Midden

The National Monuments Service's description

On the S shoreline of Rosses Point peninsula, on the N side of Sligo Bay. This midden is exposed in section in a high vertical scarp (H 1.3m at W, 2-2.4m at E) along the W and S side of a curving arm of elevated, dry ground, which encloses a small lagoon on its N side and is bordered by a stone beach on its S, sea-ward side.
The midden is visible towards the top of the vertical scarp, and is overlain by a layer of sod. Much of the section face is concealed beneath overgrowth, but glimpses of a shell layer can be traced intermittently along the E-W length of the scarp for a total of c. 40m. It is most substantial, and more fully exposed, at the W end (ITM 564080 839680) of its extent, where it is visible as a concentrated layer (L 15-20m; D c. 0.4-0.5m) of oyster shells, with occasional periwinkle shells, intermixed with some pebbles and small stones. The lower portion (D c. 0.2-0.25m) of the layer reveals a concentration of relatively intact oyster shells; above this the shells are highly fragmented. Evidence of the midden becomes increasing scant towards the E end (ITM 534148 839653) of the scarp. In parts, deposits of shell are visible at lower levels on the scarp face, and some at least of these appear to be displaced portions of the midden, which have slumped or been eroded out of the scarp.

Notified to NMS by Daithi Bradley.

Attached images:
SL008-214----_01.JPG Midden visible in section face at SW end of its extent, viewed from W
SL008-214----_02.JPG Close-up of shell layers

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 27 May 2020