testing
Galway
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
Cooleeshalm ore
Kilkenny
Iron age/early medieval burial Iron age/early medieval burial ringfort
Cemetery/Buri al
General
2001
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Uncertain
02E0495
Rescue
01E1167
Monitorin g
Cooleeshalm ore
Kilkenny
Cemetery/Buri al
General
2001
Uncertain
01E1206
Rescue
Coolgarriv
Kerry
No significance
2000
Eachtra
00E0919
Monitorin g
233
NAME
Coolmain
County
Cork
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape No significance No significance No significance General No significance
Year
2002
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
02E1170
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Coolnagree
Wexford
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort Undated ecclesiastical site Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastical
2000
Eachtra
00E0800
Testing
Coolnasoon, Carrigdrohid Coolowen Coolsraha
Cork
2001
Sheila Lane UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit North West Archaeolo gical Services UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Freelance
01E0774
Testing
Cork Galway
1973 2001
Rescue 01E0408 Monitorin g
Coomlogan e, Millstreet
Cork
ringfort
No significance
2002
02E0416
Monitorin g
Cootehall
Roscom mon
ringfort
No significance
2001
01E0519
Testing
Residential Developme nt Uncertain
Coraliss
Cork
ringfort
General
1993
93E0136
Testing
Corbally
Mayo
ringfort
Uncertain
2000
00E0057
Testing
N17 Knock Claremorris Road Bypass Phase 2 Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt River Dredging Saggart Rathcoole Newcastle Drainage Scheme Saggart Rathcoole Newcastle Drainage Scheme River Camac Improvemen t Scheme River Camac Improvemen t Scheme River Camac Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Bord na Mna Peat Production Bord Gais Northeaster n Pipeline (Dunleer Mullagh
Corbally Corbally Corbally
Kildare Kildare Kerry
MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement ringfort
Settlement/Ce metery Settlement/Ce metery Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement/Ce metery Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Routeway
Highly Significant Highly Significant No significance No significance Highly Significant No significance No significance General
2001/2 002 2000/2 002 1996
Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen Eachtra
01E0299 00E0864 96E303
Rescue Monitorin g Monitorin g Testing
Corbally
Cork
ringfort
1999
Eachtra
99E0463
Corbally Cordal West
Kildare Kerry
MultiPhase settlement ringfort
2002 1996
Margaret Gowen Kerry County Museum Freelance
02E1310 96E005
Rescue Monitorin g Monitorin g Non Excavatio n Monitorin g
Corderry
Louth
Ringfort & Souterrain Ford/River Crossing Metal/Iron working site
2001
01E360
Coreen Ford
Roscom mon Dublin
1989
National Museum Judith Carroll 00E0825
Corkagh Demense
Industrial
Uncertain
2000
Corkagh Demense
Dublin
Industrial
Uncertain
2000
Judith Carroll
00E0935
Rescue
Corkagh Demesne
Dublin
Burnt/Refuse Pit
Miscellaneous
Ecclesiastic al
Uncertain
2001
Judith Carroll
01E0912
Rescue
Corkagh Demesne
Dublin
Cemetery & Settlement Site Cemetery & Settlement Site ringfort
Significant
2001
Judith Carroll
01E0911
Rescue
Corkagh Demesne
Dublin
Significant
2001
Judith Carroll
01E0849
Monitorin g
Corkeeran
Monagh an Dublin
Settlement Enclosure Routeway
1998
ACS
98E0063
Testing
Corlea 5 & 7
Trackway
1986/1 987 1992
UCD
Rescue
Cormeen
Meath
Significant
ADS
92E0052
Rescue
234
NAME
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
Phase 3)
Cornacully
Fermana Sweat House gh Dublin Viking Urban Settlement
Unenclosed
Significant
1988
N I Historic Monument s Branch Margaret Gowen 92E0109
Research
None
Cornmarket Francis StreetLamb Alley CorrDunaval ly CorrDunaval ly Corrstown, Hopefield Road, Portrush Corrstown, Hopefield Road, Portrush Coumeenool e South Courthoyle Old
General
1992
Rescue
Developme nt
Armagh
Early Medieval Artefacts Early Medieval Artefacts NonCircular Shaped Enclosure NonCircular Shaped Enclosure Unenclosed Habitation Site medieval ecclesiastical site
Miscellaneous
General
1991
Ulster Museum Ulster Museum ACS AE/01/82
Armagh
Miscellaneous
General
1989
Derry
Highly Significant
2001/2 002
Non Excavatio n Non Excavatio n Testing
River Dredging River Dredging Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Derry
Highly Significant
2002
ACS
AE/02/10 0
Rescue
Kerry Wexford
Unenclosed Ecclesiastic al
2002 1997
Freelance Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services ADS National Museum UCG
02E1609 97E0054
Testing Testing
Cregg Creggan
Sligo Roscom mon Galway
ringfort Ford/River Crossing ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Routeway
General General
1999 1989
99E0436
Testing Non Excavatio n Monitorin g Monitorin g
Developme nt River Dredging Residential Developme nt Developme nt None
Croaghill, Williamstown Croghan Church CroInis
Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape
No significance Uncertain General
1993
93E0096
Offaly Westme ath Limerick
Cemetery Site crannog
1997 1989
Dominic Delany Cornelll University, Ithaca UCC E576
Croom East
ringfort
General
1974
Non Excavatio n Rescue
Croom Site 7
Limerick
General
1999
'Cross Church of Moreen', Balally 'Cross Church of Moreen', Balally 'Cross Church of Moreen', Balally 'Cross Church of Moreen', Balally Crossmolina
Dublin
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site raised ringfort
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1990
Valerie J KeeleyArc haeologic al Consultan cy Ltd. OPW
97E0400
Rescue
Residential Developme nt N20 Croom Bypass Road
Rescue
Bord Gais Pipeline extension M50 Southeaster n Motorway M50 Southern Cross Route Motorway M50 Southeaster n Motorway Crossmolina Sewerage Scheme Crossmolina Sewerage Scheme Farm Improvemen t Scheme Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1996
Valerie J Keeley
96E218
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1990
Uncertain
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2001
Valerie J Keeley
00E0370
Testing
Mayo
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastical
2001
Freelance
01E0530
Rescue
Crossmolina
Mayo
2001
Freelance
01E0347
Monitorin g Rescue
Crossnacree vy Crumlin
Down
1971
Dublin
General
1996
Testing
Crumlin
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
2001
Judith Carroll
01E0465
Testing
235
NAME
Crumlin
County
Dublin
EMAP_Class
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Mill
Category
Ecclesiastical
General
Year
1999
Compan y
ACS
Exc. License
99E0305
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
Residential Developme nt Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Uncertain N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme E.S.B. Developme nt E.S.B. Developme nt E.S.B. Developme nt River Dredging E.S.B. Developme nt N22 Ballincollig Bypass Road Residential Developme nt Clane Prosperous Water Supply Scheme Prosperous Water Scheme Developme nt
Crumlin
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
1998
Archaeolo gical Projects OPW
98E0362
Testing
Crushyriree
Cork
Agricultural
Significant
1994
94E118
Rescue
Cuillaun Culleen, Site 29
Mayo Clare
Cashel & Souterrain ringfort Settlement Enclosure
2001 2001
Freelance ACS
01E0226 01E0023
Testing Rescue
Culleen, Site 29
Clare
ringfort
Uncertain
2000
Valerie J Keeley
00E0408
Testing
Cullenagh, Site 1 Cullenagh, Site 1 Cullenagh, Site 1 CulrevogMo y
Waterfor d Waterfor d Waterfor d Tyrone
Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
2001
Sheila Lane Sheila Lane Sheila Lane IUART
01E0799
Monitorin g Rescue
Industrial
Uncertain
2001
01E0860
Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Early Medieval Artefacts Ringfort & Souterrain
Industrial
Uncertain
2001
01E0859
Rescue
Miscellaneous
General
1991
Cunghill Sligo Kingsmountai n Curraheen 1 Cork
No significance
2002
NonCircular Shaped Enclosure ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Industrial
Significant
2002
North West Archaeolo gical Services ACS
02E1431
01E1209
Rescue
Curryhills
Kildare
1995
Freelance
95E187
Testing
Curryhills, Site 1
Kildare
Charcoal Pit
2000
Freelance
00E0064
Monitorin g
Curryhills, Site 1 Cushinstown
Kildare
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
General
1999
Freelance
99E0569
Rescue
Meath
Cemetery Site
Cemetery/Buri al
General
2000
Cushwash Rath, Cushwash
Fermana ringfort gh
No significance
2000
Dagda's fort, Lisdane, Site 1
Limerick
ringfort
General
2000
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Margaret Gowen
00E0163
Rescue
AE/00/03
Monitorin g
Developme nt
99E0643
Testing
Deanery Garden Deer Park Farms
Waterfor d Antrim
Viking Urban Settlement Raised Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Settlement Enclosure
General
1998
Waterford Corporatio n N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch Freelance
98E0447
Conservat ion Research
Limerick Main Drainage Scheme (Southern Interceptor Sewerage Pipeline) None
Highly Significant
Deerfin Lower Deerpark
Antrim
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al
General
1984/1 985/19 86/198 7 1975
None
Rescue
Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Developme nt
Kerry
ringfort
2000
00E0444
Monitorin g Testing
Delgany
Wicklow
1999
ArchTech
99E0231
236
NAME
Delgany
County
Wicklow
EMAP_Class
Category
Ecclesiastic al No significance General
Year
2002
Compan y
Margaret Gowen Discovery Programm e Freelance
Exc. License
02E0390
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Derragh, Lough Kinale Derrane
Longford crannog
2002
02E1071
Roscom mon
ringfort
No significance
2000
00E0279
Non Excavatio n Monitorin g
Derrane
Roscom mon
ringfort
No significance
1999
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Eachtra
99E0561
Testing
Derreennam uckla Derrymore Fort, Bessbrook Derrymore Fort, Bessbrook Derrymore West
Kerry
Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
2001
01E0797
Testing
Armagh
2000
ADS
AE/00/22
Testing
Armagh
ringfort
Significant
2001
ADS
AE/01/38, 42, 69 02E0173
Rescue
Clare
cashel
No significance
2002
Derrynaflan, Lurgoe A & B Derrynagun Bog, Lemanagha n
Tipperar y Offaly
Trackway
Routeway
General
1987
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit National Museum Archaeolo gical Wetland Unit
Testing
N61 Munsboroug hCoolteige Road Realignment Phase 2 N61 Munsboroug hCoolteige Road Realignment Phase 2 Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Uncertain
E423
Rescue
Trackway
Routeway
Significant
1996
96E151
Rescue
Devenish
Fermana Enclosed gh ecclesiastical site Fermana Enclosed gh ecclesiastical site Dublin Viking Urban Settlement
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2000/2 001 1973
University of York N I Historic Monument s Branch ADS 96E006
Bord na Mna Peat Production Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project None
Devenish
Ecclesiastical
Significant
None
Digges Lane
General
1996
Rescue
Dirtane, Ballyheigue Dollas Lower, (BGE 3/67/5)
Kerry
Ringfort & Souterrain Metal/Iron working site Industrial
2001
Eachtra
01E1037
Testing
Unidentified Road Developme nt Ballyheigue Sewerage Scheme Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Developme nt Residential Developme nt M1 Dundalk Western Motorway Bypass N51 Dunmoe Road Realignment None
Limerick
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0631
Rescue
Donaghmor e Donaghmor e Donaghmor e5
Kildare Louth
Ecclesiastical Site Undated ecclesiastical site Charcoal Pit Industrial
1999 1999
ArchTech CRDS
99E0675 99E0063
Monitorin g Testing
Louth
2002
IAC
02E1333
Rescue
Donaghmor e, Blackcastle Demesne Donaghmor e, Blackcastle Demesne Donard Lower Donard Lower Doogarraun
Meath
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1999
ACS
99E0480
Testing
Meath
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1990/1 994
UCD
90E017
Rescue
Wicklow
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site ringfort
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure
2000
John Channing ADS Archaeolo gical Services Unit,
00E0793
Monitorin g Testing Testing
Wicklow Galway
1997 2000
97E0378 00E0320
Residential Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt
237
NAME
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
Oranmore
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
Doogary
Cavan
ringfort
No significance
2002
Doonlougha n, Ballyconneel y Doorath
Galway
Coastal Habitation Site
Unenclosed
Significant
1997
North West Archaeolo gical Services QUB
02E1221
Testing
97E0197
Research
Mayo
ringfort
No significance
2000
Doras
Tyrone
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site ringfort
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1983
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore N I Historic Monument s Branch ADS
00E0280
Testing
Rescue
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt N52 Dundalk Inner Bypass Road Residential Developme nt Quarry/Mine
Doras
Tyrone
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1995
Testing
Dough
Clare
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Industrial
1996
ACS
96E207
Testing
Dowdallshill
Louth
enclosure
1994
Valerie J Keeley ACS
94E075
Rescue
Doyles Villas, Camlough Drinnanstow n South
Antrim
ringfort
2002
AE/02/12 0
Testing
Kildare
2001
Drom North
Cork
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Burial Site Burial Site Settlement Landscape Cemetery/Buri al
2001
Dagda Archaeolo gical Projects Sheila Lane ACS
Rescue
01E1035
Monitorin g Rescue
Residential Developme nt Bord Gais Northeaster n Pipeline Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt
Dromiskin
Louth
1988
E461
Dromkeen East Dromlohan
Kerry Limerick
Uncertain Cemetery/B urial No significance Significant
1985 2002
OPW Aegis Archaeolo gy UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy National Museum N I Historic Monument s Branch ADS 02E0780
Rescue Monitorin g Monitorin g
Dromthacker
Kerry
1997/1 998/19 99
97E0022
Drumadonne Down ll
Unenclosed
Significant
1999
Monitorin g
Developme nt
Drumbaragh
Meath
Burial Site
Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed
Uncertain
1988
Rescue
Drumbroneth
Down
ringfort
General
1979
Rescue
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Golf course
Drumbroneth
Down
ringfort
General
1997
Testing
Drumilly Demesne, Loughgall
Armagh
Souterrain
General
1998
Drumlane 1
Monagh an
ringfort
No significance
1998
Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Freelance
Testing
98E0499
Testing
Drumlane 2
Monagh an
ringfort
No significance
1998
Freelance
98E0500
Testing
Drummany Bog Drummany Bog
Cavan Cavan
Trackway Trackway
Routeway Routeway
General General
1998 1997
98E0303 97E0304
Rescue Monitorin g
Castleblane y Urban Water Supply Scheme Castleblane y Urban Water Supply Scheme N3 Cavan Bypass Road N3 Cavan Bypass Road
238
NAME
Drummond Outra
County
Monagh an
EMAP_Class
Category
Industrial
Ecclesiastic al Uncertain
Year
2000
Compan y
ACS
Exc. License
00E0108
Exc. Type
Monitorin g
Route Scheme
Carrickmacr oss Sewerage Scheme Extension Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Drumsna Sewerage Scheme None
Drumrane
Cavan
ringfort
2000
Freelance
00E0412
Testing
Drumruekill, Kilclare
Leitrim
ringfort
2002
Drumsna
Leitrim
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Viking Urban Settlement Iron Age Royal Site Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Miscellaneous
Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape
2002
North West Archaeolo gical Services ADS
02E1228
Monitorin g
02E1235
Monitorin g Testing
Drumsna
Leitrim
2001
Drumsna
Leitrim
No significance
2001
Dublin Castle
Dublin
Highly Significant General
1985/1 986 1968/1 969/19 70/197 1/1972 /1973/ 1974/1 975 1992
North West Archaeolo gical Services North West Archaeolo gical Services OPW
01E0069
01E0106
Monitorin g
E296E297 E298E32 3E324 E79
Dun Ailline, Knockaulin, Kilcullen
Kildare
University of Pennsylva nia
None
Dun Aonghasa, Kilmurvy, Inishmore Dn Eoghanacht a, Eoghanacht, Inishmore Dunbeg Promentory Fort, Dingle Dunbell Big 5 Dunbell Big 6 Dunbin Little
Galway
Promontory Fort
General
Discovery Programm e Discovery Programm e
92E0102
Research
None
Galway
cashel
Ecclesiastic al
Significant
1995
95E0136
Research
None
Kerry
Promontory Fort ringfort ringfort Undated ecclesiastical site Souterrain
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Unenclosed
Highly Significant Significant Significant No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance Highly Significant General
1977
TCD
Rescue
Coastal Erosion Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine
Kilkenny Kilkenny Louth
1990 1972 2001
ADS OPW CRDS
E571 E108 01E0556
Rescue Rescue Monitorin g Testing
Dungarvan
Waterfor d Kilkenny Monagh an Louth Tyrone
2000
Freelance
00E0775
Dninga, Ballytarsna Dunmadigan
ringfort ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure
2000 1998
Valerie J Keeley Freelance
00E0155 98E0260
Testing Testing
Dunmahon Dunmisk
Souterrain MultiPhase settlement enclosure
1995 1984/1 985/19 86 2002
ACS N I Historic Monument s Branch QUB Centre for Archaeolo gical Fieldwork QUB
95E191
Testing Rescue
Dunnyneil Islands
Down
AE/02/90
Rescue
Coastal Erosion
Dunsilly
Antrim
ringfort
Significant
1974/1 975 1991
Rescue
Farm Improvemen t Scheme None
Dunurlin Church, Na Gorta Dubha Dysart
Kerry
medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site
OPW
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical
1989/1 990
Dysart Church, Cummeen Eddrim Glebe, Mountcharle
Roscom mon Donegal
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
General
1993
University of California, Berkeley OPW
None
93E0184
None
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
Freelance
01E0087
Cemetery Extension
239
NAME
s
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
Eden Edermine
Antrim Wexford
Well medieval ecclesiastical site Souterrain Unenclosed
2000 2000
ADS Eachtra
AE/00/67 00E0158
Testing Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Eleven Ballyboes
Donegal
1999
Eleven Ballyboes
Donegal
Souterrain
Unenclosed
General
2001
Emlagh West
Kerry
Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Viking Urban Settlement
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin
Significant
1997
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Eachtra
99E0138
Testing
01E0508
Testing
97E0178
Monitorin g Testing
Emlagh West
Kerry
Significant
1993
Kerry County Museum Freelance
93E0080
Residential Developme nt Dingle Area Sewerage Scheme Residential Developme nt Developme nt
Emlagh West
Kerry
Significant
1999
99E0495
Monitorin g Rescue
Essex Street WestLower Exchange StreetCopp er Alley, Temple Bar West Exchange StreetHigh Street Fanaghans
Dublin
Highly Significant
1996/1 997/19 98
Margaret Gowen
96E0245
Waterfor d Donegal
Viking Urban Settlement Well
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Ecclesiastic al
General
2001
Freelance
01E0515
Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt
No significance
2001
Fanningstow n
Limerick
Enclosed Mound
Significant
1997/1 999
Farrandreg
Louth
Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Souterrain enclosure
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed
General
2000
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Valerie J KeeleyAe gis Archaeolo gy IAC
01E0120
Testing
97E0408
Rescue
N20 Croom Bypass Road
00E0082
Rescue
Dundalk Sewerage Scheme Dundalk Sewerage Scheme Developme nt Dundalk Sewerage Scheme Listowel Regional Water Supply Scheme Stage 4 Listowel Regional Water Supply Scheme Stage 4 Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Coastal Erosion
Farrandreg
Louth
General
2000
IAC
00E0299
Farrandreg Farrandreg
Louth Louth
General General
1998 1999
ACS IAC
95E0109 99E0624
Farranstack
Kerry
Souterrain
No significance
2002
Eachtra
02E1660
Monitorin g
Farranstack
Kerry
Souterrain
Unenclosed
No significance
2002
Eachtra
02E1556
Testing
Farranyharpy
Sligo
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape enclosure Settlement Enclosure
1996
Freelance
96E239
Testing
Farranyharpy
Sligo
1997
Freelance
97E0173
Monitorin g Rescue
Farrest
Tyrone
1981
Faughart Lower Feall A'Mhuilinn, Inishmurray
Louth
enclosure
1996
Testing
Sligo
Mill
1999
University of Glasgow
99E0383
Rescue
240
NAME
Ferganstown & Ballymackon Ferganstown & Ballymackon Ferganstown & Ballymackon Ferganstown & Ballymackon Ferganstown & Ballymackon Ferns
County
Meath
EMAP_Class
Charcoal Pit
Category
Industrial
Uncertain
Year
1998
Compan y
Eachtra
Exc. License
98E0602
Exc. Type
Monitorin g
Route Scheme
Navan Sewerage Augmentati on Scheme Navan Sewerage Augmentati on Scheme Navan Sewerage Augmentati on Scheme Uncertain
Meath
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
1999
Eachtra
99E0010
Monitorin g
Meath
Iron age/early medieval burial Iron age/early medieval burial enclosure
Cemetery/Buri al
Uncertain
1999
Eachtra
99E0011
Testing
Meath
Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Enclosure
Uncertain
1976
National Museum Eachtra 99E0178
Rescue
Meath
Significant
1999
Rescue
Wexford
ringfort
General
1998/1 999
Ferns
Wexford
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Miscellaneous
General
2001
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Freelance
98E0132
Monitorin g
Navan Sewerage Augmentati on Scheme Ferns Sewerage Scheme
Testing
'Ferrystown', Gortgole Finkiltagh
Antrim
Early Medieval Artefacts raised ringfort
General
1995
Ulster Museum N I Historic Monument s Branch Margaret Gowen 02E0668
Antrim
Settlement Enclosure Industrial
General
1973
Residential Developme nt River Dredging Farm Improvemen t Scheme Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) R445 Limerick Northern Relief Road Phase 2 R445 Limerick Northern Relief Road Phase 2 Developme nt Developme nt
Finniterstown, Limerick (BGE 3/64/5)
Charcoal Pit
Uncertain
2002
Rescue
Fish LaneSir Harry's Mall, King's Island
Limerick
Viking/Hiberno Norse Limerick
General
1996
Limerick Corporatio n
96E0334
Rescue
Fish LaneSir Harry's Mall, King's Island
Limerick
General
1996
96E213
Testing
Fishamble Street 1, Wood Quay Fishamble Street II, Wood Quay
Dublin
Significant
1975/1 976 1974/1 975/19 76/197 7/1978 /1979 1996
National Museum National Museum
E141
Rescue
Dublin
Highly Significant
E172
Rescue
Fishamble StreetEssex Street WestExchan ge Street Lower, Temple Bar West Flemingtown
Dublin
General
Margaret Gowen
96E111
Monitorin g
Developme nt
Dublin
Agricultural
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0296
Rescue
Fontstown Upper
Kildare
ringfort
No significance
2002
Freelance
02E0325
Testing
Fools Fort Cormeen Forenaughts Great Forgney
Meath
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Enclosure
1999
ACS
99E0477
Kildare
Iron age/early medieval burial Longford ringfort
1980
UCD
E208
Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Gormansto n to Ballough Phase 6) South Kildare Water Supply Scheme Residential Developme nt None
No significance
1998
IAC
98E0394
Testing
241
NAME
Fort Hill, Moneygurne y
County
Cork
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
General
Year
1999
Compan y
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Sheila Lane John Channing
Exc. License
99E0374
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Fort Hill, Moneygurne y Fort William
Cork
ringfort
General
2001
01E0414
Testing
Sligo
ringfort
General
1995
95E151
Rescue
Frenchgrove
Mayo
crannog
General
1998
Furness, Forenaghts Great Gallarus Gallarus
Kildare
medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Souterrain Ecclesiastical Unenclosed
Ecclesiastic al
1997
Archaeolo gical Wetland Unit CRDS
Conservat ion
Residential Developme nt N4 Ballysadare Collooney Bypass Road None
97E0231
Testing
Residential Developme nt None Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Kerry Kerry
1970 1979
OPW National Museum Freelance 02E1485
Garfinny
Kerry
medieval ecclesiastical site ringfort Undated ecclesiastical site Settlement Enclosure
Ecclesiastic al
2002
Testing
Garraneban e Garranes
Kerry Cork
1998 2001
Eachtra UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Aegis Archaeolo gy
98E0522 01E0366
Testing Monitorin g
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
Garraun
Limerick
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
2000/2 001
00E0854
Testing
Garristown Church Garristown Church Garrynadur, Lispole Garrynadur, Lispole Garryntempl e
Meath
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site cashel
Ecclesiastical
No significance No significance Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al No significance No significance Uncertain
2001
Freelance
01E0513
Monitorin g Rescue
N7 Annacotty Rossbrien Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase 1 Residential Developme nt Uncertain
Meath
Ecclesiastical
1990
OPW
Kerry
2002
Eachtra
02E1247
Testing
Kerry
Ecclesiastical Site Souterrain Unenclosed
2002
Eachtra
02E0773
Testing
Tipperar y
1981
UCC
Rescue
George's Street Upper, Wexford Gibbet Rath, The Curragh Glanbannoc Lower Glanlough South Glannahary
Wexford
Viking Urban Settlement ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort
Viking/Hiberno Norse Wexford Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
Uncertain
1994
Freelance
94E157
Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Bord Gais CorkDublin Pipeline 1981/1982 Developme nt Developme nt Dam/Reserv oir Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Kildare Cork Kerry Carlow
1997 1996 2002 2002
Freelance Margaret Gowen Freelance UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit OPW Sheila Lane Freelance
97E0388 96E307 02E0561 02E0352
Testing Testing Monitorin g Monitorin g
Glanturkin Glanworth
Cork Cork
ringfort medieval ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastical
Uncertain No significance Significant
1980 2002
E000817 02E0328
Rescue Testing
Uncertain Residential Developme nt None
Glaspatrick, Croagh Patrick Gleagormley , Kilcoan More Glebe
Mayo
1994/1 995 1986
94E0115
Research
Antrim
General
N I Historic Monument s Branch Eachtra 00E0491
Rescue
Wexford
No significance
2000
Testing
242
NAME
Glebe
County
Wicklow
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site
Category
Ecclesiastic al Uncertain
Year
2002
Compan y
Margaret Gowen
Exc. License
02E0226
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Wicklow Port Access and Town Relief Road Cemetery Extension Unidentified Sewerage Scheme
Glebe Glebe, Athleague
Westme ath Roscom mon
Ecclesiastical Site Undated ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastic al
General No significance
1997 1995
Freelance Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Freelance
97E0047 95E277
Testing Testing
Glebe, Ballaghadire en Glebe, Site 43, Tully Glebestown
Roscom mon Dublin
medieval ecclesiastical site ringfort Settlement Enclosure
Ecclesiastic al
1997
97E268
Testing
Residential Developme nt M50 Southeaster n Motorway Residential Developme nt None
2000/2 001/20 02 1993
00E0758
Rescue
Meath
medieval ecclesiastical site Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed
Ecclesiastic al
93E0055
Glen Fahan, Mount Eagle, Dingle Peninsula Glenbaun Glenbeg Glenfinn Glenmore Road
Kerry
1989
Freelance
Mayo Cork Donegal
enclosure ringfort Charcoal Pit
General No significance Uncertain
1992/1 993 2002 1998
OPW Sheila Lane ADS 02E1280 98E0232
Research Testing Testing
None Quarry/Mine R252 Glenfinn Glenmore Road Improvemen t Scheme Quarry/Mine
Glennamea de Gneevebeg
Limerick
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement/Ce metery
1992
Westme ath
2002
Limerick Corporatio n Margaret Gowen
Testing
02E0479
Rescue
Gneevebeg
Westme ath
Highly Significant
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0262
Monitorin g
Gormanston Beach
Meath
Boat
Miscellaneous
Uncertain
2002
Archaeolo gical Diving Company Eachtra
02E04670 2E0948
Monitorin g
Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Kinnegad Athlone Phase 1B) Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Kinnegad Athlone Phase 1B) Bord Gais Irish Subsea Interconnec tor Pipeline Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Westport Main Drainage and Waste Water Disposal Scheme N22 Bealagrellag hGortatlea Road Realignment N22 Bealagrellag hGortatlea Road Realignment N22 Bealagrellag hGortatlea Road Realignment N22 Bealagrellag hGortatlea Road Realignment
Gortamullen, Kenmare Gortaneare
Kerry
Well
Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Agricultural
2002
02E05210 2E1262 99E0015
Kerry
ringfort
1999
Freelance
Gortaroe, Site II
Mayo
2001
Freelance
01E1042
Gortatlea
Kerry
General
2001
Aegis Archaeolo gy
01E0175
Rescue
Gortatlea
Kerry
General
2001
Aegis Archaeolo gy
01E0939
Rescue
Gortatlea
Kerry
General
2001
Gortatlea
Kerry
General
2000
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Aegis Archaeolo gy
01E1101
Rescue
00E0779
Rescue
243
NAME
Gortatlea
County
Kerry
EMAP_Class
Category
General
Year
2000
Compan y
Aegis Archaeolo gy
Exc. License
00E0660
Exc. Type
Monitorin g
Route Scheme
N22 Bealagrellag hGortatlea Road Realignment Quarry/Mine Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt E.S.B.N.I.E. Cathaleens Fall Enniskillen Gortawee 110kV Line Residential Developme nt
Gortineddan Gortmore
Fermana cashel gh Clare ringfort
2001 2000
John Channing North West Archaeolo gical Services Sheila Lane North West Archaeolo gical Services ArchTech
AE/01/75 00E0436
Monitorin g Testing
Gortnagross Church Gortnaleck
Cork
Undated ecclesiastical site ringfort
Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure
2002
02E0732
Testing
Cavan
2002
02E1768
Testing
Gortoorlan & Snugboroug h
Cavan
ringfort
No significance
1998
98E0592
Monitorin g
Gowlane South
Cork
No significance
2001
Gracedieu
Dublin
Cemetery Site
Cemetery/Buri al
Highly Significant
1999
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Margaret Gowen
01E0778
Monitorin g
99E0395
Monitorin g
Gracedieu
Dublin
Cemetery Site
Cemetery/Buri al
Highly Significant
1999
Margaret Gowen
99E0217
Rescue
Gracedieu
Dublin
Cemetery Site
Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed
Highly Significant Significant
1988
Margaret Gowen National Museum Freelance Eachtra
E464E440
Rescue
Bord Gais Ballough Kilshane Pipeline Bord Gais Ballough Kilshane Pipeline Bord Gais Northeaster n Pipeline Farm Improvemen t Scheme Golf course Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Gragan West
Clare
Enclosed Mound Souterrain ringfort
1988
E458
Rescue
Graigue Graiguefrah ane Grallagh
Galway Tipperar y Roscom mon Wexford
General No significance No significance Uncertain
1990 2002
Rescue 02E0565 Monitorin g Testing
ringfort
1998
Freelance
98E0523
Grange
Midden
1996
Freelance
96E116
Testing
Grange East
Sligo
Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastical Site Coastal Habitation Site Coastal Habitation Site raised ringfort Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastical
2001
Freelance
01E0787
Testing
Grange East
Sligo
2001
Freelance
01E0786
Testing
Grange East
Sligo
2001
Freelance
01E0788
Testing
Grange Industrial Park Grange Industrial Park Grange Industrial Park Grange Industrial Park Grange of Mallusk Grange West
Dublin
1997
ADS
97E0116
Testing
Dublin
Significant
1999
IAC
98E0572
Monitorin g Testing
Dublin
Significant
2000
Margaret Gowen ADS
00E0263
Dublin
Significant
1996
96E273
Testing
Antrim
General
1995
ADS
Sligo
Unenclosed
General
1998
Grange West Gransha
Sligo Down
Unenclosed Settlement Enclosure
1998 1972/1 982
University of Stockholm Freelance N I Historic Monument s Branch
98E0381
Testing Rescue
Developme nt Quarry/Mine
244
NAME
Greatheath
County
Laois
EMAP_Class
Cemetery Site
Category
Ecclesiastical
No significance Settlement Enclosure No significance General
Year
2000/2 001/20 02 2001
Compan y
Discovery Programm e Eachtra
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt N9 Kilcullen Link Motorway Residential Developme nt M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1 Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Greenfield
Cork
ringfort
01E0898
Testing
Greenhills
Kildare
Greyabbey
Kildare
Iron age/early medieval burial ringfort
Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Enclosure Industrial
1988/1 989 1993
Valerie J Keeley Uncertain 93E0107
Testing
Testing
Griffinstown, 3
Westme ath
2002
ACS
02E1144
Rescue
Griffinstown, Site 1
Westme ath
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2002
ACS
02E0105
Testing
Haggardsto wn Haggardsto wn Haggardsto wn Haggardsto wn Haggardsto wn Haggardsto wn Haggardsto wn Hanover StreetSouth Main Street, South Island Hapsboroug h, Ballinea Hardwood 3
Louth
Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Kiln/Cereal cultivation site enclosure Metal/Iron working site Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain Viking Urban Settlement
Agricultural
Uncertain
1999
CRDS
99E0683
Testing
Louth
Agricultural
Uncertain
1999
ADS
98E0440
Testing
Louth Louth Louth
Settlement Enclosure Industrial Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Viking/Hiberno Norse Cork
2001 2002 1995
IAC IAC ADS
01E0015 02E0549 95E126
Testing Testing Testing
Louth Louth
General General
1999 1994
CRDS Freelance
99E0683 94E197
Monitorin g Testing
Cork
Significant
1996
Westme ath Meath
ringfort
2000
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit ACS
96E128
Rescue
00E0096
Testing
2002
ACS
02E1141
Rescue
Hardwood, 2
Meath
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
General
2002
ACS
02E1140
Rescue
Harristown
Meath
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement/Ce metery Settlement Enclosure
2001
CRDS
01E0760
Testing
Harristown
Louth
Hartley
Leitrim
Cemetery & Settlement Site ringfort
1994
ACS
Rescue
No significance
2002
Haynestown, Dunleer
Louth
Significant
1992
North West Archaeolo gical Services Valerie J Keeley
02E0483
Testing
Residential Developme nt M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1 E.S.B. Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt Developme nt
Testing
Haynestown, Dunleer
Louth
Significant
1993
Valerie J Keeley
93E0098
Rescue
High Street, Wood Quay
Dublin
Viking/Hiberno Norse Cork
Highly Significant
1970/1 971/19 72
National Museum
E71
Rescue
245
NAME
High StreetPeter Street Hillhead, Magheralav e
County
Waterfor d Antrim
EMAP_Class
Category
Significant
Year
1987/1 988/19 90 2000
Compan y
Waterford Corporatio n Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy ADS
Exc. License
E406
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
No significance
AE/00/16
Monitorin g
Holy Trinity Church, Carlingford Holy Trinity Church, Carlingford Holy Trinity Church, Carlingford Holy Trinity Church, Rathkeale Holycross
Louth
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
1999
99E0686
Monitorin g Conservat ion
Developme nt None
Louth
Ecclesiastical
1992
Louth
Ecclesiastical
No significance Ecclesiastic al No significance No significance
1999
Carlingfor d Lough Heritage Trust ADS
98E0161
Monitorin g Monitorin g Monitorin g
Carlingford Drainage Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Limerick
2001
Aegis Archaeolo gy Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Margaret Gowen Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services University of California, Berkeley ADS N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch ADS
01E1066
Tipperar y
Ecclesiastical
2002
02E1559
Holycross Holycross
Tipperar y Tipperar y
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical
2000 2001
00E0634 01E0393
Monitorin g Testing
Holycross
Tipperar y
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2001
01E0168
Testing
Illaunlougha n
Kerry
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
Inch Inch
Down Down
enclosure Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Undated ecclesiastical site
General General
1992/1 993/19 94/199 5 1997/1 998 1983
92E0087
Research
None
Rescue Rescue
Developme nt Cemetery Extension Cemetery Extension Developme nt Developme nt N11 Kilmacanog ueGlen of the Downs Road Scheme None
Inch
Down
Ecclesiastical
General
1993
Rescue
InchBallyren an 1 InchBallyren an 1 Inchanappa South
Down
Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastic al
Highly Significant Highly Significant Uncertain
1999
Rescue
Down
1997
ADS
Rescue
Wicklow
2001
ADS
01E0653
Testing
Inchmacneri n, Church Island, Lough Key
Roscom mon
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2000/2 002
Inchycullane
Kerry
ringfort
2002
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Sheila Lane ADS
00E0483
Conservat ion
02E0184
Testing
Inishargy
Down
medieval ecclesiastical site crannog Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed
2001
AE/01/84
Monitorin g
Island MacHugh, Baronscourt Islandbridgel nchicore North
Tyrone
Significant
1985/1 986 1988/1 999
QUB
Research
Residential Developme nt Telecommu nications Developme nt None
Dublin
Possible Viking Site
General
OPW
Monitorin g
Jamestown Well, Poppintree Park,
Dublin
Well
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1999
Margaret Gowen
99E0469
Testing
N4 Con Colbert Road Improvemen t North Fringe Sewerage Scheme
246
NAME
Poppintree
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
Jerpoint West, Thomastown
Kilkenny
Cistercian Abbey
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2002
Jerpoint West, Thomastown Jerpoint West, Thomastown Jerpoint West, Thomastown
Kilkenny
Cistercian Abbey
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2002
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Valerie J Keeley
02E1870
Monitorin g
Developme nt
02E1246
Monitorin g
Kilkenny
Cistercian Abbey Cistercian Abbey
Ecclesiastical
1998
Freelance
98E0554
Testing
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical
2001
Johnstown 1 (Site A)
Meath
Highly Significant
2002
01E0510
Monitorin g
Unidentified Road Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt
02E0100
Testing
Meath
Highly Significant
2002
ACS
02E0462
Rescue
Johnstown South
Wicklow
Industrial
Significant
1996/1 997
Jordanstown (BGE 6/12/1)
Dublin
Agricultural
Uncertain
2002
96E0156
Rescue
M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 2 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 2 N11 Arklow Town Bypass Road
02E0684
Rescue
Dublin
Agricultural
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0122
Monitorin g
Jury's Hotel, Christchurch Place, Wood Quay Jury's Hotel, Christchurch Place, Wood Quay Keadew Lower
Dublin
Significant
1992
Margaret Gowen
92E0030
Rescue
Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Gormansto n to Ballough Phase 6) Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Gormansto n to Ballough Phase 6) Developme nt
Dublin
Significant
1992
Margaret Gowen
Monitorin g
Developme nt
Donegal
Agricultural
Uncertain
1999
Keadew Lower
Donegal
Agricultural
Uncertain
1999
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services IAC
99E0167
Monitorin g
N15 Clar Barnesmore Road Realignment
99E0379
Rescue
N15 Clar Barnesmore Road Realignment Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt River Dredging Developme nt Residential Developme
Keeloges, Galbally
Limerick
ringfort
No significance
2000
Keeloguesbe g Kellysgrove, River Suck Keyser StreetHigh Street Kilbane
Galway
Ecclesiastical Site Ford/River Crossing Viking Urban Settlement Metal/Iron working site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2001
North West Archaeolo gical Services Eachtra
00E0237
Monitorin g
01E0361
Testing
Galway
Routeway
General
1991
National Museum Waterford Corporatio n Aegis Archaeolo
E611
Waterfor d Limerick
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Industrial Settlement Landscape
General
1992
Uncertain
2002
02E1710
Rescue
247
NAME
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
gy
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
nt
Kilbane
Limerick
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
Aegis Archaeolo gy Aegis Archaeolo gy Aegis Archaeolo gy ACS
02E1541
Monitorin g
Kilbane
Limerick
Metal/Iron working site Metal/Iron working site ringfort
Industrial
Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure
Uncertain
2002
02E1772
Rescue
Kilbane
Limerick
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
02E1615
Monitorin g Testing
Kilbarron
Donegal
1999
99E0544
Kilbreckan, (BGE 3/18/5)
Clare
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E1060
Rescue
Kilbree Lower
Mayo
Bullaun Stone
Miscellaneous
Ecclesiastic al
General
1996
Freelance
96E0333
Testing
Kilbrenan Church, Gweesadan Kilcarn
Louth
Undated ecclesiastical site Souterrain Unenclosed
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1996
Freelance
96E229
Testing
Meath
General
2000
Neil O'Flanaga n Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen ADS
00E0020
Rescue
Kilcarn, Athlumney Kilcarn, Athlumney Kilcarn, Drumreagh Kilcashel
Meath
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape medieval ecclesiastical site cashel
Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure
General
1997
97E322
Testing
N7 Castletroy Distributor Road Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Westport Water Supply Scheme Cloonkeen Extension Unidentified Road Developme nt Mid Meath Water Supply Scheme Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Meath
General
1999
98E0596
Rescue
Down
2000
AE/00/61
Testing
Mayo
1999
Kilcolman
Tipperar y Cork
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Unenclosed
No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance Significant
2002
Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. Freelance
99E0531
Conservat ion
02E0035
Monitorin g Testing
Kilcolman
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site ringfort
2001
Sheila Lane ADS
01E0725
Kilcoole
Wicklow
2002
02E1372
Monitorin g Monitorin g Monitorin g Monitorin g Testing
Kilcoole
Wicklow
1998
ADS
98E0244
Kilcooleyabb ey Kilcooly
Tipperar y Meath
2000
Freelance
00E0561
Undated ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site Souterrain
1999
Margaret Gowen Eachtra
99E0607
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Bord Gais NavanTrim Pipeline Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Kilcummin More Kilcurly
Kerry
2001
01E0244
Louth
2002
Freelance
02E0308
Monitorin g Testing
Kildorrery
Cork
Undated ecclesiastical site Cashel & Souterrain Settlement Enclosure
2002
Sheila Lane UCC
02E1416
Kildreenagh, Loher
Kerry
Kildreenagh, Loher Kilgowan
Kerry
Cashel & Souterrain Iron age/early medieval burial
Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al
Ecclesiastic al
Significant
1982/1 983/19 84/198 5 1999
E840
Research
Eachtra
99E0136
Testing
Kildare
Significant
1987
Valerie J Keeley
Rescue
Residential Developme nt Quarry/Mine
248
NAME
Kilkea church Kilkea church Kilkea church Kilkenny Castle Kill Kill St Lawrence
County
Kildare
EMAP_Class
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Unenclosed Habitation Site Souterrain Enclosed ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site
Category
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al No significance No significance No significance General General Significant
Year
1997
Compan y
OPW
Exc. License
97E0443
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline extension Developme nt None None R708 Waterford Airport Road Realignment Residential Developme nt None
Kildare
2000
Margaret Gowen OPW
00E0111
Testing
Kildare
1993/1 995 1991/1 992 1987 2002
93E0061
Testing
Kilkenny Kerry Waterfor d
Unenclosed Unenclosed Ecclesiastical
OPW National Museum ACS
E627 J000123 02E1448
Conservat ion Rescue Testing
Kill, Dunfanaghy Killadeas Church, Rockfield Killaderry
Donegal
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastical
No significance No significance No significance Uncertain
1994
Freelance
94E026
Testing
Fermana Ecclesiastical gh Site Offaly ringfort
1997
1994
Fermanag h County Museum OPW
Research
94E038
Testing
Killagh More
Galway
2002
Killalee Church, Fossa Killallon Church, Boherard Killanully Killaveenoge East Killavillig, Castlemagn er
Kerry
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Ringfort & Souterrain Undated ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
No significance No significance Significant Settlement Landscape No significance No significance
2000
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Eachtra
02E0981
Rescue
00E0304
Testing
Residential Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Athlone Gort Phase 2) N72 Fossa Ballymallis Road Cemetery Extension Uncertain Developme nt Developme nt
Meath
Ecclesiastical
1993
Freelance
93E0027
Testing
Cork Cork
1992 2001
Uncertain Sheila Lane UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. UCC 01E0440
Uncertain Monitorin g Testing
Cork
Ecclesiastical
1991
Killeely More
Galway
Undated ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2000
00E0542
Testing
Developme nt
Killeen Cormac, Colbinstown Killeenagarrif f
Kildare
Uncertain
1981
Uncertain
Limerick
ringfort
No significance
1997/1 998/20 01 2000
Aegis Archaeolo gy Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Freelance
97E03509 7R0030
Monitorin g
Killeenhugh
Galway
No significance
00E0904
Testing
Bord Gais CorkDublin Pipeline 1981/1982 Ballymacke oghMulkear Drainage Scheme Residential Developme nt
Killefree Westme Church, ath Castlepollard Killegar Killelton Oratory, Killelton Killemly, Cahir Wicklow Kerry
Undated ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastical
1998
98E0347
Testing
Residential Developme nt Quarry/Mine None
1991 1987/1 988 1999
Freelance OPW
Monitorin g Conservat ion 99E0047 Testing
Tipperar y
Uncertain
Killererin Galway Church, Carrownama nagh Killerr, Offaly Ballintober
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1989
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services OPW
N24 Cahir Eastern Relief Road
Conservat ion
None
No significance
2002
02E1824
Testing
249
NAME
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Highly Significant
Year
2002
Compan y
IAC
Exc. License
02E0135
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 3 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 3 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 3 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 3 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 3 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 3 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 3 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 3 Developme nt Mourne Conduit Replaceme nt Scheme (Aquarius Project) Mourne Conduit Replaceme nt Scheme (Aquarius Project) Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine
Killickaweeny Kildare Site AE23
Highly Significant
2002
IAC
02E1002
Rescue
Highly Significant
2002
IAC
02E0141
Testing
Killickaweeny Kildare , Sites 23/17/18/AE2 5
Industrial
Significant
2002
IAC
02E0999
Testing
Industrial
Significant
2002
IAC
02E1535
Rescue
Industrial
Significant
2002
IAC
02E0995
Rescue
Industrial
Significant
2002
IAC
02E0137
Testing
Industrial
Significant
2002
IAC
02E0994
Rescue
Killiney Killinure
Dublin Down
Ecclesiastical Site Metal/Iron working site Industrial
Ecclesiastic al
1995 2001
Margaret Gowen ADS
95E153 AE/01/71
Testing Rescue
Killinure
Down
Industrial
Uncertain
1999
ADS
Monitorin g
Killoran 15 Killoran 16 Lisheen Mine Developmen t Killoran 3 Killoran Bog, Derryville 54 & 56 Killorane Killoughane Church Killoughter church
Charcoal Pit Burnt/Refuse Pit
Industrial Miscellaneous
Uncertain General
1998 1998
97E0372 98E0066
Rescue Rescue
Tipperar y Tipperar y Kerry Kerry
Field Boundaries Trackway
Agricultural Routeway
General Significant
1997 1997
Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen Eachtra Freelance
97E036 96E0202
Rescue Rescue
Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine
ringfort medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
2002 1998
02E0269 98E0309
Monitorin g Testing
Wicklow
2000
IAC
00E0490
Testing
250
NAME
Killoughter church
County
Wicklow
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site
Category
Ecclesiastic al No significance
Year
2000
Compan y
Margaret Gowen
Exc. License
00E0690
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Bord Gais Hollybrook Wicklow Pipeline Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme Residential Developme nt
Killoughter church Killucan
Wicklow
Ecclesiastical Site ringfort
Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
2000
Freelance
00E0575
Monitorin g Testing
Westme ath Westme ath Clare
2000
ACS
00E0681
Killucan
ringfort
2001
ACS
01E1022
Testing
Killulla, AR27
enclosure
2001
ACS
01E0022
Rescue
Killulla, AR27
Clare
enclosure
General
2000
Valerie J Keeley
00E0345
Testing
Killult, Falcarragh
Donegal
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
Killult, Falcarragh
Donegal
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
Killurin
Wexford
medieval ecclesiastical site raised ringfort
Ecclesiastical
1998
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services ADS
01E0059
Monitorin g
01E0754
Monitorin g
E.S.B. Developme nt
98E0422
Testing
Cemetery Extension Developme nt
Killybegs Road
Antrim
1998
Killycanavan Lower Killygreagh
Tyrone
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure Agricultural
Uncertain
1980
Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch ACS 00E0443
Testing
Uncertain
Uncertain
Fermana ringfort gh Antrim Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Ringfort & Souterrain Kiln/Cereal cultivation site
General
1983
Testing
Uncertain
Killylane
Significant
1982
None
Killyliss
Tyrone
Significant
1982
Farm Improvemen t Scheme N11 Kilmacanog ueGlen of the Downs Road Scheme M4 Celbridge Interchange Motorway M4 Celbridge Interchange Motorway M4 Celbridge Interchange Motorway Residential Developme nt Developme nt
Kilmacanog e South
Wicklow
Uncertain
2000
Monitorin g
Kilmacredoc k Upper
Kildare
Agricultural
Uncertain
2001
Valerie J Keeley
01E0547
Rescue
Kilmacredoc k Upper, Site 1 Kilmacredoc k Upper, Site 5 Kilmashogue
Kildare
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
2001
Valerie J Keeley
01E0306
Rescue
Kildare
Industrial
Uncertain
2001
Valerie J Keeley
01E0306
Rescue
Dublin
Early Medieval Artefacts Undated ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical
Miscellaneo us
2002
Uncertain
02E1313
Testing
Kilmokea Church
Wexford
2002
Kilmoney
Cork
Ringfort & Souterrain Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical
2002
Stafford McLoughli n Archaeolo gy Sheila Lane University of Glasgow
02E0071
Testing
02E0823
Kilmore
Cork
1997
97E0255
251
NAME
Kilmore, Tully
County
Roscom mon Limerick
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al No significance No significance No significance
Year
1996
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
96E190
Exc. Type
Monitorin g Testing
Route Scheme
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Kilmoylan church, Old Abbey Kilmurry
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical
1999
Eachtra
99E0667
Laois
1998
Kilmurry
Limerick
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2002
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Aegis Archaeolo gy
98E0466
Monitorin g
01E1069
Monitorin g
Kilmurry North 2
Wicklow
Fulacht Fiadh
Miscellaneous
General
2001
ACS
01E1134
Rescue
Kilmurry North 2
Wicklow
Fulacht Fiadh
Miscellaneous
General
2001
ACS
00E0443
Monitorin g
Kilnamonagh , Abbeytown Kilrainy Kilrainy Kilrathmurry Kilrathmurry Kilrodane
Galway
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Metal/Iron working site Metal/Iron working site Undated ecclesiastical site Metal/Iron working site
Ecclesiastical
General
1989
OPW FAS Scheme ArchTech ArchTech ArchTech ArchTech Eachtra 02E0450 02E0404 02E0513 02E0433 99E0124
Conservat ion Rescue Monitorin g Rescue Monitorin g Testing
Clareville Newcastle Water Supply Scheme N11 Kilmacanog ueGlen of the Downs Road Scheme N11 Kilmacanog ueGlen of the Downs Road Scheme None
Kildare Kildare Kildare Kildare Limerick
Industrial Industrial Industrial Industrial Ecclesiastic al Industrial
Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain No significance Uncertain
2002 2002 2002 2002 1999
Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine Residential Developme nt N8 Glanmire Watergrasshi ll Road Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt E.S.B. Developme nt Bord Gais Ballough Kilshane Pipeline Bord Gais Northeaster n Pipeline Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Farm Improvemen t Scheme
Kilrussane
Cork
2001
Sheila Lane
01E0701
Rescue
Kilsallagh
Longford ringfort
1998
ACS
98E0449
Testing
Kilscoran
Wexford
Well
2001
Kilseily
Clare
Early Medieval Artefacts MultiPhase settlement Settlement Landscape
Miscellaneo us
2001
Kilshane
Dublin
1999
South Eastern Archaeolo gy Aegis Archaeolo gy Margaret Gowen
01E0734
Testing
01E0348
99E0220
Kilshane
Dublin
MultiPhase settlement Undated ecclesiastical site Metal/Iron working site
Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastic al Industrial
Highly Significant No significance Uncertain
1988
E467
Rescue
Kiltallaght
Louth
2001
01E0362
Monitorin g Rescue
Kiltenan South
Limerick
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0574
Kiltenan South, (BGE 3/62/1)
Limerick
Agricultural
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0666
Rescue
Kiltierney (Archdall Deerpark)
Fermana ringfort gh
General
1975
Testing
252
NAME
Kiltimagh
County
Mayo
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
Year
2002
Compan y
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Freelance
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Kiltimagh Town
Mayo
ringfort
No significance
2002
02E0558
Testing
Kiltimagh Town Kiltimagh Town Kilwarden, (BGE 1a/47/1)
Mayo
ringfort
2002
02E0796
Testing
Mayo Meath
ringfort Metal/Iron working site
1997 2002
Freelance Margaret Gowen
97E0434 02E0868
Testing Rescue
Residential Developme nt Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Ballough to Kinnegad Phase 1A) Residential Developme nt
Kincullia
Galway
ringfort
No significance
2002
King John's Castle, King's Island
Limerick
Highly Significant
King John's Castle, King's Island King's Island, John's Ward B, Site 8
Limerick
Viking/Hiberno Norse Limerick Viking/Hiberno Norse Limerick
1993/1 994/19 95/199 6/1997 /1998 1990
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Limerick Corporatio n
02E0461
Testing
93E0082
Research
Developme nt
Limerick Corporatio n Limerick Corporatio n
E534
None
Limerick
1990
Kingstown
Dublin
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
2000
Valerie J Keeley Margaret Gowen
00E0256
Rescue
R445 Limerick Northern Relief Road Phase 1 M50 Southeaster n Motorway Developme nt
Kinlay House, Fishamble StreetCopp er AlleyLord Edward Street, Wood Quay Kinnegad 2
Dublin
Significant
1994
94E102
Monitorin g
Westme ath
Industrial
General
2002
ACS
02E0926
Rescue
Kinnegad 2
Westme ath
Industrial
General
2002
ACS
02E0108
Testing
Knappagh More Knock
Mayo
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Unenclosed Settlement Landscape
2001
Freelance
01E0155
Testing
Meath
Undated ecclesiastical site Souterrain Early Medieval Settlement Landscape
2000
ACS
00E0528
Testing
M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1 Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt R334 Cross Neale Road Tuam Regional Water Supply Scheme Stage 2 Residential Developme nt N7 Nenagh Bypass Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Knock North Knockacarrig enPollaturk
Mayo Galway
1999 1995
Freelance Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Eachtra
99E0440 95E36
Testing Monitorin g
Knockagarra ne East Knockalton Upper Knockanare
Cork
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
Uncertain
1997
Testing
Tipperar y Cork
ringfort ringfort
Uncertain No significance No significance
1997 2001/2 002 1996
ADS Sheila Lane Freelance
97E320 02E1219
Testing Testing
Knockanean
Clare
cashel
Testing
253
NAME
Knockaville
County
Westme ath Kildare Mayo
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
Settlement Enclosure No significance No significance Settlement Enclosure No significance
Year
2002
Compan y
Valerie J Keeley Valerie J Keeley Freelance
Exc. License
02E1511
Exc. Type
Monitorin g Rescue
Route Scheme
Residential Developme nt Quarry/Mine Westport Water Supply Scheme Cloonkeen Extension Cemetery Extension Developme nt Landfill Landfill N2 Ardee Rathory Road Realignment N2 Ardee Rathory Road Realignment Quarry/Mine Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Uncertain
Knockbounc e Knockbrack
ringfort enclosure
1988 1996/1 997
96E337
Testing
Knockcomm on Knockfield, Castledermo t knockharley knockharley Knocklore
Meath
Ecclesiastical
No significance Settlement Enclosure No significance No significance No significance Uncertain
1998
ACS
98E0023
Testing
Kildare
2002
Freelance
02E0454
Testing
Meath Meath Louth
Well Well Iron age/early medieval burial Iron age/early medieval burial
Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Cemetery/Buri al
1999 1999 1998
Valerie J Keeley Margaret Gowen Valerie J Keeley
97E190 99E0059 98E0126
Knocklore
Louth
Cemetery/Buri al
Uncertain
1996
Knockmant Knocknacarr agh Cross, Salthill Knocknagap ple, Conna Knocknahur
Westme ath Galway
Souterrain Mill
Unenclosed Agricultural
Ecclesiastic al
General Significant
1976 1994
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore National Museum UCG
96E162
Testing
Cork
ringfort
2002
Freelance
02E1771
Testing
Sligo
2002
Knockroe
Tipperar y Kerry
Undated ecclesiastical site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape MultiPhase settlement Settlement Landscape
Ecclesiastic al Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure
1995
North West Archaeolo gical Services Freelance
02E0801
Monitorin g
95E184
Testing
Knoppoge
2002
Eachtra
02E1737
Knowth
Meath
Knowth, Site M
Meath
Highly Significant
1970/1 971/19 72/197 4/1975 /1976/ 1977/1 978/19 79/198 0/1981 /1982/ 1983/1 984/19 86/198 7/1988 /1989/ 1990/1 991/19 92/199 3/1994 /1995/ 1998/1 999/20 00 2002
UCD
E70
Knoxspark
Sligo
Highly Significant
1994
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Uncertain
02E0726
Research
None
94E060
Rescue
Knoxspark Lackabaun
Sligo Kerry
MultiPhase settlement enclosure
Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure
Highly Significant Uncertain
1996 2001
John Channing Eachtra
96E123 01E0757
Testing Testing
N4 Ballysadare Collooney Bypass Road None Residential Developme nt
254
NAME
Lackagh
County
Tyrone
EMAP_Class
Category
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
Year
2000
Compan y
Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Judith Carroll Freelance
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Lackan
Galway
ringfort
No significance
1996
96E019
Monitorin g
Dam/Reserv oir
Lackan, Multyfarnha m Lackannashi nnagh Lacken
Westme ath Clare
Ringfort & Souterrain Well
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastical
General
1999/2 001 2001
99E0036
Monitorin g Monitorin g Monitorin g Rescue
01E0081
Waterfor d Tipperar y
Undated ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Well
2002
Freelance
02E0904
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt N72 Killarney Killorglin Road Improvemen t Coastal Erosion Residential Developme nt
Lackenavorn a, Killederdadru m Lady Lane
1984
OPW
Waterfor d Waterfor d Waterfor d Cork
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure
General
2000/2 001/20 02 1982/1 983 1987
Waterford Corporatio n OPW
00E0276
Monitorin g Rescue
Lady Lane
Significant
E260
Lady LaneBakeho use Lane Lady's Well, Lady's Well Hill Lahard
Significant
Waterford Corporatio n Cork Corporatio n Kerry County Museum
E422
Rescue
2000
00E0641
Testing
Kerry
ringfort
1994
94E166
Testing
Lambay Island Laragh
Dublin Galway
Burial Site ringfort
1991 2001
National Museum Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore OPW Valerie J Keeley University of Glasgow Freelance
J00092 01E1053
Rescue Testing
Latoon South, Area 3
Clare
Agricultural
Uncertain
1998/1 999
98E0332
Testing
Laughansto wn Laughansto wn Leachta Phadraig, Inishmurray Leamnaguila
Dublin Dublin
Early Medieval Artefacts Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Pilgrimage Station ringfort
Miscellaneous Agricultural
General Significant
1982 2000/2 001/20 02 1999
N18/N19 Ballycasey Dromoland Road Scheme None M50 Southeaster n Motorway Coastal Erosion Residential Developme nt Uncertain Residential Developme nt
Sligo
Ecclesiastical
General
99E0382
Rescue
Kerry
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastic al
No significance General General
1995
95E147
Rescue
Lecarrow Legarhill
Sligo Armagh
ringfort Ecclesiastical Site
1989 2000
Valerie J Keeley Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch Margaret Gowen
E000919 AE/00/14
Testing Rescue
Legarhill
Armagh
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Charcoal Pit
Ecclesiastical
General
1983
Testing
Uncertain
Legarhill
Armagh
Ecclesiastical
General
1989
Monitorin g 99E0434 Monitorin g
Developme nt Bord Gais Ballyvass to Athy Pipeline Bord Gais Ballyvass to Athy Pipeline Residential Developme
Leinster Lodge
Kildare
Industrial
Uncertain
1999/2 000
Leinster Lodge
Kildare
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Uncertain
1999
Margaret Gowen
99E0474
Rescue
Leiter, Bailieboroug
Cavan
ringfort
No significance
1999
ACS
99E0635
Monitorin g
255
NAME
h Lemanagha n Lemoneigh
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
nt
Offaly
Ecclesiastical Site raised ringfort
Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape
2002
Freelance
02E1437
Monitorin g Testing
Louth
2000
ACS
00E0808
Leyland Road Industrial Estate, Site B Lifford, Gort Road, Ennis Liscahane
Antrim
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort
2001
ADS
AE/01/65
Monitorin g
Clare
2000
Eachtra
00E0893
Testing
Cork
Lisdermot, Corhill Bog
Offaly
Trackway
Routeway
Significant
1981/1 982/19 83/198 4 2000
UCC
Rescue
ADS
00E0461
Rescue
Offaly
Trackway
Routeway
Significant
2000
ADS
00E0441
Rescue
Offaly
Trackway
Routeway
Significant
2000
ADS
00E0399
Rescue
Offaly
Trackway
Routeway
Significant
2000
ADS
00E0333
Rescue
Offaly
Trackway
Routeway
Significant
2000
ADS
00E0463
Rescue
Lisdoo, Castle Balfour Demense, Lisnaskea Lisdrumchor Upper Lisdrumskea Lisduggan North 1 & 2 Lisduggan North 3 Lisgall
Fermana ringfort gh
Significant
1977
Rescue
Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project Residential Developme nt
Armagh
raised ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
General
1971
N I Historic Monument s Branch ACS UCC 98E0294
Rescue
Farm Improvemen t Scheme Golf course Quarry/Mine
Cavan Cork
ringfort Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort ringfort
1998 1972
Monitorin g Rescue
Cork Monagh an Kerry
General No significance No significance
1973 1999
UCC Valerie J Keeley UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Eachtra 99E0270
Rescue Testing
Quarry/Mine Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Lisgortnacah eragh, Carraig, Reenconnell Lisgortnarah, Cloghane Lisheen, Ballymore Lower, Laurencetow n Lisheens
ringfort
2001
01E0122
Testing
Kerry
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al
2001
01E1117
Testing
Galway
Cemetery Site
2001
Cork
Souterrain
Unenclosed
2001
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore ACS
01E0780
Testing
01E0443
Lisket
Clare
ringfort
1999
99E0694
N22 Ballincollig Bypass Road Residential Developme nt
256
NAME
Lislackagh Lislackagh ringfort Lislea
County
Mayo
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
Significant
Year
1992
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
92E0152
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
N5 Swinford Bypass Road Residential Developme nt None
Cavan
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape
1999
Freelance
99E0166
Testing
Lisleagh I
Cork
Lisleagh II
Cork
Significant
Lislear, Baronscourt Lismeen
Tyrone Cavan
ringfort ringfort
1981/1 982/19 83/198 4 1989/1 990/19 91/199 2/1993 1987 1994
UCC
E218
Research
UCC
E488
Research
None
QUB Freelance 94E052
Research Monitorin g
None Ballyjamesd uff Regional Scheme Water Plant Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt None Residential Developme nt
Lismeen Lismerraun
Cavan Sligo
ringfort ringfort
1999 2002
ArchTech North West Archaeolo gical Services N I Historic Monument s Branch UCC UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit UCC
99E0277 02E1217
Lismurphy
Derry
raised ringfort
General
1973
Rescue
Lisnacahera gh, Garranes Lisnagrave, Monaparson
Cork Cork
ringfort ringfort
Significant No significance
1990/1 991 2002
E629 02E0387
Research Testing
'Lisnagun', Darrary Lisnakill, Butlerstown Lisnatubbrid, Ballypatrick Lisnavin, Gortnahorna Lisnenan
Cork
Ringfort & Souterrain medieval ecclesiastical site ringfort ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al
Significant
Waterfor d Tipperar y Galway
1987/1 988/19 89 1998
Conservat ion 98E0048 Monitorin g Monitorin g Testing
None
Freelance
Residential Developme nt Uncertain Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
1995 2001
Freelance Dominic Delany Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services ACS
95E156 01E0088
Donegal
Well
2001/2 002
01E0287
Monitorin g
Lisnenan
Donegal
Well
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
01E0233
Monitorin g
Lissaraw
Monagh an Kerry
ringfort
1999
99E0736
Testing
'Lissaroe', Shanakeal Lissavane East
ringfort
1992
Freelance
Testing
Kerry
ringfort
2001
Lissavarra
Limerick
ringfort
2000
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit ACS
01E1030
Monitorin g
00E0546
Monitorin g Testing
Lisseeghan
Leitrim
ringfort
1994
Valerie J Keeley North West Archaeolo gical Services ADS Eachtra
94E171
Residential Developme nt N4 Drumsna Jamestown Bypass Road Residential Developme nt Uncertain Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Lisserlough
Sligo
ringfort
2001
01E0418
Testing
Lissue Listellick South, Tralee Listellick South, Tralee
Antrim Kerry
Burnt/Refuse Pit ringfort
Miscellaneous
General No significance No significance
2000 2001
AE/00/52 01E0829
Monitorin g Testing
Kerry
ringfort
2002
Eachtra
02E1444
Testing
257
NAME
Little Patrick StreetBarron strand Street Little Patrick StreetBarron strand Street Logavinshire
County
Waterfor d Waterfor d Limerick
EMAP_Class
Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Charcoal Pit
Category
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Industrial
General
Year
1992
Compan y
Waterford Corporatio n Waterford Corporatio n Margaret Gowen
Exc. License
92E0210
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Developme nt Developme nt Limerick Main Drainage Scheme (Northern Lower Interceptor Sewerage Pipeline) Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme None
General
1993
92E0210
Rescue
Uncertain
1998
98E0252
Monitorin g
Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham Lota More
Dublin
Well
Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed
2002
Cork
ringfort
1998
Lotteragh Lower Lough Eskragh Lough na Trosk Cave, Lemnalary Mountain Lough na Trosk, Lemnalary Mt. Loughane East
Limerick
raised ringfort
2000
Archaeolo gical Projects Cork Corporatio n Eachtra
02E1473
98M0022
Tyrone
crannog
1973
N I Historic Monument s Branch UCC
Rescue
Antrim
Cave
Uncertain
1981
Research
Antrim
enclosure
Uncertain
1982
UCC
Research
None
Cork
ringfort
No significance
1997
Loughane East Loughboy Loughboy Loughnafina
Cork
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure
No significance Significant Significant General
2002
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Sheila Lane Valerie J Keeley Valerie J Keeley Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Eachtra
97E0016
Testing
02E1250
Testing
Kilkenny Kilkenny Tipperar y
MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement raised ringfort
1998 1998 1998
98E0219 98E0282 98E0414
Testing Monitorin g Rescue
Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Cashel Sewerage Scheme
Loumanagh South, Boherbue Lucan & Pettycannon Mac Nissi, St Saviour's Church, Connor Macetown
Cork
ringfort
2002
02E1249
Testing
Dublin
Souterrain
2000
CRDS
00E0717
Monitorin g Rescue
Antrim
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Iron age/early medieval burial Ringfort
Ecclesiastical
1986
N I Historic Monument s Branch National Museum Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy J000018
Meath
Significant
1992
Rescue
Developme nt Sligo Inner Relief Road
Magheraboy
Sligo
General
2001
01E1063
Testing
Magheracar
Donegal
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1999
99E0082
Testing
Magheraintu re, Ballymacarry
Donegal
cashel
No significance
2001/2 002
01E0447
Monitorin g
Magherame nagh
Derry
Souterrain
Unenclosed
General
2000
Testing
Developme nt
258
NAME
Magherame nagh
County
Derry
EMAP_Class
Category
Significant
Year
1998
Compan y
Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy CRDS
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Developme nt
Magherame nagh
Derry
Significant
1999
Rescue
Developme nt
Magheross, Carrickmacr oss Magheross, Carrickmacr oss Magheross, Carrickmacr oss Main Street, Carrowhubb ock South, Enniscrone Marble Arch Reservoir, Killesher Margaretsto wn Markstown, Cullybackey
Monagh an Monagh an Monagh an Sligo
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site ringfort
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure
2000
00E0129
Testing
Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline extension Bord Gais Pipeline extension Residential Developme nt
2000
Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore ACS 00E0563
2000
2000
00E0740
Fermana Undated gh ecclesiastical site Dublin Burial Site Cemetery/Buri al Unenclosed
1999
Monitorin g Rescue
Dam/Reserv oir Residential Developme nt Developme nt
1991
OPW
Antrim
Significant
2001
Marlinstown
Westme ath Westme ath Westme ath Louth Louth
Marlinstown
Marlinstown
Marshes Upper Marshes Upper Marshes Upper Marshes Upper
Cemetery & Settlement Site Cemetery & Settlement Site Cemetery & Settlement Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Souterrain Unenclosed Habitation Site
Settlement/Ce metery Settlement/Ce metery Settlement/Ce metery Unenclosed Unenclosed
Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Significant Significant
1990/1 991 2000
Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Valerie J Keeley ACS
AE/01/17
Rescue
E560
Rescue
N4 Mullingar Bypass Road Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt N52 Dundalk Inner Bypass Road Developme nt Developme nt
00E0186
2001
ACS
01E0827
1984/1 985 1981
OPW OPW E000211
Rescue
Louth Louth
General Significant
1991 1985
Freelance University of Bermingha m Archaeolo gical Field Unit ACS
Testing Rescue
Marshes Upper Marshes Upper Marshes Upper Marshes Upper Marshes Upper Marshes Upper Marshes Upper Marshes Upper Maulnagrou gh Mayfield, a.k.a. Rocket's Castle, BW/20/1
Louth
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Souterrain Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Souterrain Souterrain ringfort
Settlement Landscape Unenclosed Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Unenclosed Unenclosed Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al
Highly Significant Uncertain Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant General General No significance General
2002
02E0201
Rescue
Developme nt Uncertain Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Bord Gais CorkDublin Pipeline 1986
Louth Louth
1982 2002
UCC ACS
E000233 02E0200
Rescue Rescue
Louth
2002
ACS
02E0234
Rescue
Louth
2002
ACS
02E0233
Rescue
Louth
2002
ACS
02E0008
Monitorin g Monitorin g Rescue Monitorin g Rescue
Louth Louth Cork
1999 1982 2001
ACS Margaret Gowen Sheila Lane Margaret Gowen
99E0112
01E0713
Waterfor d
Burial Site
1986
259
NAME
Maynetown Maynooth
County
Dublin Kildare
EMAP_Class
ringfort Field Boundaries Unenclosed Habitation Site Raised Ringfort & Souterrain Ecclesiastical Site ringfort
Category
General Uncertain
Year
2000 2002
Compan y
Margaret Gowen Archaeolo gical Projects Archaeolo gical Projects ADS
Exc. License
00E0732
Exc. Type
Testing Testing
Route Scheme
Uncertain Developme nt None
Maynooth Castle 'Meadowba nk Rath', Jordanstown Meanus
Kildare
Unenclosed
Significant
1996/1 999 1995
96E391
Antrim
Significant
Kerry
2001
Freelance
01E0124
Testing
Meeltanagh
Leitrim
2002
Mell 2
Louth
Cemetery/Buri al
Significant
2000/2 001
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Valerie J Keeley
02E0212
Monitorin g
00E0430
Rescue
Mell 3
Louth
Significant
2000
Valerie J Keeley
00E0282
Monitorin g
Mell 3
Louth
Significant
2000
Valerie J Keeley
00E0631
Rescue
Middle Division, Site 8 Middletown, Courtown
Antrim
Early Medieval Artefacts Ecclesiastical Site
Miscellaneous
General
1996
ADS
Rescue
M1 Gormanston Monasterboi ce Motorway M1 Gormanston Monasterboi ce Motorway M1 Gormanston Monasterboi ce Motorway Belfast Transmission Gas Pipeline Courtown Riverchapel Main Drainage Scheme Farm Improvemen t Scheme Coastal Erosion Unidentified Service Pipeline/Tren ch Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt N8 Cashel Bypass Road
Wexford
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1998
Margaret Gowen
98E0341
Testing
Millockstown
Louth
MultiPhase settlement Coastal Habitation Site raised ringfort
Settlement Landscape Unenclosed Settlement Enclosure
Highly Significant General No significance
1980
OPW
Rescue
Minnis North Moanboy Fort, Ballysallagh, Charleville Modronstow n Mogeely Lower Monadreela
Antrim Cork
1991 2001
QUB UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Freelance 01E1143
Rescue Monitorin g
Westme ath Cork
ringfort
2002
02E1572
Testing
medieval ecclesiastical site enclosure
2002
Freelance
02E0841
Testing
Tipperar y
2002
Monascreeb e Monastered an
Louth
ringfort
1999
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services ACS
02E0374
Testing
99E0417
Sligo
ringfort
2002
Money Moneydass
Mayo Tipperar y Wexford
Souterrain Undated ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site
Unenclosed Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
1995 2000
North West Archaeolo gical Services Freelance Freelance
02E0247
95E236 00E0031
Testing Testing
Residential Developme nt Monastered an Sewerage Scheme Developme nt Developme nt N30 Road Realignment (Moneytuck er to Jamestown) Residential Developme nt
Moneytucker
2001
ADS
01E1050
Testing
Moonhall
Kilkenny
No significance
1999
Freelance
99E0703
Testing
260
NAME
Moore Cemetery, Loughlackag h Mount Alexander
County
Roscom mon
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site
Category
Ecclesiastical
General
Year
1994
Compan y
OPW
Exc. License
94E58
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Cemetery Extension
Down
ringfort
No significance
1999
Mount Offaly, Cabinteely 'Graves' Moat' Mount Offaly, Cabinteely 'Graves' Moat' Mount Offaly, Cabinteely 'Graves' Moat' Mount Offaly, Cabinteely 'Graves' Moat' Mount Offaly, Cabinteely 'Graves' Moat' Mount Sandel Mountaintop Illistrin
Dublin
Highly Significant
1991
Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy National Museum
Monitorin g
Electrical Developme nt NI
J000201
Rescue
None
Dublin
Highly Significant
1999
Margaret Gowen
99E0162
Testing
Developme nt
Dublin
Highly Significant
1995
Margaret Gowen
95E131
Testing
Developme nt
Dublin
Highly Significant
1998/1 999
Margaret Gowen
98E0035
Rescue
Developme nt
Dublin
Highly Significant
1998
Freelance
98E0582
Testing
Derry Donegal
ringfort Early Medieval Settlement Landscape
General General
1974/1 976 2002
Ulster Museum AOC Archaeolo gy Group 02E1631
Research Rescue
None N56 Mountainto pIllistrin Road Realignment Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Mountbagna ll Moybella North Moyderwell, Tralee Moygara
Louth
medieval ecclesiastical site ringfort Settlement Enclosure
Ecclesiastic al
2001
CRDS
01E0150
Testing
Kerry
1994
Kerry County Museum Eachtra
94E170
Rescue
Kerry
Well
Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure
Sligo
cashel
2000/2 001/20 02 2000
00E0907
Moynagh Lough
Meath
crannog
Highly Significant
Moynalty
Meath
medieval ecclesiastical site MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement Metal/Iron working site
Ecclesiastical
No significance Significant Significant
1980/1 981/19 82/198 3/1984 /1985/ 1987/1 988/19 89/199 4/1995 /1997 1996
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Urban Archaeolo gy Survey
00E0723
E337
Research
None
ACS
96E264
Rescue
Developme nt None Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 2 M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme
Moyne Moyne
Mayo Mayo
Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Industrial
1982/1 988 1999
OPW FAS Scheme Freelance 99E0735
Moyne
Mayo
Significant
1988
Freelance
98E0567
Testing
Moyvally 2
Kildare
General
2002
ACS
02E0102
Testing
Moyvally 2
Kildare
Industrial
General
2002
ACS
02E1089
Rescue
261
NAME
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
Contract 2
Mucklagh
Mayo
ringfort
No significance
1999
Muing West, Tralee Mulderricksfi eld, (BGE 3/48/1)
Kerry
ringfort
2002
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Eachtra
99E0254
Testing
02E1860
Testing
Limerick
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0872
Rescue
Mulhall's Fort
Kildare
enclosure
No significance
1999
ACS
99E0085
Monitorin g
Mulhall's Fort, Graigues Mulhall's Fort, Graigues Mulladrillen
Kildare
ringfort
2001
Eachtra
01E0738
Kildare
ringfort
1991
Freelance
Louth
Souterrain
2000
CRDS
00E0361
Testing
Mullagh
Cavan
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Unenclosed Ecclesiastic al
1998
ACS
98E0530
Monitorin g Monitorin g Monitorin g Testing
Mullagharlin Haggardsto wn Mullantine, Rathangan Mullantine, Rathangan Murgasty
Louth
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Unenclosed Habitation Site
1998/1 999 1999
ADS
98E0440
Residential Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Prosperous Robertstown Water Supply Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Kildare
Freelance
99E0728
Kildare
2002
Valerie J Keeley UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Valerie J Keeley
02E1744
Tipperar y
1997
97E0026
Rescue
Murphystown Carmanhall Leopardstow n Narraghmor e Nevinstown
Dublin
Cemetery Site
Cemetery/Buri al
Uncertain
2002
02E0153
Testing
M50 Southeaster n Motorway Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine
Kildare Meath
ringfort Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure
General Significant
1971 1978
OPW National Museum Archaeolo gical Services Unit IAC 99E0236
Rescue Rescue
New Road, Ballybunnion
Kerry
General
1999
Rescue
Residential Developme nt Newbridge Athgarvan Water Supply Scheme M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 2 Residential Developme nt N25 Waterford Bypass Road, Newrath EastLink Road
Newbridge Athgarvan Water Pipeline Newcastle 2
Kildare
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
01E0450
Testing
Meath
Industrial
Significant
2002
ACS
02E1093
Rescue
Newpaddoc ksSantry Hill Newrath
Wicklow
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Agricultural Settlement Enclosure
2002
02E1581
Monitorin g Testing
Kilkenny
Field Boundaries
2002
02E0265
262
NAME
Newry Abbey Newry Abbey Newry Abbey Newtown
County
Down Down Down
EMAP_Class
Cistercian Abbey Cistercian Abbey Cistercian Abbey ringfort
Category
Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical
Year
2000 1999 1990/1 991 2000
Compan y
Margaret Gowen ADS N I Historic Monument s Branch University Ulster Centre for Maritime Archaeolo gy Aegis Archaeolo gy
Exc. License
AE/00/65
Exc. Type
Testing Rescue Testing
Route Scheme
Developme nt Developme nt Uncertain
Cork
00E0849
Research
None
Newtown (A and E)
Limerick
Significant
2001
01E0214
Rescue
Newtown (A and E)
Limerick
Significant
2000/2 001
Aegis Archaeolo gy
00E0853
Testing
Newtown or Cloghans, Ballina Newtownlow
Mayo
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastic al
2002
Freelance
02E0215
Testing
Westme ath Meath
crannog
1984/1 985/19 86 1979
Ulster Museum OPW
E313
Rescue
N7 Annacotty Rossbrien Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase 1 N7 Annacotty Rossbrien Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase 1 Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt E.S.B. Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Ninch
Ninch, Laytown Nobber
Meath
Iron age/early medieval burial MultiPhase settlement Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Rescue
Highly Significant No significance
Meath
2000/2 001/20 02 2002
ADS
98E0501
Rescue
Freelance
02E1657
Monitorin g
Nobber
Meath
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site ringfort
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Viking/Hiberno Norse Wexford Settlement Enclosure
2002
Freelance
02E1243
Testing
Nobber
Meath
2002
Freelance
02E0599
Testing
Nolagh
Cavan
1997
ACS
North Main StreetComm ercial Quay O'Hagan's Fort, Knocknagor an Old Bridge Court, Ballyvalley
Wexford
2002
ADS
Louth
Uncertain
1998
CRDS
98E0318
Testing
Down
ringfort
General
1998
Oran, Donamon
Roscom mon
Undated ecclesiastical site Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Agricultural
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
Oranmore, Site 17 Oranmore, Site 17
Galway
General
1996
Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy North West Archaeolo gical Services Freelance
Monitorin g
01E0422
Testing
Residential Developme nt Oranmore Sewerage Scheme Oranmore Sewerage Scheme
96E388
Testing
Galway
Agricultural
General
1998/1 999
Oranmore, Site 17 Oristown
Galway
Kiln/Cereal cultivation site ringfort
Agricultural
General
1999
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Freelance
98E0375
Testing
Rescue
Oranmore Sewerage Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Meath
2002
CRDS
01E0952
Oristown
Meath
ringfort
2000
CRDS
00E0337
Oughtymore
Derry
1979
QUB
263
NAME
Outrath Owenogarn ey River, Sixmilebridge Park West, Gallanstown Park West, Gallanstown Park West, Gallanstown Park West, Gallanstown Parkmore
County
Kilkenny Clare
EMAP_Class
ringfort Ford/River Crossing Cemetery Site Cemetery Site
Category
Settlement Enclosure No significance No significance Significant Significant
Year
1996 1996
Compan y
Freelance ADS
Exc. License
96E387 96E292
Exc. Type
Monitorin g Rescue
Route Scheme
Dam/Reserv oir River Dredging Developme nt E.S.B. Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt None
Routeway
Dublin Dublin
Cemetery/Buri al Cemetery/Buri al Cemetery/Buri al Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Landscape Agricultural
1999 1999
Margaret Gowen ACS
99E0108
Rescue Monitorin g Monitorin g
Dublin Dublin Galway
Cemetery Site Cemetery Site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Field Boundaries
Significant Significant No significance Significant
1997 2000 1999
ACS Margaret Gowen ACS 00E0267 99E0265
Testing Monitorin g Research
Parknabinnia , Roughan Hill Parksgrove, Site 1
Clare
1995
Kilkenny
Uncertain
1999
University of Cambridg e Margaret Gowen
95E061
99E0597
Rescue
Bord Gais Baunlusk Ballyconra Pipeline Bord Gais Baunlusk Ballyconra Pipeline Telecommu nications Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt Uncertain Uncertain
Parksgrove, Site 1
Kilkenny
Uncertain
1999
Margaret Gowen
99E0388
Monitorin g
Peter Street
Waterfor d
General
1989
Peter Street 6
Waterfor d Waterfor d Meath
Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement Iron age/early medieval burial enclosure ringfort
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Cemetery/Buri al
Significant
1992
Waterford Archaeolo gical Excavatio ns Waterford Corporatio n Waterford Corporatio n ACS
Rescue
E639
Rescue
Peter StreetOlaf Street Peterstown, Trim
1988
E434
Rescue
1997/1 998
97E0389
Rescue
Petitswood Petitswood
Westme ath Westme ath
1992 2001
John Channing Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services North West Archaeolo gical Services Valerie J Keeley Freelance 01E0410
Uncertain Testing
PetitswoodB allagh
Westme ath
enclosure
Uncertain
2002
02E0276
Monitorin g
Developme nt
PetitswoodB allagh Philipstown
Westme ath Louth
enclosure Well
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastical
Uncertain No significance No significance No significance No significance General General General
1990 2000
Rescue 00E0449 Testing
N4 Mullingar Bypass Road Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Golf course Golf course N24 Piltown Fiddown Road Improvemen t Scheme M1 Gormanston Monasterboi ce Motorway
Philipstown
Louth
Well
1999
Freelance
99E0280
Testing
Philipstown
Louth
Well
1998
Freelance
98E0584
Testing
Philipstown Church Phrompstow n1 Phrompstow n2 Piltown
Louth
medieval ecclesiastical site ringfort ringfort Burnt/Refuse Pit
2001
Freelance
01E0696
Testing
Dublin Dublin Kilkenny
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Miscellaneous
2002 2002 2000
Freelance Freelance Uncertain
02E1020 02E1022 00E0402
Platin
Meath
Highly Significant
2000
IAC
00E0822
Rescue
264
NAME
Platin
County
Meath
EMAP_Class
Category
Highly Significant
Year
2001
Compan y
ACS
Exc. License
01E0044
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
M1 Gormanston Monasterboi ce Motorway Developme nt Quarry/Mine Residential Developme nt Developme nt Electrical Developme nt NI Developme nt
Poleglass
Antrim
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastical
General
1971
N I Historic Monument s Branch OPW ADS 02E1628
Rescue
Pollardstown Poppintree
Kildare Dublin
ringfort ringfort
General No significance Uncertain Uncertain
1971 2002
Rescue Monitorin g Rescue AE/00/15 Rescue
Porterstown Portmuck
Dublin Antrim
1990 2000
National Museum CFA Archaeolo gy, East Lothian Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast Valerie J Keeley
Portmuck
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2001
AE/01/15
Rescue
Portnashang an 1
Westme ath
ringfort
General
1993
93E0139
Rescue
N4 Longford Road Improvemen t Scheme N4 Longford Road Improvemen t Scheme N4 Longford Road Improvemen t Scheme N4 Longford Road Improvemen t Scheme Developme nt Developme nt
Portnashang an 1
Westme ath
ringfort
General
1990
Valerie J Keeley
Rescue
Portnashang an 3
Westme ath
ringfort
General
1993
Valerie J Keeley
93E0139
Rescue
Portnashang an 3
Westme ath
ringfort
General
1990
Valerie J Keeley
Rescue
Portraine
Dublin
medieval ecclesiastical site Souterrain
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy OPW CRDS
02E1451
Testing
Portstewart Road, Coleraine
Derry
Unenclosed
No significance
2001
AE/01/76
Monitorin g
Poulacapple Priesttown, Kilbride
Antrim Meath
ringfort ringfort
1972 1999
Rescue 99E0580 Monitorin g
Uncertain Ashbourne Ratoath Kilbride Sewerage Scheme Uncertain Uncertain
Raffeen Raffin Fort, Raffin
Cork Meath
ringfort Iron Age Royal Site Miscellaneous
1997 1989/1 990/19 91/199 2/1993 2002
Freelance OPW
97E432 E510
Testing Rescue
Rahardrum, Virginia Raheen
Cavan
raised ringfort
CRDS
02E1049
Testing
Limerick
Undated ecclesiastical site ringfort
1997
Freelance
97E0012
Testing
Raheen na Madra, Knocklong Raheennam adra Randalstown
Limerick
2001
Limerick
ringfort
2002
Meath
Randalstown Randalstown Rath Upper
Meath Meath Westme ath
Unenclosed Habitation Site Souterrain ringfort
Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
General General No significance
1975/1 976/19 81/198 2 1985 1986 2000
Aegis Archaeolo gy Aegis Archaeolo gy National Museum
01E0560
02E0595
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Quarry/Mine
Freelance Freelance ACS 00E0782
Rescue Rescue Testing
Quarry/Mine Quarry/Mine Residential Developme nt
265
NAME
Rathaspick
County
Wexford
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site
Category
Year
2001
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
01E0345
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
Unidentified Road Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt N7 Annacotty Rossbrien Limerick Southern Ring Road Phase 1 None
Rathaspick
Wexford
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
Freelance
01E0250
Monitorin g
Rathbane South
Limerick
Industrial
Uncertain
2000/2 001
Aegis Archaeolo gy
00E0855
Rescue
Rathbarry Church, Castlefreke
Cork
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2002/2 003
Rathcormac k
Cork
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2000
Rathdown UpperTempl ecarrig Lower Rathdown UpperTempl ecarrig Lower Rathdrum, Daingean Bog
Wicklow
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Trackway
General
1994
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas ADS
02E0209
Conservat ion
00E0250
Testing
94E033
Rescue
Developme nt
Wicklow
General
1993
ADS
93E0187
Testing
Developme nt
Offaly
Routeway
General
2001
01E0477
Rescue
