Crannog in Lough Gara

Off the point of Rathtinaun drumlin on the E side of Lough Gara and almost submerged. This crannog has an unusual exposed mid-lake position, has good views and is intervisible with another crannog (SL047-021----) and a possible crannog (SL047-016----) to SE and NE respectively. The surface of the crannog (10.3m N-S; 11.3m E-W; H 1.3m above the lake mud) consists of a number of flagstones (max. dim. 0.8m) placed on smaller angular and subangular stones, mainly sandstone. The body of the crannog consists of a dense concentration of loosely packed stones. The surface is uneven with no soil visible. To E of the centre, the flagstones form an almost stepped surface. Three submerged wooden posts were observed, protruding up through the stone packing. The site appears to have definite edges, possibly less distinct to the W, sloping sharply to W and E. The stones seem to be resting on white lake marl in which fragments of wood were noted. (Cross 1953, fig. 1; Fredengren 2002, KILA 020) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008