Outcomes
The low, rolling topography of the study area with its closeness to the shore as well as fertile glens offered abundant supplies to the peoples, first to populate the area. They might have comprised Mesolithic fisher-gatherers wandering the coastline of Connemara. Pollen evidence was established for the landnam phase in this area (c. 400 BC), where Neolithic farmers were the first to create lasting monuments, megalithic tombs, in addition to building settlement sites such as huts and boundaries. Four different forms of megalithic tomb are present in the grid, which include: court tombs, portal tombs, wedge tombs and unclassified tombs, all of which display distinct characteristics to this region. It is evident that the monuments of the New Stone Age were sited within the fertile valleys and within striking distance of the sea, indicating its significance to the inhabitants, for travel, trade, ritual and as a possible food source. One reason for settling there was the thinning of the woodland cover occurring along the shoreline. A survey from Donegal showed the same distribution characteristics, hinting at comparable circumstances. During the Bronze Age, settlement continued in the same areas and wedge tombs continue to be erected, additional monuments as free standing orthostats, such as standing stones, appear in lacustrine environments and on hilltops or slopes. The striking appearance of the Connemara Bronze Age monuments is due to the usage of white quartz. The shift in the choice of monument construction for this era might have been due to religious changes. The transect area provided no evidence for the Iron Age as yet, however, recent studies point to a nomadic life-style.
During the early medieval period on the other hand, settlement took place in coastal areas of the grid of this study. This is evident through holy wells, which were also an important focal point for religious practices and may even predate the era. In addition, lakes were utilised for habitations, built of stone and earth, so called island cashels. Prominent positions in the landscape were attractive for erecting univallate ringforts, which may have been dispersed farmsteads. These findings were supported by studies from Co. Mayo and Co. Donegal. In addition, interesting new theories are being developed about Norse presence along the shores of Connemara and county Mayo, as more and more evidence for settlement and burial comes to light. The Viking burial, within the grid of the current project has puzzled archaeologists for decades and it is now suggested that these people indeed settled within the area, supporting themselves by farming, fishing and raiding.
During the early medieval period on the other hand, settlement took place in coastal areas of the grid of this study. This is evident through holy wells, which were also an important focal point for religious practices and may even predate the era. In addition, lakes were utilised for habitations, built of stone and earth, so called island cashels. Prominent positions in the landscape were attractive for erecting univallate ringforts, which may have been dispersed farmsteads. These findings were supported by studies from Co. Mayo and Co. Donegal. In addition, interesting new theories are being developed about Norse presence along the shores of Connemara and county Mayo, as more and more evidence for settlement and burial comes to light. The Viking burial, within the grid of the current project has puzzled archaeologists for decades and it is now suggested that these people indeed settled within the area, supporting themselves by farming, fishing and raiding.