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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Science
- Irish Independent
Ancient nobles' ringfort revealed by archaeologists in Galway
Rathgurreen Ringfort, in the Maree area of Co Galway, has been described as an impressive 'high-status' settlement that could date anywhere from the 5th to 12th century AD. An eight-week archaeological excavation, directed by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway, has also revealed exciting new layers to the story of the panoramic site with views south to the Burren, west to the Atlantic, and north across Galway. The ringfort was first investigated and proposed as a high-status settlement – home to a local ruler such as a king or lord – by Professor Michael Duignan, then chairman of archaeology at the university, in the late 1940s. Excavations now suggest that parts of the site are potentially 1,000 years older than previously thought, with evidence of contact with Rome, Scotland, France, and Scandinavia, possibly including the trade of valuable purple dye made at Rathgurreen. A team of professionals, students and volunteers took part in the archaeological dig this summer on a section of the 100m-diameter ringfort. Dr Comber, lecturer in archaeology at the university, said: 'What we can say with some certainty is that Maree is an ancient territory. 'Our research confirms that Rathgurreen was the home of a noble family – hence the description as high-status. 'But the story is much deeper and richer. We have evidence of continuity and change at this site – a settlement that possibly dates back to the Iron Age, that was later developed into a very fine ringfort. 'A new home with links to ancestors would certainly have been very attractive to Early Medieval nobility.' The archaeology team found a number of glass beads, some coloured blue and another turquoise and red. These have parallels in other parts of Ireland and Scotland in the Iron Age – the era that immediately precedes the Early Medieval period. The dig has also confirmed the presence of Early Medieval pottery from northern France and amber beads likely connected with Scandinavian trade routes used by the Vikings. Evidence of the manufacture of purple dye at Rathgurreen comprises the remnants of dog-whelk shellfish that were processed at the settlement to produce the rare and valuable colouring. Dr Comber added: 'We are working in an ancient high-status settlement located roughly mid-way along the Atlantic seaboard. 'In no sense, though, would it have been viewed as 'wild' or isolated – on the contrary it was part of a wider community and had links with other parts of Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe. 'The big takeaway from this site is that a place like Galway had a wider significance in the past, and that significance translates into the present.' The excavation marks the launch of a research project exploring land use through time on the Maree peninsula in Galway, with the university team hoping to continue digs at the site in 2026 and to pursue other locations in the area in future years. Community volunteers, University of Galway archaeology students, and international students from Uppsala University in Sweden came together to investigate the site and put into practice skills vital to careers in the archaeological profession. The wider project involves work with local, national and international communities as well as the development of a conservation management plan for Rathgurreen in conjunction with landowners and experts, through a community monuments fund with Galway County Council.
The Journal
3 days ago
- Science
- The Journal
Irish archeologists reveal an ancient nobles' ringfort from Early Medieval period in Galway
ARCHEOLOGISTS HAVE CONFIRMED a ringfort overlooking Galway Bay was a settlement for rulers and nobles in Ireland's Early Medieval period. The Rathgurreen Ringfort in the Maree area of Co Galway is now thought to have been a 'high status' settlement that dates anywhere from the 5th to 12th century. An eight week excavation has revealed discoveries which suggest that parts of the site are perhaps 1000 years older than originally thought, with evidence of contact with Rome, Scotland, France and Scandinavia. The site is thought to have been home to a local ruler such as a king or a lord – that theory was first proposed by NUIG Professor Michael Duignan in the late 1940s. University of Galway's Dr Michelle Comber with Susan Curran from the Discovery Programme: Centre for Archaeology and Innovation Ireland. Dr Michelle Comber, an Archaeology lecturer at the University, who co-led the modern-day excavation, said that we can say now with some certainty that Maree 'is an ancient territory'. She said there are up to 40 ringforts in the area but most are only a third of the size of Rathgurreen. Advertisement 'We have evidence of continuity and change at this site – a settlement that possibly dates back to the Iron Age, that was later developed into a very fine ringfort. A new home with links to ancestors would certainly have been very attractive to Early Medieval nobility,' she said. During the dig the team found a number of glass beads, some of coloured blue and another turquoise and red. 