I.—IRISH CRANNOGS.
Public attention was first directed to Irish crannogs by Sir W. Wilde, in the year 1839. It appears that early in this year Dr. Petrie's curiosity was roused by the frequency of the visits of a local dealer offering for sale objects of more or less archæological value, which, he stated, were found in a peat bog at Dunshaughlin, in the county of Meath. The articles exhibited were of a miscellaneous character, and their assortment in such a place seemed so strange that Dr. Petrie determined to visit the locality. Accordingly he and Surgeon Wilde (afterwards Sir W. R. Wilde) started for West Meath in search of the mysterious find, and were conducted to the peat-bog of Lagore, near the village of Dunshaughlin. Here, within the boundaries of a drained lake, they found an artificial mound entirely overgrown with peat, then partially exposed by turf-cutters. On making inquiries as to the antecedents of this mound they were informed that it had been well known to bone-collectors for upwards of ten years, and that already 150 cart-loads of bones had been dug out and forwarded to Scotland for manure. Altogether the find was considered of great importance, and it was arranged between the two antiquaries that Petrie should write a description of the antiquities, while Wilde was to confine himself to an analysis of the animal remains.
According to Mr. W. F. Wakeman,[71] it appears that Dr. Petrie was a little jealous of Surgeon Wilde's enthusiasm for archæology, and accordingly wished to limit the scope of his investigations. Wilde's paper, entitled "On the Animal Remains and Antiquities recently found at Dunshaughlin," was read at a meeting of the Irish Academy on the 27th April, 1840, and it is singular, and perhaps confirmatory of Wakeman's suggestion, that, with the exception of two extracts bearing on the situation and structure of the mound, it is reported in the Proceedings only in abstract. I here quote these extracts as the most authoritative description of this remarkable lake-dwelling now extant:—
LAGORE OR DUNSHAUGHLIN.
"About a mile to the east of the village of Dunshaughlin, on the townland of Lagore, and near the margin of a 'cutaway' black bog, is a circular mound, slightly raised above the surrounding plain, its highest central part being about eight feet above the margin, and the circumference of the mound measuring 520 feet. A small stream passes through the circle; and the whole bog in which it is situated occupies a slight concavity of about a mile and a half in circumference, bounded by raised tillage and pasture lands. Within the memory of some of the old inhabitants of the neighbourhood, this bog was covered with water during the greater part of the year, and it is so invariably during winter up to the present period. A large pond is still in existence in one of the fields adjoining the mound. A few years ago some labourers, while clearing the stream-way, discovered several bones protruding from its sides; and in May, 1839, the quantity of bones found in the drain was so great, and their value so well known, that a further examination was made, when it was discovered that the greater part of the mound was composed of the remains of animals, placed there in the following manner:—
"The circumference of the circle was formed by upright posts of black oak, measuring from 6 to 8 feet in height; these were mortised into beams of a similar material, laid flat upon the marl and sand beneath the bog, and nearly 16 feet below the present surface. The upright posts were held together by connecting cross-beams, and fastened by large iron nails; parts of a second upper tier of posts were likewise found, resting on the lower ones. The space thus enclosed was divided into separate compartments, by septa or divisions that intersected one another in different directions; these were also formed of oaken beams in a state of great preservation, but joined together with greater accuracy than the former, and in some cases having their sides grooved or rabbited to admit large panels driven down between them. The interiors of the chambers so formed were filled with bones and black moory earth, and the heap of bones was raised up in some places within a foot of the surface. It was generally found that the remains of each species of animal were placed in separate divisions, with but little intermixture with any other; and the antiquities, etc., were found along with them, without any order or regularity, but for the most part near the bottom." (B. 4, p. 420.)
From the abstract of Wilde's paper I find that among the osseous remains the following animals were represented:—several varieties of oxen, the pig (a smaller variety than is now bred in Ireland), the horse, the ass, the common and fallow deer, the goat, one skull of the four-horned sheep, a large species of the greyhound tribe, probably the Irish wolf-dog, and the fox. A few bones of birds, the shells of limpets and buccinums, and a large quantity of the broken shells of hazel-nuts were also noted. Nearly in the centre of the heap, and within 2 feet of the surface, were found two human skeletons lying at length, and without any surrounding wood or stone coffin. Owing to the prejudices of the peasants these bones had to be re-interred. The report then goes on to say:—
"The antiquities found in this place may be divided into the warlike, the culinary, and the ornamental. They consisted of iron swords of different lengths, with straight edges and angular points, and bearing a resemblance to the ancient Roman swords. Very many knives were found, of different shapes and sizes, with iron spear, javelin, and dagger blades, and part of the boss or central ornament of a shield; but no brazen weapons of any description. Two querns, or ancient corn-mills, were found on the marl, at the bottom of the enclosure; sharpening-stones, iron chains, an iron axe, a brazen pot, and three small brass bowls of most elegant shape and workmanship; several articles precisely resembling miniature frying-pans, of about three inches in diameter (perhaps incense-burners); circular discs of turned bone, wood, and slate, like those supposed to have been used at the end of the distaff; small shears, like the modern sheep-shears; brazen, bone, and iron pins, from 4 to 6 inches in length, the former of great beauty of construction; brooches, and parts of buckles, containing pieces of enamel and mosaic work; bracelets; wooden (yew-tree) combs, toothpicks, etwees, and other articles belonging to the toilet. Several of these articles show an extraordinary state of perfection of the arts at the period of their construction.
Fig. 102.—Lagore. Carved Bone, showing some of the designs real size.
"A very curious bone was likewise found ([Fig. 102]), and exhibited to the meeting, with a number of devices carved on it, as if by way of practice in engraving; these devices consisted of scrolls and marks precisely similar to those found on ancient Irish crosses, ornaments, and gravestones. There were no crosses, beads, or Christian sacred ornaments found in the excavation: but a number of pieces of stags' horns sawn across, and also pieces of hazel-wood, in great quantity, as if laid up for firewood, were found in one spot near the bottom. Some of the articles exhibited now belong to the collection of the Dean of St. Patrick's: but the greater number were forwarded for the inspection of the Academy by Mr. Barnwall, of Grennanstown, on whose ground the discovery was made, and to whom Mr. Wilde was indebted for the bones, and permission to make any researches he might require."
The late Lord Talbot de Malahide, writing in the Archæological Journal of June, 1849 (B. 10, p. 101), says, in regard to the Lagore find:—
"A great portion of these valuable relics became the property of the late Dr. Dawson, Dean of St. Patrick's; and on his decease were purchased, with the rest of his Irish antiquities, and presented to the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy. Surgeon Wilde also presented to the same institution a valuable collection of the bones found in the same locality. Mr. Barnwall, the owner of the soil, still possesses some remnant of this treasure, after having been plundered to a considerable extent by dishonest servants; and those specimens which I possess, representations of some of which are given in illustration of this paper, I owe to the liberality and kindness of the same gentleman."
Fig. 103.—Lagore. Iron Weapons, a peculiar Iron Pipe, and Ring with portion of Chain attached.
The following list comprises the various antiquities from Lagore then in the possession of Lord Talbot, and laid before the members of the Institute at the monthly meeting on February 2nd:—
Fig. 104.—Lagore. Two Bronze Pins (1⁄1), a Bronze Bowl, and a Ladle and an Axe-head of Iron.
Objects of Iron.—Two double-edged swords, one measuring 22¼ inches, inclusive of the tang which passed through the hilt; the blade, 18½ inches long and 1⅜ inch wide, was formed with a wide shallow groove along its entire length. The other sword-blade measures 15¼ inches and is formed with a central ridge. A blade, curved towards the point, in some degree resembling certain Oriental weapons; the curved portion alone has a cutting edge on both sides; length 13¼ inches, and width of curved portion 1 inch. Two spear-heads, in fine preservation and very sharp; length 10 inches. A peculiar single-edged weapon, resembling the glaive of simplest form, but of diminutive size, the blade measuring only 8 inches. An iron axe-head, length 7 inches. A peculiar iron pipe. ([See page 431].) An iron ladle. An iron ring with portion of chain manacle ([Figs. 103] and [104]).
Fig. 105.—Lagore. Ornamented Bone Comb (2⁄3), portion of an object of Bronze with Interlacements, a Bronze Dagger 9¾ inches long, and 3 Beads.
Bronze.—A small bowl 5¼ inches diameter, height 3 inches. Three armillæ of rude fashion. Portion of bronze ornament with enamelled work and exquisite finish. Portion of a ring fibula, with the extremities, between which the acus passed, dilated and flat. There are cavities in the metal in which enamel or some other ornament appears to have been incrusted. Portion of an object with interlaced ornamentation ([Fig. 105]), of unknown use. Several bronze pins of various fashion and size, from 3 to 6 inches in length. Four of these have movable rings appended to one extremity in lieu of a head. Another pin has a head of very singular fashion, as shown by the representation here annexed, of the same size as the original ([Fig. 104]).
Bone.—Two bone needles or bodkins, being perforated at the extremities, 2½ to 3½ inches long. A double-toothed comb of bone, rudely ornamented with lines and concentric circles, 3½ by 2¼ inches.
In April, 1887, through the courtesy and assistance of the present Lord Talbot de Malahide, I had the satisfaction of inspecting most of the above described objects, which are still in safe keeping among the art treasures of Malahide Castle. Illustrations of most of them are given on [Figs. 103] and [104].
The objects from Lagore which went to the Museum of the Irish Academy, together with those in the Petrie collection (now belonging to the Academy), are in such a state of confusion, owing to the absence of distinguishing labels, and the want of harmony between the numbers on the objects and those in the official catalogue, that, notwithstanding several visits to the museum with the express purpose of identifying and singling out some of the crannog remains, I have been unable to make much addition to those already illustrated.
