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Irish Post
2 days ago
- Science
- Irish Post
Archaeologists discover ‘remarkable' ancient ringfort overlooking Irish beauty spot
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered an ancient ringfort which is believed to have been a settlement for rulers and nobles in Ireland's early medieval period. 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. The site, which overlooks Galway Bay, was the focus of an eight-week archaeological excavation, directed by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway. 'What we can say with some certainty is that Maree is an ancient territory,' Dr Comber, who is a lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Galway, said. 'There are up to 40 ringforts in the area, most of which are only a third the size of Rathgurreen, not to mention a number of earlier prehistoric sites,' she added. The ringfort was first investigated and proposed as a high-status settlement – meaning it was home to a local ruler such as a king or lord - by Professor Michael Duignan, then Chair of Archaeology at the University, in the late 1940s. Dr Michelle Comber holding a turquoise and red glass bead found at the Rathgurreen Ringfort and believed to date from Early Medieval Ireland. (Pic: Aengus McMahon) 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. 'The name Mearaí (Maree) appears in several early legends, often associated with warriors or other figures bearing that name,' Dr Comber said. '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.' A team of professionals, students and volunteers took part in the archaeological dig this summer on a section of the 100m-diameter ringfort. They 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 suggesting 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 therefore, valuable colouring. 'We are working in an ancient high-status settlement located roughly mid-way along the Atlantic seaboard,' Dr Comber added. '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 adjacent coast provided relatively easy access to the outside world - seaways were the motorways of their day. '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,' she added. '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.' The excavation marks the launch of a new 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. See More: Archaeologists, Galway, Maree, Rathgurreen Ringfort
Irish Independent
20-07-2025
- 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
20-07-2025
- 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
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Little-Pengelly ‘saddened and disappointed' by cancellation of sport summer camp
Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has expressed her disappointment at the cancellation of a cross-community sports camp. First Minister Michelle O'Neill also reiterated her dismay after the event planned to take place in Comber was called off after local residents had concerns around the inclusion of the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association). North Down Cricket Club had planned the sports summer camp for young people from different backgrounds, including the involvement of 10 different groups, one of which was the East Belfast GAA. But a local Orange Order lodge said there were concerns among local residents about the 'perceived move of the GAA into the local community'. In a statement on social media, the North Down Cricket Club said it cancelled the event because it felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. On Wednesday, Cricket Ireland announced it plans to step in to arrange a similar sports camp at Stormont later this month. Speaking during a visit to the Open in Portrush on Thursday, Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly both expressed disappointment at what had happened. Ms Little-Pengelly said 'while there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion, this is not the time or place'. 'Sport can be a great unifier,' she told the PA news agency. 'It's been really disappointing, very saddened to see that the club felt that they had to cancel this particular summer camp. 'I've reached out, and I've been speaking to the North Down Cricket Club. 'Of course, there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion and the barriers that many feel to participation, but this is not the time or place. The time and place for that is not a children's summer camp. 'Cricket has been a great unifier right across all different types of religions, races, politics, we see that play out every single week, and I think it's really disappointing that these young people won't get that opportunity to play cricket at that summer camp but I'm continuing to work with the club, and with others, to see what the opportunities may be in the future.' Ms O'Neill added: 'I was so deeply disappointed that anyone thought it was appropriate to advocate that these kids should not be invited along. 'For kids to come together through the medium of sport. It's just something that should always be a positive experience. So it makes me really sad to actually hear that someone doesn't want those kids to be invited. 'It's just totally not acceptable. Young people should play sport together, young people from all different backgrounds should always be encouraged to come together.' Ms O'Neill added she was 'quite dismayed by the fact that somebody thought it was appropriate to actually advocate against that'.
BreakingNews.ie
17-07-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Little-Pengelly ‘saddened and disappointed' by cancellation of sport summer camp
Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has expressed her disappointment at the cancellation of a cross-community sports camp. First Minister Michelle O'Neill also reiterated her dismay after the event planned to take place in Comber was called off after local residents had concerns around the inclusion of the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association). Advertisement North Down Cricket Club had planned the sports summer camp for young people from different backgrounds, including the involvement of 10 different groups, one of which was the East Belfast GAA. But a local Orange Order lodge said there were concerns among local residents about the 'perceived move of the GAA into the local community'. In a statement on social media, the North Down Cricket Club said it cancelled the event because it felt the spirit of the camp was at risk of being lost. On Wednesday, Cricket Ireland announced it plans to step in to arrange a similar sports camp at Stormont later this month. Advertisement Speaking during a visit to the Open in Portrush on Thursday, Ms O'Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly both expressed disappointment at what had happened. Ms Little-Pengelly said 'while there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion, this is not the time or place'. 'Sport can be a great unifier,' she told the PA news agency. 'It's been really disappointing, very saddened to see that the club felt that they had to cancel this particular summer camp. Advertisement 'I've reached out, and I've been speaking to the North Down Cricket Club. 'Of course, there are legitimate questions to be asked of the GAA around their lack of inclusion and the barriers that many feel to participation, but this is not the time or place. The time and place for that is not a children's summer camp. 'Cricket has been a great unifier right across all different types of religions, races, politics, we see that play out every single week, and I think it's really disappointing that these young people won't get that opportunity to play cricket at that summer camp but I'm continuing to work with the club, and with others, to see what the opportunities may be in the future.' Ms O'Neill added: 'I was so deeply disappointed that anyone thought it was appropriate to advocate that these kids should not be invited along. Advertisement 'For kids to come together through the medium of sport. It's just something that should always be a positive experience. So it makes me really sad to actually hear that someone doesn't want those kids to be invited. 'It's just totally not acceptable. Young people should play sport together, young people from all different backgrounds should always be encouraged to come together.' Ms O'Neill added she was 'quite dismayed by the fact that somebody thought it was appropriate to actually advocate against that'.
