Midden

The National Monuments Service's description

Split bones, shells and black layers were noticed at several places about here (Knowles 1901, 347).

The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated.

Date of upload: 22 September 2008

The midden was in a state of advanced destruction before excavations commenced in September 1985. At least three phases of occupation were revealed. A small, rectangular, stone-lined hearth with associated cobbling was uncovered. Local inhabitants suggest that the foundations of a stone house once existed here. Large quantities of bones and shells were collected. These are at present undergoing detailed analysis. Finds included a harp peg of bone or horn, a bronze pin and a rim sherd of handmade pottery. A date in the thirteenth or fourteenth centuries is suggested. (Excavations Bulletin 1985)
Barry Raftery, Department of Archaeology, University College Dublin