Fig. 106.—Lagore. Iron Implements and Weapons. All 1⁄3 real size.
By the kind permission of the council of the Royal Irish Academy I am enabled to make use of the few woodcuts from Wilde's catalogue illustrative of objects from Lagore. They are as follows:— The top of a pin ornamented with three movable rings ([Fig. 104]), an ornamental bone comb, a bronze dagger, and three beads ([Fig. 105]). The ribbed bead is opaque, with traces of a light green varnish, and is almost identical with beads found in the Scottish crannogs. Another is an inch long and has a raised ornament in white on a deep blue ground.
The objects represented on [Fig. 106] I have identified, with the assistance of Mr. Wakeman, as coming from the same remarkable locality. They are all of iron and represented one-third natural size, and will be readily recognised as tools and weapons of ordinary use.
In regard to the historic notices of Lagore Sir W. R. Wilde writes as follows:—
"As the earliest discovered and examined crannoge in modern times has been that of Lagore, near Dunshaughlin, County of Meath, so, upon looking into the authorities, we find it the first alluded to. Loch Gabhair is said to have been one of the nine lakes which burst forth in Ireland A.M. 3581 ('Annals of the Four Masters'; see also Colgan's 'Acta Sanctorum,' p. 422, n. 14). In A.D. 848, we read that Cinaedh, son of Conaing, Lord of Cianachta-Breagh, in Meath, went with a strong force of foreigners, and plundered the Ui-Neill from the Sionainn (the Shannon) to the sea; 'and he plundered the island of Loch Gabhor, and afterwards burned it, so that it was level with the ground.' And in the old translation of the 'Annals of Ulster,' Codex Clarendensis, the passage is thus rendered:—"And brake down the island of Loch Gavar to the very bottom.' Again, in A.D. 933, the same authority informs us that—'The island of Loch-Gavar [was] pulled down by Aulaiv O'Hivair,' and the cave of Knowth, on the Boyne, plundered during one of the Scandinavian marauding expeditions with which the kingdom was then troubled. Thus we have evidence that Lagore crannoge was occupied upwards of one thousand years ago." (B. 18, p. 229.)
DISCOVERY OF OTHER CRANNOGS.
Sir W. Wilde states that a few months after the discovery of Lagore, an island "artificially formed of timber and peat" was brought to light upon lowering the water of Roughan Lake, near Dungannon, on which "numerous fragments of ancient pottery and bones, a few bronze spear-heads," and an upper ornamental quern stone, were discovered. Other discoveries of a similar character are successively noted as having been made in various other localities. An island became exposed on the lowering of the waters of Lough Gur, county of Limerick, from which it is said a vast collection of bones and a great number of antiquities have from time to time been obtained. Among the latter is a most interesting stone mould ([Fig. 107]) for bronze spear-heads.[72] In 1845, Mr. Shirley, in his "account of the kingdom of Farney" (B. 8, p. 94), describes another crannog which was brought to light two years previously, as constituting "The island Ever Mac Cooley's house." "The foundations," writes Mr. Shirley, "of this ancient residence were discovered in the autumn of 1843, seven feet below the present surface of the earth, in the little island at Lisanisk, and two feet below the present water level of the lake a double row of piles were found sunk in the mud; they were formed of young trees, from 6 to 12 inches in diameter, with the bark on. The area enclosed by these piles, from which we may judge of the size of the house, was 60 feet in length by 42 feet in breadth." In the following year the same writer describes two other lake-dwellings in the same district, one in Lake Monalty and the other in Lough-na-Glack, on and around which the following relics were said to have been found:—
Fig. 107.—Lough Gur. Stone Mould, 6½ x 2½ x 1¾ inches.
"Three bronze celts with loops on the sides, and the remains of the stick were found in one of them; a very perfect small dagger of bronze, one foot in length; two bronze arrow-heads, double pointed; a bronze gouge or chisel, rarely found in Ireland; the head of a bronze hunting-spear; part of a bronze sword or dagger; a bronze cap, apparently the end of a wooden hilt of some weapon; the bronze handle of a javelin or spear, with loop attached; the boss of a shield of bronze; a bronze knife which appears to have been gilt; a bronze knife or dagger, measuring 10½ inches in length; a smaller one 7 inches in length; a bronze bolt, with loop, measuring 16½ inches in length—this was found sticking in the mud, close to the island on Lough-na-Glack; another, 12 inches in length, has been since found in the island itself. Of bronze ornaments found on these islands there are the following: Several bronze rings of different sizes, two of them with transverse spring openings, others hollow, and probably parts of armour or horse trappings; two bronze needles, one of them with the eye entire; a bronze pin, the head hollowed like a cup, and bearing a striking resemblance to the ends of the golden ornaments often found in Ireland; several bronze pins like modern shirt pins; parts of several bronze fibulæ or brooches, with fragments of several bronze instruments, rivets, etc.; a small circular bronze bell, like a sheep-bell; three harp keys of bronze of different sizes. Of other ornaments found on the island on Lough-na-Glack I may particularly mention several amber and blue glass beads, three bone pins, and a comb apparently of ivory. Of iron instruments, an iron dagger, measuring with the hilt 15 inches; several iron coulters of ploughs of very primitive form, 7 inches in length; parts of iron instruments the use of which it is impossible to determine; a long gun-barrel, 3 feet 8 inches in length, of that sort, I believe, formerly called a calliver; part of the lock of a pistol; many large bullets of lead were also found. I may add to this list a pair of quern stones, found on the Monalty Island; some burnt corn; remains of coarse broken earthenware vessels, and bits of thick dark glass; an earthen pot, shaped like a hat; another of Dutch manufacture, with the figure of a man's head below the spout, used in Ireland during the seventeenth century, and called grey-beards; some small Dutch tobacco pipes; cut oval stones, apparently intended for pounding in mortars; several circular stones, with holes in the centres, often found with ancient remains, and considered in Ireland to belong to the ancient spinning wheels; also several stones, or hones, of different shapes and sizes, for sharpening weapons and tools; a brass token, nearly defaced, probably of the reign of Charles II." (B. 9, p. 44.)
In 1845, when the lake of Corcreevy, county of Tyrone, was drained, its crannog was examined by Mr. Burnside, when the following articles were recovered from among its remains:—A pair of bronze and iron manacles, an ornamental comb of bone, parts of a musical instrument, an arrow-head, a spear-head, and a hammer-stone.[73]
Fig. 108.—Ballinderry. Bone Comb (2⁄3), 3 Bone Pins, length 3⅓, 4½, and 5½ inches, and Bronze Tweezer (1⁄2).
Fig. 109.—Ballinderry. Stone Amulets.
BALLINDERRY.
About the same time the crannog in Ballinderry Lough, near Moate, county of Meath, became known, and appears to have yielded a large quantity of bones and antiquities, together with one or two canoes. From the number of objects now in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy, and in private collections, said to be found on this crannog, it must have been an unusually rich repository of lake-dwelling relics; yet, singular to relate, Sir W. Wilde dismisses the subject by stating that he was indebted to Mr. Hayes, of Moate, for a description of the find, together with a plan and map of the locality. On this crannog Mr. Graves, writing as late as 1883, makes the following remarks:—
Fig. 110.—Ballinderry. Inscribed Bone Pins. Real size.
"There was a great crannog in this lakelet, surrounded by a stockade of oak piles. Around this and on the crannog was found an immense quantity of the antlers of the red deer, and the bones of deer, oxen, sheep, and other animals, which were sold as manure. A great and varied mass of objects of an archæological nature were also found on, in, and around the crannog, some of which found their way to the hands of various collectors, and some, I believe, are in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy ([Figs. 108] and [112]), but unhappily no record or connected account of that great crannog or its finds has been preserved. Amongst the articles of wood which Mr. Browne secured was a portion of an ancient harp. The pins and amulets exhibited on the occasion referred to have since been engraved, and I now describe them, beginning with the amulets ([Fig. 109]), which are here engraved from photographs full size." (B. 391, p. 196.)
Fig. 111.—Ballinderry. Inscribed Bone Pins. Real size.
Fig. 112.—Ballinderry and Strokestown. Bone objects. All 2⁄3 real size.
It is suggested by Mr. Graves that the curious scorings on these pins are of the nature of Ogham and Runic writing ([Figs. 110] and [111]), but special authorities who have examined them do not support this theory. Moreover, I doubt the genuineness of both the pins and amulets.
LOUGH FAUGHAN.
Rev. Charles Archbold, writing of a crannog in Lough Faughan, county Down, says:—
Fig. 113.—Lough Faughan.
Earthenware Jug,
13 inches high.
"I found that the island was in a great measure, if not altogether, artificial. There were large stakes driven into the ground, and completely enclosing the space within, but not rising above the surface, so as to form a palisade, but evidently for the purpose of keeping in the soil from the encroachment of the water. The tradition respecting it is, that there had been a castle on the shore opposite, the chieftain of which caused this island to be made as a place of refuge from the sudden onslaughts of the O'Neills; and to render this retreat more secure he would never allow more than one boat or canoe on the lake. During the drainage of the lake some years ago, a canoe formed out of a solid piece of oak was found near the island." A jug of excellent workmanship was found on this crannog ([Fig. 113]). (B. 18, p. 224.)
DISCOVERIES BY BOARD OF WORKS.
But the greatest discoveries were due to the workings of the Commission for the Arterial Drainage and Inland Navigation of Ireland, which brought no less than twenty-two additional crannogs to light in the counties of Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan, and Monaghan. Reports of these crannogs by the engineers of the Board of Works, with plans, maps, and sections of the more important ([Figs. 114] and [115]), as well as the relics collected on them, were given to the Royal Irish Academy. Unfortunately these relics are now indiscriminately mixed with other Irish antiquities, and are virtually beyond identification.
