Human-landscape interactions through time: A study of Doolin, Co. Clare

The well-preserved archaeological landscape of the Doolin study area contains varied evidence of human activity from the prehistoric era through to modern times. These human – landscape interactions are evidenced by a range of monuments, field boundaries and finds across the study area. In the present study, closer analysis of some of these features, along with survey at various scales, have led to new discoveries and a greater understanding of how the land was used by past inhabitants. In addition, connections to other communities in the Burren and further afield have been explored, creating a more in- depth picture of this unique landscape through time. The Doolin study area and its surrounds have proved to be a key region in the study of the Early Neolithic in Ireland. Evidence for an overlap between indigenous Mesolithic hunter – gatherer groups and incoming Early Neolithic farmers, as well as evidence for the possible heterogeneity of incoming farming groups is present. Geophysical survey and morphological analysis of the Teergonean court tomb as part of the present study has added to this picture by demonstrating contrasts with other contemporary court tombs on the Burren and instead suggesting long-distance connections to the north of Ireland. Aerial and ground-surveying uncovered many previously unrecorded features, chronological relationships between features and field boundaries and two likely prehistoric settlement sites (probably Chalcolithic - Early Bronze Age). Amongst the new discoveries was a Chalcolithic wedge tomb, and this monument along with other wedge tombs in the study area, appear to be part of the wider distribution of similar wedge tombs on the Burren. The value of intensive ground-surveying has been demonstrated and a classification system for walls and features has been established for this region along with documented chronological relationships. Areas that warrant further ground-investigation have also been identified. The Early Medieval period is marked in the Doolin study area by intensive human activity resulting in an unusually high density of ringfort construction. Ringfort distribution studies here suggest the density may have been controlled by the quality of farmland as well as access to land and maritime travel routes. In general, the archaeology of the Doolin study area is comparable with that of other Burren and Irish locations. Closer examination, however, has demonstrated some differences and highlighted the importance of this geographically small area, particularly in light of earlier prehistoric human-landscape interactions.

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University of Galway

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

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University of Galway Theses (Research Masters Theses)