The Brugh na Bóinne Research Project

Project Description

The Brugh na Bóinne Research Project is part of an ongoing collaborative research initiative designed specifically to address the nature and function of selected monuments within the broader landscape of the Brugh na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site through the exclusive use of non-invasive survey techniques. The project also serves as a vehicle for the instruction of postgraduate students of archaeology, undertaking studies at the National University of Ireland, Galway, in the use and application of scientific survey techniques and associated software.

Newgrange sub-rectangular enclosure In addition to mapping the extant remains of the earthwork (RMP: ME019-065), this field research has revealed the presence of a significant complex of sub-surface archaeological features which was entirely unknown prior to the current geophysical survey. The results would suggest that a number of successive monuments were built and rebuilt at this location in order to exploit the strategic advantages of this elevated spur of ground overlooking a fording point on the River Boyne at Rossnaree. Further reading: Fenwick, J., Warner, R., & Eogan, G. 2009 Revealing hidden details of the ancient landscape at Newgrange, Brugh na Bóinne World Heritage Site, Co. Meath. Ríocht na Midhe XX, 5-23.

Crewbane souterrain and nearby archaeological features (including magnetometer survey) The chance discovery of a souterrain in the townland of Crewbane, Brugh na Bóinne, Co. Meath, in Novermber 2007 prompted a detailed archaeological and geophysial  survey of the immediate area during which a number of additional and potentially significant archaeological features were identified. These previously unrecorded features include a second potential souterrain, a substantial earthen embankment, a low-relief linear earthwork and a well, in addition to geophysical evidence of a large circular, or sub-circular, enclosure (possibly a ringfort) and an adjacent field system. All are situated in close proximity to one another on elevated ground overlooking the River Boyne, some 200m to the south. The souterrain, therefore, appears to be just one feature within a complex of archaeological monuments located within sight of the passage tomb cemetery of Knowth, situated just 1km to the east. During the early medieval period, Knowth (ancient Cnogba) served as the royal seat of the kings of north Brega and it is likely that the archaeological complex at Crewbane forms an integrap part of its royal demesne. Further reading: Fenwick, J., Dowling, G., Schot, R. & Rogers, J. 2012 Crewbane souterrain and nearby archaeological features, Brugh na Bóinne, Slane, Co. Meath. Ríocht na Midhe XXIII, 1-25.

Knowth Area 11 (geophysical survey) A detailed archaeological survey, consisting of topographical, electrical resistance, magnetometer and magnetic susceptibility surveys of the field situated immediately to the southeast of the core area of the Knowth National Monument complex was conducted in 2011, revealing a wealth of previously unrecorded archaeological features and monuments. The geophysical survey has identified: A large rectangular platform or ’moated site’, measuring c. 65m north/south. This is likely to have functioned as an enclosed courtyard related to the medieval Cistercian grange activities at Knowth (The enclosure occupies the western half of the magnetometer image). A substantial unclassified double-ditched elliptical enclosure, measuring c. 63m across its north/south axis; which might be interpreted as a ringfort, concentric enclosure, secular cemetery or double-ditched embanked enclosure or ’henge’ (occupying the eastern half of the magnetometer image). The geophysical evidence, however, would suggest that the site is more likely to have served a ritual purpose as the magnetic response from the inner enclosure displays no appreciable enhanced values (in comparison to the surrounding or background soils), as one might expect as a result of sustained habitation and related activities. A curious series of parallel, east/west, strongly magnetic, linear anomalies, which on the basis of the geophysical evidence may be the remains of a pottery kiln or cereal-drying kiln (north-centre of the magnetometer image). Further reading: Fenwick, J. 2012 Geophysical survey of Knowth Area 11, Appendix 8 in Excavations at Knowth in the first and second millennia AD, George Eogan, with contributions by Cathy Johnson, Madeline O'Brien and others, Dublin, Royal Irish Academy.

Dowth passage tomb and manorial village
		A detailed magnetic susceptibility, magnetometer and electrical resistance survey of State-owned lands in and around the great passage tomb of Dowth is currently underway. Details fo follow...

Further reading: Fenwick, J. 2013 The landscape features, follies and antiquities of Dowth Demesne. Archaeology Ireland, 27(1). 26-30.

Map of Dowth Demesne (outlined in green): Selected features, tree-circles and annotations marked in white are taken from the Ordnance Survey 1st ed. County Series (map sheet 20). Text in black font represents shorthand RMP numbers (prefixed by ME020). The red dashed line marks the axis along which Dowth House is aligned. (LiDAR image generated by the Discovery Programme and reproduced courtesy of the Heritage Council and Meath County Council©)

Contact Details

Joe Fenwick ( Profile)
Department of Archaeology,
School of Geography and Archaeology, NUI, Galway
Email:  joe.fenwicknuigalway.ie

Funding Bodies

Meath County Council and County Heritage Forum (2007)

Links

View the Heritage Council’s Research Framework Initiative for the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site in Co. Meath.

Project Publications

Fenwick, J., Warner, R. & Eogan, G. 2009 Revealing hidden details of the ancient landscape at Newgrange, Brugh na Bóinne World Heritage Site, Co. Meath. Ríocht na Midhe XX, 5-23.

Fenwick, J., Dowling, G., Schot, R. & Rogers, J. 2012 Crewbane souterrain and nearby archaeological features, Brugh na Bóinne, Slane, Co. Meath. Ríocht na Midhe XXIII, 1-25.  

Fenwick, J. 2012 Geophysical survey of Knowth Area 11, Appendix 8 in Excavations at Knowth in the first and second millennia AD, George Eogan, with contributions by Cathy Johnson, Madeline O'Brien and others, Dublin, Royal Irish Academy.

Fenwick, J. 2013 The landscape features, follies and antiquities of Dowth demense. Archaeology Ireland, 27(1), 26-30.

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