Rathernan Church Rathmiles Rathmore West Rathmore West Rathmore West Rathmullan Lower 'Rathnapour a', Rinville West Rathroeen Lough Rausakeera North Reask Church
Kildare
Undated ecclesiastical site Cemetery Site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Raised Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al
Ecclesiastic al
1992
ADS
Testing
Bord na Mna Archaeologi cal Mitigation Project Developme nt Golf course Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Golf course
Laois Kildare
2001 1998
01E1100 98E0135
Testing Monitorin g Testing
Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape Settlement Landscape
No significance No significance No significance Highly Significant General
Kildare
1993
ADS
93E0077
Kildare
1998
CRDS
98E0145
Testing
Down
1978
N I Historic Monument s Branch Freelance
Rescue
Galway
1992
Conservat ion 02E0867 99E0731 Testing Testing
Mayo Mayo
crannog Souterrain
General Unenclosed No significance Highly Significant
2002 1999
Freelance Freelance
Landfill Residential Developme nt None
Kerry
Reglaish, Kinnard East Relig Odhrain, Inishmurray Relough, Tullyleek Lough
Kerry
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Enclosed ecclesiastical site crannog Ecclesiastical
1972/1 973/19 74/197 5 2002
OPW
Conservat ion
Eachtra
02E1238
Testing
Residential Developme nt Coastal Erosion None
Sligo
1999/2 000 2001
University of Glasgow Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast Valerie J Keeley
99E0381
Rescue
Tyrone
General
Monitorin g
Richardstow n, Site 15
Dublin
Agricultural
Uncertain
2002
02E0128
Rescue
M1 Airport Balbriggan Motorway Bypass Contract 2
266
NAME
Richmond, Site Q Rincullia, (BGE 3/47/3)
County
Tipperar y Limerick
EMAP_Class
Charcoal Pit Charcoal Pit
Category
Industrial Industrial
Uncertain Uncertain
Year
2000 2002
Compan y
ACS Margaret Gowen
Exc. License
00E0227 02E0752
Exc. Type
Rescue Rescue
Route Scheme
N52 Nenagh Bypass Road Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Ringacoltig
Cork
ringfort
1999
GeoArcFr eelance N I Historic Monument s Branch UCG
99E0334
Testing
Ringmackilro y Rinnaraw
Down
raised ringfort
1992
Rescue
Donegal
cashel
Significant
Rinville West
Galway
Souterrain
Unenclosed
1987/1 988/19 89/199 0/1992 1997/1 998 2002
Research
97E0351
Testing
Riverstown
Sligo
Ringfort & Souterrain Undated ecclesiastical site crannog Ecclesiastical
02E1481
Testing
Robeen
Mayo
1999
Freelance
99E0278
Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Cemetery Extension None
Robinstown I, Lough Ennell Rochestown
Westme ath Tipperar y
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
1990/1 991/19 92 1982
University of Ithaca, Cornell UCC
90E0057
Research
Rescue
Rock Of Dunamase
Laois
Significant
1993/1 994/19 95/199 6/1997
Rockfield
Mayo
enclosure
Uncertain
2001
OPWNatio nal Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Freelance
93E0150
Research
Bord Gais CorkDublin Pipeline 1981/1982 None
01E0659
Testing
N17 Knock Claremorris Road Bypass Phase 2 Residential Developme nt Uncertain Developme nt None
Rooskagh East Rosanna Lower Rosepark, Balrothery Ross Island
Limerick
raised ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Industrial
Uncertain
2001
Freelance
01E0454
Testing
Wicklow Dublin
enclosure NonCircular Shaped Enclosure Copper Mine
General Highly Significant Significant
2001/2 002 1999
ADS Arch TechJudit h Carroll UCG
01E1073 99E0155
Rescue Rescue
Kerry
Rossan, Site 6
Meath
Uncertain
1992/1 993/19 94/199 5 2002
92E0081
Research
ACS
02E1068
Rescue
Rossbeg II, Westport
Mayo
Unenclosed
Uncertain
2001
Freelance
01E0231
Testing
Mayo
Unenclosed
Uncertain
2001
Freelance
00E0774
Monitorin g
Rossgweer
Fermana raised ringfort gh Clare ringfort
2000
ADS
Testing
M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 1 Westport Main Drainage and Waste Water Disposal Scheme Westport Main Drainage and Waste Water Disposal Scheme Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt
Rosslevan
2001
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit
01E0301
Testing
267
NAME
Roughfort, Craigarogan
County
Antrim
EMAP_Class
Category
Ecclesiastical
No significance
Year
1996
Compan y
Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast Freelance
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Ruan Commons Ryan
Clare
medieval ecclesiastical site cashel Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al
Ecclesiastic al
1992
Testing
Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Quarry/Mine
Down
1987
N I Historic Monument s Branch National Museum
Rescue
Sand Pit Grove, Caherabbey Lower Sarsfieldstow n Sarsfieldstow n Scartbarry, 3
Tipperar y
Cemetery Site
1988
Rescue
Meath Meath Cork
Cemetery Site Souterrain ringfort
Cemetery/Buri al Unenclosed Settlement Enclosure
Significant General Uncertain
1999 1978 2002
ADS National Museum ACS
99E0688 J000073
Rescue Rescue Testing
Developme nt Developme nt N8 Rathcormac Fermoy Bypass Road None
Sceilig Michael
Kerry
Ecclesiastical
Significant
Sceilig Michael Scholarstown Science and Technology Park One, Area C, Cherrywood & Loughlinstow n Science and Technology Park One, Area C, Cherrywood & Loughlinstow n Scrahane 1
Kerry
Enclosed ecclesiastical site ringfort MultiPhase settlement
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1993/1 994/19 95/199 6/1997 /1998/ 1999/2 000/20 01/200 2 1986/1 991 1985 1999
OPWNatio nal Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas
93E0195
Conservat ion
OPW
E338
Conservat ion Rescue Rescue
None
Dublin Dublin
Valerie J Keeley Margaret Gowen
E465 99E0523
Dublin
Highly Significant
1998/1 999
Margaret Gowen
98E0526
Testing
Developme nt
Kerry
ringfort
Significant
1997
Valerie J Keeley UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Valerie J Keeley UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Freelance
97E155
Monitorin g Testing
Scrahane 1
Kerry
ringfort
Significant
1996/1 998
96E0153
Scrahane 1
Kerry
enclosure
Significant
1997
97E155
Scrahane 1
Kerry
enclosure
Significant
1996/1 997/19 98
96E0153
Scrallagh Beg Seacash
Kerry
ringfort
2000
99E0718
Testing
Antrim
ringfort
1971
N I Historic Monument s Branch ACS 01E0197
Rescue
Shallon 1& 3
Meath
General
2001
Rescue
Shallon 1& 3
Meath
Industrial
General
2001
ACS
01E0195
Rescue
M1 Gormanston Monasterboi ce Motorway M1 Gormanston Monasterboi ce Motorway
268
NAME
County
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
Year
2000
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
00E0590
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
N17 Knock Claremorris Road Bypass Phase 2 N17 Knock Claremorris Road Bypass Phase 2 Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Developme nt River Dredging Bord na Mna Peat Production Residential Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Athlone Gort Phase 2) M1 Gormanston Monasterboi ce Motorway Unidentified Water Supply Scheme None
Shanaghmoy Mayo le
Shanaghmoy Mayo le
ringfort
No significance
2000/2 001
Freelance
00E0239
Monitorin g
Shandon, Dungarvan Shandon, Dungarvan Shane's Castle
Waterfor d Waterfor d Antrim
enclosure
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Miscellaneous
Significant
2001
Eachtra
01E0327
Rescue
enclosure
Significant
2001/2 002 1972
ACSEacht ra N I Historic Monument s Branch Freelance Ulster Museum Archaeolo gical Wetland Unit Freelance
00E0442
Rescue
ringfort
General
Rescue
Shanid Lower Limerick Shanmullagh a.k.a Ballycullen Sharragh Bog Armagh
raised ringfort Early Medieval Artefacts Trackway
1999 1992/1 993 1997
99E0590
Testing Non Excavatio n Rescue
Tipperar y
Routeway
General
Sheeaun
Clare
ringfort
2001
01E0133
Sheeaun
Galway
ringfort
2001
Margaret Gowen
01E1129
Sheephouse, Site 2
Meath
Highly Significant
2001
Sheepland Mor, Chapeltown Sheepwalk Rath, Sheepwalk Sheerevagh
Down
Unenclosed
General
1971
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Birmingha m Museum
00E0810
Rescue
Rescue
Roscom mon
ringfort
General
1989
Sligo
No significance
2002
Shelbaggan
Wexford
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al
2000
City University of New York North West Archaeolo gical Services Eachtra
Research
02E1763
Monitorin g
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Developme nt
00E0503
Testing
Sherlockstow n, Sallins Shewis
Kildare
1997
Freelance
97E0218
Monitorin g Rescue
Armagh
1978
N I Historic Monument s Branch Eachtra 01E0526
ShinnaghRat hmore Ship Street GreatSteph en Street Lower Ship Street LittleBride Street Shurock
Kerry
ringfort
General
2001
Testing
Dublin
Viking Burial Site
Significant
2002
Margaret Gowen
01E0772
Testing
Dublin
Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Settlement Enclosure Settlement Landscape Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
General
1993
Margaret Gowen Eachtra
93E0132
Rescue
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Quarry/Mine N8 Rathcormac Fermoy Bypass Road Coastal Erosion
Westme ath Dublin
No significance No significance Significant General
2001
01E0532
Monitorin g Monitorin g Rescue Testing
Simmonscour t Simonstown Skahanagh North, 3
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort ringfort
2002
Margaret Gowen National Museum ACS
02E1174
Meath Cork
1975 2002
E144
Skeam West
Cork
Ecclesiastical
General
1990
OPW
Conservat ion
269
NAME
Slane
County
Meath
EMAP_Class
Souterrain
Category
Unenclosed No significance Significant
Year
1995
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
95E106
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Residential Developme nt Developme nt Bord Gais Northeaster n Pipeline Farm Improvemen t Scheme Farm Improvemen t Scheme N52 Nenagh Bypass Road Cork Main Drainage Scheme Contract 1 Residential Developme nt
Sluggary
Limerick
NonCircular Shaped Enclosure Unenclosed Habitation Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Viking Urban Settlement
1973/1 974 1988
UCC
E131
Rescue
Smithstown
Meath
Margaret Gowen N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch ACS
E463
Rescue
Solar
Antrim
Ecclesiastical
1993
Rescue
Solar
Antrim
Ecclesiastical
General
1991
Rescue
Solsborough, Site C1 South Main Street, South Island South Ring, Clonakilty
Tipperar y Cork
Settlement Landscape Viking/Hiberno Norse Cork
Significant
2000
00E0552
Rescue
Significant
2000
Cork Corporatio n UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit N I Historic Monument s Branch Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services University of Stockholm Margaret Gowen Stafford McLoughli n Archaeolo gy Freelance
00E0124
Rescue
Cork
ringfort
No significance
2002
02E1124
Monitorin g
Spital
Cork
ringfort
Uncertain
1995
Monitorin g
Developme nt
Spittle Quarter
Down
Souterrain
Unenclosed
General
1990
Testing
Sroankeerag hTawlagh
Roscom mon
enclosure
No significance
2000
00E0180
Testing
Unidentified Road Developme nt Developme nt
Sroove
Sligo
crannog
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
General
St. Abban, Irishtown, New Ross St. Abban, Irishtown, New Ross
Wexford
1997/1 998/19 99 1998/1 999 2002
97E0209
Research
None
98E0565
Monitorin g Testing
Wexford
02E0088
St. Aedan, Ferns St. Aedh mac Bricc, Killare church St. Aengus, Coolbanagh er, Straboe Church St. Aengus, Coolbanagh er, Straboe Church St. Aidan, Kilmore St. Ailbe, Clane St. Ailbe, Clane St. Ailbe, Clane St. Anne, Allihies St. Assam, Raheny
Wexford
Industrial
Uncertain
2001
01E1208
Testing
Westme ath
No significance
2001
Freelance
01E0034
Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Laois
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1993
OPW FAS Scheme
93E0142
Conservat ion
Laois
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1996
Valerie J Keeley
96E313
Rescue
Armagh
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2002
ADS
AE/02/19
Rescue
Portlaoise Water Supply Improvemen t Scheme Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline extension Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Kildare
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastical
No significance No significance No significance No significance Uncertain
1997/1 998 1997
97E0345
Monitorin g Testing
Kildare
97E0354
Kildare Cork Dublin
1998/1 999 2000 1994
ADS Freelance Judith Carroll
98E0510 00E0798 94E199
270
NAME
St. Assam, Raheny St. Audeon's Church, Woodquay Ward St. Bairrind, Kilbarron
County
Dublin
EMAP_Class
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site
Category
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
Year
1996
Compan y
Judith Carroll Dublin Corporatio n Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore ADS Margaret Gowen ADS Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services ADS Freelance
Exc. License
96E0183
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Developme nt None
Dublin
Significant
1986/1 989/19 92 2000
E497
Conservat ion
Donegal
cashel
No significance
00E0668
Testing
St. Barrind, Kilbarron St. Begnet, Dalkey St. Begnet, Dalkey St. Beoid, Ardcarn
Donegal Dublin Dublin Roscom mon
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
1998 1995 1996 1999
98E0148
Testing Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
96E297 99E0139
Testing Testing
St. Beoid, Ardcarn St. Bicsech, Baronstown, Kilbixy St. Boetan, Clontuskert Abbey, Abbeypark St. Boetan, Clontuskert Abbey, Abbeypark St. Brecaun, Portersgate St. Brendan, Ardfert St. Brendan, Ardfert
Roscom mon Westme ath Galway
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical
Uncertain No significance Uncertain
1992 2002
Testing 02E0409 Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
1993
OPW
Monitorin g
Galway
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1972
OPW
Conservat ion
None
Wexford
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
General
1987
OPW
Rescue
Coastal Erosion None None
Kerry Kerry
Highly Significant Highly Significant
1995 2000
Freelance National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Freelance OPW 00E0493
Conservat ion Conservat ion
St. Brendan, Ardfert St. Brendan, Ardfert
Kerry Kerry
1997/1 999 1989/1 990/19 91/199 2 1997
97E0302 E493
Developme nt None
St. Brendan, Clonfert Church
Galway
Ecclesiastical
Significant
St. Brendan, Clonfert Church St. Brendan, Coolock St. Brendan, Rosshill Abbey, Kilbeg Lower St. Brendan's church, Birr St. Brendan's Church, Loughrea St. Bridget Church St. Bridget Church St. Bridget, Baunmore
Galway
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site medieval ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2001/2 002 1990
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Archaeolo gical Projects OPW
Conservat ion
None
01E0877
Testing
None
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
E570
Rescue
Developme nt None
Galway
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1990
OPW
Conservat ion
Offaly Galway
1999/2 000 1999
Eachtra Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. Dublin Corporatio n Dublin Corporatio n Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd.
99E0758 99E0491
Testing Rescue
Dublin
Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Ecclesiastic al
General
1993
93E0153
Rescue
Dublin
General
1992
Testing
Galway
No significance
1999
99E0238
Monitorin g
271
NAME
St. Bridget, Caherwalter
County
Galway
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
1995
Compan y
Exc. License
95E241
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
St. Bridget, Caherwalter St. Bridget, Kilbride St. Bridget's Church, Oughterard
Galway
medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical
1998
98E0001
Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Offaly
2002
Eachtra
02E0291
Testing
Kildare
2000
Freelance
00E0566
Testing
St. Brigid, Dublin Cherrywood/ Lehaunstown /Loughlinsto wn, St. Brigid, Kildare Kildare St. Brigid, Kildare St. Brigid, Kildare St. Brigid, Kildare St. Brigid, Kildare St. Brigid, Kildare St. Brigid, Kildare St. Brigid, Kill Kildare Kildare Kildare
1997
Margaret Gowen
97E0279
Rescue
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Well
Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain
1998 2002 1990 1998
Freelance Freelance Freelance Valerie J Keeley ADS Margaret Gowen Freelance ADS
98E0322 02E0820 93E0124 98E0376
Testing Monitorin g Testing Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline extension Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Kildare Kildare Kildare Kildare
Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical
Uncertain Uncertain Uncertain General
1998 2000 1993 1996
98E0239 00E0121
96E079
Testing
St. Brigid, Kill
Kildare
Ecclesiastical
General
1999
ADS
93E0059
Testing
St. Brigid's Well, Brideswell Commons St. Brigid's Well, Brideswell Commons St. Broc, Donnybrook St. Broc, Donnybrook
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1996
Valerie J Keeley
96E362
Testing
Dublin
Well
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1993
John Channing
93E0016
Testing
Dublin
2002
Margaret Gowen ADS North West Archaeolo gical Services Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Margaret Gowen ACS
02E1507
Testing
Dublin
1995 2001
95E116 01E0820
Unidentified Road Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt None
St. Bron, Sligo Killaspugbron e St. Bron, Sligo Killaspugbron e St. Buadan, Culdaff Donegal
Midden
Industrial
Ecclesiastic al
Uncertain
1998
Monitorin g
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1999
99E0083
Testing
Unidentified Road Developme nt Residential Developme nt
St. Buite, Lougboy St. Buite, Monasterboi ce St. Caillin!, Moycullen
Louth
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
General
1998
98E0285
Testing
Uncertain
Louth
Ecclesiastical
No significance Ecclesiastic al No significance
1997
Testing
Farm Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt
Galway
2001
St. Caillin!, Moycullen St. Caillin!, Moycullen
Galway Galway
1991 2000
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore OPW Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. North West Archaeolo gical
01E0929
Testing
Testing 00E0513 Testing
Uncertain Residential Developme nt Fenagh Sewerage Scheme
St. Caillin, Fenagh
Leitrim
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2001
01E0160
Monitorin g
272
NAME
County
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
Compan y
Services
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
St. Caillin, Fenagh
Leitrim
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2001
St. Caillin, Fenagh
Leitrim
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2000
St. Canice, Finglas St. Canice, Finglas St. Canice, Finglas St. Canice, Finglas St. Canice, Kilkenny St. Canice, Kilkenny
Dublin
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1996
North West Archaeolo gical Services North West Archaeolo gical Services ADS
01E0626
Monitorin g
Developme nt
00E0487
Testing
Developme nt
96E130
Rescue
Developme nt N2 Finglas Bypass Road N2 Finglas Bypass Road Developme nt Developme nt Kilkenny Town Main Drainage Scheme Developme nt Developme nt None
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1993
ADS
93E193
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1994
ADS
94E010
Rescue
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1993
Valerie J Keeley Margaret Gowen Uncertain
93E0004
Testing
Kilkenny Kilkenny
2002 1997
02E0593 97E0481
Testing Monitorin g
St. Canice, Kilkenny St. Canice's, Aghaboe St. Canice's, Aghaboe
Kilkenny Laois Laois
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastic al
No significance Uncertain Uncertain
1990 1994 1986
OPW Dominic Delany Roscrea Archaeolo gical Survey Team Dominic Delany Freelance Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. ADS
Rescue Testing Conservat ion
St. Canice's, Aghaboe St. Carnech, Dulane St. Catherine, Killybegs St. Catherine, Killybegs St. Catherine, Killybegs St. Celi Crist, Kilteel Upper St. Celi Crist, Kilteel Upper St. Cianach, Duleek St. Cianach, Duleek St. Cianach, Duleek
Laois Meath Donegal
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastic al
Uncertain Uncertain No significance
1999 1996 2001
99E0592 96E113 01E0243
Developme nt Cemetery Extension Developme nt
Donegal
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
01E0065
Testing
Developme nt
Donegal
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastic al
2000
00E0751
Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt None Developme nt Developme nt Dam/Reserv oir
Kildare
2002
Margaret Gowen OPW Uncertain
02E1467
Testing
Kildare Meath
Significant General
1977 1993
Conservat ion 93E0105 Testing
Meath
Ecclesiastical
General
1998
ACS
98E0208
Testing
Meath
Ecclesiastical
General
1997
St. Cianach, Duleek St. Cianach, Duleek St. Cianach, Duleek St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e
Meath
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
General
1997
97E0165
Rescue
97E0136
Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Meath
Ecclesiastical
General
2002
ACS
02E1611
Testing
Meath
Ecclesiastical
General
1999
ACS
99E0464
Testing
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
Highly Significant
1997/1 998
Archaeolo gy Underwat er Ltd.
97E0243
Non Excavatio n
273
NAME
St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e
County
Offaly
EMAP_Class
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Category
Ecclesiastical
Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant
Year
1999
Compan y
ACS
Exc. License
99E0079
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
1994
OPW
Monitorin g Monitorin g 93E0086 Conservat ion Testing
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
1993
OPW
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
1993/1 994 1999/2 000 1993
OPW
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
ACS
99E0715
Developme nt Unidentified Service Pipeline/Tren ch None
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
OPW
93E0123
Monitorin g
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant
1979
National Museum IUART 95E231
Rescue
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
1994/1 995 1989/1 990 1992
None
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
OPW
Developme nt Developme nt None
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
OPW
Testing
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
1990/1 991/19 92/199 3/1994 /1995/ 1996/1 997/19 98 1985
OPWNatio nal Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas OPW
E558
Rescue
Testing
Developme nt Unidentified Sewerage Scheme
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
2002
St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e St. Ciaran, Kilkieran, Castletown St. Ciaran, Mainistir Chiarin, Inis Mor St. Ciaran, Sranure St. Ciaran, Templemaca teer St. Ciaran's Well, Clonmacnois e St. Coca, Kilcock St. Colman Elo, Muckamore St. Colman Elo, Muckamore St. Colman mac Lenine, Cloyne St. Colman mac Lenine, Cloyne St. Colman mac Lenine, Cloyne
Offaly
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Well
Ecclesiastical
2001
02E1407
Testing
01E0698
Testing
Developme nt Cemetery Extension None
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical
1985
OPW
Rescue
Galway
Ecclesiastical
Significant
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1996/1 997/19 98/199 9 2001
University of California, Berkeley Dominic Delany Freelance
96E081
Research
01E0431
Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Westme ath Offaly
1992
Monitorin g 02E1712 Monitorin g
2002
ACS
Kildare Antrim
Ecclesiastic al
2002 1996
Valerie J Keeley ADS
02E1783
Monitorin g Testing
Antrim
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1973/1 974
N I Historic Monument s Branch Sheila Lane Eachtra 02E1189
Rescue
Cork
2002/2 003 2001
Monitorin g Testing
Cork
O1E0218
Cork
2002
Eachtra
02E1194
Testing
274
NAME
St. Colman ua hEirc, Kilcash St. Colman, Clonrush Church, Meelick St. Colman, Kilmurvy, Inis Mor St. Colman, Kilmurvy, Inis Mor St. Colman, Mayo Parks St. Colmcille's, Moone
County
Tipperar y Clare
EMAP_Class
Category
Ecclesiastical
General
Year
1984
Compan y
OPW
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Conservat ion Conservat ion
Route Scheme
None
Ecclesiastical
General
1990
OPW
None
Galway
Uncertain
1996/1 997 2002
OPW
96E0149
Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt None
Galway
Uncertain
Mayo Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastic al
1999 1998/1 999
Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. Freelance National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Freelance
02E1171
Testing
99E0049 98E0276
St. Colmcille's, Moone St. Colum mac Cremthainn, Iniscealtra (Holy Island)
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2002
02E1543
None
Clare
Ecclesiastical
Highly Significant
St. Columcille Dublin Well, Swords St. Columcille, Churchfield Ardoley Mayo
Well
1970/1 971/19 72/197 3/1974 /1975/ 1976/1 980 1995
UCD
E180
None
OPW
Testing
Ecclesiastical Site
1997
Freelance
97E416
Testing
St. Columcille, Churchfield Ardoley St. Columcille, Derry St. Columcille, Derry St. Columcille, Derry St. Columcille, Drumcliffe South St. Columcille, Drumcliffe South St. Columcille, Drumcliffe South St. Columcille, Durrow St. Columcille, kells
Mayo
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1996
Freelance
96E324
Testing
Residential Developme nt R335 Westport Belclare Road Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt N15 Drumcliff Road Improvemen t Developme nt
Derry
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical
1988
N I Historic Monument s Branch University of Ulster ADS AE/00/55
Rescue
Derry
1976
Testing
Derry
2000
Testing
Sligo
1999
Sligo
Ecclesiastical
General
Sligo
Ecclesiastical
General
1981/1 982/19 83/198 4/1985 /1986 2001
99E0347
Monitorin g
E192
Rescue
Offaly
MultiPhase settlement Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastical
General
1985
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore National Museum National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas ADS
01E0154
Testing
Developme nt
E000928
Rescue
Uncertain
Meath
Significant
1997
97E290
Conservat ion
None
St. Columcille, kells St. Columcille, kells St. Columcille, kells
Meath
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2002
02E1000
Monitorin g Rescue
Meath
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1987/1 988 2001
OPW
E428
Meath
Ecclesiastical
Significant
ADS
01E1023
Testing
275
NAME
St. Columcille, kells St. Columcille, Skreen St. Columcille, Swords
County
Meath
EMAP_Class
Category
Ecclesiastical
Significant
Year
2002
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
02E1052
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
Meath
1993
Freelance
93E0006
Dublin
1999
St. Columcille, Swords St. Columcille, Swords St. Columcille, Swords St. Columcille, West Town, Tory Island St. Columcille, West Town, Tory Island
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
1995
Underwat er Archaeolo gical Unit, Dchas Margaret Gowen Uncertain
99E0554
95E035
Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
1997
97E0272
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
1998/2 000 1997
CRDS
98E0082
Testing
Donegal
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
ADS
97E0192
Testing
Donegal
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
St. Comgall, Antrim
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1999
St. Comgall, steeple, Antrim
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1999
St. Comghaid, Kilquade
Wicklow
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1998
St. Comin Ea, Drumsna St. Comman, Roscommon St. Comman, Roscommon St. Comman, Roscommon St. Comman, Roscommon
Leitrim
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance
1994
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Valerie J Keeley Freelance ACS ACS North West Archaeolo gical Services Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Freelance Valerie J Keeley Valerie J Keeley Freelance Freelance
Monitorin g
Developme nt
Monitorin g
Unidentified Service Pipeline/Tren ch Unidentified Service Pipeline/Tren ch Residential Developme nt
Monitorin g
98E0143
Testing
94E051
Testing
N4 Drumsna Jamestown Bypass Road Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Roscom mon Roscom mon Roscom mon Roscom mon
2000 1999 1999 2002
00E0362 99E0294 99E0372 02E0863
Monitorin g Testing Testing Testing
St. Conall, Kilconnell
Galway
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2000
00E0742
Testing
St. Coran Well, Seafield
Cork
Well
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1995
95E82
Testing
St. Corban, Naas St. Corban, Naas St. Corban, Naas St. Corban, Naas St. Corban, Naas St. Corban, Naas St. Corran, Templecorra n, BallycarryFor thill
Kildare Kildare Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance General
2002 1990 1996
02E0154
Developme nt None E.S.B. Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
96E004
Testing
Kildare Kildare
2002 1995
02E0463 95E192
Testing Testing
Kildare Antrim
1996 2000
Freelance ADS
96E124
Testing Testing
276
NAME
St. Corran, Templecorra n, BallycarryFor thill St. Cronan Mochua, Clondalkin St. Cronan Mochua, Clondalkin St. Cronan Mochua, Clondalkin St. Cronan Mochua, Clondalkin St. Cronan, Ballyquin, Tuamgraney St. Cronan, Ballyquin, Tuamgraney St. Cronan, Ballyquin, Tuamgraney
County
Antrim
EMAP_Class
Category
Ecclesiastical
General
Year
1993/1 994
Compan y
Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast Freelance
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance
1999
98E0343
Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Dublin
2000
ADS
00E0329
Testing
Dublin
1996
Archaeolo gical Projects OPW
96E0350
Testing
Dublin
1995
95E158
Testing
Clare
1995
Freelance
95E239
Testing
Clare
1999
Freelance
99E0275
Testing
Clare
2001
St. Cronan, Roscrea
Tipperar y
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
General
2000/2 001
St. Cronan, Roscrea
Tipperar y
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
General
1997
St. Cuan, Kilquane Church, Kilquane St. Cuanna, Kilquane Church St. Cuanna, Kilquane Church St. Cummian, Rusheen, Kilcomin St. Darerca, Faughart St. Darerca, Killevy Church, Ballintemple St. Declan, Youghal
Cork
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1994
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore North West Archaeolo gical Services National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas OPW
01E1118
Testing
00E0771
Monitorin g
Developme nt
97E0247
Conservat ion
None
94E055
Conservat ion
None
Clare
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Ecclesiastic al
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E0570
Monitorin g
Clare
Charcoal Pit
Industrial
Ecclesiastic al
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen
02E1176
Rescue
Offaly
Ecclesiastical Site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastic al Settlement Landscape
1996
Freelance
96E319
Testing
Louth
1999
ACS
98E0541
Limerick Main Drainage Scheme Limerick Main Drainage Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Unidentified Water Supply Scheme Residential Developme nt
Armagh
2000
Cork
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1995
St. Delcan's, Ardmore St. Delcan's, Ardmore St. Dermot, Cooltona St. Donard, Carnacavill St. Doulagh's, Kinsealy, Balgriffin St. Doulagh's, Kinsealy, Balgriffin
Waterfor d Waterfor d Roscom mon Down
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
General
2000
Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Eachtra
AE/00/33
95E76
Testing
Rescue
Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastical
1996 1997
OPW ACS 97E0187
Residential Developme nt None Residential Developme nt Cemetery Extension North Fringe Sewerage Scheme None
1983
N I Historic Monument s Branch Margaret Gowen OPW
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
2000/2 001 1989/1 990
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
Conservat ion
277
NAME
St. Dympna, Kildownet
County
Mayo
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site
Category
Year
2002
Compan y
Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore OPW
Exc. License
02E0962
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Developme nt
St. Enda, Cill Charna, Killeany
Galway
Midden
Unenclosed
Ecclesiastic al
Uncertain
2000
00E0306
Testing
InismrAran Island Water Supply Improvemen t Scheme None
St. Enda, Temple Benan, Killeany, Inis Mor St. Endeus, Killeen St. Erc Nascai, Tullylish St. Fachtna, Burgatia St. Fachtna's, Kilfenora
Galway
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1985
Conservat ion
Meath
medieval ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Well
Ecclesiastical
1996/1 999 1983
Freelance
96E001
Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Down
Ecclesiastical
N I Historic Monument s Branch Sheila Lane Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Judith Carroll Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Freelance 02E0028
Rescue
Cork
2002
Testing
Clare
Ecclesiastical Site
2002
02E1261
Monitorin g
St. Fachtna's, Kilfenora St. Fachtna's, Kilfenora
Clare Clare
Uncertain Uncertain
2000/2 001 2001
00E0080 01E0514
Rescue Testing
St. Fachtna's, Kilfenora
Clare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2002
02E0334
Conservat ion
None
St. Fechin, Donaghfeigh in, Fore St. Fechin, GooreenStur rakeen, Omey Island St. Fechin, GooreenStur rakeen, Omey Island St. Fechin, High Island
Westme ath Galway
Pilgrimage Station MultiPhase settlement
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1988
Conservat ion 92E0053 Rescue
None
Highly Significant
1992
OPW
Developme nt
Galway
Highly Significant
1990
OPW
E566
Rescue
Coastal Erosion
Galway
Ecclesiastical
Highly Significant
1995/1 996/19 98/199 9/2000 /2001/ 2002 2000
St. Fechin, Sligo Kilnamanagh St. Fechin, Galway Teampall Bhaile na Cile, Oilen Ghorumna St. Fechin, Louth Termonfeckin St. Fechin, Louth Termonfeckin St. Fechin, Louth Termonfeckin St. Fechin, Louth Termonfeckin St. Feichin, Kilboglashy Sligo
Industrial
Ecclesiastic al
Uncertain
OPWNatio nal Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Freelance
95E124
Conservat ion
None
00E0046
Testing
Ecclesiastical
General
1991
OPW FAS Scheme
Conservat ion
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Midden
Ecclesiastical
General
1994/1 995 1996
ACS
Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Ballysadare Sewerage Treatment Plant
Ecclesiastical
General
ACS
96E120
Testing
Ecclesiastical
General
1996
ACS
96E296
Testing
Ecclesiastical
General
1998/1 999 1999
ACS
98E0406
Testing
Unenclosed
Ecclesiastic al
Uncertain
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore
Testing
278
NAME
St. Fiachra, Clontubbrid
County
Kilkenny
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site
Category
Year
2000
Compan y
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services UCC
Exc. License
00E0291
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
St. Fiachra's Well, KilferaghShe astown St. Fiachra's, Ullard St. Finaghta, Sixmilebridge St. Finaghta, Sixmilebridge St. Finan Lobhair, Marlhill, Ardfinnan St. Finan Lobhair, Marlhill, Ardfinnan St. Finan, Church Island, Loguh Carra St. Finbarr, South Bank, Cork St. Finbarr, South Bank, Cork St. Finian, Aghadoe St. Finian, Clonard St. Finian, Dromin St. Finian, Dromin St. Finian, Esker St. Finian, Movilla
Kilkenny
Well
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1981
Rescue
Uncertain
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Bullaun Stone Miscellaneous
1995
Margaret Gowen ArchCorE achtra Eachtra
95E019
Testing
Clare
1997
97E0298
Monitorin g Monitorin g Monitorin g
Residential Developme nt Sixmilebridg e Sewerage Scheme Residential Developme nt Ardfinnan Water Treatment Plant Residential Developme nt
Clare
1999
99E0118
Tipperar y
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
Tipperar y
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2002
Mayo
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1993
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Freelance
01E0482
02E0225
Testing
93E0109
Conservat ion
Uncertain
Cork
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Viking/Hiberno Norse Cork Viking/Hiberno Norse Cork Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastical
No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance Significant
1999
Sheila Lane Sheila Lane Freelance OPW CRDS
99E0734
Testing
Developme nt None
Cork
2000/2 001 1999 1976 1999
00E0896
Kerry Meath Louth
Developme nt River Dredging Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt
99E0508
Testing
Louth
2001
Freelance
01E0261
Testing
Dublin
2002
Margaret Gowen N I Historic Monument s Branch Freelance
02E0037
Testing
Down
1980/1 981
Testing
St. Fintan Munna, Taghmon St. Fintan Munna, Taghmon St. Fintan Munna, Taghmon St. Fintan Munna, Taghmon
Wexford
MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement
Ecclesiastical
General
1997
97E0450
Testing
Wexford
Ecclesiastical
General
Wexford
Ecclesiastical
General
1998/1 999/20 00 2001
Freelance
98E0483
Testing
CRDS
01E0925
Testing
Wexford
Ecclesiastical
General
2002
St. Fintan Munna, Taghmon St. Fintan, Sutton North St. Flannan, Killaloe St. Flannan, Killaloe St. Flannan, Killaloe St. Flannan, Killaloe St. Forordran, Dunleer
Wexford
MultiPhase settlement Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
General
1993
Stafford McLoughli n Archaeolo gy Freelance
02E1108
Testing
93E0125
Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt None Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
1996
Freelance
96E106
Testing
Clare
Ecclesiastical
General
2000
Freelance
00E0773
Testing
Clare
Ecclesiastical
General
2001
Clare Clare Louth
Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastic al
1999 1998 1997
Aegis Archaeolo gy Freelance Freelance ACS
01E0312
Monitorin g Conservat ion Testing Testing
99E0172 98E0009 97E0065
279
NAME
St. Forordran, Dunleer St. Forordran, Dunleer St. Forordran, Dunleer St. Forordran, Dunleer St. Forordran, Dunleer St. Garvan's Church, Dungarvan St. Garvan's Church, Dungarvan St. Garvan's Church, Dungarvan St. Garvan's Church, Dungarvan St. Gobban, Kilgobbin, Stepaside St. Gobban, Kilgobbin, Stepaside St. Gobnet's Church, Inisheer St. Grellan, Kilcloony
County
Louth
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Fulacht Fiadh
Category
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance General
Year
1998/1 999 1999
Compan y
Freelance IAC ACS
Exc. License
98E0348
Exc. Type
Monitorin g Testing
Route Scheme
Dunleer Sewerage Scheme Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Uncertain
Louth
99E0443
Louth Louth Louth Waterfor d Waterfor d Waterfor d Waterfor d Dublin
1999 2002 2002 1997
ArchTech ACS Freelance Freelance
99E0696 02E0671 02E0217 96E0378
Testing Testing Testing Rescue
Miscellaneous
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
Fulacht Fiadh
Miscellaneous
General
1997
Freelance
97E0052
Testing
Fulacht Fiadh
Miscellaneous
General
1997
Eachtra
97E0379
Testing
Fulacht Fiadh
Miscellaneous
General
2001
Eachtra
01E1060
Rescue
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical
2002
Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen OPW
02E1173
Testing
Dublin
2002
02E0906
Monitorin g Conservat ion Monitorin g
Galway
1982
E851
Galway
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1997
St. Ingrin Baoith, Coad, Killinaboy St. Ingrin Baoith, Coad, Killinaboy
Clare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2001
Clare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2000
St. Ingrin Baoith, Coad, Killinaboy St. IsserninusSt. Mac Tail, Old Kilcullen St. IsserninusSt. Mac Tail, Old Kilcullen St. IsserninusSt. Mac Tail, Old Kilcullen St. IsserninusSt. Mac Tail, Old Kilcullen St. IsserninusSt. Mac Tail, Old Kilcullen St. James' Church, Gleninagh Heights St. James, Stradbally More, Stradbally
Clare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1996
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore North West Archaeolo gical Services LtdArcha eological Services Unit, Oranmore Freelance
97E123
N17 Milltown Road Improvemen t Scheme Residential Developme nt
01E0576
Testing
00E0676
Testing
96E101
Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2000
Freelance
00E0229
Monitorin g
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1998
Freelance
98E0019
Testing
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1999
Freelance
99E0729
Testing
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1999
Freelance
99E5041
Testing
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1998
Freelance
98E0344
Testing
Galway
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1993
OPW FAS Scheme
93E0043
Conservat ion
Waterfor d
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001/2 002
Eachtra
01E0910
Monitorin g
280
NAME
St. John the Baptist, Castletown, Dundalk St. John the Baptist, Castletown, Dundalk St. John the Baptist, Castletown, Dundalk St. John the Baptist, Drumcondra St. John the Baptist, Drumcondra St. John the Baptist, Drumcondra St. John the Baptist, Drumcondra St. John the Baptist, Drumcondra St. John, Agherton church,Gleb e St. John, Ballyharry St. John, Ballyharry
County
Louth
EMAP_Class
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site
Category
Year
1995
Compan y
ACS
Exc. License
95E281
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Developme nt
Louth
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1998
IAC
98E0573
Monitorin g
Dundalk Sewerage Scheme Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Louth
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1995
Freelance
95E089
Testing
Dublin
No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance
1997
ADS
97E0383
Testing
Dublin
1998
Freelance
98E0604
Testing
Dublin
2001
ADS
01E0256
Testing
Dublin
2001
Archaeolo gical Projects ADS
01E1021
Testing
Dublin
2002
02E0588
Testing
Derry
1994
Antrim
Ecclesiastical
1986
Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast N I Historic Monument s Branch QUB Centre for Archaeolo gical Fieldwork National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Freelance AE/02/12 3
Testing
Rescue
Developme nt None
Antrim
Ecclesiastical
2002
Conservat ion
St. John's Church, Ballymore Eustace
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
General
1999
99E0143
Conservat ion
None
St. John's Church, Barrysfarm St. John's Church, Tralee St. John's Point St. John's Well, Castledermo t St. Kevin, Glendalough St. Kevin, Glendalough St. Kevin, Glendalough St. Kevin, Glendalough St. Kevin, Glendalough St. Kevin's Road St. Lachtain, Lackabane, Donaghmor e St. Lachtan, Freshford
Limerick
Ecclesiastical Site medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Well Ecclesiastical
1999
Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Kerry
1996
Freelance
96E206
Testing
Down
1977
Kildare
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2000
Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt None E.S.B. Developme nt Developme nt
Wicklow Wicklow Wicklow Wicklow Wicklow Wicklow
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Pilgrimage Road Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Ecclesiastical Routeway
General General General General General Uncertain
1990 2002 1996 1978/1 979 1989 1972
OPW Valerie J Keeley Margaret Gowen OPW OPW National Museum Eachtra 01E0798 02E0905 96E336
Monitorin g Testing Testing Rescue Conservat ion Conservat ion Monitorin g
Cork
No significance
2001
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
General
2001
St. Lachtan, Freshford
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
General
2002
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Sheila Lane
01E0815
Conservat ion
None
02E0172
Testing
281
NAME
St. Lappan, Donore St. Lappan, Donore
County
Carlow
EMAP_Class
Category
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al No significance No significance
Year
2000
Compan y
Dominic Delany Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast Sheila Lane Margaret Gowen ACS
Exc. License
00E0200
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Carlow
2000
00E0824
Monitorin g
St. Lasair, Aghavea
Fermana Enclosed gh ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2000
00E0227
Rescue
Developme nt
St. Lasair, Cullen St. Laurence, Ballyfermot Upper St. Laurence, Chapelizod St. Laurence, Chapelizod St. Laurence, Chapelizod St. Laurence, Chapelizod St. Laurence, Chapelizod St. Laurence, Chapelizod St. Lomman, Trim
Cork
Enclosed ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2002
02E0357
Testing
Residential Developme nt Cemetery Extension Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Trim Sewerage and Water Supply Scheme Bord Gais Pipeline extension Bord Gais Pipeline extension Developme nt Developme nt Electrical Developme nt NI
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
1998
98E0367
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
2000/2 001 1993 1994 1992/1 993/19 94 2002 1995 1996
00E0470
Testing
Dublin Dublin Dublin
ADS Margaret Gowen OPW 94E096 92E0208
Dublin Dublin Meath
Significant Significant Uncertain
Freelance Margaret Gowen Freelance
00E0878 95E102 96E175
Testing Testing Monitorin g
St. Lughadih, Dromiskin St. Lughadih, Dromiskin St. Lughadih, Dromiskin St. Lughadih, Dromiskin St. Lurach, Maghera
Louth
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2002
Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen ACS
02E0953
Rescue
Louth
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2002
02E0764
Monitorin g Testing
Louth
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1999
99E0330
Louth
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1998
ACS
98E0316
Testing
Derry
Ecclesiastical
General
1994
St. Lurach, Maghera St. Luran, Derryloran St. Mac Cuillin, Lusk St. Mac Cuillin, Lusk St. Mac Cuillin, Lusk St. Mac Cuillin, Lusk St. Mac Cuillin, Lusk St. Mac Cuillin, Lusk St. Mac Cuillin, Lusk
Derry
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
General
1985
Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch ArchTech 02E1719
Testing
Rescue
Developme nt None
Tyrone
Ecclesiastical
General
1982
Conservat ion Monitorin g Monitorin g Monitorin g Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2002
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2002
ArchTech
02E0794
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2002
ArchTech
02E0871
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1998
ACS
98E0116
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1991
Freelance
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2001
ArchTech
01E0872
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2002
ArchTech
02E1398
Rescue
282
NAME
County
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Cistercian Abbey
Category
Ecclesiastic al General Uncertain
Year
1974 1980
Compan y
Ulster Museum N I Historic Monument s Branch OPW
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Rescue Uncertain
Route Scheme
Developme nt Uncertain
St. Macarten, Tyrone Clogher St. Macartin, Errigal Keerogue St. Maccan, Boyle Abbey, Knocknashe e St. Maccan, Boyle Abbey, Knocknashe e St. Macnise, Kells St. Maedbu, Kiltullagh Tyrone
Roscom mon
Ecclesiastical
General
1983
Conservat ion
None
Roscom mon
Cistercian Abbey
Ecclesiastical
General
2000
Freelance
00E0426
Monitorin g
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site MultiPhase settlement
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1986
N I Historic Monument s Branch University of Manchest er QUB Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. University of Manchest er Freelance 96E179
Unidentified Service Pipeline/Tren ch None
Roscom mon
Highly Significant
1996/1 998/19 99 1991/1 994 2000
None
St. Maedbu, Kiltullagh St. Maedbu, Kiltullagh
Roscom mon Roscom mon
MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement
94E030 00E0768
Research Conservat ion
None None
St. Maedbu, Kiltullagh
Roscom mon
Highly Significant
2000
00E0322
Research
None
St. Maedhoc, Kildare Kilmeague St. Maedhoc, Kildare Kilmeague St. Maedoc, Drumlane St. Maelruain, Tallaght St. Maelruain, Tallaght St. Maelruain, Tallaght St. Maelruain, Tallaght St. Maelruain, Tallaght St. Maelruain, Tallaght St. Maelruain, Tallaght St. Maighend, Mainham Cavan Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical
1999
99E0625
Testing
1995
Freelance
95E259
Testing
1990 1990/1 991 1994
ADS Margaret Gowen ADS 94E0135
Monitorin g Testing
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
Rescue
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1997
Archaeolo gical Projects ADS
96E0188
Rescue
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1995
95E155
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1996
ADS
96E054
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1990
ADS
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1993
Freelance
Testing
Kildare
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1999
St. Maighend, Mainham
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2002
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore IAC
99E0133
Testing
02E0589
Testing
St. Margaret's Holy Well, Ballynagun East St. Margaret's Holy Well, Ballynagun East St. Mary de Hogges Church, 5 College Street
Clare
Well
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2000
North West Archaeolo gical Services ACS
00E0725
Testing
Duncreevan Castlewarde n South Water Supply Scheme Residential Developme nt
Clare
Well
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2002
02E1575
Monitorin g
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1997/1 998/19 99/200 0
Judith Carroll
96E0276
Monitorin g
Developme nt
283
NAME
St. Mary, Tuam St. Mary, Tuam St. Mary, Tuam St. Mary's Augustinian Abbey, Navan St. Mary's Augustinian Abbey, Navan St. Mary's Cathedral, King's Island, John's Ward B St. Mary's Cathedral, King's Island, John's Ward B St. Mary's Church St. Mary's Church, Dungarvan St. Mary's Church, Dungarvan St. Mary's Church, Enniscorthy
County
Galway Galway Galway
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
1986 1997 1992
Compan y
OPW Freelance OPW
Exc. License
E000336 97E0179 92E0160
Exc. Type
Route Scheme
Developme nt Developme nt Tuam Sewerage Scheme Navan Inner Relief Road 2A Navan Inner Relief Road 2A None
Meath
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1998
Valerie J Keeley
98E0463
Testing
Meath
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1998
Valerie J Keeley
98E0184
Testing
Limerick
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
1992/1 996/19 97
92E75
Conservat ion
Limerick
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
1990
Monitorin g
Developme nt
Kilkenny
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
No significance Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al No significance No significance No significance
1998/1 999 1999
ArchaeoG rafix ArchaeoG rafix Freelance
98E0112
Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt
Waterfor d Waterfor d Wexford
98E0591
Monitorin g Testing
1997/1 998 2002
97E0325
Ecclesiastical
St. Mary's Church, Enniscorthy
Wexford
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2002
St. Mary's Cistercian Abbey St. Mary's Cistercian Abbey St. Mary's Cistercian Abbey
Dublin
Cistercian Abbey Cistercian Abbey Cistercian Abbey
Ecclesiastical
General
2000
Stafford McLoughli n Archaeolo gy Stafford McLoughli n Archaeolo gy Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen
02E1645
Testing
02E0540
Testing
Developme nt
00E0270
Research
None
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
2001
01E0985
Testing
Developme nt Luas Network Line A (Tallaght Middle Abbey Street) Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
2002
01E0733
Monitorin g
St. Mary's Cistercian Abbey St. Mary's Cistercian Abbey, Bective
Dublin
Cistercian Abbey Cistercian Abbey
Ecclesiastical
General
2002
ArchTech
02E0127
Monitorin g Testing
Meath
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1999
St. Mary's, Clonmel St. Mary's, Clonmel St. Maul's, Kilkenny St. Maura, Fahan Church
Tipperar y Tipperar y Kilkenny Donegal
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance No significance Ecclesiastic al No significance Uncertain
1996
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas Freelance
96E037
Testing
Uncertain
Ecclesiastical
2001
Freelance
99E0308
Testing
1994 2000
Margaret Gowen Moore Archaeolo gical and Environme ntal Services IAC 00E0721
Testing Testing
Ecclesiastical
St. Maura, Fahan Church St. Michael le Pole
Donegal
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2000
00E0569
Monitorin g Testing
R238 Fahan Road Realignment Developme nt
Dublin
Highly Significant
1996
Margaret Gowen
96E170
284
NAME
St. Michael le Pole St. Michael le Pole
County
Dublin
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
1993
Compan y
Dublin Corporatio n Dublin Archaeolo gical Research Team Freelance
Exc. License
93E0153
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
Dublin
1981
E217
Testing
St. Michael's Church, Wexford Town St. Michael's Church, Wexford Town St. Michan's
Wexford
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Viking/Hiberno Norse Wexford Viking/Hiberno Norse Wexford Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Ecclesiastical
No significance
1994
94E198
Rescue
None
Wexford
No significance
1994
Freelance
94E202
Testing
None
Dublin
Uncertain
1993
ADS
93E0026
Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt Developme nt
St. Michan's
Dublin
Uncertain
2002
Margaret Gowen ADS
02E0096
Testing
St. Michan's
Dublin
Uncertain
1996
96E071
Rescue
St. Michan's
Dublin
Uncertain
1996
ADS
96E384
Rescue
St. Michan's
Dublin
Uncertain
2000
Archaeolo gical Projects ArchCor
00E0504
Testing
St. Miloc, Ballygarve, Site 1 St. Minin, Kilminnin
Antrim
Uncertain
1997
Testing
Waterfor d
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1999
Freelance
99E0665
Testing
St. Mobhi, Glasnevin
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2002
St. Mobhi, Glasnevin St. Mobhi, Glasnevin St. Mobhi, Glasnevin St. Mobhi, Kilmovee, Portlaw St. Mochae, Nendrum, Mahee Island
Dublin
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1989
National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas OPW
02E1487
Testing
Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1996
Judith Carroll Freelance
96E0343
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1996
96E055
Testing
Waterfor d Down
Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastic al
Uncertain
1998
Freelance
98E0558
Testing
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1999
St. Mochae, Nendrum, Mahee Island
Down
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2001
Down
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2000
St. Mochae, Nendrum, Mahee Island St. Mochaomho g's, Leigh St. Mochelloc, Abbeyfarm, Kilmallock
Down
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1979
University Ulster Centre for Maritime Archaeolo gy University Ulster Centre for Maritime Archaeolo gy University Ulster Centre for Maritime Archaeolo gy N I Historic Monument s Branch QUB
Research
AE/01/44
Research
None
Research
None
Research
None
Tipperar y Limerick
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1968/1 969/19 70 1998
Research
None
Ecclesiastical
No significance
98E0538
Testing
Developme nt
285
NAME
St. Mochelloc, Abbeyfarm, Kilmallock St. Mochelloc, Abbeyfarm, Kilmallock St. Mochelloc, Abbeyfarm, Kilmallock St. Mochelloc, Abbeyfarm, Kilmallock St. Mochonna, Feakle St. Mochta's, Louth, Louth St. Mochua, Balla St. Mochua, Balla St. Mochua, Celbridge St. Mochua, Celbridge St. Mochua, Celbridge St. Mochua, Celbridge St. Mochua, Celbridge St. Molaga, Bremore St. Molaga, Bremore St. Molaga, Labbamolag a Middle St. Molagga, Templemola gga Church, Aghacross St. Molagga, Templemola gga Church, Aghacross St. Molaise, Teampall na mban St. Moling
County
Limerick
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site
Category
Ecclesiastical
No significance
Year
2001
Compan y
Limerick Corporatio n Freelance
Exc. License
01E0292
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Residential Developme nt E.S.B. Developme nt Developme nt
Limerick
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1999/2 000
99E0215
Monitorin g
Limerick
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2001
Limerick Corporatio n UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Freelance
01E0300
Testing
Limerick
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2002
02E1659
Conservat ion
None
Clare
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance Significant
2001
01E0217
Testing
Cemetery Extension Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Bord Gais Pipeline extension Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Louth
1994/1 995 1997 1996/1 997 1999
ACS
94E0027
Testing
Mayo Mayo Kildare
Freelance Freelance Margaret Gowen ArchTech Margaret Gowen ADS
97E0156 96E373
Kildare Kildare
1998 1995
98E0104 95E014
Testing Testing
Kildare
2002
02E0065
Testing
Kildare
1996
ArchTech
96E186
Testing
Dublin
2001
CRDS
01E0370
Rescue
Dublin
2001
CRDS
01E0311
Testing
Cork
1995
UCC
95E94
Research
Cork
Ecclesiastical
General
1993
Cork Corporatio n Eachtra
93E0044
Conservat ion
None
Cork
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
General
1996/2 000
96E136
Conservat ion
None
Sligo
Ecclesiastical
General
1999
Carlow
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2001
St. Moling
Carlow
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2002
St. Moling St. Moling, Brosna Knocknagos hel
Carlow Kerry
2000 1999
University of Glasgow UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit ACS Eachtra
99E0380
Rescue
Coastal Erosion Residential Developme nt
01E0712
Testing
02E0459
Monitorin g
00E0001 99E0368
Testing Monitorin g
Developme nt Brosna Knocknagos hel Regional Water Supply Scheme Developme nt Cemetery Extension Residential Developme nt
St. Mosacra, Saggart St. Mosacra, Saggart St. Mosacra, Saggart
Dublin Dublin Dublin
1996 1999 2001
96E053 99E0229 01E0108
286
NAME
St. Mosacra, Saggart St. Mosacra, Saggart St. Muiredach O'Heney, Banagher Church, Magheramor e St. Muiredach's Church, Killala St. Muiredach's Church, Killala St. Multose, Kinsale
County
Dublin Dublin Derry
EMAP_Class
Category
Year
2002 2002 1970
Compan y
Freelance GAC/GCA Ltd. N I Historic Monument s Branch
Exc. License
02E0114 02E1305
Exc. Type
Testing Testing Conservat ion
Route Scheme
Developme nt Developme nt None
Mayo
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2000
Freelance
00E0555
Testing
Developme nt
Mayo
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2002
Cork
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1994
St. Multose's Church, Kinsale St. Multose's Church, Kinsale
Cork
1998
North West Archaeolo gical Services UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Sheila Lane UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Sheila Lane Sheila Lane Margaret Gowen
02E0892
Testing
Developme nt
94E137
Testing
98E0007
Testing
Cork
1994
94E137
Testing
St. Multose's Church, Kinsale St. Multose's Church, Kinsale St. Munchin, Kilrush church, Derravoher
Cork
1999
99E0367
Testing
Developme nt Developme nt Limerick Main Drainage Scheme (Northern Lower Interceptor Sewerage Pipeline) Uncertain
Cork
1999
99E0032
Testing
Limerick
1999
98E0579
Testing
St. Naechtain, Dungiven St. Naechtain, Dungiven St. Naechtain, Dungiven St. Nectan, Killuney St. Nessan's, Skehacregg aun, Mungret St. Nicholas, Galway
Derry
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1975
N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch ADS Limerick Corporatio n National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas ADS 98E0428
Conservat ion Conservat ion Research
Derry
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1970
None
Derry
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1982/1 983 1994 1992
None
Armagh Limerick
Testing Testing
Galway
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1998
Conservat ion
Developme nt
St. Nicholas's Church, Dundalk St. Nicholas's Church, Dundalk St. Nicholas's Church, Dundalk St. Nicholas's Church, South Bank
Louth
medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
1996
96E323
Testing
Louth
Ecclesiastical
1996
Freelance
96E295
Testing
Louth
Ecclesiastical
1997
Freelance
97E0208
Testing
Cork
1999
St. Nicholas's Church, South Bank
Cork
Ecclesiastical Site
General
1994
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit
99E0648
Testing
94E012
Testing
Developme nt
287
NAME
County
Cork
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site
Category
General
Year
1994
Compan y
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Sheila Lane ACS
Exc. License
93E154
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
Developme nt
St. Nicholas's Church, South Bank St. Ninian, Cloncurry, Site 67 St. Ninian, Cloncurry, Site 67 St. Ninian, Cloncurry, Site 67
Cork
Viking/Hiberno Norse Cork Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
General
2002
02E0693
Rescue
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt M4 Kinnegad Enfield Kilcock Motorway Scheme Contract 3 Quarry/Mine
Kildare
1995
Kildare
2001
Valerie J Keeley
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2002
IAC
02E0139
Testing
St. Odran, Killoran 31 St. Olaf, Barrack StreetMay's Street, Wexford St. Owen's, Ballymore St. Patrick, Aghanagh
Tipperar y Wexford
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Viking Urban Settlement
Ecclesiastical
General
1998
Margaret Gowen ADS 93E0190
Rescue
Viking/Hiberno Norse Wexford
Significant
1993/1 994/19 95
Testing
Wexford Town Drainage Scheme Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Westme ath Sligo
2001
Freelance
01E0349
Testing
1998
St. Patrick, Armagh
Armagh
Ecclesiastical
Highly Significant
1988
St. Patrick, Armagh St. Patrick, Armagh St. Patrick, Armagh
Armagh Armagh
MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement
Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant
2002 1992
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast ACS N I Historic Monument s Branch Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy ADS N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy N I Historic Monument s Branch
98E0588
Testing
Rescue
Developme nt
AE/02/47
Rescue Rescue
Armagh
Ecclesiastical
2001
AE/01/31
Monitorin g
St. Patrick, Armagh St. Patrick, Armagh St. Patrick, Armagh St. Patrick, Armagh
Armagh Armagh
MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement
Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant
1999 1981
Testing Rescue
Armagh
Ecclesiastical
1989/1 990/19 91 1998
Testing
Armagh
Ecclesiastical
Testing
St. Patrick, Armagh
Armagh
Ecclesiastical
Highly Significant
St. Patrick, Castleboy, Tara St. Patrick, Coleraine St. Patrick, Coleraine St. Patrick, Coleraine St. Patrick, Coleraine
Meath
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al General General
1975/1 976/19 77/197 8/1979 /1980/ 1983/1 985/19 86 1992
Rescue
Developme nt
OPW
Conservat ion AE/02/10 1 Monitorin g Rescue
None
Derry Derry
2002 1993
ADS N I Historic Monument s Branch ADS ADS
Derry Derry
General General
1997 1998/1 999
Testing Rescue
288
NAME
St. Patrick, Coleraine
County
Derry
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site
Category
Ecclesiastic al General
Year
1999
Compan y
Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch ADS National Monument s and Historic Properties, Dchas ADS
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Monitorin g
Route Scheme
Developme nt
St. Patrick, Coleraine St. Patrick, Coleraine St. Patrick, Comber St. Patrick, Donagh Church, Churchland Quarters, Carndonagh St. Patrick, Donagh Church, Churchland Quarters, Carndonagh St. Patrick, Donagh Church, Churchland Quarters, Carndonagh St. Patrick, Donaghmoy ne St. Patrick, Downpatrick
Derry
General
1980
Rescue
Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt None
Derry
General
1978
Rescue
Down Donegal
2002 1998
AE/02/11 1
Testing Testing
Donegal
Ecclesiastical
General
2001
01E0598
Testing
Developme nt
Donegal
Ecclesiastical
General
2001
Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd.
01E0114
Monitorin g
Carndonag h Sewerage Scheme
Monagh an Down
Ecclesiastical
General
1999/2 000 1997
Ecclesiastical
Highly Significant
St. Patrick, Downpatrick
Down
Ecclesiastical
Highly Significant
1996
Dchas FAS scheme Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast ADS
99E0697
Testing
Uncertain
Rescue
Developme nt
Testing
St. Patrick, Downpatrick St. Patrick, Downpatrick St. Patrick, Downpatrick
Down
Ecclesiastical
1974
Ulster Museum ADS
Rescue
Unidentified Road Developme nt None
Down
Ecclesiastical
1998
Rescue
Down
Ecclesiastical
1997
St. Patrick, Downpatrick St. Patrick, Downpatrick St. Patrick, Downpatrick
Down
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
1994
Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast ADS
Rescue
Rescue
Down
Ecclesiastical
1984
N I Historic Monument s Branch Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast N I Historic Monument s Branch Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore North West Archaeolo gical Services Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore ADS Freelance 02E0917
Rescue
Down
Ecclesiastical
1992
Rescue
St. Patrick, Downpatrick St. Patrick, Elphin
Down
Ecclesiastical
1986/1 987 2002
Rescue
Cemetery Extension Unidentified Road Developme nt Residential Developme nt Roscommon Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Roscom mon
Ecclesiastical
Testing
St. Patrick, Elphin
Roscom mon
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2001
01E0704
Testing
St. Patrick, Elphin
Roscom mon
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
2000
00E0579
Testing
St. Patrick, Elphin St. Patrick, Kilpatrick
Roscom mon Louth
2000 2002
00E0171 02E1382
Testing Monitorin g
289
NAME
St. Patrick, Kilpatrick, Corbetstown St. Patrick, Tawnagh, Riverstown St. Patrick, Turlough St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral St. Patrick's Church, Glebe
County
Westme ath
EMAP_Class
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Category
Ecclesiastical
Highly Significant
Year
1973/1 975/19 77/198 0/1981 2002
Compan y
St. Patrick's University College Freelance
Exc. License
E124
Exc. Type
Research
Route Scheme
None
Sligo
No significance No significance General General No significance
02E0821
Testing
Residential Developme nt E.S.B. Developme nt None Developme nt None
Mayo
2001
Freelance
Testing
Dublin Dublin Antrim
Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Ecclesiastical
2001/2 002 2002 1997
Margaret Gowen Margaret Gowen Environme nt & Heritage Service, Belfast OPW
01E0695 02E0163
conservati on Rescue Conservat ion
St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel St. Patrick's Well, Finglas St. Patrick's, Kilkenny St. Patrick's, Kilkenny St. Patrick's, Kilkenny
Tipperar y Tipperar y Tipperar y Dublin
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Well
Ecclesiastical
Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Ecclesiastic al No significance Uncertain
1989
Conservat ion 92E0202 Conservat ion Conservat ion 99E0196 Monitorin g Rescue
None
Ecclesiastical
1992/1 993 1983
OPW
None
Ecclesiastical
OPW
None
1999
Margaret Gowen Judith CarrollEac htra Judith CarrollEac htra Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services ACS
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical
1998/1 999 1997/1 998/19 99 2001
98E0402
Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
97E0468
Testing
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
01E0272
Testing
St. Peters Church, Balrothery St. Peters Church, Balrothery St. Peters Church, Balrothery St. Peters Church, Balrothery St. Peters Church, Glebe South, Balrothery St. Peter's Church St. Peter's Church
Dublin
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
General
2002
02E1316
Testing
Cemetery Extension Residential Developme nt None
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
1994
John Channing ACS
94E122
Testing
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
1999
99E0026
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
2000
ArchTech
00E0034
Dublin
Ecclesiastical
General
2000
ArchTech
00E0034
Testing
Waterfor d Waterfor d
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford
1990
Waterford Corporatio n Waterford Archaeolo gical Excavatio ns Waterford Corporatio n Waterford Archaeolo gical Excavatio ns Waterford Archaeolo gical Excavatio ns ACS
E527
Rescue
1989
E520
Rescue
St. Peter's Church St. Peter's Church
Waterfor d Waterfor d
Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford Viking/Hiberno Norse Waterford
1988
E435
Rescue
1986/1 987/19 88
E343
Rescue
St. Peter's Church
Waterfor d
Highly Significant
1989
E421!
Rescue
Developme nt
St. Peter's Church, Drogheda St. Peter's Church, Drogheda
Louth
1999
99E0543
Testing
Louth
1998
ACS
98E0323
Testing
290
NAME
St. Peter's Church, Drogheda St. Peter's Church, Stephen Street GreatSteph en Street LowerDigges LaneLongfor d Street LittleLongfor d Street Great St. Peter's Church, Stephen Street GreatSteph en Street LowerDigges LaneLongfor d Street LittleLongfor d Street Great St. Peter's Church, Stephen Street GreatSteph en Street LowerDigges LaneLongfor d Street LittleLongfor d Street Great St. Peter's Church, Stephen Street GreatSteph en Street LowerDigges LaneLongfor d Street LittleLongfor d Street Great St. Ruadhan's, Lorrha St. Ruadhan's, Lurgoe, Derrynaflan St. Rynagh's Church, Banagher
County
Louth
EMAP_Class
medieval ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Category
Ecclesiastic al No significance Significant
Year
1995
Compan y
ACS
Exc. License
O090760
Exc. Type
Monitorin g Testing
Route Scheme
Dublin
2000/2 001/20 03
Margaret Gowen
00E0136
Dublin
Significant
1999
IAC
97E0094
Testing
Developme nt
Dublin
Significant
1999/2 000
IAC
00E0559
Monitorin g
Developme nt
Dublin
Significant
2000/2 001
Margaret Gowen
00E0137
Testing
Developme nt
Enclosed ecclesiastical site MultiPhase settlement
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2002
ACS
01E1055
Rescue
Significant
Offaly
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1983/1 984/19 85/198 6/1987 2001
National Museum
E320
Research
St. Rynagh's Church, Banagher St. Rynagh's Church, Banagher St. Rynagh's Church, Banagher St. Rynagh's Church, Banagher St. Rynagh's Church, Banagher St. Rynagh's Church, Banagher St. Sechnaill, Dunshaughli n St. Sechnaill, Dunshaughli n
Offaly
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1998
Offaly
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance Significant
1994
Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. OPW
Testing
98E0301
Monitorin g
Developme nt
Monitorin g Testing
Offaly
1992
OPW
Residential Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Offaly
2002
Eachtra
Monitorin g Monitorin g 02E1867 Testing
Offaly
1997
Offaly
2002
Meath
1991
Freelance
Testing
Meath
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1995
Margaret Gowen
94E178
Testing
291
NAME
St. Sechnaill, Dunshaughli n St. Sechnaill, Dunshaughli n St. Selskar's Church St. Senach, Aghagower St. Senach, Aghagower St. Senach, Aghagower
County
Meath
EMAP_Class
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Category
Ecclesiastical
Significant
Year
1999
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
99E0114
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Meath
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2002
Freelance
02E1387
Testing
Wexford
Viking/Hiberno Norse Wexford Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al
1973
OPW
Conservat ion 01E0164 Testing
Mayo
2001
Freelance
Residential Developme nt Developme nt Developme nt
Mayo
2002
Freelance
02E1680
Mayo
2002
St. Senan, Laraghbyran East St. Senan, Scattery Island St. Senan, Scattery Island St. Senan, Scattery Island St. Senan, Templeshann on, Enniscorthy St. Senan, Templeshann on, Enniscorthy St. Senan, Templeshann on, Enniscorthy St. Senan, Templeshann on, Enniscorthy St. Senan, Templeshann on, Enniscorthy
Kildare
1997
Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. Margaret Gowen Freelance
02E1551
97E0390
Monitorin g Conservat ion Testing
Bord Gais Pipeline extension None
Clare
Clare
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2001/2 002/20 03 2001
01E0662
Eachtra
01E0660
Landfill
Clare
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2001
Eachtra
01E0661
None
Wexford
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1995
Freelance
95E266
Developme nt
Wexford
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1997
Freelance
97E0049
Testing
Developme nt
Wexford
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1997
Freelance
97E0374
Testing
Developme nt
Wexford
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1996
Freelance
96E52
Testing
Developme nt
Wexford
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1997
St. Senan's Clare Altar, Tullaher St. Senanus, Clonlea, Kilkishen St. Sillan, Glen Munire, Ballyman St. Sillan, Glen Munire, Ballyman Clare
Pilgrimage Station Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain Significant
1990 2000
Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services OPW Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Ltd. Freelance
97E0202
Testing
Developme nt
Conservat ion 00E0670 Monitorin g
None Kilkishen Sewerage Scheme Golf course
Dublin
Significant
2002
02E1864
Testing
Dublin
Significant
St. Sinchell's, Killeigh St. Sinchell's, Killeigh St. Sinchell's, Killeigh St. Sinchell's, Killeigh St. Sineach, Glenbane
Offaly
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1979/1 980/19 81/198 2/1983 /1984/ 1985/1 986 1991
Rathmicha el Historical Society
E182
Research
None
ADS
Testing
Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Quarry/Mine
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1995/1 997 1999/2 000 2002
Dominic Delany Dominic Delany Freelance
95E0015
Testing
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
99E0348
Testing
Offaly
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
02E1006
Testing
Tipperar y
Ecclesiastical
General
1985
OPW
Rescue
292
NAME
St. Stephen Church, Lower Stephen StreetDigges Lane St. Stephen Church, Lower Stephen StreetDigges Lane St. Stephen Church, Lower Stephen StreetDigges Lane St. Tassach, Raholp Old Church, Raholp St. Thomas, Church Hill, Wicklow Town St. Thomas, Church Hill, Wicklow Town St. Thomas, Church Hill, Wicklow Town St. Thomas, Church Hill, Wicklow Town St. Tigernach, Clones St. Tigernach, Clones St. Tigernach, Clones St. Volgue, Carnsore
County
Dublin
EMAP_Class
Ecclesiastical Site
Category
General
Year
1992
Compan y
ADS
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
Developme nt
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
General
1991
Margaret Gowen
Testing
Developme nt
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
General
1991
Freelance
Rescue
Developme nt
Down
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
General
1989
N I Historic Monument s Branch ADS 99E0425
Conservat ion
None
Wicklow
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1999
Testing
Developme nt
Wicklow
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
2002
Eachtra
02E1356
Testing
Wicklow
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1998
ADS
98E0298
Testing
Wicklow
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
No significance
1998
IAC
98E0555
Monitorin g
Unidentified Sewerage Scheme Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt
Monagh an Monagh an Monagh an Wexford
2000 1998 2001
Uncertain Uncertain ACS
00E0301 98E0245 01E0869
2002
St. Volgue, Carnsore Staad Abbey, Agharow Staad Abbey, Agharow Stacumny House, Celbridge Stamullin Steelrow, Killorglin Stonylane, Ardee Stradbally North, Castleconnel l Stradbally North, Castleconnel l Strandsend
Wexford
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Pilgrimage Hostel Pilgrimage Hostel Cemetery Site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1975
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit UCC
02E0160
Monitorin g
Rescue
E.S.B. Developme nt Coastal Erosion Coastal Erosion Developme nt Uncertain Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Developme nt
Sligo
Ecclesiastical
General
1993
QUB
93E0110
Rescue
Sligo
Ecclesiastical
General
2000
QUB
00E0235
Rescue
Kildare
Cemetery/Buri al Ecclesiastical Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Unenclosed
Significant
1997
ADS
97E0119
Testing
Meath Kerry
Ecclesiastical Site ringfort
General No significance No significance No significance
1995 2002
ArchTech Eachtra
95E143 02E0706
Testing Testing
Louth
ringfort
2002
Freelance
02E1466
Monitorin g Testing
Limerick
Souterrain
2002
Aegis Archaeolo gy Freelance
02E0435
Limerick
Undated ecclesiastical site Souterrain
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1990
Testing
Uncertain
Kerry
Unenclosed
General
2001
Eachtra
01E0792
Testing
Sunday Well, Moate Commons, Clane
Kildare
Well
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
2002
Freelance
Testing
Unidentified Road Developme nt Residential Developme nt
293
NAME
Sunday Well, Moate Commons, Clane Tabor Lodge Ringfort Tamlaght
County
Kildare
EMAP_Class
Well
Category
Year
2000
Compan y
Freelance
Exc. License
00E0331
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Uncertain
Cork
ringfort
General
1993
UCG
93E0007
Testing
Tyrone
ringfort
General
1982
N I Historic Monument s Branch CRDS 99E0581
Uncertain
Tankardstow n
Meath
ringfort
No significance
1999
Monitorin g
Teampull na mBeinad , Croughateski n, Ballymacarbr y Teltown
Waterfor d
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1998
Meath
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Undated ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastic al
2000
99E0589
Monitorin g
Ashbourne Ratoath Kilbride Sewerage Scheme Developme nt
00E0110
Testing
Temple Galway Jarlath, Tuam Temple Galway Jarlath, Tuam Templebeg, Kilfarnoge Templebeg, Kilfarnoge Templeglanti ne Templemary, Buavanagh Templemich ael, Caherconlish Templemona ghan, Glenmore Ballybofey Kerry
2001/2 002 2002
Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance No significance
2002
Galway Corporatio n Galway Corporatio n Freelance
01E1193
Conservat ion Conservat ion Testing
02E1465
None
02E0911
Developme nt Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt R252 Glenfinn Glenmore Road Improvemen t Scheme N4 Boyle Ballinafad Road Improvemen t N4 Boyle Ballinafad Road Improvemen t M50 Southern Cross Route Motorway Residential Developme nt M50 Southern Cross Route Motorway M7 Kildare Motorway Bypass None
Kerry
2002
Freelance
02E0913
Testing
Limerick
2001
Eachtra
01E0436
Testing
Cork
2002
Eachtra
02E1355
Testing
Limerick
2002
Freelance
02E1588
Donegal
2001
ADS
01E0609
Templenadri ney, Erris
Roscom mon
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1989
Valerie J Keeley
Testing
Templenadri ney, Erris
Roscom mon
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
Significant
1993
Valerie J Keeley
93E0151
Rescue
The Brehon's Chair, Taylorsgrang e The Brehon's Chair, Taylorsgrang e The Brehon's Chair, Taylorsgrang e The Curragh
Dublin
Agricultural
General
1987
Valerie J Keeley
Rescue
Dublin
Agricultural
General
1996
IAC
96E0091
Rescue
Dublin
Agricultural
General
1984
Valerie J Keeley
Testing
Kildare
ringfort
1998
Valerie J Keeley Achill Archaeolo gical Summer School OPW
98E05939 8E0594 91E0047
Testing
'The Deserted Village', Slievemore (Toir), Achill Island The Fisherman's Grave, Lackan
Mayo
Souterrain
1995/1 998/19 99/200 0/2001 /2002 1991
Research
Sligo
Burial Site
Cemetery/Buri al
Uncertain
Rescue
Coastal Erosion
294
NAME
The Point, Lambay Island The Point, Lambay Island Tibradden
County
Dublin
EMAP_Class
Cemetery Site
Category
Cemetery/Buri al Cemetery/Buri al Industrial
Uncertain
Year
1995
Compan y
UCD
Exc. License
95E140
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
Coastal Erosion Coastal Erosion M50 Southern Cross Route Motorway Developme nt Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt None
Dublin
Cemetery Site
Uncertain
2002
UCD
02E0649
Rescue
Dublin
Uncertain
1998
Valerie J Keeley
98E0206
Monitorin g
Timolin Timolin
Kildare Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site medieval ecclesiastical site medieval ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical
1996/2 002 1996
Freelance Freelance
96E140
Monitorin g Testing
Timoole
Meath
2002
Freelance
02E1390
Testing
Tisrara church, Carrowntem ple Toberdowne y
Roscom mon
1994
OPW
94E0020
Conservat ion
Antrim
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1999
Tobermartin, Kerry Tarmons East, Tarbert Toberreendo ney, Gortadroma Toberreendo ney, Gortadroma Tobertynan (BGE 1a/35/2) Limerick
Well
Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastic al Agricultural
2001
Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy Eachtra
Monitorin g
01E0452
Residential Developme nt Landfill
Well
2001
01E0737
Limerick
Well
1998
98E0467
Landfill
Meath
2002
02E0857
Rescue
Tobin Street, South Island Tonroe
Cork Roscom mon
Viking/Hiberno Norse Cork Settlement Enclosure
1984 2002
UCC Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services Discovery Programm e National Museum Valerie J Keeley Aegis Archaeolo gy Archaeolo gical Services Unit, Oranmore Dominic Delany Sheila Lane University of Glasgow
E272 02E1021
Rescue Testing
Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Ballough to Kinnegad Phase 1A) Developme nt Residential Developme nt
Tonymore North, Lough Kinale Tonymore North, Lough Kinale 'Toole's Moat', Old Connaught Toor
Longford crannog
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Cemetery/Buri al Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
General
2002
02E1069
Research
None
Longford crannog
General
1987
E883
Research
None
Dublin
Cemetery Site
Uncertain
1989
Rescue
Tipperar y Galway
ringfort
2002
02E1309
Monitorin g Rescue
Townparks,Tu am
enclosure
1995
95E84
Townparks,Tu am Trantstown, Watergrasshil l Trathan na Righfhear, The Cell of the Royal Men (Trahaun O Riain!), Inishmurray Tray, Haughey's Fort Trim Castle
Galway
enclosure
Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Ecclesiastical
Uncertain
1999
99E0513
Monitorin g Testing
Cork
Well
2002
02E0590
Sligo
Pilgrimage Station
1997
97E0256
Rescue
N11 Shankill Bray Bypass Road Residential Developme nt Tuam Regional Water Supply Scheme Stage 2 Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Coastal Erosion
Armagh
Iron Age Royal Site Unenclosed Habitation Site
Miscellaneous
General
1995
QUB
Research
None
Meath
Unenclosed
General
1995 98
Archaeolo gical Projects
95E77
Conservat ion
None
295
NAME
Trim Castle
County
Meath
EMAP_Class
Category
Unenclosed
General
Year
1978
Compan y
OPW
Exc. License
Exc. Type
Testing
Route Scheme
Unidentified Water Supply Scheme None
Trim Castle
Meath
Unenclosed
General
Trinity Well, Louth Termonfeckin
Well
Ecclesiastic al
No significance
1971/1 972/19 73/197 4 2001
OPW
Conservat ion
TrottsCloona deravally
Sligo
ringfort
No significance
2002
TruskaManni nmoreManni nbeg, False Bay, Ballyconeely TruskaManni nmoreManni nbeg, False Bay, Ballyconeely Tuckey Street, South Island
Galway
Midden
Unenclosed
General
1994
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services QUB
01E0490
Testing
Baltray Termonfecki n Sewerage Scheme Unidentified Road Developme nt Coastal Erosion
02E1169
Monitorin g
94E128
Rescue
Galway
Midden
Unenclosed
General
1992
QUB
Rescue
Coastal Erosion
Cork
General
1997
Tuckey Street, South Island Tuckey StreetSouth Main Street, South Island Tudar's Fort, Caheratooth er, Carrowkeel Tullaghedy Tullerboy, (BGE 3/72/3)
Cork
General
1999
UCC Archaeolo gical Services Unit Cork Corporatio n OPW
97E040
Rescue
Developme nt
96E0157
Monitorin g
Cork
Significant
1975 77
E146
Rescue
Cork Main Drainage Scheme Contract 1 Developme nt
Galway
cashel
No significance
1997
Freelance
97E0015
Testing
Residential Developme nt N52 Nenagh Bypass Road Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Cappaneas ta Goatisland Phase 3) Developme nt Residential Developme nt Farm Improvemen t Scheme Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt Uncertain
Tipperar y Limerick
Industrial Industrial
General Uncertain
1998/1 999 2002
ADS Margaret Gowen
98E0540 02E0472
Rescue Rescue
Tully
Antrim
raised ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Ecclesiastic al Unenclosed
Significant
1970
Rescue
Tully
Roscom mon Armagh
cashel
2000
Monitorin g Rescue
Tullyalian
ringfort
1971
Tullyallen
Louth
medieval ecclesiastical site Unenclosed Habitation Site
1999
Testing
Tullygarley
Antrim
1999
ADS
Rescue
Tullylish
Down
Uncertain
Miscellaneous
Uncertain
1983
N I Historic Monument s Branch Freelance
Uncertain
Tullynagrack en North Tullynure
Sligo
ringfort
1991
Monitorin g Testing
Derry
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ringfort & Souterrain
1985
N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch N I Historic Monument s Branch
Residential Developme nt Residential Developme nt Unidentified Road Developme nt None
Turnarobert
Antrim
Significant
1991
Rescue
Turraloskin
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical
General
1978
Conservat ion
296
NAME
TyoneMoan beg
County
Tipperar y
EMAP_Class
Category
Industrial
Uncertain
Year
2001
Compan y
ADS
Exc. License
02E1204
Exc. Type
Rescue
Route Scheme
Nenagh Main Drainage and Sewerage Scheme Residential Developme nt Nenagh Main Drainage and Sewerage Scheme Residential Developme nt Coastal Erosion
TyoneMoan beg TyoneMoan beg
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
GAC Ltd.
02E1413
Rescue
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
ADS
02E1048
Monitorin g
TyoneMoan beg Ulai Mhuire, Mary's altar, Ollamurray, Inishmurray Underhill, Dunmanway v Urney Vesnoy Warren a.k.a. Drum, Boyle Washington Street, South Island Washington Street, South Island Washington Street, South Island Werburgh Street Westereave
Tipperar y Sligo
Metal/Iron working site Pilgrimage Station
Industrial
Uncertain
2002
GAC/GCA Ltd. University of Glasgow Sheila Lane QUB Freelance Freelance
02E1254
Monitorin g Rescue
Ecclesiastical
Significant
2000
00E0484
Cork
Souterrain
Unenclosed
2001
01E1197
Developme nt None Developme nt Residential Developme nt Cork Main Drainage Scheme Contract 2 Developme nt Cork Main Drainage Scheme Contract 2 Developme nt Bord Gais Ballough Kilshane Pipeline Bord Gais Northeaster n Pipeline Unidentified Water Supply Scheme Residential Developme nt M1 Dunleer Dundalk Motorway M1 Dunleer Dundalk Motorway M1 Dunleer Dundalk Motorway M1 Dunleer Dundalk Motorway N8 Cashel Bypass Road
Tyrone Roscom mon Roscom mon Cork
ringfort ringfort ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Viking/Hiberno Norse Cork
1970/1 971 1998 2000
98E0453 00E0766
Testing Testing
2001 03
Cork Corporatio n Cork Corporatio n Cork Corporatio n Archaeolo gical Projects Margaret Gowen
01E0984
Monitorin g
Cork
Viking/Hiberno Norse Cork Viking/Hiberno Norse Cork
General
1991
E625
Monitorin g Rescue
Cork
Significant
2002
02E0034
Dublin
Viking Urban Settlement MultiPhase settlement
Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Settlement Landscape
1994
94E025
Rescue
Dublin
1999
99E0219
Monitorin g
Westereave
Dublin
MultiPhase settlement Cashel & Souterrain
1988
Margaret Gowen Northern Archaeolo gical Consultan cy ArchTech
E466
Rescue
White Mountain Springs, Tamniarin, Dungiven Whitechurch
Derry
2000
AE/00/34
Monitorin g
Kildare
medieval ecclesiastical site Souterrain
Ecclesiastic al Unenclosed
2000/2 001 1993
00E0708
Testing
Whiterath
Louth
Valerie J Keeley Valerie J Keeley Valerie J Keeley Valerie J Keeley Mary Henry Archaeolo gical Services National Museum Margaret Gowen Valerie J Keeley
93E0102
Testing
Whiterath Site 2 Whiterath Site 2 Whiterath, Site 1 Windmill
Louth
ringfort
Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure Miscellaneous Settlement Enclosure Settlement Enclosure
2000
99E0485
Rescue
Louth
ringfort
Significant
1999
99E0485
Louth
Burnt/Refuse Pit ringfort
General
2000
Tipperar y
No significance
2002
02E0378
Testing
Winetavern Street, Wood Quay Winetavern Street, Wood Quay Woodside
Dublin
Viking Urban Settlement Viking Urban Settlement ringfort
Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Viking/Hiberno Norse Dublin Settlement Enclosure
1970/1 971/19 72 1990
E81
Rescue
Developme nt Unidentified Sewerage Scheme Uncertain
Dublin
Dublin
No significance
1998
297
NAME
Woodside
County
Dublin
EMAP_Class
ringfort
Category
No significance
Year
2002
Compan y
ArchTech
Exc. License
02E1584
Exc. Type
Monitorin g
Route Scheme
298
Appendix 2: Early Medieval Ringforts, Unenclosed Settlements and Ecclesiastical Sites