Mr. Mulvany, Commissioner of Public Works, makes the following remarks on the general features of construction of the crannogs encountered by them during these drainage operations prior to the year 1852:—
Fig. 114.—Section of Ardakillen Crannog, near Strokestown.
Fig. 115.—Plan of Crannog in Drumaleague Lough. Outer circle 60 feet in diameter.
"1. They are surrounded by stakes, driven generally in a circle from 60 to 80 feet in diameter; but in some cases the inclosure is larger, and of an oval shape, as, for instance, that in Loughtown Lake, which is 120 feet from east to west and 100 feet from north to south; and one of those in Lough Mac Hugh, which measures 118 feet in one direction and 74 feet in another.
"2. These outside stakes are generally of oak from 4 to 9 inches in diameter; sometimes driven in a single row, sometimes double, and in some cases, as that of island No. 1 in Drumaleague Lake, the stakes are found in a single row in parts of the island, and in double or treble rows, or clusters, in other parts. The island in Loughtown Lake differs from the others in being surrounded by a mass of stakes upwards of 15 feet wide, and rather inclined towards the centre of the island.
"3. The portions of the stakes remaining in the ground are evidently the lower ends of young trees, or of branches of large trees, which were stuck down just as they grew in the wood; the thicker end downwards, and bearing the marks of the hatchet by which they were felled. A considerable length of these stakes must, therefore, have projected over the ground; and they may probably have been joined together by horizontal branches, interlaced so as to form a screen, well calculated to serve for shelter or defence. All the portions of the stakes which were above ground have been destroyed by time; but the portions remaining below ground, particularly where the stratum is pure peat, are generally very sound at heart, and have become as black as the oak usually found in bogs.
"4. The surface within the staked inclosure is usually covered over with a layer or two of round logs, cut into lengths of from 4 to 6 feet, over which are found more or less stones, clay, and gravel. In some cases where the foundation is very soft, as in island No. 2 of Drumaleague Lake, the layers of timber are very deep. In other cases, where the ground is naturally firm, the platform of timber is confined to a portion of the island.
"5. In almost every case a collection of flat stones has been found near the centre of the inclosure, having marks of fire on them, and apparently having served as a hearth. In the island No. 2 of Drumaleague Lake there were three of these hearths found in different parts of the enclosure.
"6. Considerable quantities of bones are generally found upon or around the island, being apparently those of deer, black cattle, and hogs; the skulls of the cows being long and narrow, with very short horns.
"7. In almost every case one or more pairs of quern stones have been found within the enclosure.
"8. In many cases pieces of oak-framing have been found, with mortices and cheeks cut in them. Some of these, such as what were found on island No. 2 of Drumaleague, appear to have been portions of an ordinary door-frame; but others, such as those found on the island of Lough Scur and in Loughtown Lake, are portions of a heavy frame, the use of which does not appear so evident." (B. 13, Ap., p. 44.)
STROKESTOWN CRANNOGS.
Adjacent to the ancient palace of the Kings of Connaught are three lakes, viz. Cloonfree, Cloonfinlough, and Ardakillen, in each of which one or two crannogs became exposed during the drainage operations of the Board of Works.
The following antiquities found in the lake of Cloonfree were presented to the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy, by Alonzo Lawder, Esq. (B. 11a, p. 219):—
"A horseshoe, made of iron; a fragment of iron, probably the hilt of a sword; an iron spike, for butt-end of a spear; a bone spear-head; a bone pin; two amber beads; a bronze tweezer; ditto, broken, but of different matter; a bronze pin with ornamented head, having a cross and arrow-shaped device carved on two sides of it; a very long bronze pin, with ornamented spike, head, and ring (a peculiarly fine specimen); a small iron pin, with head bound with bronze wire, and small circular disc pendant; a boar's tusk; and a buckle."
The crannog of Cloonfinlough was no less than 130 feet in diameter, and is thus described by Mr. Dennis H. Kelly (B. 11, p. 208):—
"It is constructed on oak piles (many of them showing the action of fire), driven into the soft marl at regular distances, and tied together by horizontal stretchers, so as to form a triple stockade round it, with an interval of about five feet between each stockade. Outside of this, to the north-westward, are a number of irregularly placed piles, stretching a short distance from the islet, and it was adjoining to them the great deposit of bones was found. The centre of these stockades was laid with trunks of smallish oak trees, placed flat on the marl, and all pointing to a common centre, thus forming a platform whereon the island itself was constructed. When it was first observed, there was, jutting out from the island to the lake, towards the west, a kind of jetty or pier, formed of a double row of piles and stretchers running parallel, about 8 feet asunder, and on which logs of timber were closely laid horizontally.
"Of this gangway, and of the stockades, there are now but very imperfect remains, so much has been broken up and removed by the peasantry.
"The deposit of bones, etc., close to this island, consisted of bones of cattle, deer, horses, swine, sheep, fowl, dogs, deer, both fallow and red, a few specimens (in general much broken) of the horns of the Irish elk, and one or two specimens of human remains, and amongst them a quantity of articles of a most miscellaneous description, some of apparently very great antiquity, and others of a much more recent date. Amongst these are spear-heads, bronze pins, some of exquisite workmanship, and scarcely any two of exactly the same form. A brass bowl, hammered out of the solid; two brass vessels, made of small pieces most curiously riveted together; a brooch of handsome workmanship; a variety of bone pins and implements; deer-horn combs, of very great artistic merit; horn discs, like backgammon men; knives, hooks, and hatchets of iron; swords and spear-heads; an iron implement, like what a baker uses for putting his loaves in the oven, made of sheet iron, curiously riveted together, and having in the centre a circular ornament, with a cross in it, that has evidently once had an arabesque pattern on it; sundry miniature frying-pans, and a small whetstone; single and double bronze rings; one coin of the Emperor Hadrian; one bulla, Pope Paul V.; sundry silver coins, most of them Edwards, and one so late as James, 1690, and one silver coin, unfigured in any collection that I have seen.
"Between the island and the ruined church were found two canoes, hollowed out of single oak trees, but neither of them much more than two feet wide; the stern of one of them was perforated with numerous auger holes, about one inch each in diameter.
"On examining the structure of the island itself, which was effected by cutting a trench 20 feet long by 5 wide, as near the centre as possible, there was found, at about eight inches under the surface, which was covered with rank grass growing in a rich mould, a very close-laid pavement of irregular-sized boulder stones. When this was removed, a stratum of black earth was exposed, with occasional fragments of bones through it of swine, fowl, sheep, cattle, and deer; and about six inches beneath this, a considerable layer of burned earth, with several inches of unburned clay under it. Then came a second very closely-laid pavement of large-sized, flat-surfaced stones, beneath which were alternate layers of black earth and burned clay and marl, reaching down to the log platform, and interspersed, like the one above it, with occasional bones and fragments of bones; some few human remains, viz. one skull, and portions of some more were got on the exterior edge. No coffin-stone, chest, or other sepulchral remains.
Fig. 116.—Cloonfinlough.
Bronze Dish, 7¾ inches
wide, and decorated inside.
"Amongst these relics are knives, some of which have failed in the forging; combs in an incomplete state of manufacture, deer-horns sawn in sunder, and shavings as if left after a turner. From these I am led to think that, whatever may have been its original occupants, in later times the little island resounded to the busy hum of industry, and that the smith, the brazier, the comb-maker, and the turner, there drove a brisk trade, and sometimes solaced their leisure in the construction of pretty toys, like the tiny plate-bucket in the possession of the post-mistress of Strokestown, and whose neatness of finish would do no discredit to our best modern cabinet-makers. It is turned in oak, and hooped with brass, four and a half inches high, and four inches diameter. There was originally a pair, but one was unfortunately broken."
From Cloonfinlough only the following relics went to the Museum of the Irish Academy:—
"Small brass bowl (probably [Fig. 116]), iron bill-hook, long iron spear-head, iron shears, large tooth, portion of a hone stone, bronze pin with ornamented head and ring, bronze pin with ring, small bronze pin with perforated head, small bronze pin and piece of thick wire, bone needle and pin." (Proc. R. I. A., vol. v., Ap., p. 61.)
A considerable collection from the same place has, however, found a safe resting place in the British Museum, of which the more interesting objects are here illustrated ([Fig. 117]).
Fig. 117.—Cloonfinlough. Nos. 17 to 19, 21 and 22 = 1⁄3, the rest = 2⁄3 real size. No. 2 is the upper portion of an inlaid Bronze Pin, enlarged.
In regard to the Ardakillen crannog Mr. Kelly writes:—"Near this was found a boat 40 feet in length and 4 feet across the bow, hollowed out of a single oak; and in which were a skull, a bronze pin, and a spear, which, by the liberality of Mr. R. Kelly, I am permitted to present to the Academy. The skull is perforated in the forehead, and has the mark of no less than twenty sword-cuts on it, showing the murderous conflict in which its owner must have been engaged; and near to it were found a neck-piece of iron and 20 feet of rude chain attached, that would do credit to the dungeons of Naples, and by which its unhappy victim was made fast." (B. 11, p. 214.)
On this crannog about fifty tons of bones are said to have been collected by the peasants and sold at two shillings per cwt. Of the industrial remains of its occupiers the following relics were given to the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy:—
Fig. 118.—Strokestown. Carved Bone,
8½ inches long. Showing 3 of
the devices full size.
