Crannog

The National Monuments Service's description

In an inlet of Lough Gara, on marshy ground; views of the open lake are restricted due to the surrounding drumlins. In summer the surrounding area consists of a grassy water meadow. This crannog is covered with undergrowth and a number of mature trees, making inspection difficult. It is a high-cairn crannog (52m N-S; 44m E-W; max. H 2.8m above the meadow) with a central mid-cairn (12m N-S, 10m E-W; H 0.7m) consisting of grass-covered stones. The edge of this mid-cairn is most distinct along the S arc. It is surrounded by a plateau (Wth c. 8m), consisting of small subangular stones. The plateau is distinct to N, W and S but barely discernible to E. A wide berm (Wth 10-12m) surrounds the plateau. In the E portion of the berm is a hollow (5.2m N-S; 6m E-W; D 0.6m) with gently sloping sides. On the S edge of the berm is a low flat bank or wall (Wth 4m; int. H 0.3m). At NE is a ridge which though very overgrown shows a high sand content. It projects to NE as a point. The stone-packing on this site is at all levels compact and grass-covered with the stones being firmly set. There is less vegetation cover on the berm. (Fredengren 2002, KILA 034)

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005).

Date of upload: 18 January 2008