All about Schull....

People often regard archaeology as something unchanging, totally

static. They could not be more wrong. Something new always turns up

and changes our perception of the prehistoric past, throwing a light on

an aspect about which we thought the last word has been said.

Archaeology does change and there is a future for our past.

Neolithic Period

The known Neolithic monuments in the area are a portal dolmen tomb

in Aderawinney north of the Schull/Goleen road one mile east of

Toormore Bay, and the recently discovered Passage tomb on top of the

highest hill on Cape Clear Island

Bronze Age

The most common tomb type from this period is the Wedge Tomb and

there are many examples in the area. Altar tomb, on the eastern side

of Toormore Bay is now designated a National Monument. Further

West is the recently excavated wedge tomb in the townland of

Toormore in which a bronze axe was found and donated to the

National Museum. A replica of it is now on display in the Altar

Restaurant. Other wedge tombs can be seen at Arduslough and in

Kilbronogue. Boulder tombs can be seen in Dunmanus East, Lisheen

and Coorydarrigan. The famous Mount Gabriel Copper mines are on

the southeast slopes of the mountain, south of the gap on the

Schull/Durrus road. The only prehistoric stone circle in the area is at

Dunbeacon.

Iron Age

There are a number of Coastal Promontory Forts in the area. Two of

the most spectacular are at Three Castle Head, and Dooneen on

Dunmanus Bay.

Early Christian Period

Ringforts are the most common type for this period. They were the

farmsteads of the time and the best examples are at Rathooragh,

Lissacaha, Meenvane and Rathruane. There are a small number of

monastic sites, notably at Croagh Bay, Kilbrown and Coosheen. A 9th

Century church ruin on West Skeam Island was excavated in 1990 and

very early dates have been obtained. Medieval Period past 1000 AD

Kilmoe church, near Barley Cove has a 12th Century east gable. There

are O'Mahony castles at Three Castle Head, Leamcon, Ardintenant,

Rossbrin, Dunmanus and Dunbeacon. A McCarthy Castle stands on

the seashore at Kilcoe, and there are O'Driscoll castles at Whitehall,

Sherkin and Cape Clear Islands. All the castles were built in the 14th

or 15th centuries.

To email the Archaeological Society, please Click Here