A prehistoric Bronze Age dwelling has just been discovered near Spiddal in Connemara.
The site was discovered by a Galway Irishman, Jimmy Ó Céide, while he was walking near the sea at Spiddal. He walked quietly until he came upon an astonishing structure, exposed by the recent Brendan storm.
Archaeologists were soon alerted and dispatched to the site. After studying the site, they came to the almost definitive conclusion that it was a crannog dating from the Bronze Age. A crannog is actually a dwelling built like an artificial island: circular in shape, it rests on wooden piles driven into the ground. This type of dwelling was common during the Bronze Age in Ireland.
A reconstructed crannog in Scotland – Dave Morris – cc
Nevertheless, according to the researchers, this discovery is likely to be confirmed in the days to come. If the crannog is ever confirmed, it would be an “incredibly rare” remnant, as rising sea levels over the centuries have destroyed most of the crannogs in place.
There may have been a lake here in the Bronze Age,” said Michael Gibbons, archaeologist in charge of the site. It’s a very important site. I’m surprised that such an interesting site is here. They’re not common in this part of the country, or in Ireland for that matter.
Initial estimates put the alleged crannog’s age at between 4,000 and 6,000 years. More detailed studies are due to take place in the coming days, to better identify all the site’s features, and confirm its nature. For the time being, local Irish media are urging caution: until the crannog is confirmed, it’s important not to jump to any hasty conclusions.
In addition, local Connemara residents have been asked to avoid visiting the site, so as not to disrupt the work of the archaeologists, and above all, not to damage the site.
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