Ringfort list
NAME 26 Killeenyarda, Holycross Aghadegnan Ringfort, Templemichael Aghtaboy Altanagh Antrim Ashfort Aughnamullan Ballintotty Ballinvinny South Ballyculling Ballycummin Ballyduff County Tipperary Longford Mayo Tyrone Antrim Limerick Antrim Tipperary Cork Tipperary Limerick Limerick EMAP_Class ringfort MultiPhase settlement ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Significance General Highly Significant General Significant General General Significant Uncertain General Uncertain General Significant
Ballyglass Ballygortgarve Ballyhenry 1 Ballyhenry 2
Westmeath Antrim Antrim Antrim
ringfort raised ringfort ringfort raised ringfort
Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort
No significance General Significant General
Ballyhill Lower
Antrim
Ringfort
Significant
Ballykennedy Ballylessant
Antrim Down
MultiPhase settlement raised ringfort
Ringfort Raised Ringfort
Significant General
Ballymascanlan Ballymount Great Ballymurphy Ballynabooly
Louth Dublin Antrim Kerry
Ringfort & Souterrain raised ringfort raised ringfort ringfort
Ringfort Raised Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort
General General General General
299
Ballynagallagh, Lough Gur Ballynakill, Site 70 Ballypalady Ballyrobert Ballyshanaghill Rath, Ballyshanaghill Ballyshanaghill Rath, Ballyshanaghill Ballyvanran Balriggan Banduff Bellaghy Bawn, Bellaghy Big Glebe
Limerick Kildare Antrim Cork
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort ringfort ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort
Significant General Uncertain General
Antrim Tipperary Louth Cork Derry Derry
ringfort ringfort raised ringfort ringfort ringfort Raised Ringfort & Souterrain
Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort
Significant General General General General Highly Significant
Bigbog Bowling Green Brackenagh East British & Seacash BrownsbarnCollegeland Caheravart Cahernalee Carnmoney Carr
Kildare Tipperary Down Antrim Dublin Cork Galway Antrim Tyrone
ringfort ringfort ringfort raised ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort
No significance Significant General Significant No significance General General Significant Uncertain
Carrigaline Middle Carrowgobbadagh Carrowkeel Carrownalurgan 1 Cashel
Cork Sligo Mayo Mayo Tipperary
MultiPhase settlement ringfort MultiPhase settlement raised ringfort ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort
General General Significant General General
300
Castlegar Castlelands, Mallow Cavanapole Clasheen Clogher Demesne Cloongownagh Cloonlara
Mayo Cork Armagh Kerry Tyrone Roscommon Mayo
Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort ringfort ringfort MultiPhase settlement MultiPhase settlement ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort
General General General General Highly Significant Significant No significance
Colp West
Meath
Ringfort
Highly Significant
Coolcran Coolowen
Fermanagh Cork
Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort
Significant General
Cormeen Cregg Croom East
Meath Sligo Limerick
Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort
Croom Site 7 Crossnacreevy Dagda's fort, Lisdane, Site 1 Deer Park Farms Deerfin Lower
Limerick Down Limerick Antrim Antrim
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape raised ringfort ringfort Raised Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort
Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort
General Significant General Highly Significant General
Derrane Derrymore Fort, Bessbrook
Roscommon Armagh
ringfort ringfort Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort ringfort Iron Age Royal Site ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort
Dromthacker Drumbroneth Drumbroneth Dun Ailline, Knockaulin, Kilcullen Dunbell Big 5
Kerry Down Down Kildare Kilkenny
Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort
Significant General General General Significant
301
Dunbell Big 6 Dunsilly Emlagh West Ferns Finkiltagh Fontstown Upper Fort Hill, Moneygurney Fort William Garranebane Glanturkin Gleagormley, Kilcoan More Glebe, Site 43, Tully Gransha
Kilkenny Antrim Kerry Wexford Antrim Kildare Cork Sligo Kerry Cork Antrim Dublin Down
ringfort ringfort Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort raised ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort raised ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort
Significant Significant Significant General General No significance General General General Uncertain General Highly Significant Highly Significant
Haggardstown Haggardstown Hapsborough, Ballinea
Louth Louth Westmeath
Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort
InchBallyrenan 1 Killaderry
Down Offaly
Ringfort Ringfort
Killanully Killybegs Road Killycanavan Lower Killygreagh
Cork Antrim Tyrone Fermanagh
Ringfort & Souterrain raised ringfort ringfort ringfort
Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort
Significant General Uncertain General
Killyliss Kiltierney (Archdall Deerpark) Knockbounce
Tyrone Fermanagh Kildare
Significant General No significance
Lackan
Galway
ringfort
Ringfort
No significance
302
Lackan, Multyfarnham Lahard
Westmeath Kerry
Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort
General General
Leamnaguila Lecarrow
Kerry Sligo
ringfort ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort
Leiter, Bailieborough Leyland Road Industrial Estate, Site B
Cavan
ringfort Early Medieval Settlement Landscape
Ringfort
No significance
Antrim
Ringfort
General
Liscahane Lisdoo, Castle Balfour Demense, Lisnaskea Lisdrumchor Upper
Cork Fermanagh Armagh
Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort raised ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort
Significant Significant General
Lisduggan North 1 & 2 Lisduggan North 3 Lisgortnacaheragh, Carraig, Reenconnell Lisleagh I
Cork Cork
Ringfort Ringfort
Significant General
Kerry Cork
ringfort MultiPhase settlement
Ringfort Ringfort
Lisleagh II Lislear, Baronscourt Lismurphy Lisnacaheragh, Garranes
Cork Tyrone Derry Cork
Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort raised ringfort ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort
Significant General General Significant
'Lisnagun', Darrary Lisnatubbrid, Ballypatrick Lisseeghan Loughboy Loughnafina
Cork Tipperary Leitrim Kilkenny Tipperary
Ringfort & Souterrain ringfort ringfort MultiPhase settlement raised ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort
Significant No significance No significance Significant General
303
Magheraboy Maynetown
Sligo Dublin
Ringfort ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort
General General
'Meadowbank Rath', Jordanstown
Antrim
Raised Ringfort & Souterrain
Raised Ringfort
Significant
Millockstown Monascreebe Mount Sandel
Louth Louth Derry
MultiPhase settlement ringfort ringfort
Highly Significant No significance General
MountaintopIllistrin Moybella North
Donegal Kerry
Ringfort Ringfort
Moyne Mulhall's Fort, Graigues Narraghmore
Mayo Kildare Kildare
MultiPhase settlement ringfort ringfort
Significant No significance General
Nevinstown New Road, Ballybunnion Newtown
Meath Kerry Cork
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape ringfort ringfort
Raised Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort
Significant General No significance
Ninch, Laytown Old Bridge Court, Ballyvalley PetitswoodBallagh Phrompstown 1 Phrompstown 2 Poleglass Pollardstown Porterstown Portnashangan 1 Portnashangan 3 Poulacapple
Meath Down Westmeath Dublin Dublin Antrim Kildare Dublin Westmeath Westmeath Antrim
MultiPhase settlement ringfort enclosure ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort
Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort
Highly Significant General Uncertain General General General General Uncertain General General General
304
Rahardrum, Virginia
Cavan
raised ringfort
Raised Ringfort
No significance
Rathdown UpperTemplecarrig Lower Rathmullan Lower
Wicklow Down
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Raised Ringfort & Souterrain
Ringfort Raised Ringfort
'Rathnapoura', Rinville West
Galway
ringfort
Ringfort
General
Ringacoltig Ringmackilroy Scartbarry, 3 Scholarstown Scrahane 1 Seacash Shane's Castle Sheepwalk Rath, Sheepwalk Shewis ShinnaghRathmore Simonstown Skahanagh North, 3 Tabor Lodge Ringfort Tamlaght Tully Tullyalian
Cork Down Cork Dublin Kerry Antrim Antrim Roscommon Armagh Kerry Meath Cork Cork Tyrone Antrim Armagh
ringfort raised ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort ringfort raised ringfort ringfort
Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Ringfort Raised Ringfort Ringfort
No significance General Uncertain General Significant Significant General General General General Significant General General General Significant General
Turnarobert Urney Whiterath Site 2
Antrim Tyrone Louth
Significant General Significant
Unenclosed Habitation Sites

