What is recorded here

Crannog in Derrinlough is a drained lake-bed in County Galway where an irregular twenty-metre patch still stands slightly raised and drier than the surrounding ground. Beneath the surface lies an artificial layer of sandstone pebbles above a thick mat of thin branches, possibly a foundation for a dwelling or shrine. A deeply embedded wooden stake and scattered animal bones hint at human presence, while a polished stone axehead and saddle quern rubbing stone found nearby suggest the site supported daily life long before the water vanished.

On a flat lake-bed which was drained 30 years ago. It consists of an irregularly shaped area (N-S 20m, E-W 20m), in poor condition, slightly raised and drier than the surrounding ground, and distinguishable from it by a difference in vegetation growth. According to the landowner, there is an artificial layer of sandstone pebbles, c. 0.25m below the present ground level, below which is a layer of vegetation (T >2m), mainly thin branches. One deeply embedded piece of wood (D c. 0.4m) was noted: possibly a stake. Some animal bones have been uncovered, and a polished stone axehead and the rubbing stone for a saddle quern were found nearby (Topgr. Files, UCG). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.