Fulacht fia

The National Monuments Service's description

One of four fulachtaí fia (MA085-009005, MA085-009006, MA085-058----) situated in an oblong peat basin that runs ENE–WSW and is delimited on all sides by low hillocks. Cutover bog forms the flat bottom of basin that is between 15–25m wide (N–S). The basin is closed off at ENE end by a small hillock that is now cut through by an outflow channel to drain water. The site described here is the easternmost of three fulachtaí fia on the northern side of the basin. It is situated at its ENE end, just above waterline/ limit of cutaway peat on a stony but flat terrace. A turf-drying stack stands 10m to ENE. Another fulacht fia (MA085-009006-) lies c. 31m to SW. This is the best defined and arguably the best preserved fulacht fia on Clare Island. It consists of a very distinct grassed-over mound (NNW–SSE 11m, ENE–SSW 11.6m, H 0.75m) with a classic horseshoe shape in plan. The open end of the horseshoe faces SE, towards the peat basin. Burnt stone is exposed on the summits of both arms of the fulacht fia, and there is a slight saddle between the arms at NW.

The above description is derived from: New Survey of Clare Island. Volume 5: Archaeology. Edited by Paul Gosling, Conleth Manning and John Waddell. (Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. 2007). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated.

Date of upload: 29 November 2018

References

Gosling, P., Manning, C. and Waddell, J. (eds.) 2007 New Survey of Clare Island, Volume 5: Archaeology. Dublin, Royal Irish Academy.