the archaeology of a burren ringfort landscape

Project Description

This project studies preserved field systems and their relationship with settlement enclosures. The first phase of the project (2005) comprised a general landscape analysis and statistical study of settlement indicators within an area of the Burren, stretching from Kilfenora in the southwest to Carran in the northeast. This revealed that many of these settlements were deliberately sited to best exploit the most fertile farmland, while others may have been strategically positioned with regard to territorial politics. Phase 1 fieldwork consisted of detailed digital ground surveys (using a Total Station), and employed a course of field-walking, descriptive survey and photography (ground and aerial). GIS and Autocad distribution maps were produced.

Phase 2 (2006) saw the detailed digital survey (using a Total Station) of a preserved archaeological landscape located between the cashel of Ballykinvarga to the west and Leamaneh castle to the east. Oblique and vertical aerial photography supplemented and expanded the area surveyed on the ground. Extensive field systems and enclosures were recorded in this stretch of land. A number of settlement ’clusters’ or farms were tentatively identified.

Phase 3 (2008) saw a continuation of this detailed mapping in a single settlement cluster immediately surrounding the cashel of Caherconnell on the northern edge of the Phase 1 study area (using Total Station and GPS). This third phase was undertaken in preparation for tying detailed digital surveying to excavated evidence – with a programme of research excavation planned and commenced (see Excavations in Caherconnell Townland project).

Contact Details

Dr Michelle Comber ( profile)

Department of Archaeology,

School of Geography and Archaeology, NUI, Galway

Contact: michelle.combernuigalway.ie

Funding Bodies

Funded by The Heritage Council in 2005, 2006 and 2008

Links

Caherconnell Stone Fort

Project Publications

2005 Ringforts and the Settlement Landscape of the Burren in the First Millennium AD. Vol. 1. Report submitted to the Heritage Council of Ireland.

2006 Ringforts and the Settlement Landscape of the Burren in the First Millennium AD. Vol. 2. Report submitted to the Heritage Council of Ireland.

2008 Ringforts and the Settlement Landscape of the Burren in the First Millennium AD. Vol. 3. Report submitted to the Heritage Council of Ireland.

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