"Large ornamented bronze pin with ring, bronze pin with solid ornamented head, five small bronze pins, bronze or brass harp pin, bronze hook, two bone needles, two bone spears, large tooth, spud of deer's horn, piece of hone stone, piece of stone ring, small piece of round stick, small silver ornament, iron hatchet and handle, iron gouge, iron knife-blade, part of iron hinge and large spike nail, wooden hoop and scoop, together with a parcel containing portion of wooden hoop, ashes of different kinds, a fragment of cinerary urns, bones and teeth of animals, old iron nails, knife-blades, etc." (Proc. R.I.A., vol. v., Ap., p. 61.)
Fig. 119.—Strokestown. Bone Comb, 10 inches long.
Fig. 120.—Ardakillen. Bronze Brooch with late Celtic ornamentation (1⁄1).
Fig. 121.—Lough Scur.
Stone Mould for
casting Bronze Celts,
7½ inches long.
Among the relics from these crannogs illustrated in Wilde's catalogue I find the following in addition to those already given. A bone with carved devices of interlaced work ([Fig. 118]), somewhat similar to those on a bone from Lagore already noticed. Portion of a handsome bone comb, 10 inches in length, with a frame back riveted together with iron nails. The engraving shows the comb restored ([Fig. 119]). From Ardakillen there is a beautiful bronze brooch with late Celtic ornamentation ([Fig. 120]), and from Lough Scur a stone mould for casting bronze axes ([Fig. 121]).
LOUGH RAVEL NEAR RANDALSTOWN.
In addition to Sir W. R. Wilde's notes on the great crannog near Randalstown (B. 24), some very interesting observations on the antiquities found on it are given in the Ulster Journal of Archæology, vol. vii., supplementary to Troyon's account of the Swiss Lake-dwellings. (B. 27.) The most complete account, however, is that of the late Mr. Ed. Benn, from which I take the following extract:—
"The island near Randalstown," writes Mr. Benn, "was a very large and important one, said to have been occupied by a member of the O'Neil family. The lake on which it stood has been long since drained, and a peat moss now occupies the place, which has been yielding antiquities for the last twenty or thirty years, and still produces some annually. A good idea of the importance of this island may be formed from the number of tools and appliances for carrying on the ordinary trades which have been discovered on it, as the tongs and anvil of the smith, which latter is a rough lump of iron somewhat smoothed on one side, and weighing fifty or sixty pounds. Its use as an anvil is only conjecture; but it is thought a highly probable one, and, if correct, it shows the difficulty of procuring in those rude times a piece of iron large and heavy enough for such a purpose. Then there were found also the crucibles of the brass-founder, one unused, and several greatly worn and burned out. The perfect one is very neat and good, and about the size of a small hen's egg. Then we have next the scissors and two needles of the tailor; one of the needles is about the size of what is called a darning-needle; the other long and strong resembling a packing-needle, such as is used for sewing sackcloth: both are made of brass, and well formed. There was also found the awl of the shoemaker, a very curious article, and apparently older than the other things; the blade of this awl is of brass, and the handle of stone. Several axes or hatchets of the carpenter have turned up, very like those of the present day; also a pair of small shears, such as are used by weavers. Connected with agriculture were found a very small sock of a plough, a curious spade, very light, about four feet long, all of wood, but neatly tipped with iron on the edge; and a pair of very large shears, for clipping sheep. There was also a netting-needle of iron; but few warlike weapons of any kind. None of the latter, indeed, came within my observation but an iron sword and a very good battle-axe, such as was used by the galloglasses; it is shaped like the axe used by coopers, and is very interesting from its rarity." The further objects described by Mr. Benn are pins of brass, iron, bone, and wood, generally from 3 to 5 inches long; a large glass bead and a small crescent-shaped piece of glass; a button with two eyes; a horseshoe; a few fragments of pottery; a wooden scoop; a brass dish 15 inches across, including the rim, which is an inch and a half broad: it is rather more than 2 inches deep; some knives; a comb, neatly made of bone and riveted with iron nails. "Besides the things here enumerated, the bog around the Randalstown crannog has already yielded several boats and parts of boats; these were all hollowed out of large trees and were very well formed. One of large size, and quite perfect, has been taken out lately from beneath sixteen feet of moss. It has been stated, when first raised, it retained its original form entire, but soon became warped and out of shape. In the bottom of this boat lay a very neatly made oak paddle, about three feet and a half long, and a wooden bowl capable of holding nearly a quart. It was very thick and rude-looking, not made by turning, but by hollowing out of a solid piece, like the boat itself." (B. 29, p. 86.)
Fig. 122.—Lough Ravel. No. 2 = 1⁄6, 3 and 14 = 1⁄4, and the rest = 1⁄2 real size.
Some of the relics from the Randalstown crannog I have been able to identify in the Belfast Museum, and a few others from the same place I found in the collection of the Royal Irish Academy at Dublin. These, together with a silver brooch copied from the Journal of the Royal Historical and Archæological Association of Ireland (B. 215), and three bronze brooches from the Ulster Journal of Archæology, vols. iv. p. 269, and vi. p. 103, are illustrated on [Fig. 122].
TONYMORE.
The next important lacustrine discoveries were made in the loch of Tonymore, county Cavan. It appears that this small lake was celebrated for its pike-fishing, and contained a dry mound or island about 50 yards in diameter, which was much resorted to by sportsmen. That this island was a crannog was never suspected till a considerable time after it had been drained in consequence of the railway having to pass through it. Though wooden piles and some relics were then found, the real nature of the discovery was not understood till the publication of Sir W. R. Wilde's catalogue of the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy in 1857, which gave an account of several similar stations. Among the relics then collected at Tonymore were several querns, sharpening stones, a yew bow, and (in the lake mud) two elks' heads.
In 1862 Lord Farnham caused further examination of the mound to be made under Dr. Malcomson, of Cavan, from whose report the following facts are derived (B. 60, p. 274):—
"The piles or stakes were arranged in two circles, one within the other; the diameter of the greater one being 120 feet, that of the other about ninety feet. The piles in the outer circle were very numerous; and, in some instances, driven in close proximity to each other. A few, having withstood the ravages of time, appeared about three feet above the surface, and, upon being withdrawn and examined, were found to have been carefully pointed. The stakes in the inner row were not so numerous, nor were they altogether composed of oak, some of them being of sallow or other soft wood.
"Within the stockades were observed two small mounds (upon which the grass was much more verdant than upon any other part of the island), one at the north and the other at the south. Corresponding with the depression between these, and 3 feet under the soil, we found, during the excavation, a flat stone, about four feet square and 3 inches thick, resting on a number of upright blocks of decayed oak. This, no doubt, was a hearthstone. Besides the wooden stakes entering into the formation of the circles, others appear to have been laid horizontally, their beam-like ends showing at that part of the enclosure which was disturbed by the passage of the railway. When the excavation had been carried to the centre, the cut surface presented, from above downwards, the following section: 1st, clay; 2nd, black and grey ashes with small stones and sand; 3rd, bones and ashes, with lumps of blue and yellow clay; 4th, a quantity of grey ashes; and 5th, the horizontal sleepers or stretchers, and hazel branches resting on the peat bottom.
"On the same marsh, and about one hundred yards' distance from the island, but nearer to Tonymore Castle, are two other stockaded forts, on a raised plateau. They do not appear to have been islands, as an elevated causeway leads from them to the mainland; but otherwise they resemble the crannoge in their stockaded and mound-like appearance."
The antiquities collected on the crannog were presented to the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy, among which were the following, thus described by Sir W. R. Wilde:—
"A very perfect quern, 17 inches in diameter, with the upper surface of the top stone highly decorated; found at the bottom and near the centre of the crannog. Several pieces of iron slag; a barrel-shaped piece of wood 3¼ inches long, hollow throughout, and perforated with six holes; three flat circular stone discs or quoits, averaging 3¼ inches in diameter, and half an inch thick; a most perfect and highly decorated mortar, 8 inches high by 17½ wide, decorated at the corners with four grotesque figures; a stone mould; a four-sided whetstone 20 inches by 3, and eleven fragments of smaller sharpening stones, of which two are perforated.
"A large oval and five globular stones; a flat red touchstone of jasper and a stone shot 3 inches in diameter; two weapon-sharpeners of remarkably hard stone.
"Two large bone beads; a variegated enamel bead; a large irregularly shaped amber bead; a smaller one of enamel paste, showing a mixture of red, yellow, and blue colours; and also a small blue glass bead.
"Two imperfect bone combs, like those already figured in the catalogue at p. 272 ([Figs. 105], [108], and [119]).
"A bone ferrule 2½ inches long, solid at one end.
"Fourteen portions of pottery, some rudely glazed, others burned, and some only backed; and consisting of fragments of various vessels used either in the arts or for domestic and culinary purposes, such as crucibles, pitchers, and bowls. Among these is a fragment of a bowl or urn, of unglazed pottery, highly decorated with deeply grooved lines on the outside, and slight indentations on the everted lip. It is of great antiquity; composed of very black clay, darkened still more by the long-continued action of the bog, and mixed with a quantity of particles of white quartz or feldspar, which was probably added to give it stability. A similar description of art may be remarked in some of our oldest mortuary urns. When we consider that, except the urns which must be referred to the Pagan period, we have scarcely any examples of ancient Irish pottery, these specimens possess a peculiar interest for the investigators of fictile ware.
"Fragments of Kimmerage coal rings; probably part of a bracelet, which seems to have been jointed at one end.
"The bowls of two small pipes, similar to those in the Museum, and usually but erroneously denominated 'Danish tobacco pipes.'
"An enclosed ring of bronze, 3¼ inches in diameter; a large decorated bronze pin, 7½ inches long; and a smaller one, 3 inches in length.