'These have parallels in other parts of Ireland and Scotland in the Iron Age – the era that immediately precedes the Early Medieval period,' Dr Comber said. Glass and amber beads; an Iron Age knife; ancient axe heads and stone tools; French pottery found at Rathgurreen Ringfort. The dig also confirmed the presence of Early Medieval pottery from northern France and amber beads likely connected with Scandinavian trade routes used by the Vikings. There is also evidence of the manufacture of purple dye, including remnants of dog-whelk shellfish that were processed at the settlement to produce the rare, and therefore, valuable colouring. 'The big takeaway from this site is that a place like Galway had a wider significance in the past, and that significance translates into the present. 'This one site has many tales to tell, and roles to play. People come to the west of Ireland and they think it's isolated and remote, but Maree's ancient remains tell us that western Ireland was not cut off from the wider world, geographically or culturally,' Dr Comber reflected. Community volunteers, University of Galway archeology students and international students from Uppsala University came together this summer to investigate this site, contribute to a new research project, and gain skills vital to pursuing in-demand careers in the archeological profession. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Science
- BreakingNews.ie
Ancient nobles' ringfort revealed by archaeologists
A ringfort overlooking Galway Bay has been confirmed as a settlement for rulers and nobles in Ireland's Early Medieval period, according to archaeologists. Rathgurreen Ringfort, in the Maree area of Co Galway, has been described as an impressive 'high-status' settlement that could date anywhere from the 5th to 12th century AD. Advertisement An eight-week archaeological excavation, directed by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway, has also revealed exciting new layers to the story of the panoramic site with views south to the Burren, west to the Atlantic, and north across Galway. University of Galway's Dr Michelle Comber, right, and Susan Curran from the Discovery Programme: Centre for Archaeology and Innovation Ireland (Aengus McMahon/University of Galway/PA) The ringfort was first investigated and proposed as a high-status settlement – home to a local ruler such as a king or lord – by Professor Michael Duignan, then chairman of archaeology at the university, in the late 1940s. Excavations now suggest that parts of the site are potentially 1,000 years older than previously thought, with evidence of contact with Rome, Scotland, France, and Scandinavia, possibly including the trade of valuable purple dye made at Rathgurreen. A team of professionals, students and volunteers took part in the archaeological dig this summer on a section of the 100m-diameter ringfort. Advertisement Dr Michelle Comber holding a turquoise and red glass bead found at the Rathgurreen Ringfort and believed to date from Early Medieval Ireland (Aengus McMahon/University of Galway/PA) Dr Comber, lecturer in archaeology at the university, said: 'What we can say with some certainty is that Maree is an ancient territory. 'Our research confirms that Rathgurreen was the home of a noble family – hence the description as high-status. 'But the story is much deeper and richer. We have evidence of continuity and change at this site – a settlement that possibly dates back to the Iron Age, that was later developed into a very fine ringfort. 'A new home with links to ancestors would certainly have been very attractive to Early Medieval nobility.' Advertisement Glass and amber beads, an Iron Age knife, ancient axe heads and stone tools, and French pottery were found at the ringfort (Aengus McMahon/University of Galway/PA) The archaeology team found a number of glass beads, some coloured blue and another turquoise and red. These have parallels in other parts of Ireland and Scotland in the Iron Age – the era that immediately precedes the Early Medieval period. The dig has also confirmed the presence of Early Medieval pottery from northern France and amber beads likely connected with Scandinavian trade routes used by the Vikings. Evidence of the manufacture of purple dye at Rathgurreen comprises the remnants of dog-whelk shellfish that were processed at the settlement to produce the rare and valuable colouring. Advertisement Dr Comber added: 'We are working in an ancient high-status settlement located roughly mid-way along the Atlantic seaboard. 'In no sense, though, would it have been viewed as 'wild' or isolated – on the contrary it was part of a wider community and had links with other parts of Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe. A dog-whelk shell found at Rathgurreen Ringfort which was used to manufacture rare and valuable purple dye (Aengus McMahon/University of Galway/PA) 'The big takeaway from this site is that a place like Galway had a wider significance in the past, and that significance translates into the present.' The excavation marks the launch of a research project exploring land use through time on the Maree peninsula in Galway, with the university team hoping to continue digs at the site in 2026 and to pursue other locations in the area in future years. Advertisement Community volunteers, University of Galway archaeology students, and international students from Uppsala University in Sweden came together to investigate the site and put into practice skills vital to careers in the archaeological profession. The wider project involves work with local, national and international communities as well as the development of a conservation management plan for Rathgurreen in conjunction with landowners and experts, through a community monuments fund with Galway County Council.