NAME Aghadegnan Ringfort, Templemichael County EMAP_Class CORE_TERM Unenclosed settlement Significance
Longford
Multi-Phase settlement
Highly Significant
305
Ardclone
Kilkenny
Unenclosed settlement
General
Balgeen 4 Ballycullen;Oldcourt, Site 1
Meath
Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement
General
Dublin
Significant
Ballygeale, Site 1 Ballykennedy Ballyvollen
Limerick Antrim Antrim
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Multi-Phase settlement Metal/Iron working site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape
Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement
Uncertain Significant Significant
Barrees Valley
Cork
Significant
Blackhills Lower Bray Head, Valentia Island Carrignamuck Carrigoran, Site EX1, 18 & 20 Cloghlucas South, 1/23/2 Coarha Beg, Valentia Island
Cavan
General
Kerry Wicklow
Multi-Phase settlement Unenclosed Habitation Site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Unenclosed Habitation Site
Clare Cork
Kerry
Significant
Drumadonnell Farrandreg Glen Fahan, Mount Eagle, Dingle Peninsula Kilkenny Castle Knowth
Down Louth Kerry Kilkenny Meath
Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Multi-Phase settlement
Significant General Uncertain General Highly Significant
Leyland Road Industrial Estate, Site B Markstown, Cullybackey
Antrim Antrim
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Unenclosed Habitation Site Early Medieval Settlement Landscape
Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement
General Significant
Marshes Upper
Louth
Highly Significant
Maynooth Castle
Kildare
Significant
306
Murgasty
Tipperary
Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement
Significant
Platin Randalstown Rossbeg II, Westport Sheepland Mor, Chapeltown
Meath Meath Mayo Down
Multi-Phase settlement Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site Unenclosed Habitation Site
Highly Significant General Uncertain General
Smithstown
Meath
Highly Significant
Solsborough, Site C1 Trim Castle
Tipperary Meath
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Unenclosed Habitation Site
Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement Unenclosed settlement
Significant General
Tullygarley
Antrim
General
Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Sites