"An iron knife-blade, with perforated haft, 8½ inches long: this article looks as if it had been attached to a long handle; a smaller blade, with tang for haft, 2¾ inches in length; a globular piece of iron 2¾ inches in diameter, like a crotal, with an aperture on one side; the head of a small iron hammer; three portions of rings, and eleven other iron fragments, the uses of which have not been determined.
"A small perforated stone, like a whorl or distaff weight." (Ibid., p. 290.)
FURTHER DISCOVERIES.
Mr. G. H. Kinahan's observations on the Irish crannogs, which now (1863) began to appear, have greatly contributed to the dissemination of a correct knowledge of their structure and geographical distribution. His notes on the crannogs of Lough Rea (B. 58), Ballinlough (B. 70a), Lough Nahinch (B. 70b), and Lough Naneevin (B. 118), which successively appeared in the Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, were followed in 1872 by an article on "Lake Stone-dwellings in Connaught" (B. 214), in which he shows that in some cases dry stones were substituted for the ordinary wooden structures and rubbish of which the artificial islands were usually constructed—a fact which finds many parallel illustrations in Scotland.
Mr. Kinahan says that Reed's Island, Shore Island, Ash Island, and Island M'Coo, in Loughrea, are crannogs; while Blake's Island may also be one. From Shore Island 300 tons of bone were procured, among which was the head of a Megaceros Hibernicus which measured 13 feet from tip to tip of its horns. Amongst many relics found here made of stone, horn, and wood were a few metal objects, as iron shears, a brass pin, a crozier made of brass, a battle-axe, a cast for a coin, and a hammered iron vessel.
The only other writer on Irish crannogs to whom I find it necessary to allude in a special manner is Mr. W. F. Wakeman. Personally acquainted with Petrie and Wilde, and probably deriving inspiration from their enthusiastic devotion to archæology, and an eye-witness of the first great crannog find at Dunshaughlin, Mr. Wakeman has ever since been a careful observer of the antiquities of his country. His special attention to crannogology dates only from 1870, but since then scarcely a year has passed without his pen and pencil being in requisition to record some fresh discovery in this field of research.
In early times no district in Ireland presented more favourable conditions for aquatic retreats than the county of Fermanagh, with its countless lakes and bogs, interspersed and embosomed in the primeval forests which were then extant. These advantages would appear to have been fully recognised by the crannog-builders, as we find more remains of these lacustrine abodes here than in any other part of the island. The number of crannogs now recorded in this county amounts to about 40, but of course this is by no means the full quota that might be disclosed by the adoption of a general system of exploration. Such exhaustive methods of research have not as yet, however, taken deep root in Ireland, so that the few reliable data of this character that have come to light we cannot afford to pass over, even in this brief sketch. The following extracts from Mr. Wakeman's reports are selected for the purpose of illustrating the structure of these remains in this part of Ireland, and the general character of the relics left on them by their inhabitants.
BALLYDOOLOUGH.
Ballydoolough ("town of the dark loch") is a small sheet of water some five miles from Enniskillen, in which there is a small island which, in 1870, was recognised as a crannog, and subsequently investigated.
"It contained, in wonderful preservation, three-fourths of the foundation of its original log-house, the beams of which were mortised together, and further fastened with pegs of oak. The antiquities here discovered were very interesting, and consisted of stone, wood, bronze, iron, a mixed metal, probably findruine, and pottery of which I have given examples in this and former papers. The most curious relic noticed here was an Ogham stone, which has been pronounced the most northern monument of its class yet discovered in Ireland. The pieces of pottery were very numerous, and usually exhibited ornamentation of an extremely early kind, amongst which chevron patterns similar to those found upon 'sepulchral urns' were conspicuous. The bronze articles were a thin plate of genuine antique bronze, supposed to be part of a vessel; a looped pin about 4¾ inches in length; a thin ribbon, and an article apparently belonging to horse-furniture. Two iron knives, one of which had traces of bronze-mounting, were also picked up: these resembled like articles found in barrows in England. A brooch, partly composed of a white metal, probably findruine, also occurred, as well as a portion of a shoe of a small horse or ass. There were quern stones, whetstones, a crucible, and numerous pieces of iron slag. All the portions of vases found were composed of earth and sand, fire-hardened. There was no glazing or trace of the use of the wheel. Many of the specimens were furnished with handles or ears. A solitary vessel of wood, probably yew, was discovered entire, but reduced almost to a state of pulp. Among other relics were so-called sling-stones, immense quantities of hazel-nuts, three canoes, each formed of a single piece of oak, and a small oaken vessel formed of staves." (B. 217, p. 314.)
"THE MIRACLES."
At another locality bearing the singular name of "The Miracles," situated near Monea, and now a bog, but formerly a lake, a crannog was revealed by the turf-cutters.
"Amongst the stone articles were the usual class of whetstones, and two circular grinding-stones, the only specimens of their kind I have ever heard of as having occurred in a crannog. The larger measures 8 inches across; the smaller is now in the Museum of our (Kilkenny) Association, it having been presented by Mr. Plunket. The material of both is close, yellow sandstone. The bones here were numerous, and of the usual crannog class. Singlepiece canoes had from time to time been found in the surrounding loch. The remains of pottery found here were unimportant; but at least one very good crucible, as well as iron slag and charcoal, were turned up." (B. 217, p. 320.)
LOUGH EYES.
Lough Eyes (anciently Tobernasoul, i.e. "the Well of the Eyes"), a small lake only two-thirds of a mile long and a quarter broad, contained a number of crannogs. The largest is 288 feet in circumference, and has a maximum height above the lowest summer level of 10 feet, and is therefore never entirely submerged. "Stockading still exists in a very interesting state of preservation. To the west and north-west the stakes are four deep, and are placed so close together as almost to touch. They are all, or nearly all, of oak, roughly worked, and sharply pointed by a metal axe or adze."
A large quantity of broken pottery, like that from Ballydoolough, and some flat pieces, apparently lids, and a club of deer-horn, were found on it. Iron slag, pottery, bones, etc., were found on all these crannogs. (B. 191, p. 553.)
DRUMDARRAGH, OR TRILLICK.
This lake is now nearly drained, and its crannog, which measured 130 feet in diameter, has recently been re-investigated by Mr. Wakeman, who thus describes the result:—
"Upon examination, the work presented the usual layers of bog, earth, and stones, mixed with small trunks and boughs of ash, alder, beech, yew, oak, and other trees. Here and there, at different levels, were masses of ferns and furze. The outer edge was strongly piled with young trees, of the description above referred to; the great majority, however, being oak. Owing to the softness of the surroundings it was impossible to completely trace the piling on the side of the island which faces the ancient loch bed; but on what may be called the land side the stakes formed six rows placed somewhat regularly, with usually a space of about two feet between each set, sometimes, however, they were close together, nearly touching. The stakes stood about thirty inches asunder, and such of their numbers as were disturbed for the purpose of examination presented sharply-pointed ends, the result evidently of powerful and well-laid strokes of a very keen metallic hatchet or adze.
"Being anxious to find whether the crannog rested upon a frame of timber, as a tradition of the place stated, and in order, if possible, to discover the internal construction of the work, I caused several trenches to be excavated in various places within the staked enclosure, and then, with a long crowbar, probed as far as that instrument would reach. The result was that we struck upon several large and solid pieces of timber, but in what position they were laid or whether in any way attached to others it was impossible to determine, owing to the influx of water, and to the spongy character of the bog-stuff, branches, etc., through which the iron pierced. Throughout the island—placed apparently without any attempt at symmetrical arrangement—were several stakes of the same kind, but larger than any found in the inclosing lines of piles. These timbers I believe to have been simply intended to act as stays or binders to the body of the crannog. They certainly did not indicate partitions. There was no trace of wattle-work, nor was there any example of timber presenting mortise-holes observable.
"During the process of excavation it became perfectly manifest that the mound of the crannog was the work of three several periods. Within a couple of feet of the present surface, near the centre of the island, were found several large red sandstone flags, still exhibiting traces of the action of fire, and surrounded by charcoal, pieces of charred wood, bones of deer, sheep, pigs, goats, and other animals, many of them evidently split for the marrow. Here also were some fragments of pottery which had, no doubt, formed portions of culinary vessels; part of an iron knife of early type; a second and much smaller knife of iron, to which a wooden handle had been attached by rivets; a piece of iron spirally twisted; a nail or pin of the same metal, and a broken whetstone of the usual crannog class. I should here observe that for many years past the mound had been subjected to rude tillage, and consequent denudation, and that quern stones of the 'pot' and more ordinary type, belonging in all probability to this layer, had been found near the hearth, and but a few inches above it. These are now preserved in a neighbouring cottage.
"The second hearth was about two and a half feet lower in the soil, and placed at a distance of a few feet south-east of the former, from which it scarcely differed, except that its vicinity was much more prolific in bones, broken pottery, charcoal, and other 'kitchen-midden' waifs.
"The third and lowest hearth, or rather fire-place, for no large stones appeared, lay about eighteen inches lower than that last described, and nearly beneath it. In connection with both, and mingled generally in the soil—above, below, and for a considerable distance around—were broken animal remains; innumerable teeth of swine, deer, etc., boar-tusks; charcoal; 'burnt stones;' a bead of jet; a bronze harp peg; an animal's head in iron, probably the leg of a pot; an article of iron resembling a small, narrow, double axe-head or pick; rude, oval-shaped hammer-stones; a well-formed knife of trap; an admirably-worked 'thumbflint;' a core of flint from which flakes had been struck; portion of a whetstone, and, finally, fragments of the sides and bottoms of fictile vessels, together with ears or handles of the same ware." (B. 441, p. 372.)
COAL-BOG, NEAR BOHO.