Extra.ie
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Things to do this weekend
Summer is well and truly underway with college and school students free from the books for a few weeks. While the weather has been somewhat unpredictable — high temperatures have been mixed with unsettled and somewhat damp conditions in recent days. The weekend is looking to be a mixture of cloudy with outbreaks of rain, but there is sunny spells forecast for the coming days also. As the weekend nears, it's the perfect chance to figure out what your plans are when the whole family is off with activities nationwide — maybe a trip to Fota Wildlife Park in Cork or Newgrange Farm in Meath might be in the schedule… Pic: Shutterstock As the weekend nears, it's the perfect chance to figure out what your plans are when the whole family is off with activities nationwide — maybe a trip to Fota Wildlife Park in Cork or Newgrange Farm in Meath might be in the schedule… Here are five of the best things to do this weekend, You can check out more family days out and summer events on YourDaysOut. Dublin, Thursday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29 There are a range of fascinating free guided tours at the National Museum of Ireland over the weekend across different aspects of Irish history. Families can explore everything from the Stone Age tot he Viking invasions as well as the rise of writing and religion in Early Medieval Ireland. Special highlights include the Early Medieval Ireland: Ireland to St Gallen tour and the Prehistoric Ireland Family (which has an ISL interpretation on Saturday). No booking is needed for these tours — but arrive early to secure your spot! Pic: National Museum of Ireland Wicklow, Friday/ Saturday, June 28/29 Families heading to the Treetop Walk Avondale over the weekend will get the exciting opportunity to meet with the dinorsaurs at the canopy. The spectacular pre-historic event gives attendees the opportunity to meet Baxter and Spike as well as a group of baby dinosaurs as they wander the trail. The two-day event promises to be the perfect family day out, with standard admission including the fun event. Pic: YourDaysOut How about a trip to Boyne Valley to visit the beautiful Newgrange Farm? Open daily throughout the summer, families can bottle-feed lambs, cuddle kittens and meet the calves, pigs and ponies in a relaxed, hands-on setting. Elsewhere, there are pedal tractors and a straw maze as well as an indoor play area and large sandpit, providing plenty to keep the youngsters happy and active throughout the day. There is also the popular tractor trailer ride around the fields for those looking for an additional bit of adventure. Newgrange Farm is the perfect family day out with a café on site as well as picnic areas to enjoy lunch. Book here. Newborn Asiatic Lion cubs recently born in Fota Wildlife Park. Pic: Darragh Kane Cork, open daily Home to more than 100 different species, many of which are endangered, Fota Wildlife is a fantastic spot to learn all about animals and see the brilliant work going on within the park. The Cork-based venue is renowned for their conservation efforts, playing vital roles protection global biodiversity while welcoming visitors of all ages in for an immersive and educational wildlife experience. In addition, the 35-metre-high Panoramic Wheel at the park has been extended for the summer. Dublin, daily This outdoor scavenger hunt in Merrion Square was designed by a child therapist and is a playful way for families with young children to connect and explore together. The event is aimed at children from four years to eight years and blends storytelling, puzzles and discovery in a self-guided walk around the city using the Questo app. Along the way, you'll solve clues; learn fun facts and share plenty of laughs as you help bring back the lost Sensi-Stone and restore the world's five senses.
Mint
25-04-2025
- General
- Mint
Broken bones, eating in cemetery: Researchers discover ancient human skeletons, revealing mysteries of Medieval women
In the United Kingdom, archaeologists have found 41 human skeletons, mostly of women, from around 500 to 600 AD. These remains, found in south Wales, give a rare look into the Early Medieval period, which is not well recorded in history. Experts say the women likely had hard lives working in farming. Each person was buried in a separate grave at the site. 'Their daily life appears to have been quite hard. They weren't a very healthy bunch of individuals, but they were caring for each other,' Andy Seaman of Cardiff University told CNN. According to Seaman, researchers have found evidence of degenerative joint diseases like arthritis. They have also found healed fractures and broken bones. Female skeletons showed signs of past injuries like broken legs and even a neck, likely from farming accidents, per Seaman. Though the site was near the sea, there's no proof they ate fish. People likely lived nearby and even ate in the cemetery. Some buried there were high-status and had links with people from mainland Europe. Archaeologists found fine glass cups from France, suggesting high-status items at the site. However, Seaman said the people buried there were in poor health. He explained that, during that time, the gap between rich and poor was small, and most people worked in farming. Just because luxury items were found doesn't mean all buried individuals were wealthy. 'It's high status activity happening within the cemetery, that doesn't need to mean that every individual is necessarily a high status person,' CNN quoted Seaman as saying. 'The contrast between the high-status material and the poor health of the individuals is not too surprising. This was a period in which the difference between the rich and the poor wasn't very great, and it seems like everybody was involved to a greater or lesser extent in agriculture,' he added. The team now plans to study if people and goods moved between Wales and southwestern France. They also want to dig up the rest of the site. First Published: 25 Apr 2025, 05:36 PM IST