NAME County EMAP_Class CORE_TERM Significance
Kerry
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Ardree/Ardreigh
Kildare
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Viking Urban Settlement
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Arundel Square;Peter Street
Waterford
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
Ballybarrack
Louth
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Ballybrolly
Armagh
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Ballynoe
Cork
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Ballyovey Church, Kilkeeran Boho Church, Toneel North &Reyfad
Mayo
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Fermanagh
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Caherlehillan
Kerry
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
307
Cappancur
Offaly
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Carrowreagh Christchurch Cathedral, Wood Quay
Down Dublin
General Significant
Christchurch, Waterford
Waterford
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
Conwal
Donegal
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
'Cross Church of Moreen', Balally
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Crumlin
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Devenish
Fermanagh
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Doras Dunmisk Dysart
Tyrone Tyrone Kilkenny
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Multi-Phase settlement Ecclesiastical Site
Significant Highly Significant General
Dysart Church, Cummeen
Roscommon
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Gallarus
Kerry
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
Glaspatrick, Croagh Patrick Glebe Grange of Mallusk
Mayo Westmeath Antrim
Holycross Illaunloughan Inch
Tipperary Kerry Down
No significance Significant General
308
Inchmacnerin, Church Island, Lough Key Jerpoint West, Thomastown Keeloguesbeg
Roscommon Kilkenny Galway
Ecclesiastical Site Cistercian Abbey Ecclesiastical Site
Significant No significance Significant
Kill St Lawrence
Waterford
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Killadeas Church, Rockfield
Fermanagh
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
Killeen Cormac, Colbinstown
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
Killelton Oratory, Killelton
Kerry
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Killylane
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Kilmore Kilnamonagh, Abbeytown
Cork Galway
General General
Lackagh
Tyrone
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
Lackenavorna, Killederdadrum
Tipperary
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
Laughanstown
Dublin
Early Medieval Artefacts
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Leachta Phadraig, Inishmurray Legarhill Mac Nissi, St Saviour's Church, Connor Moore Cemetery, Loughlackagh Moyne
Sligo Armagh
Pilgrimage Station Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
General General
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Roscommon Mayo
Ecclesiastical Site Multi-Phase settlement
General Significant
Newry Abbey Portmuck
Down Antrim
Cistercian Abbey Ecclesiastical Site
309
Randalstown Reask Church
Meath Kerry
Multi-Phase settlement Multi-Phase settlement Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Relig Odhrain, Inishmurray
Sligo
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Sceilig Michael
Kerry
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Skeam West
Cork
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Solar
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Aengus, Coolbanagher, Straboe Church
Laois
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Aidan, Kilmore
Armagh
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Assam, Raheny St. Audeon's Church, Woodquay Ward St. Boetan, Clontuskert Abbey, Abbeypark
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Galway
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Brecaun, Portersgate
Wexford
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Brendan, Ardfert
Kerry
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
St. Brendan, Clonfert Church
Galway
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Brendan, Coolock St. Brendan, Rosshill Abbey, Kilbeg Lower
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Galway
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
St. Bridget Church St. Brigid, Cherrywood/Lehaunstown/Lou ghlinstown,
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
General
310
St. Brigid, Kildare
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Brigid, Kill
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Bron, Killaspugbrone
Sligo
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
St. Buite, Lougboy
Louth
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Buite, Monasterboice
Louth
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
St. Caillin, Fenagh
Leitrim
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
St. Canice, Finglas
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Canice's, Aghaboe
Laois
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Carnech, Dulane St. Celi Crist, Kilteel Upper
Meath Kildare
St. Cianach, Duleek St. Ciaran, Clonmacnoise St. Ciaran, Kilkieran, Castletown St. Ciaran, Mainistir Chiarin, Inis Mor
Meath Offaly
Kilkenny Galway
General Significant
St. Ciaran, Sranure
Offaly
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Colman Elo, Muckamore St. Colman ua hEirc, Kilcash St. Colman, Clonrush Church, Meelick St. Colmcille's, Moone St. Colum mac Cremthainn, Iniscealtra (Holy Island)
Antrim Tipperary Clare Kildare
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Uncertain General General Significant
Clare
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
311
St. Columcille, Drumcliffe South
Sligo
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Columcille, Durrow
Offaly
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Columcille, kells
Meath
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Columcille, Swords St. Comgall, Antrim
Dublin Antrim
St. Corban, Naas St. Corran, Templecorran, Ballycarry;Forthill St. Cronan, Roscrea St. Cuan, Kilquane Church, Kilquane St. Darerca, Killevy Church, Ballintemple St. Delcan's, Ardmore St. Donard, Carnacavill St. Doulagh's, Kinsealy, Balgriffin St. Enda, Temple Benan, Killeany, Inis Mor St. Erc Nascai, Tullylish St. Fachtna's, Kilfenora St. Fechin, Gooreen;Sturrakeen, Omey Island
Kildare Antrim Tipperary Cork Armagh Waterford Down
Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
No significance General General No significance No significance General General
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Galway Down Clare
Significant Significant Uncertain
Galway
Multi-Phase settlement Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
St. Fechin, High Island St. Fechin, Teampall Bhaile na Cile, Oilen Ghorumna
Galway
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
Galway
Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Fechin, Termonfeckin St. Finan, Church Island, Loguh Carra
Louth Mayo
General Significant
St. Finbarr, South Bank, Cork
Cork
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
312
St. Finian, Movilla
Down
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Fintan Munna, Taghmon
Wexford
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Fintan, Sutton North
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Flannan, Killaloe
Clare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Gobnet's Church, Inisheer
Galway
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Grellan, Kilcloony St. Ingrin Baoith, Coad, Killinaboy St. John's Church, Ballymore Eustace St. John's Point
Galway Clare
Kildare Down
General General
St. Kevin, Glendalough
Wicklow
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Lasair, Aghavea
Fermanagh
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Lasair, Cullen St. Laurence, Chapelizod
Cork Dublin
St. Lomman, Trim
Meath
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Lughadih, Dromiskin
Louth
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Lurach, Maghera
Derry
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Luran, Derryloran
Tyrone
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Mac Cuillin, Lusk
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
313
St. Macartin, Errigal Keerogue
Tyrone
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Maccan, Boyle Abbey, Knocknashee
Roscommon
Cistercian Abbey
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Macnise, Kells
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
Roscommon
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
St. Maelruain, Tallaght St. Mary, Tuam
Dublin Galway
St. Mary's Church, Enniscorthy
Wexford
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
St. Mary's Cistercian Abbey
Dublin
Cistercian Abbey
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Maura, Fahan Church
Donegal
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Michael le Pole
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
St. Michan's
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Mobhi, Glasnevin St. Mochae, Nendrum, Mahee Island St. Mochaomhog's, Leigh St. Mochelloc, Abbeyfarm, Kilmallock St. Molaga, Labbamolaga Middle St. Molagga, Templemolagga Church, Aghacross
Dublin Down Tipperary
Uncertain Significant Significant
Limerick
Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
Cork Cork
Significant General
St. Molaise, Teampall na mban
Sligo
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Mosacra, Saggart St. Muiredach O'Heney, Banagher Church, Magheramore St. Muiredach's Church, Killala
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
Derry Mayo
General Uncertain
314
St. Munchin, Kilrush church, Derravoher
Limerick
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
St. Naechtain, Dungiven
Derry
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Nectan, Killuney St. Nicholas's Church, South Bank
Armagh Cork
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Viking Urban Settlement
St. Odran, Killoran 31 St. Olaf, Barrack Street;May's Street, Wexford
Tipperary Wexford
General Significant
St. Patrick, Armagh
Armagh
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
St. Patrick, Castleboy, Tara St. Patrick, Donagh Church, Churchland Quarters, Carndonagh
Meath
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
Donegal
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Patrick, Donaghmoyne
Monaghan
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Patrick, Elphin
Roscommon
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Patrick, Kilpatrick, Corbetstown
Westmeath
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
St. Patrick, Turlough
Mayo
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Patrick's Church, Glebe
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site
No significance
St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel
Tipperary
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
St. Patrick's, Kilkenny
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Peters Church, Balrothery St. Peters Church, Glebe South, Balrothery
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
General
315
St. Peter's Church St. Peter's Church, Stephen Street Great;Stephen Street Lower;Digges Lane;Longford Street Little;Longford Street Great
Waterford
Ecclesiastical Site
Highly Significant
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Ruadhan's, Lorrha St. Ruadhan's, Lurgoe, Derrynaflan
Tipperary
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Tipperary
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Sechnaill, Dunshaughlin
Meath
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Selskar's Church St. Senan, Scattery Island
Wexford Clare
St. Senanus, Clonlea, Kilkishen
Clare
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Sinchell's, Killeigh
Offaly
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Sineach, Glenbane St. Stephen Church, Lower Stephen Street;Digges Lane St. Tassach, Raholp Old Church, Raholp St. Thomas, Church Hill, Wicklow Town Stamullin
Tipperary
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Down Wicklow Meath
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Undated ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Stradbally North, Castleconnell Temple Jarlath, Tuam Templenadriney, Erris
Limerick Galway Roscommon
Uncertain Uncertain Significant
Trathan na Righ-fhear, The Cell of the Royal Men (Trahaun O Riain!), Inishmurray
Sligo
Pilgrimage Station
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Tullynure Turraloskin
Derry Antrim
General General
316
Ulai Mhuire, Mary's altar, Ollamurray, Inishmurray
Sligo
Pilgrimage Station
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
317
Appendix 3: Gazeteer of Settlement/Cemetery Sites
Sites with limited Settlement evidence