Mr. Plunket, who examined the remarkable find which was brought to light here in 1880, thus describes the wooden structures met with:—
"After a minute inspection, I perceived that we were standing on what was once an artificial island, oval in shape, slightly elevated in the centre, and dipping with a gentle slope on all sides, the outlines of which can still be easily traced. It is 60 yards long, and 14 yards across at its greatest width. Piles, or stakes, with rudely-sharpened ends and varying in size, are found at intervals all over this area, and rough oak planks, about the size of railway sleepers, may be seen lying in rows here and there, and generally resting on a layer of branches, the whole being covered over with a stratum of clay and stones, mingled with charcoal and ashes. It is quite manifest that this is the site of an ancient crannog, or artificial island. The surrounding depression, now filled with peat, known as the Coal-Bog, and covering some scores of acres, once formed a large sheet of water." (B. 345, p. 66.)
Here perforated posts and frameworks of what were supposed to have been wooden huts were found. In one place a wooden structure measuring 11 feet 10 inches by 6 feet 3 inches, formed of rude wooden beams, with roughly-executed mortises, was found no less than 21 feet below the surface of the peat. Two flint implements, several fragments of hand-made pottery, devoid of ornamentation, broken hazel-nut shells, and in the vicinity, at the same depth in the peat, a few wooden dishes. The stool of a huge pine tree, which, "before its decay, must have measured 14 feet in diameter," was found 2 feet above the level of the floor of the hut, which sent its roots downwards.
Subsequently Mr. Wakeman states that near this crannog lumps of "bog butter," rolled up in cow-hides, were found, and that the wood of the huge root of the tree above referred to turned out on analysis to be yew, and not pine.[74]
LISNACROGHERA.
Amongst the more recently discovered lake-dwellings were one at Lisnacroghera, near Broughshane, and two in Lough Mourne, both localities being in county Antrim. The former came into notice some six years ago in consequence of the discovery in a peat bog of some remarkable iron swords, with bronze sheaths, together with other military weapons. The bog in which these objects were found occupies the site of a former lake, which, till recently, retained so much water as to prevent the working of the peat for fuel. To remedy this the outlet was deepened, and so new or undisturbed portions of the bog were brought within reach of the peat-cutters. The antiquities were found from time to time in a circumscribed area, within a small plot belonging to one of the neighbouring farmers. When attention was first directed to the locality, and the workers questioned as to the circumstances in which the relics came to light, it appears that some kind of wooden structure was encountered, which, however, had been entirely removed before being seen by anyone competent to form an opinion as to its nature. In August, 1866, I visited the locality, and closely questioned the farmer about this woodwork, but failed to elicit any definite information. He was quite clear, however, about the existence of stakes and irregularly disposed beams and brushwood, which at the time he thought little about. From his description, and some remnants of oak beams, some showing the usual mortises, there can, I think, be little doubt that it was a crannog, but of no great dimensions. Close to where the peat had been cut there is an undisturbed structure of stones just cropping through the turf, which may yet turn out to have some relationship with the crannog. As to the relics, there is no record of their association with the crannog beyond the fact of their being found in its vicinity. Canon Grainger, who has taken much interest in this find, has secured for his private museum a large number of the relics from Lisnacroghera, but he fears that, since the crannog has become famous, he has occasionally been imposed upon by having presented to him, as coming from it, objects which in reality had been found elsewhere. This, in my opinion, partly explains the presence of such incongruous objects as are now to be seen in the Canon's collection. Among these are especially some arrow-heads and scrapers of flint which cannot be distinguished from analogous objects picked up on the neighbouring fields. Besides the weapons with bronze mountings, there is in short an assortment of remains which might be classed as belonging to all ages—a stone celt, rubbers, flint arrow-heads and scrapers, down to an iron reaping-hook, a hedge-cutter's knife, and a portion of an old gunlock.
But the special interest of the Lisnacroghera crannog lies in the remarkable series of military weapons which it has yielded, consisting of iron swords and ornamented sheaths of bronze, iron spears with long wooden handles and bronze mountings, together with a variety of other bronze objects, probably the mountings of shields. These I shall now proceed to describe.
Fig. 123.—Lisnacroghera. Sword Sheaths of Bronze. All 1⁄2 real size.
Sword-sheaths.—Up to the present time four sheaths ([Fig. 123], Nos. 1 to 4) have been recovered, but only one is entire, the rest being more or less in a fragmentary condition. They are all made of thin bronze riveted together at the margins, and over this there is a bead which, towards the lower third, develops into an elegant ornamentation very similar to that which we have already seen on the sword-sheaths of La Tène (See [Fig. 87].) The perfect sheath (No. 1) is devoid of ornamentation, except that formed by the marginal bead; but the other three (of which only one side of each remains) are decorated with highly artistic designs formed by incised lines, the details of which will be readily seen from the illustrations. No. 1, which still retains the blade of an iron sword firmly adhered to it, is 17½ inches long. No. 2 is defective at the tip, besides having lost its surrounding bead; it measures, in its present condition, 19 inches in length. The illustration here is a reproduction of a rubbing reduced half size and shows only the upper half. The design which comes out in white lines is in reality incised lines and corresponds to the dark lines in the other two. No. 3, the largest of the group, measures 22 inches in length. Both ends are here represented. No. 4 is the smallest, being only 16½ inches in length. It is supposed that the incised lines, which are sharply defined and deeply cut, contained a black enamel, but no traces of it now remain. The circular cavities in the surrounding bead at the tips were also intended for the reception of enamel, probably of some brilliant colour. These designs, which belong to the so-called "late Celtic" style of ornamentation, when so treated must have had a striking effect on the bright bronze surface.
In Nos. 1 and 4 it will be observed that there is a transverse raised band, the purpose of which was, no doubt, to strengthen the sheath. Such bands were a feature in the La Tène sheaths, which in some instances were repeated several times at intervals on the body of the sheath. In Canon Grainger's collection I saw one or two broad rings compressed in the middle, which I took to be the cross-bands of other sheaths.
Fig. 124.—Lisnacroghera. Iron Weapons, etc. Nos. 4, 5, and 10 = 1⁄4, the rest = 1⁄2 real size.
Swords.—The swords which belonged to these sheaths were all of iron, a fact which probably accounts for their being in a more dilapidated condition. Of four recovered up to this date only one is in a good and perfect condition ([Fig. 124], No. 1). Its total length is 19½ inches, of which the handle takes up five inches, measuring from the extremity of the tang to the nearest part of the curved ridge which separates it from the blade. The blade has a sharply defined ridge and tapers gracefully to a point. The other swords are all fragmentary. One, as already mentioned, is still in its sheath; another, portion of a blade 14 inches long, has a sharp central ridge and otherwise corresponds exactly with the entire weapon. Of the fourth there remains merely the handle (No. 2), the blade having apparently disappeared by oxidation. So far it also closely corresponds with the entire weapon. Both handles have bronze mountings, which, though differing in some details, are so peculiar in their plan and method of execution, that we have no hesitation in recognising them as belonging to one and the same group—a group which, so far as my knowledge goes, finds its parallel only in a few examples from La Tène. (See [Fig. 87], Nos. 7 and 8.) As to the material of which the grip was made there is no evidence. The bronze circlets and flanges on the tangs, if in their original position, involve the necessity of having the handles, whether of bone or horn, divided in several pieces. That these bronze sheaths and iron swords were counterparts of each other there can be no reasonable doubt. Their points of agreement, besides general dimensions and style of manufacture, are too remarkable to be accidental. Thus the peculiar curve at the opening of the sheaths fits that of the band of separation between the handle and blade of the swords. Also the prominent midribs in the two sword-blades have corresponding prominences in two of the sheaths (Nos. 3 and 4).
Lances.—Though there is only one spear-head in the Lisnacroghera collection, there is ample evidence to show that it was not an isolated example of this kind of weapon. Certain objects, like the brass knob of a door (Nos. 28, 29, and 30), amounting in all to seven or eight, are now known to have adorned the butt end of the wooden handles of so many spears. One of these handles, 8 feet in length, though now greatly shrunk and contorted, is still preserved by Canon Grainger and conclusively proved their use as well as that of some other objects which previously seemed equally mysterious. At the other end of the spear-shaft, close to where it entered the socket, was a ferrule of the same style of art as the sword-sheaths (Nos. 23, 24, and 25). Several of these ferrules have been found which, like the ornaments on the butt end, differ considerably in regard to size. They are all ornamented with elegant designs in incised lines which also, it is supposed, contained enamel. One is here represented with a piece of the handle and a bronze rivet (No. 23), probably that which fixed the spear more firmly in its shaft; but of the spear itself nothing remains. The only spear-head that has been found is of iron. It is a magnificent blade 16½ inches in length, with a slim socket containing two rivets (No. 3).
A curious object here represented as No. 27 consists of an oval ring, "richly decorated with bands, in which are remains of white and red enamelled designs in a chevron or wavy pattern." On one edge there are two forms like that of a bird. Mr. Wakeman considers it to be the terminal ornament or pommel to a sword or dagger. (B. 411, p. 391.)
