Midden

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated in a level area of sand and marram grass within the landtake of Strandhill airport. Prior to its inclusion in the landtake it would have formed part of an extensive dune system. At its closest point the monument is 110 NE from the shoreline. The visible remains of the midden (L c. 10.6m WNW-ESE) lie within a relatively steep-sided, flat-bottomed drain (Wth. 1m; D 0.4m - 0.6m). For the most part the midden material lies on the floor and in the bottom 0.25m of the NNE side. There are almost no remains visible in the SSW side. The exposed remains comprise oyster, cockle, periwinkle and limpet shells together with small quantities of burnt stone. The density of the deposits varies considerably along the length exposed. The greater concentration lies in the ESE half. However, there is also a large portion at the WNW end. On the basis of the available evidence it is not possible to gauge the extent of the midden. There is certainly more material beneath the present floor level and NNE sides of the drain. However, the paucity of material in the SSW face suggests that the midden did not continue beyond this face.

Compiled by: Patrick F. O'Donovan

Date of upload: 17 June 2011