10 Archaeological and Cultural Heritage

10.13 Gravel Ridges

Gravel Ridges/Gravel deposits by their nature provide raised areas, generally with commanding views and with well-drained soils, which were very popular in particular for Bronze Age Settlement. For example Early Bronze Age pit burials are frequently discovered on gravel ridges. Areas of landscape based on this type of geomorphological make up, offered a more suitable soil base for settlements and associated activities, particularly when surrounded by landscapes prone to water-logging or flooding. This would especially apply to eras of prolonged wetter weather conditions such as evidenced during the Irish Bronze Age, c. 2,750 BC to c. 500 BC and during the Irish Iron Age, c. 500 BC to 500 AD.