Various Bronze Mountings.—Among the other objects which from their character and style of art belonged to the same group as we have just described are the following:—(a) Two ornaments of thin bronze in repoussé. One is a disc (No. 22), slightly impaired at the margin, bearing in the centre a triquetrum of symmetrical spirals, and surrounded by a slightly raised border. The other (No. 20) is in a more fragmentary condition, but sufficient remains to show the design to be a swastika or croix gammée, worked after the same fashion as the former and probably serving as the central ornament of a disc. (b) Three cup-shaped ornaments each having a small aperture in the centre. One (No. 18) is surrounded by a broad margin like a wide-awake hat, which is copiously ornamented with incised lines. On the supposition that this was intended to adorn the face of a wooden shield the cup must have been embedded in the wood, as it is clear that its concave side is the front, there being no ornamentation on the other. Another of the same kind is represented by No. 19, and differs from the former only by having a smaller and less decorated border. In a third specimen the ornamented border entirely disappears, and its place is taken by a marginal bead. (d) A variety of annular and penannular rings, some hollow (Nos. 6 and 7) and others solid (No. 17). Some, as Nos. 8 and 9, are ornamented with designs (one of which still retains an enamel of a vermilion tint) and were probably attached to pins and used as ring-brooches. A curious object like a doubly coiled bangle with the coils adherent and ornamented with zig-zag lines is supposed to have been the rim of an oval brooch (No. 15). (e) A plain but elegantly shaped drinking-cup of thin bronze (No. 10) has neither handle nor any marks of rivets. (f) Among minor things are a couple of bronze pins, one with a round top and the other with a small ring; also a rude finger ring (No. 16), an ornamental stud (No. 21), and a rivet with one side deeply serrated like a cog-wheel (No. 26).
In addition to the above list of objects, all of which may be considered as part of one special and indeed unique group which by some chance found their way into the Lisnacroghera crannog, there are others similar to the usual class of crannog relics; and among these I have noted the following:—
Iron.—Two large iron cauldrons in a fragmentary state; a large curved knife, like that of a hedge-cutter, still retaining its wooden handle; an axe (No. 4), also containing a portion of the handle; an adze (No. 5); a reaping hook; portion of a gunlock, together with various bits of an undefined character.
Beads.—Several coloured and variegated beads (blue, red, and white) (Nos. 11, 12, and 14). One bead is of stone, another large one is of jet, and another of amber (No. 13).
Stone.—One small stone axe of a dark colour and wedge-shaped, some elongated four-sided hones, hammer-stones, etc.; a few flint flakes, and rude arrow-points.
Pottery.—A few fragments of coarse earthenware, indicating large wide-mouthed vessels.
Miscellaneous.—A portion of "bog-butter" bearing the impression of a coarse cloth. Several pieces of wood with round and square-cut holes.
LOUGH MOURNE.
In consequence of the partial drainage of Lough Mourne during the summer of 1882, while its basin was being converted into a reservoir for the supply of water to the town of Belfast, two artificial islands became exposed which were at once recognised to be the remains of submerged lake-dwellings. Shortly after exposure I visited them in company with Mr. Robinson, the assistant engineer to the Belfast waterworks, and subsequently recorded my observations in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (B. 439), of which the following is a short abstract.
The first, which was easily accessible on foot, was very much disturbed by the repeated "howkings" of visitors. Its form, as determined by the area containing the stumps of piles, was irregularly circular, but nowhere exceeding 60 feet in diameter. Included within this area were four small separate elevations, composed of a few stones, clay, and ashes interspersed with burnt twigs and bits of charcoal. None of these elevations had as large a diameter as 10 feet, and it only required one turn over of the spade to reach the undisturbed bed of the lake. Digging on these so-called islets, and in the spaces around them, I found stumps of upright piles and fragments of burnt faggots, the latter forming a thin layer over the true lake-sediment. The piles were closely set, about one or one and a half foot apart, and uniformly occupied the whole area of the dwelling without any appearance of circular stockades; nor was there any semblance of a fascine-structure indicating an artificially constructed island. From the margin or outskirts of the area occupied by these piles a double row of stumps extended towards the shore, which, on being traced, were found to have stopped half way to the ordinary water-level mark. The conclusion which I came to was that this lacustrine dwelling was a true palafitte, over whose wooden platform two or three hearths were constructed of incombustible materials, as stone and clay. Probably these hearths would have been surrounded by some kind of huts. During the conflagration which had destroyed the entire wooden structures (of which final catastrophe there appeared little doubt from the amount of burnt faggots and beams that lay scattered over the lake bed all over the area containing piles), the materials of these hearths would ultimately drop down to the bottom of the lake, still, however, retaining their relative position, and so present the appearance of low mounds over the bed of the lake with the stumps of their supporting piles penetrating them.
Fig. 125.—Lough Mourne. No. 1 = 1⁄4, and 2 = 1⁄2 real size.
Among the relics recorded from this lake-dwelling are "two small stone crucibles" (B. 320), an iron hatchet, part of a canoe, a hammer-stone, a rubbing-stone, two small urns (?), part of a large crucible, charred bones, teeth, shells of hazel-nuts. (B. 439, p. 324.) Flint flakes, scrapers, and arrow-points have been found in the vicinity along the shore, but on the crannog itself only a quantity of fine chips was discovered. Some of these relics I saw in the possession of a young man of the name of Macdonald, who lived in the neighbourhood and took an active part in searching for relics. The iron hatchet turned out to be of exceptional interest. It is a socketed celt, with a loop at one side for fixing the handle, part of which was still remaining in the socket. ([Fig. 125], No. 1.) Bronze celts of this description are, of course, very common, but specimens made of iron are extremely rare, especially in the British Isles, and only exceptionally to be seen in the museums of Europe. This is the only one hitherto recorded from a British lake-dwelling, and, moreover, it is, as regards size and form, quite unique. It measures 6¾ inches long and 3¼ inches broad immediately above the cutting edge. The longest diameter of the socket is 2½ inches, and this breadth is continued for about two-thirds of its length, except where the loophole causes it to bulge outwards.
One of the crucibles, which I believe is now presented to the Belfast Museum, is rather peculiar in having a short projecting handle (No. 2).
It would thus appear that the inhabitants of this lake-dwelling practised the art of metallurgy, which would entail at least one fire-proof furnace, and thus partly account for the existence of so many hearths on such a small area.
The second dwelling was about 150 yards from the shore, in deep water, and lying over a great depth of quaking mud. It was a small example of the ordinary stockaded island, but owing to the softness of the mud and oozing of water no satisfactory investigation could be undertaken. Mr. Robinson calculates the extent of its submergence at 15 feet. Its entire surface was occupied by a heap of stones which gave it the appearance of a hillside cairn. Digging underneath these stones we came upon a thick bed of heather and brackens interspersed with beams and brushwood. Near the margin were to be seen a few piles and beams rudely mortised, from which one or two long beams radiated towards the centre like the spokes of a wheel.
In the first described lake-dwelling no submergence could have taken place, as the lake bottom was composed of compact sand in which the piles had a firm hold.
In different parts of the lake two single-tree canoes were found embedded in the mud, both of which are now preserved in the Belfast Museum. One is a plain trough of a rectangular shape with slightly sloping sides, measuring 12½ feet long, 2½ wide and 9 inches deep (No. 3). Its flat base is perforated with six circular holes ¾ inch in diameter. The other is pointed at both ends, and altogether much more artistic in its structure. It was originally about 13 feet long and 3½ feet wide, but the fore-part is considerably damaged. The stern portion is here figured (No. 4). It had two seats formed of neat planks of oak, seven inches broad, and supported on projecting ledges on each side cut out of the solid, as shown in the section No. 6. The seats (No. 5) were kept in position by two wooden pins at each end which penetrated into the solid supports. For the oars there were also two arrangements on each side consisting of perforated projections left out of the solid as shown on the margin of the portion here sketched. But the most remarkable feature of this canoe consists of four prominences with abrupt edges (also left in the solid) for the feet of the rowers, as seen in the illustration. The distances from the centre of the seats to their corresponding foot marks were 33 and 34 inches respectively.
LIST OF IRISH CRANNOGS
ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED,
WITH NOTES AND REFERENCES.
Aconnick Lough, co. Cavan. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Acrussel Lough, co. Fermanagh. B. 444, p. 187.
Allen Lough, co. Leitrim. B. 9, p. 45.
[75]Aghakilconnel Lough, co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Aghnamullen ("Glebe Island"), co. Monaghan. B. 93b, p. 229.
[76]Annagh Lough, two crannogs, between King and Queen's County. B. 149, p. 154.
Annagh, parish of Kilbarron, co. Tipperary. B. 444, p. 212.
Ardakillen, four crannogs. B. 13, p. 208, and Ap. p. 48; B. 18, p. 230.
[77]Ardmore Bay, submarine crannog, co. Waterford. B. 329, p. 61, and B. 330, p. 154.
Arrow Lough, co. Sligo, several stone islands near the Abbey of Ballindoon. B. 444, p. 245.
Aughlish, about five miles from Enniskillen, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, pp. 323.
Ballaghmore, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 322.
Ballinafad, co. Galway. B. 214, p. 12.
[78]Ballinahinch, co. Galway. B. 214, p. 12.
Ballinderry, near Moate, co. Westmeath. B. 391, p. 196.
Ballinlough, four crannogs, co. Galway. B. 70a.
Ballydoolough, five miles from Enniskillen, co. Fermanagh. B. 191, pp. 360 and 569, and B. 217, p. 314.
Ballygawley Lake, co. Sligo. B. 444, p. 246.
[79]Ballyhoe Lough, two crannogs, near Carrickmacross, co. Monaghan. B. 13, p. 417, and B. 135, p. 8.
Ballykinler, co. Down. B. 29, p. 86.
Ballylough Baile-an-Locha. "Annals of the Four Masters," B. 27, p. 193, and B. 438, p. 168.
Ballywoolen, co. Down. B. 29, p. 86.
Bohermeen, co. Meath. B. 444, p. 82.
Bola Lough, co. Galway, lake stone-dwelling. B. 214, p. 11.
[80]Breagho, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 322.
Camlough, co. Armagh. B. 444, p. 178.
[81]Cargaghoge, Barony of Farney, co. Monaghan. B. 162, p. 269, and vol. v., 4th S., p. 330.
Castleforbes, co. Longford. B. 24, p. 150.
Castlefore Lough, two crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43; B. 438, p. 409.
