10 Archaeological and
Cultural Heritage
10.3 The Archaeological
Receiving Environment - Overview
The study area
is a particularly rich archaeological landscape attested to
by the large number of sites recorded during the paper survey.
A total of approximately 1360 sites were identified in the
study area. It is important to note that several sites have
been identified by aerial photography, where the above ground
indications of the monument have been destroyed. These have
been interpreted as cropmarks, enclosures, field systems and
deserted medieval settlements or complexes. The strong tradition
of past agricultural practices has been largely responsible
for the destruction of these sites. Given this quantity of
sub-surface sites, it is very likely that topsoil stripping
at a later stage will uncover new sites with no visible surface
remains that previous ploughing activity and land reclamation
has helped to remove.
A number of megalithic
structures are recorded in the area, some of which have been
destroyed over time. This type of site consists of stone built
monuments often containing collective burials. One definite
portal tomb is located within the study area (CW007-010).
The former presence of this type of site in the area is an
indication of well-established activity and settlement during
either the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age.
The vast majority
of the sites identified in the paper survey consist of earthworks
and enclosures - circular, oval and rectilinear. The circular
enclosures, which are no longer extant, may actually represent
destroyed ringforts. This type of site has not been closely
dated and may have been in use in various different periods.
A large amount
of fualachta fiadh sites were identified in the survey. Most
of these sites were noted during a National Museum of Ireland
Fulacht Fiadh survey and presumably remain extant. The name
is derived from early Irish literature referring to cooking
sites for deer, which were used by the Fianna (Mitchell and
Ryan 1997, 220). They usually date from the early to late
Bronze Age with large numbers focussed on the latter period.
They have become the most frequent monument found in the Irish
countryside.
A number of
cists were found in the study area. These consist of pits
dug in the ground and lined with stone to form graves. The
majority of these graves date to the Bronze Age period (c.
2000 - 700 BC).
Ring-barrows
are another monument type associated with the Bronze Age.
These barrows consist of small mounds containing burials.
A concentration of this monument type was noted in south Kildare,
where the sites are visible through aerial photography (KD038-24,
KD038-027) (Mitchell & Ryan 1997, 216-218).
There are a
large number of ringforts identified in the study area. These
monuments are the most widely distributed and commonplace
monuments on the Irish landscape.
A number of
souterrains were identified within the study area. These are
underground, manmade passages and structures ranging in length
from 5m to over 100m. These were either tunnelled through
clay or rock or are of timber or drystone construction in
a subsequently backfilled trench. Excavation results indicate
a date range from c. 800 - 1200 AD. Most souterrains are found
accidentally during ploughing or foundation digging.
There are a number
of moated sites identified within the study area. Moated sites
are usually associated with the Anglo-Norman settlement of
Ireland during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. These
monuments are identifiable on the landscape as rectangular
or square raised platforms, which were enclosed by one or
more banks and a wide flat-bottomed fosse or moat that was
usually filled with water (Barry 1987, 84-85). Also located
within the study area were several motte and baileys. These
consist of earthen mounds, which were usually erected as initial
forts by the invading Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. These
mottes were usually located at strategically important positions
and usually command excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
A number of
castles, tower houses and mottes were identified in the study
area. The Anglo-Normans were responsible for the introduction
of stone castle building into Ireland some time after 1169
AD.
Some 17th century
and possible earlier dwellings within the study area are associated
with castles and tower houses.
Quite a number
of ecclesiastical remains were also found within the study
area. These consisted primarily of churches and graveyards,
with features such as bullaun stones, fonts and altar tombs.
Many of the holy
wells within the study area are associated with ecclesiastical
remains but a number of isolated sites occur. The date and
origin of the dedication of some wells is known from documentary
evidence and many are still used for pilgrimage to this day.
Consequently local interest in and awareness of such sites
can often be very high.
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