What is recorded here

Midden in Liberties OF Carlingford is a long discarded heap of whelk and periwinkle shells trapped in a cliff above Carlingford Harbour. Pig, oxen, pony, sheep, lamb and fish bones mix with broken pots from the late medieval period. The sea climbed, fell back and exposed the refuse line, preserving the shape of meals eaten beside the water.

The following description is derived from both the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1986) and the 'Archaeological Survey of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1991). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Situated in 'Chapel Field', E of Carlingford Harbour, on raised beach. The midden, exposed in the cliff face for a length of 26m (T 1.5m) and 4.5m above present water-level, consisted mainly of shell, the most common being whelks (Buccinum undatam) and periwinkles (Littorina littorea). Animal bone found included pig, oxen, pony, sheep, lamb and fish. The site also yielded dating evidence in the form of sherds of 14 different late medieval pottery vessels. (CLAJ 1948, 288-91)

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