Hut site in Saints Island

In clearing, on N end of island, in SW corner of Lough Mask. Roughly circular dry-stone structure (8.4m N-S; 7.3m E-W) enclosing stone-lined depression, built into knoll. No evidence of an entrance, but may have been a hut or sweathouse. To E is another roughly circular dry-stone structure (MA120-008004-)(int. diam. 2.9m) with a low tunnel-like entrance feature (L 2m; H0.4m; Wth 0.5m) on SE. Further SE are two cross slabs (MA120-008001-), (MA120-008002-). At N edge of island is area of dry-stone revetting. It has been suggested (Higgins 1993, 46) that the island may have been used as an island cashel, or a fishing platform of later prehistoric or Early Christian date. The above description has been derived from D. Lavelle (compiler), An Archaeological Survey of Ballinrobe and District including Lough Mask and Lough Carra. Lough Mask and Lough Carra Tourist Development Association (1994), No. 595. Date of upload: 24 February 2014