Irish archaeological sites are ideally situated in driving distance of beer at all times
July 21, 2011 5:47 PM Subscribe
Can you help me remember the name of a small, beautiful, probably Neolithic site that I visited in Ireland over fifteen years ago?
I was a teenager on a family vacation, and although I loved visiting the Irish archaeological sites, the name of this particular place slips my mind. I can't seem to place it on Wikipedia.
I want to say that it was in the area of the Burren, but I could be wrong. It was treeless and windswept, facing the sea. The site was off the main road on private property, where sheep were kept. Although listed in guidebooks, the site wasn't a government concern. The owners took a pound or two to let you through the gate, said hello and went back to their business.
There was a small complex of stone walls that seemed to have belonged to connected beehive-type houses. There were souterrains in the houses, and one even connected two rooms. I remember thinking of how the people must have feared raiders from the sea, and hidden in those boltholes. Reading about Skara Brae reminded me very much of the place -- in fact, I wanted to say that this site also had stone "furniture," but I think that may not have been true.
I was a teenager on a family vacation, and although I loved visiting the Irish archaeological sites, the name of this particular place slips my mind. I can't seem to place it on Wikipedia.
I want to say that it was in the area of the Burren, but I could be wrong. It was treeless and windswept, facing the sea. The site was off the main road on private property, where sheep were kept. Although listed in guidebooks, the site wasn't a government concern. The owners took a pound or two to let you through the gate, said hello and went back to their business.
There was a small complex of stone walls that seemed to have belonged to connected beehive-type houses. There were souterrains in the houses, and one even connected two rooms. I remember thinking of how the people must have feared raiders from the sea, and hidden in those boltholes. Reading about Skara Brae reminded me very much of the place -- in fact, I wanted to say that this site also had stone "furniture," but I think that may not have been true.
Megalithic Ireland might be a good place to start, though nothing stood out in the 'Clare' link that might match your description.
Here are some more Irish Archaeology links
posted by TwoWordReview at 6:00 PM on July 21, 2011
Here are some more Irish Archaeology links
posted by TwoWordReview at 6:00 PM on July 21, 2011
Response by poster: It may well have been Dingle. I'll check these out -- thanks!
posted by Countess Elena at 6:53 PM on July 21, 2011
posted by Countess Elena at 6:53 PM on July 21, 2011
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posted by MonkeyToes at 6:00 PM on July 21, 2011