Coldwinters, Dublin 1999/2000 Valerie J Keeley 99E0548 M1 AirportBalbriggan Motorway Bypass Excavations at Coldwinters, Lusk, Co. Dublin in advance of the M1 AirportBalbriggan Motorway Bypass revealed a doubleditched enclosure. The outer ditch was 45m in diameter while the inner enclosed an area of 39m. Six eastwest burials were excavated within the interior of the site. A small circular ringditch measuring c. 10m in diameter, 0.8m wide and 0.30.8m deep was cut into the large enclosure. A single human extended supine burial contained within a slablined grave and covered by a few covering lintels was excavated within the centre of the ringditch and was aligned southeast/northwest. There were no gravegoods present. Two Mesolithic flakes, including a Bann flake, a small stone bead, a stone ring, five hammerstones, part of a medieval quernstone and iron slag were also recovered (Opie 2001). It appears that both the double ditched enclosure and the ringditch may be both early in date. (Opie 1999, Excavations Bulletin) Corkagh Demesne, Dublin 2001 Judith Carroll 01E0849 & 01E0911 River Camac Improvement Scheme A ditched enclosure was excavated at Corkagh Demesne near Clondalkin, Co. Dublin beside the Camac River Excavations revealed twenty inhumations inside the enclosure as well as industrial and potential milling evidence. Iron knives, bronze pins, glass beads and iron slag were recovered from the site as well as possible corndrying kilns (undated). The site was only partially excavated. (Carroll 2001, Excavations Bulletin). Park West Gallanstown, Dublin 1997 ACS Development Project An enclosure was excavated at Park West, Gallanstown near Clondalkin village, Co. Dublin. The enclosure was oval in form and 63m in diameter and contained 13 unprotected burials. A stone lined well and two shallow pits were excavated close by and found to contain Oats, wheat, barley, rye and legumes. The date of this agricultural evidence is uncertain (Purcell 2000, Excavations Bulletin). The site was only partially excavated (Purcell, 1999, Excavations Bulletin). Gracedieu, Dublin 1988 & 1999 Margaret Gowen E464, E440 & 99E0217 Bord Gais Northeastern Pipeline & Bord Gais BalloughKilshane Pipeline Excavations at Gracedieu in advance of the Bord Gais Northeastern Pipeline revealed a previously unknown enclosure which contained a cemetery. The site was situated close to a medieval Arroasian nunnery which was founded by Bishop John Cumin at Grace dieu c. 1190 and was known as St. Mary's Priory. 65 burials were found inside the main enclosure of which were lintelled. A conjoined Dshaped enclosure was attached to the main enclosure (Conway 1999, Excavations Bulletin). Eware, industrial ironworking, a multidirectional corndrying kiln as well as a number of shallow gullies and features which predated the cemetery were excavated at the site. The date of the kiln is uncertain (Gowen 1988, Excavations Bulletin). Augherskea, Meath 2002 Margaret Gowen 02E1229 Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (Ballough to Kinnegad Phase 1A) An enclosure was revealed at Augherskea, Co. Meath in advance of the Bord Gais Pipeline to the West Project. The enclosure had a diameter of 63m x 65m. A linear Vshaped northsouth ditch was excavated which predated the main enclosure and might represent the enclosure before the westward expansion of the cemetery. 187 burials and significant amounts of disarticulated bone were excavated. Agricultural activity was identified to the east of the burial enclosure and was composed of a series of drainage ditches. A fragment of a lignite bracelet
318
was recovered from the cultivation furrows. Artifacts recovered from a series of intercutting drains and gullies to the north of the site included an undecorated ringpin, a fragment of decorated bone comb and a blue glass bead. The southern area was characterized by a series of intercutting pits and gullies. 80 artifacts were recovered from this area (ODonovan 2001, Excavations Bulletin 01E1102 Baker, 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E1229 Tobin, 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0194). Science and Technology Park, Cherrywood, Dublin 1999 Margaret Gowen 98E0526 & 99E0523 Development Project A subcircular ditched enclosure measuring 43m in diameter was excavated 20m from an earlier middle and Late Bronze age cremation cemetery at the Science and Technology Park, Cherrywood, Co. Dublin. A number of artifacts including a blue glass bead, bonze fragment, bone pin and iron pin as well as one intact cremation burial were found inside the ditched enclosure indicating that the monument was possibly constructed in the Iron Age. A possible 6/7th century eastwest inhumation cemetery containing 38 burials of which 76% contained ear muffs was excavated within the interior of this monument. Limited evidence for milling was uncovered (ONeill, excavations bulletin, 1999). Knoxspark, Sligo 1994 Charles Mount 94E060 N4 BallysadareCollooney Bypass Road Excavations were undertaken at Knoxspark in advance of the N4 BallysadareCollooney Bypass Road in 1994 and revealed a significant rectangular promontory fort measuring 23m north south by 19m eastwest and containing evidence for settlement and an early medieval cemetery. The site was enclosed by a fosse and internal bank and bounded on three sides by the Ballysadare River and on the other by a silted marshy lake. Two cairns were revealed inside the interior. The east cairn contained cremation and artefactual deposits and measured 4.5m x 4.2m. It was .54m in height. The west cairn measured 3.2m x 3m and was 0.4m high. It was composed of smaller stones and covered a possible furnace and child burial. The cemetery surrounded the two cairns and consisted of burials in pits and may have predated the promontory fort bank. Crouched, flexed and extended burials were present. A minimum of 185 burials were excavated in 1994. 51 burials were extended with the head to the west following the Christian practice. 11 burials only contained skulls. 13 burials were disarticulated. Two adult males were buried together in one instance. An iron socketed spearhead was present in the lower vertebrea and may have been originally been held in one mans hand. This burial was dated to AD 772898 and 919942 suggesting a date from the 8th10th century. A Keyhole shaped corndrying kiln containing an oval furnace was excavated along the east side of the promontory fort. Its date is uncertain. The site is likely to have been in use from the 5/6th10TH century A.D. at least (Mount, 1994, Excavations Bulletin 94E060 Mount, 1994) Harristown, Louth 1994 ACS Residential Development An enclosure approximately 50m in diameter was excavated at Harristown, Co. Louth in advance of the construction of a residential development in 1994. A number of stonelined graves were uncovered inside the enclosure. The enclosing ditch had been recut at a later date. The second fill was a dark brown organic layer which contained a large amount of animal bone, cremated bone, iron slag and a few iron finds as well as two sherds of a cooking vessel of probable French origin (9th12th centuries).It is likely to be early medieval in date. The site was only partially excavated. Murphy speculated whether the site represented a ringfort (Donald Murphy, 1994, Excavations Bulletin). Lougboy, Kilkenny 1998 Valerie J Keeley 98E0219 Development Project Excavations were undertaken at Loughboy, Co. Kilkenny in 1998 in advance of a development. The site contained two ringforts. Excavations at the most westerly ringfort revealed two enclosing ditches and three charcoal spreads containing iron slag, molten metal and a decorated bone comb like Dunlevy's Class C1, which was dated to the 4th7th centuries A.D. The ringfort had a diameter of 30m. At least 19 inhumations were discovered in the southeast corner of the enclosed site. Many were interred in the ditch of the ringfort indicating that they post date the monument. The dates of the burials are uncertain (McCutcheon, 1998, Excavations Bullletin 98E0282).
319
Ratoath, Meath 2003 ArchTech 03E1300 Excavations were undertaken at Ratoath, Co. Meath 03e1300. Angela Wallace, ArchTech, pers. comm. Wallace, A. in Bennett (ed.), Excavations
2003, 3867, no. 1452.

