Midden

The National Monuments Service's description

This is one of three middens (SL007-045----; SL007-046----; SL007-047----) exposed in section on the shoreline of Horse Island. A sampling strategy (09E0174) was undertaken in 2009 as part of a radio-carbon dating programme (Sherlock et al. 2009). This large midden which extends around the E tip of the island produced cattle, sheep and pig bones, as well as fish bone and evidence of cereals (Kytmannow et al. 2009, 16). Radiocarbon analysis of a charcoal sample returned an Early Christian date. Sampling at SL007-047---- also returned a date (from charcoal) in the Early Christian period. It is suggested that these middens may be part of a more extensive system along this stretch of the island shoreline (pers. comm. T. Kytmannow 2012).

Compiled by: Paul Walsh

Date of revised upload: 6 June 2016

References

Kytmannow, T., Hunt, C., Malone, C. and Kahlert, T. 2009 Living on the Edge: Archaeological Survey of shell middens on five islands in Sligo Bay. Unpublished Report to the Heritage Council of Ireland, 25th of Nov 2009.

Sherlock, R., Kytmannow, T., Hunt, C. 2009 Sligo Islands Research Project: Archaeological Survey and Sampling Programme Excavation Licence No.: 09E0174. Unpublished Interim Report submitted to NMS on October 2009.