Crannog

The National Monuments Service's description

Standing in the centre of Lough Lene with crannóg (WM008-099----) known as Castle Island 550m to SSW and Turgesius Island 300m to SSE. Described by O'Sullivan (2004, 110) as 'a large oval, rocky island (approx. dims. 30m NE-SW x 60m NW-SE; H 4m), partly natural in origins, in 4-5m water depth. It is a large cairn of medium to large limestone blocks (70cm length, 50cm in width) and smaller pebbles. There are large stones (1m in length) forming a stone kerb along the east shore. There are also 3 possible causeways running out from the island. A short causeway of very large stones (1.5m length) extends for 5m out from the north shore. There is also a causeway, extending for 20m from the northwest shore. The largest causeway, is a distinct linear arrangement of large stones (1m in length), running out from the southeast shore of the island, towards the neighbouring Turgesius Island, measuring 58m in length, 5-6m in width. It is overgrown with trees. This crannog is based on an natural island that may have been enhanced and kerbed during the early medieval period. As with the nearby Turgesius Island and Castle Island, it is associated in local folklore with Vikings and its name also suggests an early ecclesiastical function'.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 14 February 2017

References

O'Sullivan, A. 2004 The social and ideological roles of crannogs in early medieval Ireland. Unpublished PhD thesis. Department of History, NUI Maynooth.