Archaeology on Achill, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Archaeology on Achill, Co Mayo, Ireland

Achill offers a wealth of archaeological evidence and artefacts stretching back some 5,000 years. A number of megalithic remains, such as the cross at Slievemore (pictured, left), point to human settlement at that time. The remains of promontory forts may also be seen at various points along Achill's coastline, and local placenames - involving words such as 'dun', 'doon' and 'doonty' - also point to the existence in former times of more promontory forts. Other local archaeological site types on Achill include ancient church sites, booley villages, cillini, holy wells, ogham stones, souterrains, standing stones and stone circles.

The historic site at Kildavnet includes an ancient church and graveyard which features a number of crude stone crosses, and the 15th Century tower house known as Granuaile's Castle. Two other sites provide a wealth of archaeological material - the island of Achillbeg and the southern slopes of Slievemore.

In 1991 an Achill Archaeological Field School was established under the guidance of a local expert. This enterprise began an excavation of part of the site of the Deserted Village at Slievemore. This study is continuing as a summer field school for graduates and undergraduates. The Achill Archaeological Field School also offers short courses for beginners and intermediate level students, and presents a series of lectures from the Achill Folklife Centre in Dooagh.