Treenbaun, Galway 2006 Headland and CRDS Archaeology Ltd N6 GalwayBallinasloe road scheme A site discovered at Treenbaun, Co. Galway revealed a ditched enclosure, c.70m in diameter which contained burials in one quarter of the site as well as habitation evidence in the form of butchered bone, discarded tools. The burials were eastwest orientated and interred within simple unprotected graves. The amount of burials and the extent of habitation evidence were not disclosed. Bronze Age cremations clustering on an area of elevated ground were also discovered inside the enclosure. (OSullivan, Jerry 2006 (2)) Carrowkeel, Galway 2006 Headland and CRDS Archaeology Ltd N6 GalwayBallinasloe road scheme A site discovered at Carrowkeel, Co. Galway revealed a ditched enclosure which contained burials in one quarter of the site as well as habitation evidence in the form of butchered bone, discarded tools. The burials were eastwest orientated and interred within simple unprotected graves. The amount of burials and the extent of habitation evidence were not disclosed. (OSullivan, Jerry 2006 (2))
Sites with a large Frequent Settlement Evidence

Corbally, Kildare 2001/2002 Margaret Gowen 00E0864, 01E0299 & 02E1310 Development Project Excavations at Corbally, Co. Kildare revealed a site which began as a small ringditch but later evolved into a large subrectangular enclosure, c. 50m in diameter. Eight simple dug graves were excavated. Burials inside the ringditch were radiocarbon dated to between 330AD and 540AD while those from outside the enclosure were dated to between 770AD and 820AD. It appears then that burial activity switched from the interior of the ring ditch to around the monument as appears to have occurred at Westereave and Colp West. A vast quantity of settlement evidence was also uncovered. A large quantity of animal bone was recovered from the fill of the large enclosure. A large number of domestic and bodily artifacts were discovered. Agricultural evidence was recovered in the form of barley, oats and undated figure of eight corndrying kilns and field systems while there was also evidence for malting and some industrial activity. The site appears to have been an important settlement site with some burial activity from the Late Iron Age to the 10/11th century at least (Tobin 2001/2002, Excavations Bulletin Tobin, R., 2003, Houses, Enclosures and Kilns, Excavations at Corbally, Co. Kildare, Archaeology Ireland 17, 3, 3237) Mount Offaly, Cabinteely, Dublin 1998/1999 Margaret Gowen 98E0035 Development Excavations at Mount Offaly, Cabinteely, Co. Dublin have revealed a large multivallate enclosure containing both burial and settlement evidence. Excavations revealed a cemetery of 1553 people dating from the 5/6th century11/12th century A.D. A large number of burials contained earmuffs while others were stone/slab and lintel lined. A large number of domestic and bodily artifacts were recovered as well as Phocean, Bi, D and E ware pottery, animal bone butchering, ironworking and milling evidence. The site was originally a bivallate enclosure whose inner enclosure measured approximately over.5060m and outer enclosure c. 6065m in diameter. The site was then enlarged and measured over 95 x 75m in diameter. The final phase saw the construction of a souterrain ( Floinn, 1991, Excavations Bulletin J000201Gowen 1995, Excavations Bulletin 95E131Conway 1998 & 1999, Excavations Bulletin 98E0035Hanley 1998, Excavations Bulletin 98E0582 Conway 1999, Excavations Bulletin 99E0162). 320
Balriggan, Louth 2002 IAC 02E1325 & 02E0373 M1 Dundalk Western Motorway Bypass A double ditched enclosure with an inner enclosure of 49m and an outer concentric feature measuring 90x80m was excavated on a low knoll above an area of wetland at Balriggan, Co. Louth in advance of the M1 motorway. 37 unprotected burials were excavated from the interior of the site. A further 10 lintelled burials dated to the final phase of the sites use. A large quantity of animal bone was recovered from the fill of the ditches as well as a corndrying kiln, iron slag, spindle whorl, bronze pins, quern stones, lignite bracelets, loom weights and souterrain ware. Evidence for metalworking was uncovered within the interior. A four post structure and a nine post structure was uncovered in the interior and it was suggested that the main residential buildings were on sill or beam foundations (Delaney 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E1325). The Summary was provided from the website (http://www.nra.ie/Archaeology/LeafletandPosterSeries/file,3409,en.pdf). Millockstown, Louth 1980 OPW Farming Activity A rescue excavation was undertaken in 1980 at Millockstown, Co. Louth when a Souterrain was discovered during farm work (Manning 1986). Excavations revealed three phases of activity. Phase 1 was represented by an enclosure, c. 60m in diameter surrounded by a narrow ditch. A terminal and part of a ring of a Class A1 zoomorphic penannular brooch was dated to the 3rd century A.D. The Phase 1 ditch enclosed an area of 65m eastwest and c.56m from the ditch on the north side to the edge of a natural shelf. No trace of an associated bank was found. A possible ringfort feature was excavated in phase 2 measuring 37m in diameter. Phase 3 saw the construction of a large enclosure, two souterrains and a lintel grave cemetery. The phase 3 enclosure was irregular in plan and later than the previous enclosures. It measured 40m north south by 100m eastwest along the natural shelf. Charcoal from the fill returned a radiocarbon date 1240 plus or minus 125 B.P. 57 burials were excavated, almost all of which were lintel lined. A large quantity of domestic and bodily artifacts as well as evidence for hearths, pottery and milling activity were uncovered. The burials appear to have largely dated to the phase 3 occupation though some could be associated with the preceding ringfort activity (Manning 1986). Johnstown 1, Meath 2002 ACS 02E0462 M4 KinnegadEnfieldKilcock Motorway Scheme A significant enclosed cemetery with associated settlement evidence was excavated at Johnstown 1, Co. Meath in advance of the M4 KinnegadEnfieldKilcock Motorway. The site is situated on the along the border of Meath and Kildare beside the river Blackwater. The site began as a low mound. 50 inhumations were within the mound area and dated to the Late Iron Age/early medieval period (A.D. 400700). A charnel pit contained three inhumations and dated to between AD 370 to 640. They were mostly unlined burials. The rest of the burials (c. 350 inhumations) were buried to the south, southeast and east of the mound and dated to the early and late medieval period. The first enclosure ditch dated to between the fifthninth centuries A.D. and was suboval in shape. The second enclosure was larger in size and contained animal bone, soutterain ware, iron slag and industrial and bodily artefacts. Animal bone gave radiocarbon dates between AD 440 to 670. The second enclosure was filled up by end of the ninth century A.D. on basis of radiocarbon dates from the upper fills (AD 670 to 960 and AD 659 to 890). The final ditch dated to between the 1016th centuries A.D and was Dshaped in outline. An associated small subcircular ditched enclosure dating to between the A.D. 10001240 was located to the northeast of the main enclosure and might represent an animal pen. 6 corn drying kilns and a mill race were situated outside the main enclosure. One kiln was dated to between A.D. 570770. Large quantities of butchered bone, metalworking evidence and bodily and domestic artifacts were uncovered from the site. This site revealed unequivocal contemporary burial and settlement evidence which took place from the 3rd 16th century A.D. (Clarke, 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0462 & Clarke & Carlin Forthcoming ). Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath 19992002 ADS 98E0501 Residential Development Excavations at Ninch, Laytown, Co. Meath revealed a highly complicated site with both settlement and burial evidence. Excavations revealed a trivallate enclosed settlement or ringfort
321
whose enclosures were built over a period of time. The ringfort then fell out of use and an unenclosed settlement took its place. The settlement then reverted to an enclosed lintel cemetery. A souterrain and well were built shortly after the cemetery began to be used. The cemetery appears to have fallen out of use by the 11th century when a number of sub rectangular enclosures were constructed in the southern half of the site. A ringpin with Viking Dublin parallels was also recovered dating to the late 10th/early 11th century A.D. McConway suggested that these rectangular enclosures were not indigenous and might reflect Viking influences. A large quantity of habitation evidence was uncovered at the site which included field systems, two kilns, two souterrains, E ware pottery and ironworking evidence. Approximately 90 unprotected inhumations and a further 60 lintel burials were excavated which predominantly dated from the 7th10th century (Eogan & Reid 2000, Excavations Bulletin McConway 2001, Excavations BulletinMcConway, 2002, Excavations Bulletin 98E0501). Raystown, Meath 20032005 CRDS 03E1229 N2 FinglasAshbourne Road Excavations from 20032005 revealed a significant enclosed cemetery and settlement at Raystown situated to the southeast of Ashbourne in County Meath. The site evolved from a penannular ringditch measuring 20m in diameter. An outer enclosure measured 55m in diameter. The cemetery was contained within this doubleditched enclosure. 93 articulated, and over 40 disarticulated burials were found. A radiocarbon date of 260 A.D. and 990 A.D. was returned for burial inside the inner enclosure. Two burials were found with a knife and blue glass bead. A metalled area with gullies, a platform and postholes suggestive of a probable building was excavated along with a stonebuilt corndrying kiln to the north of the cemetery. The site was adjacent to a milling area containing eight horizontal mills and six corn drying kilns. The milling activity was found to date to between 653 A.D. and 1170 A.D. Two souterrains were constructed at the end of the sites use. (Seaver, 2003, Excavations BulletinSeaver 2006 03e1229) Summary also provided at website http://www.englishheritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/Seaver.pdf Cotter, C. in Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2003, 38890, no. 1459. Marlinstown, Westmeath 1990/1991 Valerie J Keeley E560 N4 Mullingar Bypass Road Excavations were undertaken at an oval shaped enclosure measuring 52m in length and 46m in width at Marlinstown in advance of the construction of the M4 Mullingar Bypass Road. The site was defined by bank surrounded by an outer ditch and with evidence of an interior ditch. 10 unprotected and 3 slablined inhumations were excavated within the interior. All the burials were situated in the southeast corner of the site. Two prone burials were excavated. Excavations revealed a bronze finger ring, iron objects, iron knife, iron leather scorer, pin fragments, bronze ring, crucible fragments and a large amount of animal bone were recovered from the bank and ditch. A metalworking area was uncovered near the northern bank. The eastern half of the site was completely excavated (Keeley 1990 & 1991, Excavations Bulletin E560). Gneevebeg, Westmeath 2002 Margaret Gowen 02E0479 Bord Gais Pipeline to the West (KinnegadAthlone Phase 1B) Excavations were undertaken at Gneevebeg, Co. Westmeath in advance of the Bord Gais Pipeline to the West. An early Bronze Age food vessel burial was the earliest archaeological evidence uncovered. An encircling enclosure 48m in diameter was excavated at the plateau of a hill. A possible gatehouse revealed in the form of two postholes and two keyholes shaped kilns was excavated inside. Several large pits containing rock, charcoal and burnt animal bones as well as domestic items were discovered in the interior. 135 burials were excavated inside the enclosure. The vast majority were set inside unlined burials although some were discovered inside potential stonelined graves. The latest burials were represented by a cillin. A bullaun stone few pieces of slag and pieces of iron were found in the graves. One skeleton was decapitated and was contained within a stonelined burial. Only one prone burial was discovered. It is not clear if the settlement and burial evidence were contemporary with each other. The site appears to have been served as a burialground intermittently from the early medieval period until the post medieval period when a cillin was used (Angela Wallace, 2002, Excavations Bulletin 02E0479).
322
Parknahown, Laois 2006 ACS M7 PortlaoiseCastletown/M8 PortlaoiseCullahill motorway Excavations were undertaken at Parknahown, Co. Laois The site is situated southwest of Cullahill village along the route of the proposed M7 PortlaoiseCastletown/M8 PortlaoiseCullahill motorway just south of the River Goul. Excavations revealed a double ditched enclosure, roughly circular in shape and 60m in diameter. The ditches contained a large quantity of butchered bone as well as a penannular bronze brooch dating to the late 7th century A.D. which originated from Northumbria, England. The inner ditch appears to have cut an earlier ditch representing an earlier phase of settlement that contained an early medieval decorated bone comb and a number of iron blades. The double ditched enclosure appears to have been contemporary with an internal burialground containing approximately 600 people. The burial ground continued for a number of centuries. All the burials were orientated eastwest. Associated finds included bronze ringpins, bone needles and glass beads. Glass beads were found with a number of infant burials. The association between glass beads and infant burials has been uncovered at a number of these sites including nearby Lismore/Bushfields. A badly disturbed circular slot trench containing a number of post holes may represent an internal structure. Two fulactha fiadh were located closeby. (ONeill, Tara, 2007. Parknahown 5: An extensive cemetery at the River Goul. In Seanda NRA Magazine, Vol. 1). The site appears to date from approximately the 5/6th century8/9th century A.D. Lismore/Bushfields, Laois 2006 ACS M7 PortlaoiseCastletown/M8 PortlaoiseCullahill motorway Excavations were undertaken in 2006 at an enclosure measuring 75 metres NS by 93 metres EW. at Lismore/Bushfields, Co. Laois in low undulating land in advance of the M7/M8 Motorway upgrade. The site was located along a possible pilgrims road which ran from Aghaboe monastery in Co. Laois to the monastic island of Monahincha in Co. Tipperary. A possible structure was excavated within the interior. A metalworking area was discovered in the western section of the site with a cemetery area located in the north east and a settlement area in the south east (Wiggins and Kane, 2007). 80 graves were excavated within the western area of the enclosure. Some graves were found to be orientated northeastsouthwest and northwest south east. There was evidence for single, double and multiple burials. The vast majority of the burials appear to have been interred in simple unprotected graves although some were found to be set within stonelined burials while others contained earmuffs. Two bone beads were found in association with two child graves. Castlefarm, Meath 2006 ACS M3 CloneeNorth of Kells Motorway Scheme Excavations were undertaken at on a low ridge of land at Castlefarm, near Dunboyne, Co. Meath in advance of the M3 Dunboyne Link Road South revealed a series of enclosure which was found to enclose an area of elevated ground along the ridge. The inner enclosure was sub circular in shape and measured 6070m in diameter. A ringditch c.7m in diameter was located to the east of the site and some fragments of cremated bone were discovered. An outer enclosure was also excavated. A large number of domestic artifacts were recovered from the ditch fills. Two rubbish pits which contained lignite bracelets, iron knives, a spindle whorl, and a bone pin, were cut into the top of the outer enclosure ditch, indicating that it had gone out of use in the course of the early medieval period. An annex was attached to the outer enclosure which measured 30 m eastwest by 2025 m northsouth. Nine wells were excavated at the site and revealed a glass bead, a copper alloy penannular ring brooch and a silver penannular brooch. Eleven burials were excavated at the site. It is possible that a number of these burials maybe medieval in date. The ditches were recut in the medieval period. A spiralringed, looped headed pin excavated at Castlefarm can be dated from the fourth to eighth centuries AD (Fanning 1994, 1415) while another iron ring dates from the fifth to 11th centuries AD). Large quantities of animal bone, two bowl furnaces and evidence from the wells attest to both agricultural and industrial activity at the site (Aidan OConnell 2007 Unpublished Report & http://www.m3motorway.ie/Archaeology/Section1/Castlefarm1/)
323
Faughart Lower, Louth 2004/2005 ADS A1/N1 NewryDundalk Link Road Excavations were undertaken at a prominent topographical position overlooking the main road from DundalkCooley peninsula at Faughart Lower, Co. Louth in advance of the A1/N1 Newry Dundalk Link Road. The site began as a doubleditched enclosure which dated from the 4th6th centuries A.D. It was expanded into a massive stone fort, 80m in diameter containing approximately 872 burials. The final cashel wall was up to 3 m wide at the base and survived up to 1 m high in places. Burial appears to have begun in the fifthsixth century AD. It then appears to have developed then into an important burial ground which was serving the local community till the 10th century A.D. The earliest phases of the site did not contain burial. The first burials were inserted into an area 15 m by 15 m in diameter and contained a large number of stone lined and capped long cist burials. The later burials were all contained within simple unprotected burials. Two souterrains were built across two infilled ditches. The backfill of one souterrain included a plough share, several ring pins and possible deliberately placed pieces of rotary quernstones. A well was also found dug into one of the backfilled ditches. 1000 sherds of souterrain ware pottery and some highly decorated glass beads were excavated. A lead ingot recovered may have been cast onsite as an ingot mould was also recovered. Masses of discarded, crushed sea shells suggest a dye extraction process. The site is likely to have had important links with an ecclesiastical site at Faughart Lower 2 kilometers away. The site appear to have been in use from the 4/5th century11/12th century A.D. http://www.nra.ie/Archaeology/LeafletandPosterSeries/file,9105,en.pdf Kiltale, Maddens Hill ,Meath Rynne, E (1974) Excavations at Maddens Hill, Kiltale, Co. Meath. PRIA 74 C. 26775.
Possible Sites described as Ecclesiastical in texts

Butterfield, Rathfarnham, Dublin 1997 Judith Carroll 97E0140 Development Excavations at Butterfield, Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin have revealed a singlebanked enclosure, c.200m in diameter near the Dodder River. No known ecclesiastical history could be established for the site. Archaeology dating from the 5/6th century12/13th century A.D. was uncovered. The site was originally used as an occupation site, then a cemetery before reverting back to a settlement site. 200 burials were excavated in phase two, many of which contained earmuffs and appear to have been associated with the large enclosure. One burial was radiocarbon dated to the early 10th century. The burials appear to have been more or less contemporary with each other and enclosed within a palisade trench dated to Phase 1 inside the larger enclosure. There is a strong probability that the site developed into an ecclesiastical enclosure during phase 2 (8 11th century!). Evidence for metalworking was uncovered at the site (Carroll 1997, Excavations Bulletin). Oldtown, Swords, Dublin 2003/2004 Margaret Gowen. Excavations at Oldtown, Swords, Co. Dublin The site contained three concentric enclosure measuring 70m, 130m in diameter and 300m x 200m in diameter. No historical evidence could be found for an ecclesiastical origin for the site. 120 unprotected burials were dug inside the enclosure as well as a bone combs and iron knifes dating to the ninth12th century A.D. 03E1080. Baker, C. 2004. Baker, C. in Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2003, 1789, no. 6545. Killeany, Co. Laois 2006 ACS M7 PortlaoiseCastletown/M8 PortlaoiseCullahill Motorway Scheme A large enclosure measuring 180m x 150m was excavated from FebruaryMay 2006. The enclosure was located around a low hill. It was delineated by a single ditch, measuring c. 3 m wide by c. 1.5 m deep. Almost one third of the site including most of the southeast quadrant was excavated. A cemetery was discovered at the top of the hill a smaller inner curvilinear enclosure ditch that had an excavated length of c. 35 m, and measured 1 m wide and 0.5 m
324
deep.A total of 70 skeletons or partial skeletons were recorded within the enclosure and comprised 51 adults, 14 juveniles and five infants. The burials consisted of eastwest aligned simple earthcut graves, aligned eastwest, with little or no evidence for stonelining (Wiggins 2007). There was one double burial containing two interred juveniles. A 44piece, polished, bone disc necklace was found with an adult female, a single bone bead from an infant burial, and a flat metal disc associated with another individual (Wiggins 2007). Evidence for agricultural production and corndrying kilns were excavated at Killeany. One kiln was radiocarbon dated to (660810/ 840860 cal. AD). It appears to have been a relatively important ecclesiastical site from the 710th century A.D. (Kenny 2007). Dunmisk, Co. Tyrone 198486 N.I. Historic Monuments Branch Quarry Excavations were undertaken at an enclosure on a hilltop at DUnmisk, Co. Tyrone. Excavations revealed a cemetery comprising 400 inhumations. They were spaced around a large pit. The remains of post sockets and trenches were discovered in the southeast area of the enclosure. The SW quadrant produced a large amount of ironworking evidence. The NE quadrant produced a large amount of glass, crucible and mould fragments. Burials were confined to the east side and and mainly to the SE quadrant. The SW quadrant was purely metalworking (smelting). The NE quadrant witnessed the production of ornate metal and glass artefacts. The NW may have housed domestic structures. A complex of ditches and enclosure which were contemporary or more likely predated the early medieval cemetery and settlements were also found. It appears that the site may have been an important hillfort before an ecclesiastical settlement and cemetery developed in the early medieval period (Ivens 1988).
325
Appendix 4: Excavated Early Medieval Buildings
Appendix 4: Excavated Early Medieval buildings

The quantity and range fields in the building refer to the amount of structures excavated. The quantity refers to the exact amount of structures. The range field 1-10= 4 11-50= 30
Unidentified Building Type

NAME County EMAP_Class Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Cashel & Souterrain Year Significanc e Building Qua ntity RANGE
Balgeen 4 Ballyegan
Meath Kerry
2001/200 2 1991
General Significant
Building Building
1 3
Ballykenn edy
Antrim
Multi-Phase settlement Metal/Iron working site
1978
Significant
Building
1-10
Ballyvollen
Antrim
1984
Significant
Building
10
Blackhills Lower Carnlough North, (Windy Ridge)
Cavan
1992
General
Building
Down
enclosure
1981
Uncertain
Building
Chancellor sland Coolahollo ga, Site A1
Tipperary
Iron age/early medieval burial Early Medieval Settlement Landscape
1992/199 3/1994/1 995/1996
Significant
Building
Tipperary
2000
Uncertain
Building
1-10
Corrstown, Hopefield Road, Portrush
Derry
Non-Circular Shaped Enclosure
2001/200 2
Highly Significant
Building
Derrymore Fort, Bessbrook
Armagh
ringfort
2000
Significant
Building
1-10
Drumadon nell
Down
1999
Significant
Building
326
Gleagorml ey, Kilcoan More
Antrim
ringfort
1986
General
Building
1-10
Gortatlea Island MacHugh, Baronscou rt Killickawe eny, Sites 23/17/18/A E25 Kilnamona gh, Abbeytow n
Kerry
2000
General
Building
Tyrone
crannog
1985/198 6
Significant
Building
1-10
Kildare
2002
Significant
Building
Galway
1989
General
Building
1-10
Lackagh
Tyrone
2000
Uncertain
Building
Leyland Road Industrial Estate, Site B Lisduggan North 3 Markstown , Cullyback ey 'Meadowb ank Rath', Jordansto wn
Antrim Cork
2001 1973
General General
Building Building
1 1
Antrim
2001
Significant
Building
Antrim
Moynagh Lough
Meath
crannog
1995 1980/198 1/1982/1 983/1984 /1985/19 87/1988/ 1989/199 4/1995/1 997
Significant
Building
1-10
Highly Significant
Building
Randalsto wn
Meath
1985
General
Building
Rathbane South
Limerick
2000/200 1
Uncertain
Building
Rathbane South
Limerick
2000/200 1
Uncertain
Building
327
Rosepark, Balrothery
Dublin
1999
Highly Significant
Building
Science and Technolog y Park One, Area C, Cherrywoo d& Loughlinst own
Dublin
1999
Highly Significant
Building
Sheephou se, Site 2 Sheepland Mor, Chapeltow n
Meath
2001
Highly Significant
Building
1-10
Down
1971
General
Building
Smithstow n
Meath
1988
Highly Significant
Building
Solsborou gh, Site C1 St. Brendan, Clonfert Church St. Brendan, Coolock St. Finian, Movilla St. Molaga, Labbamol aga Middle Staad Abbey, Agharow Stamullin
Tipperary
2000
Significant
Building
Galway
2001/200 2
Significant
Building
1-10
Dublin Down
1990 1980/198 1
Building Building
1 0 1-10
Cork
Enclosed ecclesiastical site Pilgrimage Hostel Ecclesiastical Site
1995
Significant
Building
1-10
Sligo Meath
2000 1995
General General
Building Building
1 1
Tobertyna n (BGE 1a/35/2)
Meath
2002
Uncertain
Building
328
Tullygarley
Antrim
1999
General
Building
1-10
Buildings (Post and Wattle)

