Sites and Monuments Record · Ireland
Midden
Magheraghanrush Or Deer Park, County Sligo, Ireland
The record
- Townland
- Magheraghanrush Or Deer Park
- County
- Sligo
- Country
- Ireland
- Latest-edition OS map
- Not indicated
- SMR number
- SL015-102002-
This record in the National Monuments Service's Historic Environment Viewer ↗
The National Monuments Service's description
The source of this record is contained in account by Seaton F. Milligan of a number of ringforts in the county (1879). Having described the cashel (SL015-059001-) he states: ‘A little above the cashel high up in the precipitous limestone cliff there is a cave, almost concealed from view, which has unmistakable indications of having been a dwelling-place of primitive man. It is situated in an almost impregnable position that a few could defend against a multitude, and as such was a natural stronghold of a type in use ages before the days of artificial forts. The principal cave is 55 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 9 to 10 feet high; about its centre a second cave branches off to the right for a distance of 25 feet. Outside the entrance is the midden where the ancient occupiers pitched their refuse, and also, apparently, cooked their food. We dug here through a layer of charcoal, and also found a quantity of bones of various animals, and turned up a small bronze buckle as well.’ (ibid., 579-80). It has not proved possible to locate the cave (SL015-102001-) or the midden (SL015-102002-).
Compiled by: Paul Walsh
Date of upload: 28 April 2014
References
Milligan, S.F. 1890-91 Ancient forts in County Sligo. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 21, 574-82.