Habitation site in Broughal

Mesolithic habitation site discovered on the bed of Lough Boora in 1977 and excavated by the National Museum under the direction of Dr. Michael Ryan (Ryan 1978). The site appears to have been located on a fossil lake shore formerly sealed by peat and subsequently inundated by the modern lake. The excavation revealed a number of hearths which were rich in charcoal, which included the burnt bones of mammal, bird and fish. Other evidence included the waste debris associated with the manufacture of bone tools. Over 400 objects were recovered including three polished stone axe heads, almost 200 microliths along with blades and scrapers of chert. Radiocarbon dating provided a range of dates from 7000-6500 bc. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011