It’s the incredible discovery of the week: Cathal McDonagh, a 12-year-old schoolboy, accidentally discovered a wooden boat, around 5 meters long, while kayaking on a lake at the back of his garden in Lisacul (Co. Roscommon). The boat was then partially buried in the mud, but managed to attract the attention of the young Irishman when his paddle hit part of the boat.
Cathal McDonagh immediately informed his parents, who contacted the Underwater Archaeology Unit of the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht. Archaeologists immediately speculated that the boat might date from the Neolithic era…
A virtual certainty, especially as Lisacul already boasts numerous prehistoric remains, including a crannóg (an artificial island used as a dwelling at the time) on the same lake where the boat was discovered, and 7 ringforts (circular prehistoric forts) surrounding the town of Lisacul.
So it’s a safe bet that the dating of the boat we’ve discovered is from the same period.
However, the archaeologists chose to place the boat back on the seabed, to prevent it from deteriorating in the open air. Future research on this discovery will be planned.
Fun fact: the 12-year-old schoolboy’s mother told the press that her son was not supposed to be on the lake at the time of the discovery. The latter should have done his homework, but preferred to go for a walk…
A little disobedience quickly forgiven, especially when you realize the extent of his discovery!
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