NAME County EMAP_Class Year Significance Building Quantity RANG E
Aghadegnan Ringfort, Templemichael
Longford
1991
Highly Significant
Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle)
Aughnamullan
Antrim
ringfort
2000
Significant
Balgatheran 1
Louth
2000
Highly Significant
Building (Post and Wattle)
Balgatheran 1
Louth
2000
Highly Significant
Ballycullen;Oldco urt, Site 1
Dublin
2002
Significant
Ballyduff
Limerick
ringfort
1979
Significant
Ballygeale, Site 1
Limerick
1999
Uncertain
Ballynacarriga 1 &2
Cork
2001
Highly Significant
Ballynacarriga 1 &2
Cork
2001
Highly Significant
Ballyshanaghill Rath, Ballyshanaghill Ballyshanaghill Rath, Ballyshanaghill
Antrim
ringfort
1990/199 1
Significant
Ballywee
Antrim
1974/198 4/1993/1 994
Highly Significant
329
Big Glebe
Derry
1976
Highly Significant
Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle)
Bowling Green British & Seacash
Tipperary
ringfort
1970
Significant
Antrim
raised ringfort
1998 1992/199 3/1994/1 995/1996 /1997/19 98/1999/ 2002 1992/199 3/1994/1 995/1996 /1997/19 98/1999/ 2002
Significant
Caherlehillan
Kerry
Significant
Caherlehillan
Kerry
Significant
Carnmoney
Antrim
ringfort
1970
Significant
Carrigoran, Site EX1, 18 & 20
Clare
1998/199 9/2000
Highly Significant
Clare
1998/199 9/2000
Highly Significant
Carrowkeel
Mayo
2002 1971/197 2/1973/1 974/1975 /1977/19 78/1979/ 1980 1971/197 2/1973/1 974/1975 /1977/19 78/1979/ 1980
Significant
Clogher Demesne
Tyrone
Highly Significant
Clogher Demesne
Tyrone
Highly Significant
Cloghlucas South, 1/23/2
Cork
Unenclosed Habitation Site Ringfort & Souterrain
1986
Significant
Cormeen
Meath
1992
Significant
330
Corrstown, Hopefield Road, Portrush
Derry
2002
Highly Significant
Crossnacreevy
Down
raised ringfort
1971
Significant
Curraheen 1
Cork
Non-Circular Shaped Enclosure Raised Ringfort & Souterrain Raised Ringfort & Souterrain
2002 1984/198 5/1986/1 987 1984/198 5/1986/1 987
Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant
Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle)
Deer Park Farms
Antrim
11-50
Deer Park Farms
Antrim
1-10
Deerfin Lower
Antrim
ringfort
1975
General
Doonloughan, Ballyconneely
Galway
Coastal Habitation Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
1997
Significant
Doras
Tyrone
1983
Significant
Dromthacker
Kerry
1997/199 8/1999
Significant
Dunbell Big 5
Kilkenny
ringfort
1990
Significant
Dunbell Big 5
Kilkenny
ringfort
1990
Significant
Dunbell Big 6
Kilkenny
ringfort
1972
Significant
Dunmisk
Tyrone
1984/198 5/1986 1974/197 5 1989/199 0 1997/199 9
Highly Significant
Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle)
1-10
Dunsilly
Antrim
Significant
Dysart
Kilkenny
General
Fanningstown
Limerick
Enclosed Mound
Significant
1-10
Finkiltagh
Antrim
raised ringfort
1973
General
331
Glebe, Site 43, Tully
Dublin
ringfort
2000/200 1/2002 1972/198 2 1992/199 3/1994/1 995 1997/199 8 1997/199 8
Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle) Building (Post and Wattle)
Gransha
Down
raised ringfort Ecclesiastical Site
Illaunloughan
Kerry
Significant
Inch
Down
enclosure
General
Inch
Down
enclosure
General
Inch;Ballyrenan 1
Down
1997
Highly Significant
Inch;Ballyrenan 1 Kildreenagh, Loher
Down
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Cashel & Souterrain
1997 1982/198 3/1984/1 985
Highly Significant
Kerry
Significant
Killickaweeny Site AE23
Kildare
2002
Highly Significant
Kildare
2002
Highly Significant
Kildare
2002 1970/197 1/1972/1 974/1975 /1976/19 77/1978/ 1979/198 0/1981/1 982/1983 /1984/19 86/1987/ 1988/198 9/1990/1 991/1992 /1993/19 94/1995/ 1998/199 9/2000
Highly Significant
Knowth
Meath
Highly Significant
332
Knowth
Meath
1970/197 1/1972/1 974/1975 /1976/19 77/1978/ 1979/198 0/1981/1 982/1983 /1984/19 86/1987/ 1988/198 9/1990/1 991/1992 /1993/19 94/1995/ 1998/199 9/2000
Highly Significant
Lackenavorna, Killederdadrum
Tipperary
1984
Highly Significant
Legarhill
Armagh
1983
General
Lisduggan North 1&2
Cork
1972
Significant
Lisduggan North 1&2
Cork
1972
Significant
Lislackagh Lislackagh ringfort
Mayo
ringfort
1992
Significant
Lisleagh I
Cork
1981/198 2/1983/1 984
Highly Significant
Lisleagh I
Cork
1981/198 2/1983/1 984
Highly Significant
Lisleagh I
Cork
Multi-Phase settlement Ringfort & Souterrain
1981/198 2/1983/1 984 1989/199 0/1991/1 992/1993
Highly Significant
Lisleagh II
Cork
Significant
Lismurphy
Derry
raised ringfort
1973
General
333
Lisnacaheragh, Garranes 'Lisnagun', Darrary 'Lisnagun', Darrary
Cork
ringfort Ringfort & Souterrain Ringfort & Souterrain
1990/199 1 1987/198 8/1989 1987/198 8/1989
Significant
Cork
Significant
Cork
Significant
Marshes Upper
Louth
2002
Highly Significant
Marshes Upper
Louth
1984/198 5
Significant
Maynooth Castle
Kildare
Moynagh Lough
Meath
crannog
1996/199 9 1980/198 1/1982/1 983/1984 /1985/19 87/1988/ 1989/199 4/1995/1 997
Significant
Highly Significant
Murgasty
Tipperary
1997
Significant
Newtown (A and E)
Limerick
2001
Significant
Newtown (A and E)
Limerick Westmea th
2001 1984/198 5/1986
Significant
Newtownlow
crannog
Significant
Ninch, Laytown
Meath
2000/200 1/2002
Highly Significant
Platin Rathmullan Lower
Meath
Multi-Phase settlement Raised Ringfort & Souterrain
2000
Down
1978
1-10
334
Mayo
2001
Uncertain
Scholarstown
Dublin
ringfort
1985
General
Seacash
Antrim
ringfort
1971
Significant
Simonstown
Meath
ringfort
1975
Significant
Sluggary St. Brendan, Ardfert St. Brendan, Ardfert St. Ciaran, Clonmacnoise
Limerick
Non-Circular Shaped Enclosure Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
1973/197 4 1989/199 0/1991/1 992 1989/199 0/1991/1 992 1989/199 0 1990/199 1/1992/1 993/1994 /1995/19 96/1997/ 1998
Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant Highly Significant
Kerry
Kerry
Offaly
1-10
St. Ciaran, Clonmacnoise
Offaly
Highly Significant
St. Colum mac Cremthainn, Iniscealtra (Holy Island)
Clare
1970/197 1/1972/1 973/1974 /1975/19 76/1980
Highly Significant
St. Colum mac Cremthainn, Iniscealtra (Holy Island)
Clare
1970/197 1/1972/1 973/1974 /1975/19 76/1980
Highly Significant
St. Finan, Church Island, Loguh Carra
Mayo
Ecclesiastical Site
1993
Significant
St. Molaga, Labbamolaga Middle
Cork
1995
Significant
335
Down
1986/198 7
Highly Significant
St. Patrick, Kilpatrick, Corbetstown
Westmea th
1973/197 5/1977/1 980/1981
Highly Significant
St. Sechnaill, Dunshaughlin
Meath
1995
Significant
Tully
Antrim
raised ringfort
1970
Significant
Tullyalian
Armagh
ringfort
1971
General
Buildings (SillBeam)
NAME County EMAP_Class Year Significance Building Quantity RANGE
Balriggan
Louth
2002
Highly Significant
Building (SillBeam)
Buildings (SodWalled)
NAME County EMAP_Class Year 1974/197 5 1992/199 3/1994/1 995 1992/199 3/1994/1 995 Significance Building Building (SodWalled) Building (SodWalled) Building (SodWalled) Quantity RANGE
Dunsilly
Antrim
ringfort Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Illaunloughan
Kerry
Significant
Illaunloughan
Kerry
Significant
Bray Head, Valentia Island
Kerry
1995/199 6
Highly Significant
Building (SodWalled)
Kerry
1997/199 8/1999/2 000
Highly Significant
336
Offaly
1990/199 1/1992/1 993/1994 /1995/19 96/1997/ 1998
Highly Significant
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny
1991/199 2
General
Buildings (Stone)
NAME County EMAP_Class Enclosed ecclesiastical site ringfort Enclosed ecclesiastical site Year 1978/197 9 1972 1995/199 6/1999 Significance Building Building (Stone) Building (Stone) Building (Stone) Quantity RANGE
Ballybrolly Ballyhenry 1
Armagh Antrim
1 1
Ballynoe
Cork
General
Ballyutoag
Antrim
1981/198 2
Significant
Building (Stone)
Ballywee
Antrim
1974/198 4/1993/1 994
Highly Significant
Building (Stone)
Barrees Valley
Cork
2002/200 3
Significant
Building (Stone)
Barrees Valley
Cork
Early Medieval Settlement Landscape Raised Ringfort & Souterrain
2002/200 3
Significant Highly Significant
Building (Stone) Building (Stone)
Big Glebe
Derry
1976
Kerry
1997/199 8/1999/2 000
Highly Significant
Building (Stone)
Bray Head, Valentia Island British & Seacash
Kerry Antrim
Multi-Phase settlement raised ringfort
1997/199 8/1999/2 000 1998
5 1
337
Carrignamuc k
Wicklow
1978
Uncertain
Building (Stone)
Carrignamuc k
Wicklow
1978
Uncertain
Building (Stone)
Cathair Fionnrach, Ballynaveno or
Kerry
Cashel & Souterrain
1994/199 5/1996/1 997
Significant
Building (Stone)
Cathair Fionnrach, Ballynaveno or Doonloughan , Ballyconneel y Dn Eoghanachta , Eoghanacht, Inishmore Dn Eoghanachta , Eoghanacht, Inishmore Kildreenagh, Loher Kildreenagh, Loher Killelton Oratory, Killelton Lough na Trosk, Lemnalary Mt. Rathmullan Lower
Kerry
Cashel & Souterrain
1994/199 5/1996/1 997
Significant
Building (Stone)
Galway
1997
Significant
Building (Stone)
Galway
cashel
1995
Significant
Building (Stone)
Galway Kerry Kerry
cashel Cashel & Souterrain Cashel & Souterrain Enclosed ecclesiastical site
1995 1982/198 3/1984/1 985 1982/198 3/1984/1 985 1987/198 8
Building (Stone) Building (Stone) Building (Stone) Building (Stone)
1 2 1
Kerry
Significant
Antrim
enclosure Raised Ringfort & Souterrain
1982
Down
1978
Robinstown I, Lough Ennell
Westmeath
crannog
1990/199 1/1992
Significant
Building (Stone)
St. Audeon's Church, Woodquay Ward
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
1986/198 9/1992
Significant
Building (Stone)
338
St. Ciaran, Clonmacnois e
Offaly
1990/199 1/1992/1 993/1994 /1995/19 96/1997/ 1998 1990/199 1/1992/1 993/1994 /1995/19 96/1997/ 1998
Highly Significant
Building (Stone)
Offaly
Highly Significant
Building (Stone)
St. Ciaran, Kilkieran, Castletown St. Ciaran, Mainistir Chiarin, Inis Mor St. Colmcille's, Moone St. Enda, Temple Benan, Killeany, Inis Mor
Kilkenny
1985
General
Building (Stone)
Galway
1996/199 7/1998/1 999 1998/199 9
Significant
Kildare
Significant
Galway
1985
Significant
Building (Stone)
St. Molagga, Templemola gga Church, Aghacross St. Patrick, Donaghmoyn e
Cork
1996/200 0 1999/200 0
General
Monaghan
General
Buildings (Viking Post and Wattle)

1-2 Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar West
Dublin
2001
Significant
Building (Viking Post and Wattle)
1-3 High Street, Wood Quay
Dublin
1989
Significant
16-18 Fishamble Street, Wood Quay
Dublin
1995
Significant
1-10
339
19 Lord Edward Street, Wood Quay
Dublin
1994
Significant
20-25 Castle Street
Dublin
1994
Highly Significant
10
32-34 Castle Street
Dublin
1991/199 7
Highly Significant
1-10
5-7 Exchange Street Upper;33-34 Parliament Street, Temple Bar West
Dublin
1993
Highly Significant
9-12 High Street, Wood Quay
Dublin
1990
Significant
Kerry
1997/199 8/1999/2 000
Highly Significant
Christchurch Place;Ross Road;Werbur gh Street
Dublin
1993
Significant
1-10
Christchurch Place;St. John's Lane, Wood Quay
Dublin
1972/197 3/1974/1 975/1976
Highly Significant
25
Dublin Castle
Dublin
1985/198 6 1974/197 5/1976/1 977/1978 /1979
Highly Significant
1-10
Fishamble Street II, Wood Quay
Dublin
Highly Significant
George's Street Upper, Wexford
Wexford
1994
Uncertain
340
High Street, Wood Quay
Dublin
1970/197 1/1972
Highly Significant
19
Jury's Hotel, Christchurch Place, Wood Quay
Dublin
1992
Significant
Kinlay House, Fishamble Street;Coppe r Alley;Lord Edward Street, Wood Quay
Dublin
1994
Significant
Little Patrick Street;Barron strand Street
Waterford
1993
General
1-10
Science and Technology Park One, Area C, Cherrywood & Loughlinstow n
Dublin
1999
Highly Significant
Science and Technology Park One, Area C, Cherrywood & Loughlinstow n
Dublin
1999
Highly Significant
St. Audeon's Church, Woodquay Ward St. Olaf, Barrack Street;May's Street, Wexford
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
1986/198 9/1992
Significant
1-10
Wexford
1993/199 4/1995
Significant
1-10
341
Tuckey Street, South Island
Cork
1999
General
Tuckey Street;South Main Street, South Island
Cork
1975/197 6/1977
Significant
Building Type 1 (Viking Post and Wattle)

NAME County EMAP Class Year Significance Building Building Type 1 (Viking Post and Wattle) Quantity RANGE
19-21 High Street
Waterfor d
1993
Significant
26-29 Castle Street;20 Lord Edward Street
Dublin
1992
Highly Significant
1-10
5-7 Exchange Street Upper;33-34 Parliament Street, Temple Bar West
Dublin
1993
Highly Significant
Waterfor d
1990
Highly Significant
28
Bride Street
Wexford
1988
Highly Significant
1-10
Dublin Castle
Dublin
1985/198 6
Highly Significant
Essex Street West;Lower Exchange Street;Copper Alley, Temple Bar West
Dublin
1996/199 7/1998
Highly Significant
100
Dublin
1974/197 5/1976/1 977/1978 /1979
Highly Significant
90
342
Hanover Street;South Main Street, South Island
Cork
1996
Significant
High Street;Peter Street
Waterfor d
1987/198 8/1990
Significant
1-10
Jury's Hotel, Christchurch Place, Wood Quay
Dublin
1992
Significant
Lady Lane
Waterfor d
1982/198 3
Significant
1-10
Peter Street 6
Waterfor d
1992
Significant
1-10
Peter Street;Olaf Street
Waterfor d
1988
Highly Significant
11-50
St. Peter's Church
Waterfor d
1986/198 7/1988
Highly Significant
1-10
St. Peter's Church
Waterfor d
1988
Highly Significant
10
Washington Street, South Island
Cork
2002
Significant
Werburgh Street
Dublin
1994
Highly Significant
25
Winetavern Street, Wood Quay
Dublin
1970/197 1/1972
Highly Significant
343

NAME County EMAP Class Year Significance Building Quantity RANGE
Waterford
1990
Highly Significant
10
Dublin
1996/199 7/1998
Highly Significant
11-50
Dublin
1974/197 5/1976/1 977/1978 /1979
Highly Significant
11
Cork
1996
Significant
Waterford
1988
Highly Significant
10
St. Peter's Church
Waterford
1986/198 7/1988
Highly Significant
1-10
344

NAME County EMAP_Class Year Significance Building QUANTITY RANGE
Essex Street West;Lower Exchange Street;Coppe r Alley, Temple Bar West
Dublin
1996/199 7/1998
Highly Significant
1-10
Dublin
1974/197 5/1976/1 977/1978 /1979
Highly Significant
14
Werburgh Street
Dublin
1994
Highly Significant
Building Type 4 (Viking Sunken Floored)

Waterford
1988
Highly Significant
Winetavern Street, Wood Quay
Dublin
1970/197 1/1972
Highly Significant
Dublin
1974/197 5/1976/1 977/1978 /1979
Highly Significant
345
Dublin
1996/199 7/1998
Highly Significant
Werburgh Street
Dublin
1994
Highly Significant
Limerick
1990
Highly Significant
St. Mary's Cathedral, King's Island, John's Ward B
Limerick
Ecclesiastical Site
1992/199 6/1997
Significant
Limerick
1993/199 4/1995/1 996/1997 /1998
Highly Significant
St. Peter's Church
Waterford
1989
Highly Significant

Dublin
1974/197 5/1976/1 977/1978 /1979
Highly Significant
Essex Street West;Lower Exchange Street;Coppe r Alley, Temple Bar West
Dublin
1996/199 7/1998
Highly Significant
1-10
346
Werburgh Street
Dublin
1994
Highly Significant
Building Type 6 (Viking SillBeam)

Cork
1996
Significant
9 Arundel Square
Waterford
1998
General
Waterford
1990
Highly Significant
Building Type 7 (Viking Stone)

Rinnaraw
Donegal
cashel
1987/198 8/1989/1 990/1992
Significant
Waterford
1990
Highly Significant
Structure
26 Killeenyarda, Holycross Ashfort
Tipperary Limerick
ringfort ringfort
1999 1997/199 8
General General
Structure Structure
1 1
Augherskea
Meath
2002
Significant
Structure
1-10
347
Ballyboley Ballyhenry 1
Antrim Antrim
Souterrain ringfort
1977 1972
General Significant
Structure Structure
1 1
Ballynacarrig a1&2
Cork
2001
Highly Significant
Structure
1-10
Ballywee
Antrim
1974/198 4/1993/1 994
Highly Significant
Structure
1-10
Carrigaline Middle
Cork
2002
General
Structure
1-10
Clare
1998/199 9/2000 1971/197 2/1973/1 974/1975 /1977/19 78/1979/ 1980
Highly Significant
Structure
1-10
Clogher Demesne
Tyrone
Highly Significant
Structure
Cloncowan
Meath Fermanag h
Cemetery & Settlement Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
2002 2000/200 1
Significant
Structure
1-10
Devenish
Significant
Structure
1-10
Farrandreg
Louth
2000
General
Structure
1-10
Ferganstown & Ballymackon
Meath
enclosure Coastal Habitation Site
1999
Significant
Structure
Grange West
Sligo
1998
General
Structure
Haynestown, Dunleer
Louth
1993
Significant
Structure
Inch;Ballyren an 1
Down
1997
Highly Significant
Structure
1-10
348
Meath
2002
Highly Significant
Structure
1-10
Dublin
2002
Uncertain
Structure
Kildare
2002
Highly Significant
Structure
Kiltenan South, (BGE 3/62/1) Legarhill
Limerick Armagh
Kiln/Cereal cultivation site Ecclesiastical Site
2002 1989
Uncertain General
Structure Structure
1 1
Ninch, Laytown Poleglass Ringmackilro y
Meath Antrim Down
Multi-Phase settlement ringfort raised ringfort
2000/200 1/2002 1971 1992
Highly Significant General General
Structure Structure Structure
2 1 0 1-10
Sheephouse, Site 2 Shewis Sroove St. Buite, Lougboy
Meath Armagh Sligo
Non-Circular Shaped Enclosure ringfort crannog Enclosed ecclesiastical site
2001 1978 1997/199 8/1999
Highly Significant General General
Structure Structure Structure
0 1 1
1-10
Louth
1998 1990/199 1/1992/1 993/1994 /1995/19 96/1997/ 1998
General
Structure
1-10
Offaly
Highly Significant
Structure
St. Colum mac Cremthainn, Iniscealtra (Holy Island) St. Columcille, Swords St. Lasair, Aghavea St. Odran, Killoran 31
Clare
1970/197 1/1972/1 973/1974 /1975/19 76/1980 1998/200 0
Highly Significant
Structure
Dublin Fermanag h
General
Structure
2000
Significant
Structure
Tipperary
1998
General
Structure
349
St. Patrick, Downpatrick Tamlaght
Down Tyrone
1992 1982
Structure Structure
0 1
1-10
Tonymore North, Lough Kinale
Longford
crannog
2002
General
Structure
350
Appendix 5: Cemetry and Burial Sites
Appendix 5: Cemetery and Burial Sites
Cemetery/Burial Site (57th century A.D.)

NAME County EMAP_Class Multi-Phase settlement Cemetery Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Significance Highly Significant
Ardnagross
Westmeath
Ballicknahee, Clara
Offaly
Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional)
General
Ballykeel South
Clare
General
Ballymacaward
Donegal
Highly Significant
Ballysadare
Sligo
Significant
Bellinstown
Dublin
Iron age/early medieval burial Multi-Phase settlement
Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional)
Significant
Betaghstown
Meath
Significant
Boolies Little
Meath
Significant
Brackloon
Kerry
Iron age/early medieval burial Iron age/early medieval burial
Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional)
Uncertain
Castle Upton, Templepatrick
Antrim
Significant
Chancellorsland
Tipperary
Significant
351
Claristown 2
Meath
Iron age/early medieval burial Cemetery & Settlement Site
Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional)
Significant
Cloncowan
Meath
Significant
Coldwinter
Dublin
Iron age/early medieval burial Multi-Phase settlement Iron age/early medieval burial Multi-Phase settlement Cemetery & Settlement Site Iron age/early medieval burial Iron age/early medieval burial Iron age/early medieval burial Multi-Phase settlement Multi-Phase settlement Iron age/early medieval burial Multi-Phase settlement Iron age/early medieval burial Multi-Phase settlement Multi-Phase settlement
Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional)
Colp West
Meath
Cooleeshalmore
Kilkenny
Corbally
Kildare
Corkagh Demesne
Dublin
Significant
Ferganstown & Ballymackon
Meath
Uncertain
Forenaughts Great
Kildare
Significant
Greenhills
Kildare
General
Haynestown, Dunleer
Louth
Meath
Kilgowan
Kildare
Kilshane
Dublin
Knocklore
Louth
Uncertain Highly Significant Highly Significant
Knowth
Meath
Knoxspark
Sligo
352
Macetown
Meath
Iron age/early medieval burial Iron age/early medieval burial Multi-Phase settlement
Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional)
Significant
Mell 2 Mount Offaly, Cabinteely 'Graves' Moat'
Louth
Dublin
Ninch
Meath
Iron age/early medieval burial Iron age/early medieval burial Multi-Phase settlement Multi-Phase settlement Multi-Phase settlement
Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional) Cemetery/Burial Site (Transitional)
Significant
Peterstown, Trim Science and Technology Park One, Area C, Cherrywood & Loughlinstown
Meath
Dublin
St. Columcille, Durrow St. Fechin, Gooreen;Sturrakeen, Omey Island
Offaly
Galway
Roscommon
Multi-Phase settlement Multi-Phase settlement Multi-Phase settlement Multi-Phase settlement
St. Patrick, Armagh St. Ruadhan's, Lurgoe, Derrynaflan
Armagh
Tipperary
Westereave
Dublin
Cemetery or Burial Site (Early Medieval and Undated)

NAME 23-24 Temple Lane;3-4 Crow Street, Temple Bar East County EMAP_Class CORE_TERM Significance
Dublin
Cemetery Site
Cemetery Site (Undated) Cemetery Site (Undated) Cemetery Site (Early Medieval) Burial Site Cemetery Site (Undated)
Uncertain
Ahena
Mayo
Cemetery Site Multi-Phase settlement Burial Site
Uncertain Highly Significant Uncertain
Ardnagross Ballybunion
Westmeath Kerry
Ballynerrin Lower
Wicklow
Cemetery Site
Uncertain
353
Ballysadare Ballysimon
Sligo Limerick
Multi-Phase settlement Burial Site Multi-Phase settlement Burial Site
Cemetery Site (Early Medieval) Burial Site Cemetery Site (Early Medieval) Burial Site Cemetery Site (Undated)
Significant Uncertain
Betaghstown Carrowsteelagh Clonabreany Churchyard, Bobsville Cobbe's Hill, Mount Gamble, Miltonsfields, Swords
Meath Mayo
Significant Uncertain
Meath
Cemetery Site
No significance
Dublin
Cemetery Site Multi-Phase settlement
Cemetery Site (Early Medieval) Cemetery Site (Early Medieval)
Colp West
Meath
Croghan Church
Offaly
Cemetery Site
Cemetery Site (Undated) Cemetery Site (Early Medieval) Burial Site Burial Site Cemetery Site (Early Medieval)
Uncertain
Cushinstown Dromkeen East Drumbaragh
Meath Kerry Meath
Cemetery Site Burial Site Burial Site
General Uncertain Uncertain Highly Significant
Gracedieu
Dublin
Cemetery Site
Greatheath
Laois
Cemetery Site Multi-Phase settlement Burial Site
Cemetery Site (Undated) Cemetery Site (Early Medieval) Burial Site Cemetery Site (Undated) Burial Site
No significance Highly Significant Uncertain
Kilshane Lambay Island Lisheen, Ballymore Lower, Laurencetown Margaretstown Mayfield, a.k.a. Rocket's Castle, BW/20/1 Murphystown;Carmanhall; Leopardstown
Dublin Dublin
Galway Dublin
Cemetery Site Burial Site
Uncertain Uncertain
Waterford
Burial Site
Burial Site Cemetery Site (Undated) Cemetery Site (Early Medieval)
General
Dublin
Cemetery Site
Uncertain
Park West, Gallanstown
Dublin
Cemetery Site
Significant
354
Rathmiles
Laois
Cemetery Site
Cemetery Site (Undated)
Significant
Sand Pit Grove, Caherabbey Lower
Tipperary
Cemetery Site
Uncertain
Sarsfieldstown
Meath
Cemetery Site
Cemetery Site (Early Medieval)
Significant
Stacumny House, Celbridge The Fisherman's Grave, Lackan
Kildare
Cemetery Site
Significant
Sligo
Burial Site
Burial Site Cemetery Site (Undated)
Uncertain
The Point, Lambay Island
Dublin
Cemetery Site
Uncertain
'Toole's Moat', Old Connaught
Dublin
Cemetery Site Multi-Phase settlement
Cemetery Site (Undated) Cemetery Site (Early Medieval)
Westereave
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Cemetery
NAME County EMAP_Class Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Viking Urban Settlement Enclosed ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Cemetery Significance
Kerry
General
Ardree/Ardreigh Arundel Square;Peter Street
Kildare
Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery
Waterford
Ballybarrack
Louth
Significant
Ballyburley
Offaly
General
Ballynoe
Cork
General
Caherlehillan
Kerry
Significant
355
Christchurch Cathedral, Wood Quay
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site medieval ecclesiastical site Multi-Phase settlement
Significant
Collooney
Sligo
Dunmisk
Tyrone
Dysart
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Glebe
Westmeath
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Illaunloughan
Kerry
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
Inch Inchmacnerin, Church Island, Lough Key
Down
General
Roscommon
Significant
Legarhill
Armagh
Ecclesiastical Site Multi-Phase settlement
General
Moyne
Mayo
Significant
Portmuck
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Site medieval ecclesiastical site Undated ecclesiastical site Multi-Phase settlement
Uncertain
Portraine
Dublin
Uncertain
Raheen Randalstown
Limerick Meath
Reask Church
Kerry
Multi-Phase settlement Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Highly Significant
Relig Odhrain, Inishmurray
Sligo
Significant
Sceilig Michael
Kerry
Significant
Skeam West
Cork
General
356
Solar St. Aengus, Coolbanagher, Straboe Church St. Audeon's Church, Woodquay Ward
Antrim
Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery
General
Laois
Significant
Dublin
Significant
St. Brendan, Ardfert St. Brendan, Clonfert Church
Kerry
Highly Significant
Galway
Significant
St. Brendan, Coolock
Dublin
Significant
St. Bridget Church
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Multi-Phase settlement Ecclesiastical Site Ecclesiastical Site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site Ecclesiastical Site Multi-Phase settlement Enclosed ecclesiastical site Enclosed ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery
General
St. Canice's, Aghaboe
Laois
Offaly
St. Colmcille's, Moone St. Colum mac Cremthainn, Iniscealtra (Holy Island)
Kildare
Clare
St. Columcille, Durrow St. Columcille, Swords St. Delcan's, Ardmore St. Doulagh's, Kinsealy, Balgriffin
Offaly Dublin Waterford
General General General
Dublin
General
St. Erc Nascai, Tullylish St. Fachtna's, Kilfenora St. Fechin, Gooreen;Sturrakeen, Omey Island
Down Clare
Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery
Significant Uncertain Highly Significant Highly Significant
Galway
St. Fechin, High Island
Galway
St. Fechin, Termonfeckin
Louth
General
357
St. Finan, Church Island, Loguh Carra St. Gobnet's Church, Inisheer
Mayo Galway
St. John's Point
Down
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Laurence, Chapelizod
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Lughadih, Dromiskin
Louth
Significant
St. Lurach, Maghera
Derry
Ecclesiastical Site
General
Roscommon
Highly Significant
St. Maelruain, Tallaght
Dublin
Significant
St. Mary, Tuam
Galway
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
St. Maura, Fahan Church
Donegal
Uncertain
St. Michael le Pole
Dublin
Highly Significant
St. Michan's
Dublin
Uncertain
Down
Significant
St. Mochaomhog's, Leigh
Tipperary
Ecclesiastical Site
Significant
358
St. Molaga, Labbamolaga Middle
Cork
Significant
St. Molaise, Teampall na mban
Sligo
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Muiredach's Church, Killala
Mayo
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Naechtain, Dungiven
Derry
Significant
Cork
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Patrick, Armagh
Armagh
Highly Significant
Down
Highly Significant
St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel
Tipperary
Highly Significant
St. Patrick's, Kilkenny
Kilkenny
Ecclesiastical Site
Uncertain
St. Peters Church, Balrothery
Dublin
General
St. Peter's Church
Waterford
Highly Significant
St. Ruadhan's, Lurgoe, Derrynaflan
Tipperary
Significant
359
St. Senan, Scattery Island
Clare
Significant
St. Sineach, Glenbane
Tipperary
General
St. Stephen Church, Lower Stephen Street;Digges Lane
Dublin
Ecclesiastical Site
General
St. Tassach, Raholp Old Church, Raholp Staad Abbey, Agharow Stradbally North, Castleconnell
Down Sligo
Ecclesiastical Site Pilgrimage Hostel Undated ecclesiastical site
Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery Ecclesiastical Cemetery
General General
Limerick
Uncertain
Temple Jarlath, Tuam Templenadriney, Erris
Galway Roscommon
360
Bibliography
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EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

Investigating the character of early medieval archaeological excavations, 1970-2002

UCD School of Archaeology

Edited from Original Report for The Heritage Council

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

CHAPTER 2. DESIGNING THE EMAP DATABASE ................................. 9

SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA ...........................................................................15

LICENSE FORM .........................................................................................16

ASSESSING THE EXCAVATED MATERIAL ..........................................................18

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

DATABASE MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS ...........................19

CHAPTER 3. THE CHARACTER OF EARLY MEDIEVAL EXCAVATIONS IN IRELAND, 19702002........................................................................ 23

THE RATE OF EXCAVATIONS UNDERTAKEN ANNUALLY BY ARCHAEOLOGICAL ORGANISATIONS IN IRELAND .......................................................................30

Excavated Site Categories........................................................................................ 55 Excavations environs of Site Category ...................................................................... 56

CHAPTER 4. EARLY MEDIEVAL DWELLINGS, SETTLEMENTS AND LANDSCAPES..................................................................................... 59

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

EARLY MEDIEVAL SETTLEMENT/CEMETERY SITES ..............................................78

EARLY MEDIEVAL CRANNOGS ........................................................................84

EARLY MEDIEVAL PROMONTORY FORTS ...........................................................89

EARLY MEDIEVAL SOUTERRAINS ....................................................................91

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

EARLY MEDIEVAL UNENCLOSED SETTLEMENTS ................................................100

EARLY MEDIEVAL UNENCLOSED COASTAL OCCUPATION SITES (SHELL MIDDENS)...105

EARLY MEDIEVAL BUILDINGS ......................................................................118

CHAPTER 5. THE EARLY MEDIEVAL CHURCH ................................. 128

EMAP SURVEY AND ECCLESIASTICAL ARCHAEOLOGY .......................................131

Enclosures ............................................................................................................ 136

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

CHAPTER 6. EARLY MEDIEVAL BURIALS AND CEMETERIES .......... 143

Reintroduction settlement/cemeteries size and morphology ................................. 159

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

VIKING/NORSE FURNISHED BURIAL PRACTICES .............................................165

The people of early medieval Ireland in life and death.......................................... 168

CHAPTER 7. EARLY MEDIEVAL AGRICULTURE AND ECONOMY ..... 170

EARLY MEDIEVAL FIELD SYSTEMS AND ENCLOSURES ........................................180

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

EARLY MEDIEVAL COASTAL AND ESTUARINE FISHTRAPS ...................................186

CHAPTER 8. EARLY MEDIEVAL CRAFTS AND TECHNOLOGY A FOCUS ON IRONWORKING............................................................. 190

EMAP AND EXCAVATED EARLY MEDIEVAL IRONWORKING EVIDENCE ..................191

EARLY MEDIEVAL IMPORTED POTTERY C. 400700 A.D. ................................203

CHAPTER 10. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES.............. 207

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

APPENDIX 1: EXCAVATED SITES AND ASSOCIATED LICENSES ..... 212

APPENDIX 5: CEMETERY AND BURIAL SITES ................................ 351

BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................... 361 List of Tables

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

Preface to Reedited EMAP Report

Preface to reedited EMAP report

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

The Early Medieval Archaeology Project (EMAP)

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

Aims and objectives of EMAP 1

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

Structure of EMAP 1 Report

Sources of information for EMAP1

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

The Legacy of Early Medieval Excavation

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT

EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT