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Located in the intertidal zone on the NE shoreline of Coney Island at the SW end of Sligo Harbour.
This midden, which was exposed by the eroding action of a high tide, was first noted and recorded on 17th July 2015. It consists of a densely concentrated, irregular spread (L 20m NW–SE; Wth 1-5m; T 0.003-0.01m) of oyster and periwinkle shells. Within the general mixed spread of shells, there are discrete pockets which consist only of periwinkles or only of oyster shells. Small quantities of charcoal were noted, and some periwinkle shells have a blackened, burnt appearance. A single piece of chert was found. Immediately adjacent at NW, there is a concentration (diam. c. 8m) of angular heat-shattered stones associated with a fulacht fia (SL008-205----), the stone-lined trough of which is located 5m to NW of the midden. Bordering the SW edge of the midden, a compact, hard dark-coloured sandy layer (10m x 5m) appears to represent old beach deposits, which the midden directly overlies. (pers. comm. Dr. J. Bonsall, Masc Project, Sligo IT). When inspected again on 21st July the midden was once more largely concealed by sand washed in by the tide.
Attached images uploaded courtesy of Ciarán Davis:
SL008-204----_01.JPG Midden viewed from W
SL008-204----_02.JPG discrete concentrations of periwinkles and oyster shells evident within the general spread of shells
Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy
Date of upload: 22 July 2015
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