Midden

The National Monuments Service's description

In an indented dune system (L c. 160m), running roughly NW-SE, at the NE tip of Inishlackan. The dunes are highest towards the SE end (H c. 2m), where the most extensive tract of the midden survives. The midden was initially inspected in September 1984 and is still much the same as it was then, when it was visible 'as an irregular spread of occupation material and, where exposed in section, as a number of successive occupation bands composed of shells, burnt stone and charcoal (Gosling 1993, 86). Two distinct bands of shells are visible at the SE end of the system. The upper one (H c. 0.4-0.8m) is densely packed with limpet, periwinkle and oyster shells. Similar shells in the lower band (H c. 1.2-1.6m) are much more loosely packed and extend down to the base of the dunes. No charcoal was noted but some bone was found. Some rabbit burrows were also noted in the dune face towards the SE end of the system.

The following images of the midden, moving from its SE end to its NE end, have been uploaded:
GA063-004001-_01
GA063-004001-_02
GA063-004001-_03
GA063-004001-_04
GA063-004001-_05

Compiled by: Olive Alcock

Date of upload: 11 March 2022

References

Gosling, P. (compiler) 1993 Archaeological inventory of County Galway, vol. 1: West Galway. Dublin. Stationery Office.