Clogherny, co. Tyrone. B. 119, 2nd ed., p. 649.
[82]Cloncorick Castle L., co. Leitrim. B. 440, p. 408.
Cloneygonnell L. (Tonymore), three crannogs, co. Cavan. B. 60.
Cloonbo L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Cloonboniagh L., co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43, and B. 438, p. 408.
Cloonfinnen L., co. Leitrim. Ibid., and B. 438, p. 408.
Cloonfinlough, two crannogs, co. Roscommon. B. 13, p. 208, and Ap. p. 40.
Cloonfree, two crannogs. Ibid., p. 219, and Ap. p. 48.
Cloonturk L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. Ibid., Ap. p. 43.
[83]Cloughwater Bog, near Ballymena, co. Antrim. B. 148, p. 21.
Coal Bog (Kilnamaddo), near Boho, co. Fermanagh. Jour. Arch. Association, xxxvi. p. 271; B. 345, p. 66.
Coolcranoge, co. Limerick. B. 444, p. 28.
Corcreevy (Loch-Laoghaire) co. Tyrone. "Annals of the Four Masters," B. 13, p. 215.
Corrib L., a few lake stone-dwellings, co. Galway. B. 214, p. 11.
[84]Cornagall L., co. Cavan. B. 191a, p. 461.
[85]Cornaseer, co. Cavan. B. 438, p. 148.
Craigywarren, co. Antrim. B. 444, p. 110.
Crannagh MacKnavin, co. Leitrim. B. 18, p. 233.
Crannagh Lough, co. Antrim. B. 24, p. 157.
Crannog-na-n-Duini, co. Donegal. B. 18, p. 233.
Crannog-boy, parish of Inishkeel, co. Donegal. B. 444, p. 28.
Crannog Mac Samhradhain, co. Cavan. "Annals of the Four Masters.," B. 9, p. 45.
Creenagh L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 438, p. 408.
Cullina, near Maryborough, Queen's County. B. 444, p. 210.
[86]Currygrane L., two crannogs, co. Longford. B. 443, p. 410.
Derreen L., co. Roscommon. B. 13, Ap. p. 62.
Derreskit L., co. Cavan. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Drumaleague L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 18; B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Drumdarragh or Trillick, co. Fermanagh. B. 441; B. 217, p. 324.
[87]Drumgay, three crannogs and one stone-island, co. Fermanagh. B. 189, p. 232, and B. 217, p. 314.
[88]Drumkeery L., near Bailieborough, co. Cavan, B. 57, p. 483.
[89]Drumkelin, parish of Inver, co. Donegal. B. 3, p. 361.
[90]Drumlane, eight miles from Cavan, two crannogs, co. Cavan. B. 438, p. 149.
Drumskimly, three crannogs, co. Fermanagh. B. 189, p. 583, and B. 217, p. 320.
[91]Drumsloe, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 321.
Effernan, co. Clare. B. 346, p. 336.
Eyes Lough, six crannogs, co. Fermanagh. B. 189, p. 553 and B. 217, p. 317.
Faughan L., co. Down. B. 24 and 25; B. 18, p. 158.
Fort L., co. Donegal. B. 444, p. 181.
Funshinagh L., co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Galbally, co. Tyrone, B. 217, p. 197.
Glencar L., five crannogs, co. Sligo and Leitrim. B. 444, p. 243.
Gortalough, co. Fermanagh. B. 346, p. 336.
Grantstown, co. Queen. B. 93, p. 228.
Guile L., co. Antrim. B. 148, p. 20.
Gur L., co. Limerick. Evans' "Ancient Bronze Implements, etc.," p. 436; B. 18, p. 223.
Hackett Lough (L. Cimbe), co. Galway. "Annals of Lough Cé," 1067; B. 119, 2nd ed., p. 654; B. 18, p. 230.
Hilbert L., Goromna Island, a lake stone-dwelling, co. Galway. B. 214.
Inishrush (Green Lough), co. Derry. B. 25, p. 212.
Joristown, in the river Deal, co. Westmeath. B. 13, Ap. p. 55, and B. 444, p. 205.
Kilglass L. B. 13, Ap., p. 48.
Killynure, near Enniskillen, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 323.
Kilmore L., two crannogs, co. Monaghan. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Kilknock L., co. Antrim. B. 24, p. 153.
Knockany (Lough Cend), co. Limerick. B. 444, p. 156.
Lagore, or Dunshaughlin, co. Meath. B. 175, p. 462; B. 14, p. 35; B. 18; B. 4, p. 425; B. 10, p. 101.
Lane L., co. Roscommon. Cal. State Papers Ireland, vol. 156, p. 374.
Lankhill, near Enniskillen, co. Fermanagh. B. 441, p. 372.
Leesborough L., co. Monaghan. B. 13, p. 43.
Lenaghan, co. Fermanagh. B. 444, p. 188.
Lisanisk, co. Monaghan. "The island Ever McCooley's house"; B. 18, p. 231; B. 9, p. 46, and B. 8, p. 94.
Lisnacrogliera, near Broughshane, co. Antrim. B. 411.
Lochanacrannog, co. Sligo. B. 444, p. 246.
[92]Loughran's Island ("Innis-an-Lochan"), in the river Bann, near Coleraine, co. Antrim. B. 13, p. 417; B. 27, p. 192.
Loughannaderriga, Achille Island, co. Mayo. B. 444, p. 230.
Loughinsholin, co. Derry. B. 18, p. 233; B. 25, p. 157.
Loughavarra, co. Antrim. Ulster J. Arch., vol. vii. p. 192; "Annals of the Four Masters," 1544.
Loughavilly, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 321; B. 346, p. 332.
[93]Lochlea, three crannogs, co. Roscommon. B. 13, Ap. pp. 48 and 61; B. 18, p. 29.
Lough-na-Glack, co. Monaghan. B. 9, p. 46.
Lough Cam, lake stone-dwelling, co. Galway. B. 214, p. 12.
Loughmagarry, co. Antrim. B. 24, p. 156.
[94]Loughtamend ("Louglitoman"), co. Antrim. Ibid., p. 155.
Loughtown, co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. 43.
Loughrea, four crannogs, co. Galway, B. 58, p. 412.
Lough Oughter, three or more crannogs, co. Cavan. B. 438, p. 151.
Lynch Lough ("Loch-Leith-innsi"), co. Antrim. B. 27, p. 193.
Mac Hugh L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43, and B. 440, p. 408.
Macnean L., three crannogs, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 323.
Mac Nevin (Mac Cnaimhain) crannog, co. Galway. B. 70, p. 176.
Manorhamilton, co. Leitrim. B. 25, p. 346, and B. 18, p. 552.
Marlacoo, co. Armagh. R. H. A. A., vol. vi., 4th S., p. 432.
Mask L., Hag's Castle, lake stone-dwelling. B. 214, p. 11.
Melvin L. (Melge), between co. Fermanagh and Leitrim. "Annals of the Four Masters"; B. 18, p. 231, and B. 13, p. 215.
Moinenoe, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 322.
Monaincha, co. Tipperary. B. 444, p. 212.
Monalty, half a mile from Carrickmacross, co. Monaghan. B. 8, p. 94, and B. 9, p. 46.
Monea, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 318.
Mongavlin, co. Donegal. "Annals of Lough Cé"; B. 444, p. 151.
Monnachin L., co. Monaghan. Ibid., p. 151.
Mourne L., two crannogs, co. Antrim. B. 390, pp. 194 and 371, and B. 439, p. 321.
Moynagh L., co. Meath. Notes by Col. Wood-Martin.
Muickeanagh L. (Lough Leisi), co. Roscommon. B. 18, p. 230.
Mucknoe L., co. Monaghan. B. 444, p. 151.
Muintir Eolais, co. Leitrim. "Annals of the Four Masters"; B. 18, p. 231; B. 9, p. 45.
Nahinch L., Tipperary and King's County. B. 70b; Wakefield's "Ireland," vol. i. p. 94.
Naneevin L., co. Galway. B. 118, p. 31.
Ooney L. ("Loch-n-Uithne"), co. Monaghan. "Annals of Lough Cé"; B. 444, p. 156.
Owel L., co. Westmeath. Pro. R. I. A., vol. ix. p. 210.
Pad or Boat L., near Lough Eyes, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 318.
Ravel L., "Derryhollow," "Aghaloughan," near Randalstown, co. Antrim. B. 24 and 25; B. 148, p. 22; B. 215, pp. 74 and 194; Kilk. A. S., 2nd S., vols. iii. p. 88, and iv. p. 36.
[95]Rahan's L., near Carrickmacross, co. Monaghan. K. A. S., vol. iv., 2nd S., p. 379.
Ramor L., co. Cavan. B. 438, p. 152.
[96]Rinn L., three or four crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 24, p. 147; B. 440, p. 408.
Ross L., near Crossmaglen, co. Armagh. J. R. H. A. As., vol. vi., 4th S., p. 432.
Roughan L., near Dungannon, co. Tyrone. B. 438, p. 152.
Rouskey L., co. Monaghan. B. 444, p. 151.
Scur L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. "Annals of Lough Cé," 1345, 1390, and 1580; B. 13, Ap. p. 43. B. 18, p. 223.
[97]St. John's Lough, four crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap., pp. 43 and 59.
Talogh L., at Feenagh, several crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 440, p. 408.
The Miracles, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 319, and B. 346, p. 331.
Toome Bar, co. Antrim. B. 92, p. 227.
[98]Tully L., three crannogs, co. Cavan. B. 438, p. 150.
Tullyline, co. Cavan. B. 13, p. 215.
Veagh L., co. Donegal. "Annals," B. 18, p. 231.
Yoan L., co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 324.